The Value of Natural Pet Products and Herbs for Your Dog

Quality foods and natural remedies for dogs are valued for the same reasons many people prefer them over highly-processed foods and synthetic treatments. Many of the same herbs, dietary supplements and organic, all-natural foods available for people are made for dogs as well. In fact, as people become more discriminating about what goes into their stomachs, they are becoming equally as careful about what their pets consume.

Natural remedies include odor controls, flea and tick repellents and grooming products such as shampoos, dental sprays, eye drops and skin ointments. In general, animals in the wild seem to have an instinct for what is ok to eat, but as your pet, they have no option other than relying on their owners to provide them with the healthy foods, products and lifestyle they deserve.

Healthy living starts with quality food. Unfortunately, the labeling on a lot of dog food is intentionally misleading. For instance, the word "natural", when used in a product name, may be meaningless. While the American Association of Feed Control Officials defines a natural ingredient as something derived only from a plant, animal or mineral that is either unprocessed or physically processed without the use of any synthetic aid or chemical additive, it doesn't stop some companies from misusing the word. Don't trust the advertising or titles that say "human-grade" or "USDA Inspected", both of which mean almost nothing. Carefully read the ingredients, and use your common sense when selecting dog food. As a rule, avoid products with any of the following ingredients:

* Artificial colors

* Artificial flavors

* Chemical preservatives

* Added sugar or salt

* Meat by-products

Suspicious acronyms like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene) as well as lead, propylene glycol and sodium pentobarbital are toxic chemicals that should never be fed to your four legged companion.

As with those produced for people, holistic, natural remedies for dogs often include herbs. Herbal tinctures are good for treating chronic ailments, calming nerves, boosting immunity and improving general wellbeing. As with all living creatures, there are safe and unsafe herbs for dogs. Unless you are very familiar with the effects of herbs both as an external treatment for cuts and wounds, and to be taken internally, it is wise to not feed them to your dog. Many are toxic, or could be toxic if given in excess.

Herbal treatments generally have a cumulative effect over a period of weeks or months so shouldn't be used either for emergencies or immediate results. They work best as complements to a healthy diet, active lifestyle and conventional medicine, if necessary.

Herbs can be used to treat depression, allergies, nervousness and other ailments. Beneficial herbs include calendula, coltsfoot, milk thistle, aloe, parsley and many others. Garlic should only be used sparingly, while comfrey, wormwood, pennyroyal and undiluted tea tree oil, among others should never be given to dogs. Consult a veterinarian or canine naturopath before administering herbal remedies. Certain herbs should not be given to dogs with heart disorders, high blood pressure, anemia or who are pregnant. Never give herbs to a dog without being sure of its suitability.

Vitamins and supplements are an essential part of healthy living for dogs, especially as they age. They can make up for nutritional deficiencies, detoxify, build immunity and help to strengthen weakened joints. Enzymes, fatty acids, glucosamine, kelp, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are as beneficial for dogs as for their owners. As with dog food, avoid supplements with sugar, corn syrup or any other unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredient. Other natural remedies for common canine problems include massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These usually have a positive effect for stiff, aging or nervous dogs. Natural dog foods and other products are available because pets deserve a healthy life. Antibiotics, drugs or surgery are necessary at times. However, a good diet, preventative intake of vitamins and nutritional supplements and judicious use of herbal remedies and other natural healing methods can work wonders. For people who value the benefits of all-natural foods, body products and treatment for themselves, extending those benefits to their dogs is the responsible, loving thing to do.

If you are seeking herbal, organic and natural pet products to treat your pet, internet marketing strategist Stephen Daniels recommends Peaceable Kingdom Essentials. They use only the highest quality organic herbs for all their products, including their tinctures and teas, all handcrafted with care and years of experience.