The most important pillar of health for an animal is a biologically appropriate diet that is fresh and natural. Certainly a good digestive system would be the first thing to look at, if the digestive system is not working properly then all the nutrients they are eating will not be absorbed properly to feed and nourish the body. This starts with a good diet that gives the digestive system what it needs to work as a well oiled machine. This means we must make whole and fresh food for our animals a priority, not only will they live a happy and vibrant life, they will also need less visits to the veterinarian. You may be spending a bit more on quality food, but less on those trips to the veterinarian which in turn will save you much more money, not to mention the distress for you and your animal.
Bitter Herbs For Digestion
When we are discussing herbal medicine, the bitter herbs are the ones that help support good digestion. If your animal is having digestive concerns, bitter herbal remedies can help promote digestive secretions throughout the digestive tract. Most of us have heard of digestive enzymes which breakdown fats, proteins and carbohydrates into smaller molecules to pass the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, going to all the cells. Nutritional deficiencies make an animal sick since parts of their body are not getting those food molecules needed in order to work optimally.
Below is a list of herbs that help aid the digestive system to work more efficiently:
- Alfalfa
- Dandelion
- Burdock Root
- Goldenseal
- Gentian
- Oregon Grape
- Yucca (improves nutrient absorption)
Dietary/Nutritive Herbs For Nutrition
Remember that supplementation cannot replace a proper diet, therefore, it is extremely important that we take care in offering our animals a well-balanced, species appropriate diet. However, we can enhance their nutrition with dietary herbs.
Dietary herbs also know as nutritives, are used along with our animal’s diet in order to enhance their nutrition. Dietary/nutritive herbs are commonly eaten by animals in the wild such as dandelion. A blend of herbs can be used or a single herb depending on the animal’s circumstances, powder form sprinkled on their food is best and easiest. Start with very little and build up the amount so your animal can get accustomed to the taste and smell.
| Species | Herbs | Food |
| Rabbit | 1-2g per | 500g of food |
| Cat | 2.5g per | 500g of food |
| Dog/Larger Animals | 5g per | 500g of food |
The following are excellent dietary herbs:
- Alfalfa – source of protein and fibre, vitamin A, B1, B12, C, D, E & K, trace minerals and chlorophyll
- Dandelion – high in vitamin A, potassium, manganese, iron, B vitamins, vitamins C, D & K and trace minerals.
- Flax – provide fatty acids (good for nerves and skin issues)
- Nettles – high in B vitamins, vitamin A, C & D, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and protein
- Oats (oat straw & oat seeds) – slow energy release fibre which stabilizes blood sugar levels (benefiting behavioural issues & anxiety), calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, vitamins and protein
- Parsley – provides protein, vitamin A, B1, B2, C, K, riboflavin, niacin, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Helps with anemia and is a breath freshener with regular use.
- Raspberry Leaf (in lower doses only, very astringent) – high in calcium, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins & vitamin C
- Red Clover – provides protein, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, B vitamins & vitamin C (skin issues)
- Rose Hips – rich in vitamin C (chronic stress and immune support)
- Slippery Elm – provides vitamin A, C & K, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium
- Spirulina – provides protein, B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium
- Yucca – source of B vitamins, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese and protein (digestive issue & malabsorption)
We can see that a combination of digestive bitters and dietary (nutritive) herbs are the perfect blend for all issues since we are addressing both nutrition and digestion, which is the key to good health and well-being. The simplicity of sprinkling a blend of some of these herbs into your animal’s food bowl each day, makes it easy to stick to for you and your animal. This will help to address current health issues and also, most importantly, prevent against future concerns.
Consult with a holistic veterinarian or holistic practitioner to direct you in the right direction. If you feel you are in the dark and uncertain, holistic practitioners have the expertise and wisdom to direct you to top quality herbal products for your animal. Do not use any remedies if you are not certain which and how to use them, it is best to work with a practitioner.
If you are interested holistic services from Maria for your animal feel free to learn more here.
