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Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur
FENNEL FOR DOGS
Fennel or (Foeniculum vulgare) is from the Apiaceae family. The seeds are the main part of this plant that are used for their medicinal qualities. Fennel is widely used for digestive upset.
So can dogs eat fennel? Why yes, dogs can indeed eat fennel. In this article we will discuss the health benefits of fennel for dogs and the different types of ways that fennel can be given to dogs and also the side effects of fennel for dogs and who should not take it.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FENNEL FOR DOGS
Fennel for dogs possesses anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antioxidant qualities.1Yakut, H. I., Koyuncu, E., Cakir, U., Tayman, C., Koyuncu, İ., Taskin Turkmenoglu, T., Cakir, E., Ozyazici, A., Aydogan, S., & Zenciroglu, A. (2020). Preventative and therapeutic effects of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed extracts against necrotizing enterocolitis. Journal of food biochemistry, 44(8), e13284. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13284 2Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology – PMC (nih.gov)
If your furbaby has IBD, talking to your veterinarian about adding fennel to their diet which may help alleviate symptoms as this is used as a complementary and sometimes alternative treatment in Iran.
In a study with mice, it was concluded that fennel seed has a protective barrier effect on the gastrointestinal tract.3Das, B., Rabalais, J., Kozan, P., Lu, T., Durali, N., Okamoto, K., McGeough, M. D., Lee, B. J., Barrett, K. E., Marchelletta, R., & Sivagnanam, M. (2022). The effect of a fennel seed extract on the STAT signaling and intestinal barrier function. PloS one, 17(7), e0271045. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271045
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Anti-inflammatory properties of fennel seed extract 200mg/kg in mice who had induced paw edema was found to be successful at a reduction of swelling of 69% in the mice’s paws.4Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare – ScienceDirect
ANTI-PARASITIC
Fennel could possibly have some anti-parasitic effects as it was noted in a study that used quails while taking fennel there were no adult parasitic worms but there were some giardia cysts.5The Journal of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine » Submission » The Effect of Supplementation of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill.) to the Feed on Egg Production, Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics, Formation of Parasites in the Intestine and Spermatological Quality in Japanese Quail During the Laying Period (dergipark.org.tr)
ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL
Fennel also possesses strong antimicrobial, antiviral and fungal activities as it has been found to be effective against E. Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, yeast, mold and so much more.6Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology – PMC (nih.gov)
HOW TO GIVE FENNEL TO DOGS
GROUND FENNEL FOR DOGS
I usually give my 80 pound dog about 1/4 teaspoon of ground fennel
mixed in with her meal to aid in digestion, but it really should be given after the meal.
FENNEL EXTRACT FOR DOGS
However, when giving fennel for dogs, some dogs may not like the smell or taste which is why I have to mix mine in with the food. But an easier way is by using a liquid extract like this organic, fennel seed extract made with glycerin
Or this organic fennel seed extract made with cane alcohol
Amazon.com : Ra Herbals Certified Organic Fennel Seed Liquid Extract Herbal Supplement – 1 oz : Health & Household
FENNEL AND HERBS IN DOG FOOD
If you prefer it already mixed in for you. I absolutely love
Amazon.com: Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Miracle Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated Base Mix for Dogs with Organic Whole Grains and Vegetables (Trial Size 6.5 Oz) : Pet Supplies
which has fenugreek, fennel, peppermint, and ginger already mixed in with their grains and vegetables and this food is just the mix, so you add your own oils and proteins they also have grain free, vegetarian and low-carb ketogenic.
FENNEL TEA FOR DOGS
Another method is taking about 1 teaspoon of fennel seed
per cup of water and bring to a gentle boil for 20 minutes then strain. When I do this, I usually add a couple tablespoons of the liquid after every meal and give her about 1 cup in total of the tea.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FENNEL FOR DOGS
Fennel should not be used in pregnant dogs. Fennel has also been found to possibly be immunosuppressive7Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology – PMC (nih.gov) and should be used in caution with any other medical conditions, medications or herbs.
You should always discuss your options with your veterinarian before starting anything new in your pet’s life.
If you like this article on fennel for dogs and are looking for other herbs with health benefits. Check out our other articles for more information, such as;
