Herbs don’t just add a garnish to a dish or improve the flavor of our favorite meals, they are bursting with nutritional goodness too. Full of antioxidants and flavonoids, herbs shouldn’t just be reserved for humans. Used properly, some herbs are a valuable addition to a dog’s diet.

Simply add a small amount of these herbs, dried or fresh, to your dog’s regular food – small dogs will just need a tiny pinch while larger dogs can have up to a teaspoon each day.

Oregano

Got a dog that struggles with digestive health? Oregano is the herb you want. This antimicrobial herb has been found to help with diarrhea, bloating and gas issues in our canine companions. Used topically, Oregano shows anti-fungal properties which make it great for dogs prone to yeast skin infections.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a powerhouse of nutrition for your dog, packed with calcium, vitamin B6 and iron. It’s a great supplement to any dog’s diet thanks to these excellent vitamins and minerals. Rosemary is also high in antioxidants, helping your dog fight off disease and infections, and staying healthy into old age.

Peppermint

Humans have long known about peppermint’s ability to calm upset stomachs, ease nausea and reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. These same properties are true for dogs too. So, if you have a dog that gets sick while traveling then peppermint could well be your savior.

Basil

Basil is a very popular herb, and there is no need for your dog to miss out on its delicious taste! As well as being antimicrobial and antiviral, meaning that it gives your dog a head start when it comes to fighting off viruses, basil is also stuffed with antioxidants too.

Parsley

As well as containing flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamins like our other dog-approved herbs, parsley also houses carotenes and lycopene, making it a very special herbs and one which should be included in every dog’s meal time. Lycopene is thought to be a cancer preventative, improves heart health and also keeps bones strong. Meanwhile carotenes help create healthy skin, maintain good vision and eye health, and boost the immune system.

Be sure to stay away from ‘spring parsley’ which may look the same as regular parsley but is toxic to dogs. Give all herbs in moderation and don’t apply herbal essential oils directly to your dog as they are far more potent than fresh or dried herbs added to food.