I use a great many dried herbs in my dog treats and in my dogs’ homemade dog food. I also use them in my dog treat baking mixes and of course in my dried vegetable dog food topper.
Dried herbs add flavour and they add nutrients to homemade dog food and treats. But what are the best dried herbs for dogs, and how do you know which herbs are safe for dogs and which to avoid like the plague?
According to Wikipedia, “herbs are a widely distributed and widespread group of plants, excluding vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients, with savory or aromatic properties that are used for flavoring and garnishing food, for medicinal purposes, or for fragrances. Culinary use typically distinguishes herbs from spices. Herbs generally refers to the leafy green or flowering parts of a plant (either fresh or dried), while spices are usually dried and produced from other parts of the plant, including seeds, bark, roots and fruits.”
I couldn’t have put it better myself!
Some of my favourite herbs might actually surprise you. Dandelion for example. The bane of gardeners the world over, dandelion is actually considered a herb because it contains macronutrients useful for medicinal purposes.
Every part of the plant is edible, from the root to the flower. Dandelion root forms part of my Dog Chef Daily. Dandelion leaves, also known as dandelion greens, form part of my Dog Chef Seasoning. I also regularly use fresh dandelion leaves and flowers in my summer salads.
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Nettle leaf is another of my personal favourites. As much as we all hate stinging nettles, nettle leaves actually have a lot going for them. They’re rich in nutrients and fibre. They’re a good source of energy for your dog. They can also help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and benefit your dog’s skin and coat as well as helping with digestion. Those are some of the reasons I include nettle leaf in my daily superfood supplement for dogs.
Other herbs that I consider amongst the best dried herbs for dogs include basil, oregano, dill, parsley, rosemary, mint, thyme, plantain and cleavers. All make a regular appearance in my dog’s diets one way or another.
I do hope you’ll consider doing the same for your best friend!
I’m searching for dried herbs that can be cooked in a protein for your dogs food. Nobody talks about dried herbs and cooking! Very frustrating.
https://www.thedogchef.co.uk/dog-treats-shop/supplements/dog-food-seasoning/