Natural Herbs in Dog Food for Stress Relief

Kristina Voltin
Jul 10
8 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Stress in dogs is common and can stem from factors like separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in routine. Chronic stress impacts their health, behavior, and immune system. Adding natural herbs - like chamomile, ashwagandha, and valerian root - to dog food can help reduce anxiety by calming the nervous system and balancing stress hormones. Freeze-dried dog food preserves the effectiveness of these herbs, offering a natural way to support your pet's emotional well-being through daily nutrition. Always consult a veterinarian before introducing new supplements to your dog's diet.

The BEST HERBS for DOGS (Backed by SCIENCE)

Natural Herbs That Reduce Stress in Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Incorporating natural herbs into a dog's diet can be a gentle way to help manage stress and anxiety. These herbs work in various ways, from reducing stress hormones to supporting calming neurotransmitters. With nearly half of dogs experiencing anxiety, fear, or phobias [5], these natural options offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals for pet owners.

One of the advantages of freeze-dried dog food is that the freeze-drying process preserves the active compounds in these herbs, ensuring their calming properties remain intact. Below are some herbs commonly used for stress relief in dogs and how they work.

Chamomile: Promotes Calmness

Chamomile is widely recognized for its soothing effects on dogs. This herb contains compounds that act on the nervous system to lower cortisol levels [3], making it helpful for chronic stress and anxiety. Regular use of chamomile can help maintain a balanced stress response. Many freeze-dried dog food formulations now include chamomile as part of blends designed to promote relaxation [4].

Ashwagandha: Balances Stress Hormones

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress by regulating stress hormones and supporting adrenal gland function. This makes it especially useful for dogs exposed to high-stress situations or recovering from tough experiences. Its ability to address both physical and emotional stress makes it a popular choice for canine well-being.

Valerian Root: Reduces Anxiety

Valerian root is known for its ability to ease anxiety by boosting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. Valerenic acid, a compound in valerian root, interacts with GABA receptors to promote calmness [3].

"Valerian root is believed to work via the receptors of the GABA, which blocks nerve transmissions between neurons that stimulate activity. Therefore GABA has a calming effect." - Dr. Susan Wynn, Veterinarian with Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners [1]

This herb works similarly to benzodiazepines, making it effective for dogs dealing with severe anxiety or even panic disorders [1]. While some dogs may initially feel a bit drowsy, this effect usually diminishes as they adjust.

"The dose range for the dried herb and tincture is very large and dependent on the dog's level of anxiety or stress." - Lisa Pinn McFaddin, Integrative Veterinarian [1]

Research Evidence for Herbal Stress Relief in Dogs

Scientific research is starting to confirm that certain herbs can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. While the field is still developing, several studies have shown encouraging results, highlighting the potential of specific herbs for managing canine stress.

How These Herbs Work in the Body

The calming effects of these herbs come from their ability to influence key systems in a dog's body that regulate stress and anxiety.

Chamomile directly impacts the neurological system. Known for its cortisol-lowering properties [3], it helps calm the central nervous system. Dr. Randy Kidd explains:

"Chamomile has been shown to provide a calming effect on the central nervous system, making it a safe option for pets with anxiety." [6]

Ashwagandha serves as a natural stress regulator by balancing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the body's response to stress. Studies show that ashwagandha supplementation reduces stress hormones, including a measurable decrease in the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio [8].

Valerian root works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, thanks to its active compound, valerenic acid [3]. GABA acts as a natural calming agent, reducing nerve excitability and promoting relaxation.

These mechanisms provide the foundation for the clinical benefits observed in various studies.

Effective Dosages and Study Results

Controlled studies have further validated the effectiveness of these herbs in reducing stress in dogs.

A study at Dogs Trust Ballymena evaluated 55 shelter dogs exposed to chamomile for 4 hours daily over 5 days. The results showed increased resting time and reduced vocalization, both signs of lower anxiety [7].

