Naturally Healthy Dogs
Ten Useful Herbs for Pets

March, 2012

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In this issue:

• Ten Useful Herbs for Pets
• Product Pick - An Herbal Formula for Dog Diarrhea
• Recipe - Coconut Cake with Wild Salmon

Spring is finally coming! What better time to start thinking about your spring herbal gardening?

Many herbs are not only flavorful, but also have healing qualities that you can share with your dogs (and cats).

Here are 10 herbs that you may consider adding to your garden (or kitchen), and introducing them to your pets:

1. Oregano: This amazing herb is a strong antioxidant and has great healing power. It is a rich source of vitamins (A, C, K), omega-3 fatty acids, minerals (calcium, iron, manganese), and fiber. It also contains volatile oils (thymold and carvacrol) which have strong anti-bacterial properties.

2. Garlic: A powerful antioxidant, garlic has anti-carcinogenic properties and is commonly used for cancer prevention and boosting the immune system. The compound allicin in garlic has potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. (See Garlic for Dogs on the safety of this herb for our dogs.)

3. Ginger: Ginger is tasty and is well tolerated by dogs. It is the best anti-nausea herb and good for dogs with motion sickness. It is also good for dogs with digestive problems such as gas.

4. Parsley: Parsley is rich in nutrients and has found to be anti-cancerous as it inhibits tumor growth. It is also good for dogs with bad breath!

5. Thyme: Thyme is an antioxidant and its primary ingredient, thymol, helps inhibit fungal and bacterial growth.

6. Turmeric: This herb has been found to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is now commonly used as a cancer preventive. It also increases bile production and flow, and protects the stomach and liver.

7. Chamomile: This herb has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and antiseptic properties. It is an extremely effective herb for digestive problems, such as gas and bloat. It is also a gentle sedative that is safe even for puppies who may be suffering from poor digestion and/or anxiety.

8. Dandelion: Dandelion contains more vitamin A than carrots, and dandelion root is a rich source of inulin, which encourages the growth of "friendly" bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This herb is a blood tonic, good for the liver, supports the heart, and promotes healthy bones and teeth. Good for old dogs!

9. Slippery Elm: This herb is extremely helpful for dogs with weak digestive systems who are prone to diarrhea, constipation, colitis, and ulcers, because slippery elm coats and heals inflamed mucous tissues.

10. Burdock Root: Burdock root is good for detoxification - it purifies the blood, removes toxins, and cleanses the bowel as well as the lymphatic system. It is anti-inflammatory and is good for skin conditions, such as dry scaly skin, eczema, etc.

As you can see, our doggie friends can greatly benefit from some common herbs that we use. Culinary herbs (such as thyme, turmeric, parsley, oregano, ginger, and the occasional garlic) can be easily sprinkled on your dog's food. The good news is, most dogs like the taste of these herbs.

Dogs suffer from diarrhea from time to time. This natural herbal formula is very effective in treating the occasional tummy upset or even chronic diarrhea in dogs. It contains herbs such as ginger, chamomile, thyme, mullein, and more, all of which help regulate a dog's intestinal functions.

Keep a bottle in your fridge and your dog will be grateful!

(from the Animal Wellness Magazine)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups coconut flour
• 4 cups filtered water
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• olive oil for greasing 2 cookie sheets
• 2 eggs
• 2 tins of wild salmon (6.5 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• Powdered kelp (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350F.
• Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets with olive oil.
• Combine all ingredients in a mixer.
• Split the mixture between the 2 cookie sheets, and then pat down so the dough has a flat surface.
• Gently score the cakes with a sharp knife.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Let the cakes cool completely before removing from the cookie sheets using a spatula.
• Sprinkle lightly with kelp before serving.