This simple, homemade spice mixture incorporates dried parsley, basil, dill, rosemary, and oregano. I sprinkle a bit of this seasoning blend into their meals regularly to enhance their nutrition. I believe it helps promote fresh breath, contented stomachs, and overall better long-term well-being for both of our beloved dogs!
What's Inside
Dill
Dill, a member of the parsley family, is a delightful herb that can bring various benefits to your dog. If your dog is a real food scavenger, eagerly picking up any fallen morsels, or if your dog treats the garbage can as an all-you-can-eat buffet, having some dill on hand is a wise choice. Dill is well-known for its digestive aid properties, helping alleviate issues like gas, nausea, cramps, and stimulating appetite.
Additionally, it serves as a remarkable breath freshener for your furry friend. According to the book “Herbs for Pets” by Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff, dill's breath-freshening effect stems from its antibacterial properties, which effectively combat the bacteria and gingivitis responsible for foul breath.
Parsley
Above all, when considering parsley for your dogs, prioritize the curly variety and exercise caution regarding portion sizes. This is because parsley contains a potentially harmful compound called furanocoumarin, which can pose risks in excessive quantities. Yet, when given in moderate amounts, parsley offers more benefits than drawbacks for your dog's well-being.
Parsley, renowned for its rich content of flavonoids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, is a common addition to dog treats for freshening breath and offering stomach relief. My initial motivation for introducing parsley into our dogs' meals was its potential to alleviate inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis. In hindsight, I regret not incorporating parsley into our dogs' diets sooner, as it also plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, thus promoting kidney health.
It's crucial to emphasize that parsley's potential benefits for kidney health are primarily preventive and do not have the ability to reverse the course of kidney disease if your dog has already received a diagnosis. Furthermore, it is advisable to refrain from giving parsley to dogs prone to kidney stone formation, as parsley contains elevated levels of oxalates.
Basil
Basil, a leafy herb favored by dogs and celebrated for its role in delectable pesto, boasts a range of beneficial properties, including antioxidants, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects. Our decision to introduce basil into Hooch's diet stemmed from its potential to alleviate arthritis symptoms, attributed to its high beta-carophyllene content, which also makes basil a valuable asset in managing inflammatory bowel disease. Beyond these advantages, basil can enhance a dog's mood, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety.
It's worth noting that while basil allergies in dogs are exceedingly rare, it's wise to introduce basil gradually into your dog's diet and monitor their response.
Oregano
Incorporating small quantities of oregano into your dog's diet can assist in purging their system of toxins, thanks to its potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Oregano stands out by providing over 40 times the antioxidant content of apples, along with a wealth of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as Omega-3s, calcium, iron, manganese, and dietary fiber, all of which are vital for your dog's well-being.
Oregano plays a vital role in this Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend because it can effectively reduce inflammation, alleviate swelling, relieve pain, and enhance joint mobility.
Rosemary
The frequent use of rosemary essential oil as a natural preservative in dog food is backed by its remarkable ability to combat common food bacteria, preventing spoilage.
What's equally noteworthy is that these pathogen-fighting properties extend to your pet's body, where rosemary can effectively combat various bacteria and fungi. With its antioxidant content, rosemary proves to be an excellent addition to your dog's diet, aiding in the fight against age-related ailments such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
It's important to note that while major dog food brands use rosemary essential oil, I strongly recommend using dried rosemary when preparing homemade dog food.
This preference is based on the fact that essential oils are highly concentrated and can lead to adverse effects if not portioned correctly, affecting the nervous system.
Mix all the components in a compact jar with a securely sealed lid and give it a good shake for thorough blending.
Commence by introducing modest quantities of this seasoning mixture into your dog's meals and gradually increase the amount over time.
For small dogs, a gentle shake or two of the seasoning will suffice, and you can gradually increase the portion to a tablespoon per feeding for larger breeds.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
