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We Americans always try to make things more difficult than they really are — and often we’re quite successful. When it comes to using herbs for pets, however, I’m a big advocate of keeping it simple.

Delivery Systems: Start with the Simplest

Using what I call “sprinkles” is the easiest — and I argue that, for almost all herbal applications, the best — way to use herbs. Simply add a bit of the fresh or dried herb to your pet’s food dish, perhaps mixed in with his favorite food; just as you’d do with your own dinner, season with a pinch or two of the herb to add some flavor.

In addition to this being the easiest method, there are other advantages. Sprinkles are a “no-muss, no-fuss” approach; there’s no fearful, slobber-filled attempt to reject the dose, no fear of claws and teeth or of unnecessarily insulting your animal companion. Herbs can enhance taste, so the right herb can be just the thing to perk up a flagging appetite. The same herb that tastes good can be good medicine for one or more of the body’s systems. But good flavor isn’t a foregone conclusion. While herbs can enhance and enliven the taste buds, they also can be almost too bitter or acrid to tolerate. It all depends on the herb … and on the individual animal. The only way to know your pet’s preference for herbal tastes is to try them until you find the ones he seems to enjoy.

Finally, your animal rejecting one herb is no cause for concern. Many herbs have the same or similar activities in the body, so you simply need to try other herbal “cousins” until you discover the ones your pet enjoys.

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