NOTE: Smaller dogs should receive the lower serving size, and the upper end of the serving size is for larger dogs. Remember, follow your veterinarian’s directions and precautions carefully when adding herbs and spices along with any medications. Stop using any items if you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or any gastrointestinal symptoms develop, like vomiting or diarrhea.
Anise (Anise seeds, not Star Anise)
Serving: 1/16th of a teaspoon of powder mixed in food.
Benefits: Helps with nausea, gas, and other digestive issues. It has been found to help with respiratory issues such as congestion and coughing. It has also been used for increasing energy for performance.
Risk Factors: Do not use large amounts since it can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, and potentially cause unconsciousness. It can be fatal for puppies. If you notice any abnormal responses, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Consult with a veterinarian before using anise for a lethargic dog. Lethargy can be a symptom of many other illnesses and diseases. Do not use this in the essential oil form since there are no reliable studies. Only consider safe use of the seed extracts and powders.
Sweet Basil (also called Saint Joseph’s Wort), Genovese, and Thai Variety
Serving: (use in small quantities – dry or fresh herb): 1/8 to 1 teaspoon sprinkled on food.
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antimicrobial, antiviral, can have calming effects for anxious dogs, vitamins A, B complex, C, E, as well as minerals
Risk Factors: Excessive amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs are allergic to it.
Chamomile
Serving: Tea form (chamomile only ingredient; 4 tea bags to 1 cup boiling water) – after cooled 1/4 tablespoon (small dog) to 1 tablespoon (medium to large dog) every 2 to 3 hours. There are supplements containing chamomile to help with anxiety. A cooled tea bag or cooled tea can be applied directly to minor skin irritations.
Benefits: Sedation or calming for mild anxiety issues, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, treatment of inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions (IBS or stomach ulcers). Topical preparations have been used for inflammatory skin issues.
Risk Factors: Due to limited studies, known side effects are limited. Ingestion in large amounts or for long periods of time can have negative side effects. For those dogs found to be sensitive to chamomile, they may exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and other allergic reactions (itching, hives, rash, etc). Do not give to dogs with known allergies to plants in the daisy family. Use with caution in dogs that are pregnant, lactating, young, or sick. Also, use caution if your dog is on warfarin, NSAIDS, or sedatives.
Note: Cats are definitely sensitive and have side effects.
Cilantro / Coriander
Servings: (ground seeds or root) 1/16 to ¼ of a teaspoon sprinkled on food. May increase slightly but very gradually (not more than double initial serving recommendation).
Benefits: Vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folate, potassium, zinc, essential minerals, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, antioxidant, given properly it has been found to ease digestive issues (gas or bloating) and an upset stomach.
Risk Factors: Giving your dog too much can result in nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Some dogs are allergic to it. Monitor for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, swollen face, or itchiness.
Cinnamon
Servings: 1/8 to ½ teaspoon on food
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, helps regulate blood sugar
Risk Factors: Consumption of large amounts can be harmful and cause significant stomach upset. DO NOT allow your dog to inhale the spice. This may result in coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing. Avoid all pastries with cinnamon since they often contain raisins, chocolate, or nutmeg.
Dill
Serving: (DO NOT use essential oil) 2 to 8 ounces of cooled dill tea; ¼ to 1 teaspoon sprinkled on food
Benefits: Calms the gastrointestinal tract since it has antispasmodic properties, helps with gas and flatulence, is found to help with constipation, helps with bad breath
Risk Factors: Essential oil form is toxic, and prolonged contact can cause thermal burns to the skin
How to make Dill tea: Pour ½ cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dry and lightly crushed seeds. Continue to crush seeds and mix. Allow the mixture to steep for ten minutes. Then drain the seeds from the tea. Once cooled, it can be added to water or food.
Ginger
Serving: 20 to 50 mg per kg of body weight (10 to 25mg per pound of body weight) – mix in food or bake into treats
Dogs can eat raw ginger but NEVER give more than ¼ to 1 teaspoon based on the size of your dog.
