The Value of Natural Pet Products and Herbs for Your Dog

Quality foods and natural remedies for dogs are sought after for the same reasons lots of people prefer them over highly-processed foods and synthetic treatments. Lots of the same herbs, supplements and organic, all-natural foods intended for people are made for dogs also. In fact, as people are more discriminating about what goes into their stomachs, they may be becoming equally as careful about what their pets consume.

Natural remedies include odor controls, flea and tick repellents and grooming solutions such as shampoos, dental sprays, eye drops and skin gels. Generally speaking, animals in the wild seem to have an instinct for what is ok to eat, but as your pet, they have no option besides relying on their owners to let them have the healthy foods,  products and lifestyle they are worthy of.

A healthier lifestyle starts with quality food. Unfortunately, the labeling on a lot of commercial dog food is intentionally misleading. For instance, the word “natural”, when utilized in a product name, may be meaningless. While the American Association of Feed Control Officials describes a natural ingredient as a thing derived only from a plant, animal or mineral that is either unprocessed or physically manufactured without using any synthetic aid or chemical additive, it does not stop some companies from misusing the word. Don’t trust the advertising or titles that say “human-grade” or “USDA Inspected”, because both versions mean next to nothing. Carefully investigate the ingredients, and use your sound judgment when selecting dog food. As a rule, avoid products with any of the following ingredients:

* Artificial colors
* Artificial flavors
* Preservative chemicals
* Added sugar or salt
* Meat by-products

Suspicious acronyms like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene) in addition to lead, propylene glycol and sodium pentobarbital are toxic chemicals that should never be fed to your four legged mate.

As with those produced for humans, holistic, natural remedies for dogs often include herbs. Herbal tinctures are fantastic for treating chronic ailments, calming nerves, boosting immunity and bettering general wellbeing. As with all living creatures, there are many safe and unsafe herbs for dogs. Unless you are really familiar with the consequences of herbs both as an external treatment for cuts and wounds, and to be taken internally, it is wise to not feed them to your dog. These can be toxic, or could be toxic if given in excess.

Herbal treatments by and large have a collective effect over a period of weeks or months so shouldn’t be used either for emergencies or immediate results. They work best as complements to a nutritious diet, active lifestyle and conventional medicine, if needed.

Herbs are often used to treat depression, allergies, anxiety and other afflictions. Beneficial herbs include calendula, coltsfoot, milk thistle, aloe, parsley and others. Garlic should only be applied sparingly, while comfrey, wormwood, pennyroyal and undiluted tea tree oil, among others must not be given to dogs. Consult a animal medical practitioner or canine naturopath before giving herbal remedies. Certain herbs should not be given to dogs with heart disorders, high blood pressure, anemia or who are currently pregnant. Never give herbs to a dog without being clear on its suitability.

Vitamins and supplements are a critical part of healthy living for dogs, especially as they age. They can compensate for nutritional deficiencies, detoxify, boost immunity and help to strengthen weakened articulations. Enzymes, fatty acids, glucosamine, kelp, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are as therapeutic for dogs as for their owners. As with dog food, avoid supplements with sugar, corn syrup or any other unnecessary and potentially harmful active ingredient.
 
Other natural remedies for basic canine problems include massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These most often have a positive effect for stiff, aging or nervous dogs. Natural dog foods and other goods are available because pets deserve a nourishing life. Antibiotics, drugs or surgery are needed at times. However, a good diet, preventative intake of vitamins and nutritional supplements and judicious use of herbal remedies and other restorative methods can work wonders. For people who value the advantages of all-natural foods, body products and treatment for themselves, extending those benefits to their dogs is the responsible, loving thing to do.