How to Safely Add Herbs to Your Dog’s Bowl

Fresh, Dried, or Tinctured?

Things to Consider When Adding Herbs to Your Dog’s Diet

• Fresh vs. Dried vs. Tinctured:

  • Fresh herbs are great for light support, flavor, and nutrition (think parsley, basil, oregano). They're rich in enzymes and chlorophyll, but they don’t store long and can vary in potency.

  • Dried herbs are more concentrated. A little goes a long way. They're shelf-stable and easy to mix into meals or infused oils — ideal for longer-term use.

  • Tinctures are highly concentrated (usually alcohol- or glycerin-based extracts). These are more appropriate when you're working on a specific issue like immune or digestive support. Best used under guidance — especially for small or sensitive dogs.

• Why You’d Choose One Over the Other:

  • Use fresh herbs when you’re cooking or prepping a fresh food meal and want gentle daily support.

  • Use dried herbs when you need more consistency and convenience — great for bulk mixes or daily toppers.

  • Use tinctures when you're addressing something therapeutic or want quicker absorption and stronger effect.

• Quality Matters:

  • Organic or pesticide-free is best, whether fresh or dried.

  • If using tinctures, know the base (alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar). Some alcohol-based extracts can be evaporated off, but glycerin is gentler and more palatable for dogs.

• Start Slow and Low:

  • Even though herbs are natural, they are still biologically active and can interact with medications or affect sensitive dogs.

  • Introduce one herb at a time so you can watch for signs of intolerance (digestive upset, itching, changes in behavior, etc.).

• Understand the Purpose:

  • Some herbs are nutritive (like nettles or alfalfa), others are calming (like chamomile), others antimicrobial (like thyme or oregano), and some may be detoxifying or bitter.

  • Knowing your dog’s current health status helps guide which herbs are appropriate.

• When Not to Use:

  • Avoid strong or potentially toxic herbs unless you’re working with a knowledgeable practitioner (like pennyroyal, wormwood, comfrey).

  • Skip herbs if your dog has a complex condition and you’re unsure what might interfere with current meds or treatments.

Dana’s Thoughts

When I add herbs to my dogs’ bowls, I think about the season, their current needs, and the energy of the herb. I might grab fresh parsley from my garden for a light detox and breath freshener... or use a pinch of dried rosemary in their meat loaf mix for circulation and antioxidant support.

If a dog needs deeper help — like immune support or joint comfort — that’s when I’ll reach for tinctures or herbal blends with a specific purpose in mind.

Top Tips for Adding Herbs to Dog Food

• Chop fresh herbs finely for easier digestion

• Rotate herbs every few weeks

• Use blends sparingly if you're not sure of every ingredient

• Watch for any signs of discomfort

• When in doubt, check with your holistic vet or wellness coach

Want help picking the right herbs for your dog’s nutrition plan? Join my private forum and get the full guide to culinary and medicinal herbs for dogs, including when to use what, how to combine them, and how to create your own herbal toppers and mixes.

"Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."