When you buy a complete and balanced pet food or prepare a home cooked recipe that is complete and balanced per AAFCO Guidelines, you are covering the requirements of base nutritional needs. However the addition of herbs and spices mimics a more natural ancestral composition diet.
Yes, Herbs and spices that are pet safe can be very beneficial in promoting your pets wellbeing. They are loaded with anti-oxidants and poly-phenols. The green herbs are naturally rich in Chlorophyll which help in eliminating toxins from the body. Herbs and Spices also provide fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. They also add flavour and enhance the taste experience to your pet. They also help maintain optimal health. They also help maintain a balance between the mind-body-spirit.
Ayurveda has used herbs and spices since ancient times to improve health and vitality in both humans and animals. Ayurveda recommends the usage of herbs and spices based on your pets unique Mind-Body constitution or Dosha. When the appropriate herbs and spices are used daily according to the Dosha’s it can help prevent disease.
At Curry n Pepper we’ve created Ayurvedic herbal and spice blends called “Dosha Balancers” that are ideally suited for your dog’s primary Dosha. You can take the Dosha Quiz to discover your Dog’s dominant dosha and then select the appropriate Dosha Balancer to create the mind-body-spirit harmony and prevent disease.
VATA PETS:
As we know VATA pets are characterised by the qualities of Air + Space. When Vata is out of balance these pets can be prone to dry skin, constipation, poor digestion, itching, arthritis, anxiety, nervousness, fear, low body weight etc. A Vata balancing lifestyle that incorporates appropriate diet and herbs can help restore the state of natural balance.
The VATA Balancer is a great choice for balancing Vata throughout the body and mind. The Vata Balancer contains a proprietary blend of key herbs like Haritaki, Ashwagandha, Ginger, Sesame and Turmeric that are ideal for restoring Vata Balance. The combination helps provide mental calmness, soothes the nervous system, reduces inflammation, support proper digestion and absorption of nutrients but promoting a healthy digestive fire.
PITTA PETS:
PITTA is the energy of fire and water. It governs digestion and metabolism. When out of balance Pitta can arouse anger, disturbed sleep, excessive hunger, skin issues associated with heat like fungal infections, yeast etc, joint issues, diarrhea, GERD, Acidity, poor brain function etc.
To balance Pitta, Ayurveda recommends using cooling herbs that help bring the intensity of the fire into balance. The PITTA Balancer is ideal for dogs that fall in this dosha category. The Curry n Pepper Pitta Balancer combines a special blend of cooling herbs like Amla, Bosweilla, Gotukola, Mint and Licorice. These herbs are quintessential to maintaining a healthy Pitta. It helps cleanse the blood, promote joint function, reduce inflammation, reduce emotional stress, reduces acidity, builds focus and mental clarity, supports proper eye function and calms the digestive system and provide anti fungal and anti bacterial effect.
KAPHA PETS:
KAPHA is a combination of Water and Earth energies. It provides structure and stability. When this dosha is out of balance in can cause sluggishness, poor digestion, weight gain, lack of motivation, excessive sleep, thyroid imbalances etc.
In order to balance Kapha use of invigorating warming herbs and spices is essential. The KAPHA Balancer combines a blend of warm herbs and spices like Triphala, Guggul, Cardamom, Cinnamon and Black Pepper to restore movement of flow within the body and mind. It supports circulation a healthy respiratory tract, manages weight and hormone balance and supports natural detoxification.
When these balances are used based on your pet’s dosha it can promote healing, restore balance and allow graceful ageing all while maintaining health and vitality. Furthermore the balancers can be rotated seasonally to provide support for imbalances caused by the weather changes. Vata Balancer for fall/winter, Pitta Balancer for Summer and Kapha Balancer during spring. These balancers are ideal for dogs and cats 3 months and above. They are not recommended for pregnant and lactating pets.
Herbs and natural remedies do not provide instant results, rather they are slow and easy results process. Herbs often take 4-5 weeks before you can start seeing results. Look for mild and subtle - and long lasting changes.
Start out slowly with 1/8 tsp once daily for dogs and cats, then build to the full dose as listed below. Taper off or add on based on your dog’s reaction. This slow process for onboarding is necessary to help your pets acquire the taste for the herbs and spices and allowing their gut to adjust as the body begins to eliminate toxins.
Small Dogs and Cats ( upto 15 Kg) - 1/8 tsp daily
Medium Dogs (16 - 30 Kg) - 1/4 tsp daily
Large Breeds (> 30 Kg) - 1/2 tsp daily
If you require to add on, the dosage above can be safely doubled.
If you would like to learn more about how to use these balancers for improving your pet’s wellbeing you can book a FREE 20 minute consult.