Scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, fenugreek is an aromatic herb that belongs to the pea family, i.e., family Fabaceae native to Mediterranean and Southern Europe regions.
Both fresh and dried leaves of fenugreek are used as a culinary herb while this plant’s flavorful seeds can be ground to form a spice, eaten raw or cooked.
The “seed’s aroma and taste are strong, sweetish, and somewhat bitter, reminiscent of burnt sugar,” notes Britannica.com.
Finally, its sprout, microgreens, and fresh leaves are used as a vegetable especially if you go to South or Central Asia.
Is it safe?
Yes. Fenugreek is safe for dogs. These pets can eat a small quantity of chopped fresh or dried leaves mixed with its wet food as well as its seeds.
However, being highly concentrated in some volatile essential oils that are not safe, avoid extracts or essential oil from this herb unless given a go-ahead by your vet.
Fenugreek for dogs benefits
Both the leaves and seeds are nutritious. For instance, the seeds have carbohydrates, dietary fibers, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin C. Also, they have minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and zinc.
Since these pets can digest carbohydrates and small quantities of herbs and vegetables, pooches will benefit from the various nutrients we have listed.
Additionally, this herb, especially its seeds can help in the following ways:
- Improving digestion
- help deal with coat and skin problems
- Reduce inflammation – has anti-inflammatory properties
- Neutralize free radicals since it has powerful antioxidants
- It can also help in cholesterolemia and blood sugar balancing., i.e., in diabetic dogs that suffer from hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, it helps in lowering high blood sugar and cholesterol shows research.
When using this spice in lowering blood sugar, be careful as your pet may end up being hypoglycemic (having low blood sugar).
1. Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek herbal tablets for dogs and cats
One of the popular fenugreek seed products for dogs and cats is the Dorwest garlic and fenugreek tablets.
According to Amazon.com, it is “licensed herbal medicine to relieve skin conditions and arthritis and to treat minor infections in cats and dogs including digital cysts, eczema, pyoderma, cystitis, and coughs.”
It has antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic properties apart boosting your pet’s immunity.
2. Pet Wellbeing Blood Sugar Gold for Dogs
Natural Support for Healthy Blood Sugar Levels in these animals as well as cholesterol, triglycerides levels. It also helps in ensuring proper liver and eye health.
3. Primalix Blood-Sugar Balance®
Their roles besides lowering blood sugar levels include to naturally help stimulate insulin production and reverse resistance.
4. Fenugreek for dogs milk production
Cats and dogs especially bulldogs often struggle with milk production after birth due to low levels of prolactin hormone is responsible for stimulating milk.
While Reglan and Oxytocin can help boost milk production, Breeders’ Edge® Oxy Momma™ is a “is a postnatal vitamin herb chew that contains Fenugreek, Chaste tree fruit, and Motherwort in a form that quickly brings moms into milk,” notes is manufacturer Revival Animal Health.
Conclusion
While fenugreek is safe for your canine friend, some of these pets may be allergic to it. Signs such as diarrhea, itching, skin irritation, vomiting, and stomach upsets may indicate an allergic reaction. Stop feeding this herb to your pooch in case of these symptoms.
How much should I give my dog and how many time a day
Like any other herb, give them a very small amount. Chop a few leaves like 2-3 and add them to their not more than 1-2 times in a week.