Your Dog Deserves All Natural Pet Products and Herbs Made Just for Him

Quality foods and natural remedies for dogs are valued for the same reasons many individuals prefer them over highly-processed foods and artificial treatments. A lot of the same herbs, dietary supplements and organic, all-natural foods designed for people are made for dogs too. In fact, as people become more discriminating about what goes into their stomachs, they’re becoming equally as careful about what their pets consume.

Natural options include odor controls, flea and tick repellents and grooming items including shampoos, dental sprays, eye drops and skin gels. Generally speaking, animals in the wild appear 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 deserve.

A healthier lifestyle starts with quality food. Unfortunately, the labeling on a lot of dog food is purposefully misleading. For example, the word “natural”, when utilized in a product name, might be meaningless. While the American Association of Feed Control Officials specifies a natural ingredient as a thing derived only from a plant, animal or mineral which is either unprocessed or physically manufactured without using any synthetic aid or chemical additive, it doesn’t stop some corporations from misusing the term. Don’t trust the advertisements or titles that say “human-grade” or “USDA Inspected”, because both versions mean very little. Carefully read the ingredients, and use your common sense 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 poisonous chemicals that should not be fed to your four legged friend.

As with those produced for those of us on two legs, holistic, natural remedies for dogs often include herbs. Herbal tinctures are fantastic for treating chronic ailments, calming nerves, boosting immunity and advancing general wellbeing. As with all living creatures, one can find safe and unsafe herbs for dogs. Unless you are very familiar with the consequences of herbs both as an external treatment for cuts and wounds, and to be taken internally, it is advisable to not feed them to your dog. Some are toxic, or could be toxic if given in excess.

Herbal treatments almost always have a collective effect in a period of weeks or months so shouldn’t be used either for emergencies or immediate results. They are best as complements to a nutritious diet, active lifestyle and traditional medicine, if necessary.

Herbs can be used to treat depression, allergies, anxiety and other circumstances. Beneficial herbs include calendula, coltsfoot, milk thistle, aloe, parsley and others. Garlic should only be utilized sparingly, while comfrey, wormwood, pennyroyal and undiluted tea tree oil, among others should never be given to dogs. Consult a animal medical practitioner or canine naturopath before giving herbal remedies. Certain herbs must 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 an essential part of healthy living for dogs, especially as they age. They can compensate for nutritional deficiencies, detoxify, build up immunity and help to strengthen weakened bones. Enzymes, fatty acids, glucosamine, kelp, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are as beneficial for dogs as for their owners. As with dog food, avoid supplements with sugar, corn syrup or any other unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredient.
 
Other natural remedies for common canine problems include massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These most often have a positive effect for stiff, aging or anxious dogs. Natural dog foods and other items are available because pets deserve a fit life. Antibiotics, drugs or surgery are essential at times. However, a nourishing 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.