Is Rosemary Extract Safe For Dogs?
In a lot of pet food especially dog food, you might see rosemary extract on the nutrition label. What is it? Rosemary extract is a powder or oil derived from the rosemary plant. It is a concentrated form of the herb’s active compounds, including rosemary phenol, carnol and carnoic acid. These compounds provide excellent antioxidants, antimicrobial properties and have obvious effects in preventing oil oxidation, maintaining meat flavor, etc., used as flavor enhancers and natural preservatives. When mixed with tocopherol, ascorbic acid and citric acid, it can also enhance its antioxidant effect. The FDA approved rosemary extract more than 20 years ago as a natural preservative and antioxidant in pet food. Recent studies have shown that rosemary extract can also effectively reduce the risk of cancer in pet dogs. So the question is, is it safe for dogs?
Benefits of rosemary extract for dogs
Whether in the West or the East, there are records of rosemary as a medicinal use in ancient medical books. Modern extraction techniques have made high-purity rosemary essential oil and rosemary extract widely used in the medical field of humans and pets. It has a number of potential health benefits for dogs, including:
Improving digestion
Rosemary extract has antimicrobial properties that can help to keep the digestive tract healthy. The antioxidants of the rosemary extract species have been shown to have diuretic effects, that is, to remove water through the kidneys, as well as anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, so rosemary extract can be used to treat digestive diseases such as colitis, constipation, reduce the burden on the stomach, and treat bad breath caused by digestive sources. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Rosemary extract is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and arthritis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be beneficial for dogs with conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergies.
Rosmarinic acid is a substance that helps protect the brain from oxidative free radical damage and helps break down body fat, helping to lose weight in pets and people. In addition, it is rich in iron, calcium and natural vitamin B-6 (essential for people and dogs to self-synthesize taurine), so rosemary extract is often used to relieve muscle pain, improve memory and boost immunity. Some studies have shown that rosemary extract may help to improve cognitive function in dogs. This could be beneficial for senior dogs or dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Promote hair growth
The special flavor makes rosemary essential oil proven to be effective in preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. So you can always see rosemary oil in your dog’s shampoo and hair care products. Natural or organic pet care products often use rosemary essential oil ingredients to better promote the health of your dog’s coat.
Repelling fleas and ticks
The rosemary plant is often used by humans as a repellent for their own and homemade pets. As a natural insect repellent, it can help repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. When deworming pets, veterinarians also give advice on hanging rosemary hay bags or using sprays containing rosemary extract in the pet’s nest or regular activity area, as the easiest and safest way to protect your dog from these pests.
Safety Of Rosemary extract for dogs
Rosemary extract is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. On the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website, it is clearly stated that rosemary is non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, whether it is rosemary extract commonly used in food, or rosemary essential oil in other cosmetics and skin care products, there are strict dosage requirements in the overall formula table.
It is also important to note that too much rosemary extract may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diuretics. If you are giving your dog rosemary extract for the first time, start with a small amount and increase the dosage gradually. The recommended dosage of rosemary extract for dogs varies depending on the size of the dog and the concentration of the extract. It is important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement or food with rosemary extract. Monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
In conclusion, rosemary extract provides a number of potential health benefits for dogs, they have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hair protection, immune regulation, anti-tumor, insect repellent and other functions. As a natural preservative and antioxidant in pet food, rosemary extract has been approved by the FDA for its safety and is a natural ingredient with high consumer recognition.