Herbs are plants used for the substances they contain rather than for their nutritional value. Almost never is the whole plant used, but specifically the part in which those substances are found.
Herbs & plants - the power of nature for dogs
Herbs are plants used for the substances they contain rather than for their nutritional value. Almost never is the whole plant used, but specifically the part in which those substances are found: root, leaf, flower, seed or bark.
Herbs and plants in canine nutrition
Long before modern veterinary approaches emerged, herbs were a firm part of animal husbandry. This knowledge has been passed on over generations and is being rediscovered today by many dog owners.
Botanically, herbs have little in common. They come from very different plant families and are harvested at different times. What connects them is the way they are used: it is about the constituents, not about calories or protein.
Which parts of the plant are used
Where the valuable substances sit differs from plant to plant. With marshmallow, liquorice and calamus it is the root, with sage and ribwort the leaf, with lime and elder the flower. Anise, fennel and black cumin provide their oils via seeds and fruits, with spruce it is the young needles and shoots.
Processing differs accordingly. Roots are cut and dried, flowers gently at low temperature, oil-bearing seeds ground only shortly before further processing so that the essential oils are preserved.
What herbs are valued for in your dog's diet
The herbs in our recipes bring different groups of substances. Marshmallow, Iceland moss and ribwort plantain provide mucilage that binds water and swells. Anise, fennel and thyme bring essential oils.
Calamus provides bitter substances, and flavonoids from linden and elder have antioxidant properties. Together they add a variety to the daily diet that a single herb cannot offer.
Our herbs and plants
We use the following herbs and plants in our formulations. Each entry names the botanical species, the part of the plant used and the group of substances it is known for.
- Black cumin meal: seeds of Nigella sativa, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and essential oils.
- Anise: fruits of Pimpinella anisum, containing essential oils, above all anethole.
- Iceland moss: botanically a lichen (Cetraria islandica), rich in mucilages and bitter compounds.
- Nettle herb: leaves of Urtica dioica, providing minerals such as iron and potassium as well as flavonoids.
- Carob: fruit of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), rich in soluble fibre and naturally mildly sweet.
- Marshmallow root: root of Althaea officinalis, with a high proportion of mucilages.
- Calamus root: rhizome of Acorus calamus, containing bitter compounds and essential oils.
- Fennel: fruits of Foeniculum vulgare, with the essential oils anethole and fenchone.
- Lime blossom: flowers of the lime tree (Tilia), containing flavonoids and mucilages.
- Spruce needles and shoots: young shoots of the spruce (Picea abies), rich in essential oils.
- Sage leaves: leaves of Salvia officinalis, with essential oils and tannins.
- Ribwort plantain: herb of Plantago lanceolata, containing mucilages and iridoid glycosides.
- Elderflower: flowers of Sambucus nigra, rich in flavonoids.
- Liquorice root: root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, containing glycyrrhizin and naturally sweet in taste.
- Coltsfoot leaves: leaves of Tussilago farfara, traditionally used for their mucilage content.
- Thyme: herb of Thymus vulgaris, with the essential oil thymol.
- Devil’s claw: storage roots of Harpagophytum procumbens from southern Africa, known for their iridoid glycosides.
Origin and quality
Herbs are natural products. Harvest year, location and drying determine how much of the valuable substances is actually present in the end. That is why the selection of the raw material is particularly important with herbs.
We have worked with the same regular suppliers for many years. Their goods are tested for residues and are additionally examined by independent laboratories before they go into production.
FAQ
That differs from plant to plant: from the root (marshmallow, liquorice, calamus) to leaves (sage, ribwort, coltsfoot) and flowers (lime, elder), through to seeds and fruits (anise, fennel, black cumin) or needles and shoots (spruce).
Among others black cumin, anise, fennel, thyme, sage, ribwort, nettle, marshmallow and liquorice root, Iceland moss, lime and elder flowers, carob and spruce needles. You will find the full overview further up this page.
Depending on the plant, very different groups of substances: essential oils (for instance in anise, fennel and thyme), mucilages (marshmallow, Iceland moss), bitter compounds, tannins and flavonoids. This variety is why herbs are usually used in blends rather than on their own.
We have worked with the same regular suppliers for many years. Their goods are tested for residues, and we additionally have them examined by independent laboratories before they go into production.
Feel free to take a look at our large FAQ overview or write to us at service@dog-fit.com. You can reach us by phone on the German hotline 0800 790 790 9 or from abroad on +49 3221 322 210 0.
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Veterinary Expertise at the Heart of Our Team
Dr. Sibylle Ott, MD, veterinarian, plays a central role in our team at DOG FIT by PreThis®. As an experienced veterinarian with naturopathic expertise, she contributes significantly to the development of our products. Her experience and deep understanding of dogs' needs flow into many of the formulas we create. She is a valuable asset to our team and to the well-being of many dogs.
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.