Ashwagandha has also been studied extensively. Research from Allvet private pet clinic in Hyderabad, India, involved a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 24 dogs. Dogs receiving KSM-66 Ashwagandha® (15 mg/kg body weight daily) showed a significant reduction in their urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (p = 0.0005). Behavioral assessments using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (CBARQ) also indicated decreased fear and anxiety compared to the placebo group (p = 0.03) [8].

Dosage recommendations for ashwagandha vary depending on a dog's size and the type of supplement used:

Dog Size	Standardized Extract (5% withanolides)	Standardized Extract (12% withanolides)	Whole Root Powder	Tincture (1:5)
Small Dogs (<22 lbs)	125–250 mg daily	50–125 mg daily	250–500 mg daily	0.5–1.0 ml daily
Medium Dogs (22–44 lbs)	250–500 mg daily	125–250 mg daily	500–1,000 mg daily	1.0–2.0 ml daily
Large Dogs (44–66 lbs)	500–750 mg daily	250–375 mg daily	1,000–1,500 mg daily	2.0–3.0 ml daily
Giant Dogs (>66 lbs)	750–1,000 mg daily	375–500 mg daily	1,500–2,000 mg daily	3.0–4.0 ml daily

The 4-week study found ashwagandha to be well-tolerated by all dogs [8]. This is particularly important given that 40%–50% of dog owners report their pets are scared of certain noises, and about 10.3% of dogs suffer from specific fears or phobias [8].

For valerian root, dosing is less well-defined due to limited research specific to dogs. However, holistic veterinarians like Dr. Judy Morgan recommend starting with small doses, administered three to four times daily, particularly in the days leading up to a known stressor [1].

These findings highlight the potential of herbal remedies to improve both physiological stress markers and observable behaviors in dogs. As Dr. Erin Bannink advises:

"Herbal remedies should be used under veterinary guidance to avoid complications or interactions with other treatments" [6].

Adding Natural Herbs to Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Incorporating calming herbs into freeze-dried dog food demands close attention to preservation techniques and safety measures. The freeze-drying process plays a key role in maintaining the active compounds in stress-relief herbs, ensuring their effectiveness and safety for canine consumption.

Preserving Herb Potency Through Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying locks in the active compounds of calming herbs by freezing them and then removing moisture through sublimation, skipping the liquid phase entirely [9][10]. Unlike traditional drying methods that use high heat, this approach protects vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and natural flavor compounds, enabling faster nutrient absorption [10]. In contrast, the high-heat processes used in traditional kibble often degrade nutrient quality.

Nicole Groshek, a pet nutrition expert, highlights the benefits of freeze-drying:

"Freeze-drying raw dog food preserves the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients." [11]

By retaining the natural properties of both the base ingredients and the added herbs, freeze-dried formulations offer a balanced approach to canine stress management. These formulations often work alongside cooling foods to promote emotional well-being from within [15]. This preservation process also sets the stage for implementing rigorous safety protocols.

Safety Standards and Veterinary Guidelines

The preserved potency of freeze-dried herbs makes safety protocols and veterinary oversight even more critical when formulating dog food. Consulting a veterinarian is essential before introducing any herbs into a dog's diet [2]. This is particularly important since the FDA has less stringent regulations for supplements compared to pharmaceutical drugs. As a result, manufacturers are not required to prove safety or ensure ingredient accuracy [2]. VCA Animal Hospitals emphasizes the importance of caution:

"The label 'natural' does not assure that a product is safe to use in dogs and cats. Furthermore, there can be significant variation in purity, quality, level of activity, and efficacy from manufacturer to manufacturer from batch to batch." [13]

To address these concerns, third-party testing is vital for verifying quality and detecting contaminants [2]. In North America, products evaluated by Health Canada are classified as "Natural Health Products" and carry a license number, reflecting stricter regulatory oversight.