Benefits: Helps with IBD flare-ups (the fresh form seems to work better than the dried form for this). Commonly helpful for nausea and vomiting (motion sickness, side effects of cancer, and chemotherapy). Used for its anti-inflammatory (osteoarthritis) and antioxidant benefits. It has been found to be a circulatory stimulant. It has shown benefits for cognitive support.
Risk Factors: Consumption of too much ginger can cause gas, nausea, and possibly heartburn. Do not give to pets with known bleeding disorders (hemophilia or von Willebrand’s) or those on NSAIDs. Must be used with caution in dogs that had gallbladder issues, pregnant, or nursing.
It has the potential to interact with other vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies, so always consult a veterinarian prior to using it. In very rare cases, it may negatively affect blood clotting times.
Mint
Serving: Fresh leaves – only ½ to 1 tsp per day; Dried form – 1/8 to ¼ tsp per day
Benefits: Vitamins A and C, calcium, copper, folate, iron, niacin, magnesium, manganese, riboflavin, zinc phosphorus, fiber, antioxidants, freshens breath, aids in digestion
Risk Factors: One variety of mint is toxic — English pennyroyal. It contains the chemical pulegone. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and/or liver damage (extreme cases can lead to liver failure). Call a veterinarian immediately if your dog has eaten this type of mint. Giving too much of the ‘non-toxic’ varieties can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Note: ASPCA Poison control lists this as toxic if ingested in large quantities.
DO NOT give mint essential oils, alone or as an ingredient, to dogs because they are too highly concentrated and can cause toxic effects.
Oregano
While listed as toxic by ASPCA Poison Control, dogs can gain benefits when it is used properly.
Serving: 1/8 to ½ teaspoon sprinkled on food
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties, helps with respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, antioxidants, antifungal, antimicrobial, vitamins E and K, manganese, iron, tryptophan, calcium, omega-3 fatty acid
Risk Factors: Do not use oil of oregano because it is too strong for your dog. Moderate to large servings can be toxic.
Parsley
Serving: ½ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight
Benefits: Vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, antioxidants, freshens breath
Risk Factors: Large amounts are toxic. If consumed in large amounts, photosensitization (sunburn dermatitis) can occur.
Peppermint
Serving: ½ to 1 teaspoon
Benefits: Helps with gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and gas, helps with motion sickness, freshens breath.
Risk Factors: High doses can result in liver or kidney problems. Additionally, large doses can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use peppermint oil or peppermint essential oils.
Rosemary
Serving: 1/8 to ½ teaspoon
Benefits: Antioxidant, iron, calcium, vitamin B6, antimicrobial, antispasmodic
Risk Factors: Some dogs can be allergic to rosemary. Symptoms can be as minor as itching to as severe as seizures. Large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian prior to using if your dog has heart issues, a history of seizures, is pregnant for lactating, or is under 6 months of age. DO NOT use rosemary oils.
Sage
Serving: (crushed dry or chopped fresh) 1/8 to 1 teaspoon mixed into food
Benefits: Vitamins A, E, and K, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc, helps with some gastrointestinal issues, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Risk Factors: Only use in moderation and never give in excess.
Thyme
Serving: ½ to 1 teaspoon every few days
Benefits: Vitamin A, C, and K, iron, manganese, calcium, antioxidants, fiber, antifungal, antibacterial, antispasmodic
Risk Factors: High amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea and vomiting. NEVER use Spanish thyme since it is toxic.
Turmeric
Serving: 1/8 to ¼ tsp per 10 pounds of body weight
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, it has been found to increase bile flow and protect the stomach and liver
Risk Factors: Overdosing dogs on turmeric can cause upset stomach, nausea, constipation, gallbladder issues, dizziness, bruising, and iron deficiency. It is not recommended for dogs prone to kidney stones since turmeric is prone to make them worse since it can increase urine oxalate levels.
Cara
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Intuitive Guide, Holistic Healer, & Energy Empowerment Coach
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