Herbs for cats and dogs can support health, but dosing is tricky—discover simple vet-approved tips to make supplements easier.
One common challenge in integrative veterinary medicine is administering multiple herbs, supplements and medications to pets. Unlike food-motivated Labradors, many pets are sensitive to changes in their meals, and animals instinctively avoid strong smells and tastes. As a result, refusal to take herbs and supplements is the most frequent “side effect” reported by frustrated pet carers. Below are some practical tips to make dosing easier.
Start slow
Introduce one new supplement at a time, increasing the dose gradually over a few days. Many herbs and supplements come in powdered or liquid form, allowing for an easy, step-by-step increase. This method also helps monitor for potential side effects such as vomiting, reduced appetite or soft stools.
The “stealth” approach for cats
When introducing herbs to cats, start with just a tiny pinch or a drop, gradually increasing the dose over time. Unlike medications, herbs work gradually and are often used for chronic conditions. Taking a month to reach the full dose is perfectly fine. Even small amounts can be beneficial. The goal is for your cat not to notice the herbs in the food. This approach has worked well for my own senior cats, who now willingly consume several herbs and supplements for chronic kidney disease.
Mixing herbs into food
For many dogs and some cats, herbs and supplements can be mixed into their meals. Avoid doing this with pets with a poor appetite, as it may cause them to refuse their food altogether. For reluctant pets, consider mixing the herbs into highly palatable foods such as:
- Chicken-flavoured baby food (no onion)
- Canned cat food (if it’s a special treat)
- Cream cheese
- A small amount of anchovy paste
- Low-fat yoghurt
- Ground liver
- Mashed butternut pumpkin with grated cheese
For dogs, you can also make a “treat ball” using raw or cooked minced meat and mashed sweet potato. Prepare two, one plain and one medicated, giving the plain treat first, followed by the one containing the herbs.
Using powdered herbs
Powdered herbs can be mixed into small “pills” using butter or yoghurt, then frozen to make them firmer and easier to handle.
Alternatively, you can dissolve powdered or liquid herbs in a flavoured liquid and administer them with a syringe. Suitable options include:
- Homemade, unsalted, low-fat meat or chicken broth, or bone broth
- Spring water from canned tuna
- Water infused with soaked liver treats
- A small amount of their usual meal blended into a “smoothie”
Liquid herbs
Some liquid herbal tinctures, such as