Are Herbs Superfoods for Pets and All Creatures? The bounty of nature is at the heart of health for all of the earth’s creatures.
Unfortunately, there is a plethora of confusion and mythology of what we refer to as, herbs. Most people think of herbs as flavors we add to foods, but their benefits are far more encompassing. Health and even medicinal properties are even more important.
Western, conventional medicine warns us of the dangers of using herbs for treatments or medication alternatives given the lack of modern FDA-style published research.
First and foremost, we must ask ourselves what is truly a dangerous threat? An interesting quote from a study that was recently published in Natural News stated, “Over the past 30 years, approved drugs have caused an epidemic of harmful side effects, even when properly prescribed.” This was explained as a preface to the Harvard report by Professor Donald W. Light, who stated, “Every week, about 53,000 excess hospitalizations and about 2,400 excess deaths occur in the United States among people taking properly prescribed drugs.”
All foods, including botanicals and herbs, have different nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber profiles.
When in a natural and raw form, the benefits are bioavailable for the body to readily use. After centuries of use, we have recognized the distinct benefits of all kinds of different foods.
The lack of nutritional knowledge by most people leads us to look at most foods in a macro form. We view meats and fish to help build strong muscle as the proteins, enzymes and amino acids are utilized by the body for this function.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are viewed to provide electrolytes and key vitamins such as Vitamin C in that same bioavailable form. Herbs and botanicals like Echinacea, Cilantro, Meadowsweet, Spirulina, and Mushrooms provide micronutrients and help the body cleanse, rebuild and heal. A great example is the power of Kelp with its’ 97 minerals, all bioavailable.
The body is dynamic, requiring very specific needs at different times of the day, season, and lifetime. Carnivores such as dogs and cats have a digestive system that can only efficiently utilize animal-based food sources for metabolic energy. That is the energy that the body actually uses. However, as beneficial as meats are in the diet of a carnivore, additional nutrients are sometimes necessary.
Carnivores will get these extra nutrients such as minerals, enzymes, and others from their drinking water. They are known to drink out of puddles, ponds, and streams, all of which in their natural form are actually various blends of herbal teas. As plants are sitting in this water, nutrients are being infused into it. If there is a patch of Valerian Root in a puddle, then that water will have a natural soothing effect on the body.
Herbs, as with all other natural foods, should be consumed by all and rotated with different foods in our diet so the body can pick and choose what it needs that day! By adding this family of foods to the diet, our pets’ bodies will be healthier, stronger, and more balanced.
We, as animal advocates, have opened our eyes to find that life itself has given us the natural solutions in the foods and bounty all around us. We hope that you in your love of your pets will do the same.
Looking for more superfoods for your pets? Check out this article about maca root!
Bill Piechocki, Animal Scientist, Pet Specialist, and Nutritionist is acting CEO of My Paleo Pet located in Pompano Beach, FL. He is the host of the podcast Pet Health Café the Web Radio Show. Over 50 yrs. of expertise has provided him with unparalleled vision and information for pet parents. Listen LIVE Wednesday nights at 8 pm,https://w4hc.com/shows/pet-health-cafe/ or to archives on iHeartradio or their Facebook page. Call to schedule a consultation or stop by My Paleo Pet at 954-971-2500, they would be more than happy to help.
