Herbs, the natural boost for your four-legged friend.
Your dog and/or cat naturally deserves the best. And the best comes from nature. Herbs have been used since the beginning of time to support healing and recovery. Until the end of the 19th century, they were even the only remedy available for this purpose. In many countries, this is still the case today.
Use of plants
The therapeutic use of plants is called phytotherapy. Phytotherapy works with the whole herb or a specific part of it (leaf, root, seed, flower). This ensures that all natural substances remain present in the correct proportions. The effect of a plant comes not just from a single active substance, but from the combination and synergy of all its components. Not all herbs are equally harmless. Just like conventional medicines, herbs can cause side effects. Therefore, the saying “if it doesn't help, it won't hurt” does not (always) apply here. Furthermore, herbs can interact with other medications, which may alter the effectiveness of that medication. In this regard, it may be wise to consult your veterinarian.
Animals and herbs
Herbs are the most natural form of support for animals. Until a few generations ago, dogs, cats, and other animals had little access to modern medicines such as dewormers, anti-flea preparations, or antibiotics. They relied entirely on their own instincts to keep their health in balance. They did this by, among other things, eating certain plants when they had a nutrient deficiency, suffered from too many parasites, or wanted to cleanse their bodies (for example, during diarrhea or vomiting). This natural instinct is still present. You often see it during walks: dogs not only sniff at urine or other animals, but also show targeted interest in certain plants and sometimes take a bite of them. Through scent, information about the plant reaches the olfactory center of the brain, after which the animal instinctively senses whether that plant is appropriate at that moment. Due to intense urbanization and the fact that dogs and cats have mainly been kept as pets over the last century, they have had much less access to diverse wild plants and herbs. As a result, they are increasingly less able to develop and utilize this instinct.
Available forms.
The administration form of herbs depends on availability, the type of ailment, and the animal: Single/loose, which can be divided into fresh and dried. Tincture, where the herb has been macerated in alcohol. Capsules, which contain a measured amount of the dried herb ground into a powder. Ointment, for external use. Or compound herbal products, where herbs are mixed, such as our premium BF® Herbal Mix. This can strengthen the effect or provide a slightly different emphasis on the results.
Herbal mix.
Our premium BF® Herbal Mix is a phytotherapy-based nutritional supplement developed to support the metabolism, digestion, and vitality of dogs and cats. The herbal mix contains a carefully selected combination of natural herbs and seaweed. It is ideal as a supplement to dry and wet food, steamed meat food, mixed feeding, raw meat, or BARF diets. The mix provides vitamins, minerals, and trace elements and supports skin & coat, metabolism, the immune system, gastrointestinal function, digestion, vitality, and general health.
Below is an overview of the herbs in the premium herbal mix from BF® and what they traditionally and according to practical experience support in dogs and cats:
Nettle — Rich in minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), vitamins, and chlorophyll. Supports the skin and coat, helps with allergies (natural antihistamine effect), reduces inflammation, and supports general vitality and blood cleansing.
Fennel seed — Promotes good digestion, reduces gas and abdominal cramps. It provides fresh breath and supports bowel function.
Seaweed (bladderwrack 10.42%) — Natural source of iodine, minerals, and antioxidants. Supports thyroid function and metabolism, contributes to healthy skin and coat, and helps with overall immunity.
Plantain — Soothes and protects the gastrointestinal tract, helps with both diarrhea and constipation (due to the mucilaginous effect). Supports a healthy intestinal wall and digestion.
Lovage — Traditionally used to support digestion and as a mild diuretic.
Rosemary — Strong antioxidant and antimicrobial. Supports digestion, immunity, and the liver. Also used for healthy skin and as a natural preservative.
Oak (leaf) — Contains tannins that have an astringent effect. Often used to support bowel function in cases of loose stools.
Bay leaf — Supports digestion.
Garlic — In very small doses, it supports immunity, has an antimicrobial effect, and helps with parasites (such as fleas and worms). Always use in moderation, as too much can be harmful to red blood cells.
Hawthorn — Known as a heart tonic. Supports heart function, blood circulation, and normal blood pressure. Ideal for older animals or dogs with cardiac stress.
Mistletoe — Supports vitality.
Aniseed — Helps with gas, promotes digestion, and provides a pleasant taste.
Peppermint leaf — Calms the stomach, reduces nausea, and supports good digestion. Refreshing and antispasmodic.
Passionflower — Has a calming effect. Supports relaxation, vitality, and helps with stress or restlessness.
Special mention: intestines
Herbs like plantain and oak have an anthelmintic effect. These herbs contain polyphenols, including tannins, which have a negative effect on gastrointestinal worms. Peppermint supports the intestinal flora, and the present menthol has a mild anesthetic and antiseptic effect in the gastrointestinal tract, which contributes to an unfriendly climate for parasites. Fennel seed and Aniseed are the ultimate intestinal herbs. The essential oils (anethole) in fennel and anise help stimulate intestinal peristalsis (contractile movement). This helps the intestines to physically expel worms that have been loosened or paralyzed by other substances more quickly via the stool. For more information, read the blog article Intestinal problems in your dog: symptoms, causes, and advice – BF Petfood
General health and mobility
The specially developed Herbal Mix from BF® combines nutritious and supportive plants that together have a broad effect on gastrointestinal, skin/coat, metabolism, vitality, and general health. It is especially a valuable addition to the daily meal, for mixed feeding or BARF, where you can optionally process the herbs into the vegetable mix. For dogs and cats that need support for joint function and mobility, there is BF® Souplesse – complementary pet food. Developed to promote joint mobility. Besides glucosamine and chondroitin, this also contains MSM and tasty, healthy selected natural herbs that offer extra support for the mobility of dogs and cats.
BF® Petfood products and herbs
For generations, as a family business, we have been adding herbs to our food for dogs and cats with the necessary passion. Through our many years of experience, we know exactly which herbs have little to no side effects, which truly contribute to health, and which positively or negatively influence the taste experience. We have enriched all Adult food varieties for dogs, both our crunchy and pressed kibble, with Echinacea herbs. In cat food, we have also added these herbs to the Adult composition. In addition to our complete meat food for dogs, herbs have also been added to the meat chunks and the 3-in-1 biscuits for dogs and the yeast tablets for dogs and cats. Because we believe in the power of nature.
Nature as a treasure trove.
With over 30 years of experience and knowledge of nature, we firmly believe that everything your dog or cat needs can be found in nature. Nature is a true treasure trove full of valuable herbs and ingredients that keep your four-legged friend healthy, vital, and balanced in a natural way.
If you have any questions, you can always call us at 0512-541920 or email info@bfpetfood.nl
