Congratulations on considering getting rid of nutrient-deficient kibble and moving onto nutrient-dense raw food. Your dog’s mind and body will thank you for the transition to raw. Of course, this transition may or may not come easy. Some dogs adjust extremely well to new diets, whereas others may have an adjustment period.
Depending on your dog’s age, health, and diet, a food transition may be difficult. Dogs detoxing may develop diarrhea or constipation. Some dogs’ energy levels alter, while others’ don’t. It’s normal. It’s kind of like the ‘keto flu’ we get when we decide to eliminate carbs from our diet.
Can Herbs Help Transition Your Dog To Raw?
Dogs who are transitioning to a raw diet can benefit from the addition of herbs. Herbs can help with appetite and digestion, and they can also provide a variety of health benefits. In fact, there are a few things that herbs can do for your dog’s overall health:
1. Herbs can help with digestion and prevent digestive upset
2. Herbs can help keep your dog’s immune system strong
3. Herbs can help with skin problems like hot spots and itchy ears
The adjustment period shouldn’t take longer than 3 to 4 weeks.
How To Add Herbs to Your Dog’s Diet
Herbs can be offered in a variety of ways, including:
- Infused tea
- Dried herb
- Glycerite (extracted in glycerin)
- Tincture (extracted in alcohol)
- Capsules
When transitioning from kibble or canned food to raw meat, your pet may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or even vomiting due to the change in diet. It is important for you to monitor your dog’s bowel movements during this time so that any issues can be addressed quickly before they become serious problems.
Helpful Herbs During the Transition
The following herbs can be useful during a transition to raw. We recommend printing this article or saving it to your desktop for future reference.
Chamomile – Matricaria recutita
Chamomile is a classic herbal remedy for humans, but did you know that it’s also great for dogs? Here are some of the benefits of chamomile for dogs:
- Chamomile can help with anxiety and stress. If your dog is anxious or stressed out, then they might be barking or chewing on things they shouldn’t be—and that’s not safe! Chamomile can help calm them down so they’re more likely to stay in their crate or behind a fence when you’re not around.
- It can help with digestive issues. If your dog has diarrhea, vomiting, or other digestive issues, then chamomile may be able to help them feel better faster.
- It can improve their digestion by improving motility and integrity in the intestines. This means that your dog will digest their food better, which will reduce gas and bloating issues as well as prevent constipation.
- It can also provide a calming effect on the nervous system and provide relief from anxiety disorders such as separation anxiety.
Chamomile Dosage For Dogs
Glycerite or tincture: 1 to 2 ml per 20 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times per day
Infused tea: ½ cup per 20 lbs of weight, 2-3 times a day (use 10 to 30g herb per cup of tea)
Dried herb: 25 to 150 mg per lb of food, sprinkled on meals
Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel is an herb that has a lot of uses, but did you know it can also help your dog? Here are some of the ways fennel can help:
- Helps with digestion
- Helps with weight loss
- Helps with gas and bloating
- Helps with diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues
- Can be used as a digestive aid for humans too!
Fennel Dosage For Dogs
Glycerite or tincture: 1 to 2 ml per 20 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times per day
Infused tea: ½ cup per 20 lbs of weight, 2-3 times a day (use 10 to 30g herb per cup of tea)
Dried herb: 25 to 150 mg per lb of food, sprinkled on meals
Marshmallow Root – Althaea officinalis radix
There are many different ways to help your furry friend get through cold and flu season. One of the best, least expensive, and most natural options is marshmallow root.
Marshmallow root has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and soothing agent. It’s also been shown to be beneficial for humans as well.
Studies have found that it is effective at treating digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation. It can also help treat respiratory problems like bronchitis or asthma by opening up airways and reducing inflammation in the lungs.
As if that weren’t enough, it’s also been shown to be beneficial for animals with arthritis because it helps reduce pain while increasing mobility so they can move more freely without feeling restricted by their joint pain or inflammation from injuries sustained during playtime outdoors!
Marshmallow Root Dosage For Dogs
Glycerite or tincture: 0.5 to 1.5 ml per 20 lbs of body weight, 2-3 times per day
Infused tea: ½ cup per 20 lbs of weight, 2-3 times a day (use 10 to 30g herb per cup of tea)
Dried herb: 25 to 150 mg per lb of food, sprinkled on meals
Burdock Root – Arctium lappa
Burdock root is an herb that blurs the line between herb and food. It’s best known as a nutritive liver tonic because of its high nutrient content and ability to cleanse the liver.
Burdock root is an excellent herb for supporting the detoxification process during a food transition. And it can help with constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Burdock Root Dosage For Dogs
Burdock Root is a powerful herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. It’s also great for your dog!
Here are some of the benefits of Burdock Root:
- Reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints, which makes it helpful for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
- Helps treat flea bites and other insect bites on your pet.
- Can help to improve your pet’s digestion by stimulating peristalsis (the natural contraction and relaxation of muscles in the walls of the digestive tract).
- May help to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs.
Add up to 1 tsp of the decoction per 10lbs of body weight to your dog’s food daily.
Milk Thistle – Silybum marianum
Milk thistle for dog’s digestion is a great supplement to help your pup get their digestive system in order. This herb is a great way to reduce inflammation and balance out any issues that may arise from your dog’s diet and lifestyle.
Here are some of the benefits of milk thistle for dog’s digestion:
- Helps reduce gas
- Can soothe the gut lining and reduce inflammation
- Can help with diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
- Supports kidney health
Milk Thistle Dosage For Dogs
Tincture: 1 to 2 ml per 20 lbs body weight, 2-3 times per day
Infused tea: ½ cup per 20 lbs body weight, 2-3 times a day (use 10 to 30g herb per cup of tea)
Dried herb: not an ideal herb to give dried
Observe Your Dog During the Transition to Raw
When you first switch your dog over to a raw diet, it’s important to monitor them closely. You’ll want to watch for any changes in their behavior or appetite, and keep an eye on their stools. You may not see much difference at first, but after a few days the benefits will start to become clear: better breath, shinier coats, and healthier skin.
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