Belonging to the family Fabaceae or the pea family, Trigonella foenum-graecum or fenugreek is both a spice, herb and vegetable in several cuisines, especially in Central and South Asia including in Indian curries.
Its seeds are used as a spice, its fresh or dried leaves as a culinary herb while its sprout, fresh leaves, and microgreens as a vegetable.
Some of the ingredients that this herb’s seeds have include carbs, proteins, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, vitamin C. It also has iron, calcium, sodium, zinc, among other minerals.
Is fenugreek safe for kitties?
Yes. Fenugreek is safe for cats including its seeds, leaves, and stems in small quantities. Fresh or dried leaves are ok. However, avoid fenugreek essential oil or concentrated extract.
Besides being nutritious, this herb’s seeds have antioxidants that prevent oxidative cell damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, they aid in digestion, have anti-inflammatory properties among others.
Furthermore, as Huffpost.com reports, fenugreek spice (seeds) helps in easing feline asthma symptoms and Rawz Natural Pet Food uses these seeds to replace gum in their canned pet foods.
Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek Tablets for dogs and cats
These tablets are as Amazon.co.uk notes “licensed herbal medicine is used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, but it can also be used for the symptomatic relief of minor infections, skin conditions, and coughs,” as well as in dealing with eczema or atopic dermatitis and cystitis.
Benefits to humans
Known by other names including Greek Clover, Methi, Bird’s Foot or Chandrika, this herb, especially its seeds have been used by Ayuravedic practitioners and Traditional Chinese Medicine for medicinal purposes.
Some areas where it has been used include in moving phlegm, managing diabetes and other metabolic and nutritive problems.
Also, it has nutritional benefits owing to the many nutrients that both the leaves and seeds have.
Bottomline
While this herb is safe for kitties, you should give them only a small amount since these pets do not have the required enzymes to process plant materials.