Precise dosage calculations are equally important when adding calming herbs to freeze-dried dog food. For instance, studies suggest ashwagandha dosages ranging from 125–250 mg daily for small dogs (under 22 lbs) to 750–1,000 mg daily for larger breeds (over 66 lbs) [8]. Clear labeling is also crucial, allowing pet owners to verify herb sources and concentrations. As one expert advises:

"If a calming formula contains an ingredient you don't recognize, don't buy it until you research it." [12]

Regular veterinary check-ins are necessary to monitor for potential interactions with other supplements or medications [14].

Brands like Loyal Saints demonstrate how veterinarian-approved, human-grade ingredients can meet these high safety standards while delivering stress-relief benefits for dogs.

Conclusion: Natural Herbs for Better Dog Health

Studies confirm that incorporating natural herbs into freeze-dried dog food can help manage stress and improve overall canine health.

The Role of Balanced Nutrition

A well-rounded diet is the cornerstone of your dog's health, influencing everything from weight and digestion to emotional wellness. Herbs like chamomile, ashwagandha, and valerian root, when combined with complete nutrition, can help calm your dog, strengthen their immune system, and boost their energy levels [4].

In fact, about 30% of pet owners already include dietary supplements in their dog's meals [16], reflecting a growing understanding of how nutrition impacts health. Bonza’s research emphasizes this connection:

"Medicinal herbs offer a natural, effective way to treat a wide array of health conditions in dogs, including digestive issues, joint pain, skin allergies, and cognitive decline." [4]

Combining a balanced diet with the benefits of medicinal herbs creates a holistic approach to canine health, a principle embraced by top-tier pet food brands.

Loyal Saints: Elevating Canine Nutrition

Loyal Saints takes this concept further by blending the benefits of natural herbs into a premium diet, ensuring their potency through advanced freeze-drying methods. Their use of human-grade, all-natural ingredients and veterinarian-approved recipes provides dogs with both essential nutrition and the added benefits of herbs.

The freeze-drying process not only preserves the effectiveness of these herbs but also maintains the quality of the protein-rich ingredients. By adhering to AAFCO nutritional standards and conducting thorough safety tests, Loyal Saints delivers a diet that supports stress relief, a strong immune system, and lasting vitality.

When carefully formulated and included in your dog’s diet, these botanicals can significantly enhance their health and overall quality of life.

FAQs

How can I figure out the right amount of calming herbs like ashwagandha or valerian root to give my dog?

Determining how much of an herb like ashwagandha or valerian root to give your dog largely depends on their weight and overall health. Most product labels or veterinarians provide dosage recommendations to guide you. For instance, ashwagandha is often given in daily doses of 500–1,000 mg, with larger dogs typically needing more. On the other hand, valerian root usually requires smaller amounts, adjusted according to your dog's size and the specific product formulation.

Before starting any herbal supplement, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. They can help confirm the right dosage and ensure it’s safe, especially if your dog has existing health issues or is on other medications.

Can natural herbs in dog food cause side effects or interact with medications?

Natural herbs can be a helpful way to ease stress in dogs, but they’re not without potential downsides. Some herbs might lead to side effects like drowsiness, lethargy, dry mouth, or even skin irritation. In rare situations, herbs such as kava could harm the liver if used excessively or incorrectly. To keep things safe, it’s a good idea to introduce any new herbs slowly and in small amounts.

Before adding herbs to your dog’s diet, it’s crucial to check in with your veterinarian. This is especially important if your dog is already on medications or has existing health issues. Certain herbs can interact with medications or may not be suitable for specific breeds or dogs with sensitivities. Always prioritize your dog’s safety by consulting a professional.

How does freeze-drying help preserve the calming properties of natural herbs in dog food?

Freeze-drying is a gentle way to preserve the soothing qualities of natural herbs without exposing them to high heat. The process involves quickly freezing the herbs at extremely low temperatures (below -22°F) and then removing moisture through sublimation under vacuum conditions. This approach safeguards the fragile active compounds and nutrients that could otherwise break down when exposed to heat, helping the herbs maintain their full effectiveness.

When compared to methods like oven or air drying, freeze-drying stands out for preserving the herbs' bioavailability and calming properties. This makes it an ideal choice for incorporating stress-relief ingredients into dog food formulations.