We humans need to spice up our food with various spices and herbs to add flavor and aroma. Well our dogs appreciate the same amenities even more since their sense of taste and smell are about 10 times that of we humans.
Here are some safe and heathy spices and herbs that you can add to your dogs diet. Be aware, though, that because these are good for dogs, they are not necessarily safe for your cat. So, if you are an “integrated” household, keep the cat out of your dog’s food dish.
PARSLEY (For cats too):
Parsley is a great herb that’s not only good for humans, but our dogs(and cats as well. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and may help protect against urinary tract infections and kidney and gallbladder stones. It is natural diuretic that’s rich in antioxidants.
Caution: Add to food sparingly and not every day since some dogs are prone to oxalate stones, and parsley is high in oxalates.
GINGER:
Ginger in small amounts is an anti-inflammatory that eases cases of nausea and upset tummy. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, and may block the growth of cancerous tumors. It can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. Ginger given to senior dogs as well as we human old folks, may help boost cognitive functions and lower age-related joint pain. Gee, maybe if I eat more ginger I can remember where I parked my truck! Incidentally folks, NO don’t let you dog drink ginger ale!!
CINNAMON
Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory and has anti-cancer properties. It regulates blood sugar, combats free radicals (important for cancer prevention) and protects against heart disease. It may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in humans. I haven’t fun into any forgetful dogs lately so I don’t know if dogs suffer these diseases or not; you’ll have to ask your vet.
BASIL:
A “super” herb that is antibacterial, anti-cancer, fights free radicals, reduces pain and inflammation and protects the liver. Since this is a very pungent herb, you dog may not like it. If, of course your dog is like an old hound dog my father had as a child, it will just eat anything. Dad told of wadding up bits of newspaper, dipping it in gravy and feeding it to the dog that just swallowed it down without tasting it. He explains he did it to see if the dog would pass confetti! Oh, well, little boys will be little boys!
Didn’t your mother teach you that it’s impolite not to share? Please share your experiences with us, so we, too can feel the joy that comes with loving creatures that demand so little of us. Email your love story to alliekatz04@gmail.com and who knows, love and kindness may go viral.
Allie
