🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: Herbs for Digestive Health – Natural Remedies for Upset Stomachs & Gut Support 🌿🐶

A healthy digestive system is the foundation of your dog’s overall well-being. When their gut is balanced, they absorb nutrients properly, have regular bowel movements, and feel full of energy. But when digestion is off, dogs can experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and food sensitivities.

The good news? Herbal remedies can naturally support digestion, soothe an upset stomach, and promote gut health—without harsh medications!

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best herbs for digestion, how they work, and how to use them to keep your pup’s tummy happy and healthy. 🌱💚

🐶 Common Digestive Issues in Dogs

Your dog’s digestive system is responsible for:

✔ Breaking down food and absorbing nutrients✔ Eliminating toxins and waste✔ Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome✔ Supporting immune function (since 70% of the immune system is in the gut!)

When digestion isn’t working properly, it can lead to:

🚨 Diarrhea or loose stools🚨 Constipation or difficulty passing stool🚨 Excessive gas or bloating🚨 Vomiting or acid reflux🚨 Food allergies and sensitivities🚨 Poor appetite or weight loss

If your pup experiences any of these issues, herbs can provide gentle, effective relief.

🌿 Best Herbs for Digestive Health & Gut Support in Dogs

1. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) – The Ultimate Gut Soother

Slippery Elm is one of the best herbs for soothing digestive irritation, making it great for diarrhea, acid reflux, and sensitive stomachs.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Forms a soothing gel-like coating in the stomach and intestines✔ Helps with diarrhea, acid reflux, and IBS✔ Supports healing of the gut lining

🦴 How to Use It:

• Mix ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight with water and give before meals.

• Works best when used short-term for flare-ups.

  
  

2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – The Anti-Nausea Remedy

Ginger is a natural anti-nausea and anti-bloating herb, perfect for motion sickness, vomiting, and gas.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Relieves nausea and upset stomach✔ Helps with motion sickness during car rides✔ Reduces inflammation in the gut

🦴 How to Use It:

• Grate fresh ginger into food (small amounts: ⅛ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Use ginger tea before travel to prevent motion sickness.

🚨 Avoid ginger in dogs with bleeding disorders or before surgery.

3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – The Gas & Bloating Reliever

Peppermint relaxes intestinal muscles, helping to relieve gas, bloating, and cramps.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces gas and bloating✔ Helps with indigestion and stomach cramps✔ Soothes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew peppermint tea and mix into food.

• Dosage: 1-2 tsp of tea per 10 lbs of body weight.

🚨 Avoid giving peppermint to dogs with acid reflux.

4. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – The Natural Digestive Aid

Fennel is a powerful carminative herb, meaning it reduces gas, bloating, and indigestion while also supporting the liver.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Improves digestion and nutrient absorption✔ Relieves bloating and flatulence✔ Supports healthy bowel movements

🦴 How to Use It:

• Crush fennel seeds and sprinkle over food (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Make fennel tea and add to drinking water.

  
  

5. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – The Gut Lining Protector

Marshmallow root is similar to Slippery Elm, forming a soothing mucilage that coats and heals the digestive tract.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Helps with acid reflux, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)✔ Coats the stomach and intestines for soothing relief✔ Supports healing of the gut lining

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use marshmallow root powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs) mixed with food.

• Brew as a tea and add to water or meals.

  
  

🌿 DIY Herbal Digestive Tonic for Dogs

If your dog struggles with digestive upset, bloating, or gas, try this homemade herbal digestive tonic to promote gut health.

🍵 DIY Herbal Digestive Tea for Dogs

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 1 tsp Slippery Elm (gut soother)✔ 1 tsp Ginger (anti-nausea)✔ 1 tsp Fennel (gas relief)✔ 1 cup boiling water

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Steep the herbs in boiling water for 10 minutes.2️⃣ Strain and let the liquid cool completely.3️⃣ Give 1-2 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, once or twice daily.

🚨 Always introduce new herbs gradually and monitor for any reactions.

🥗 Other Natural Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Digestion

Along with herbal remedies, you can naturally support your dog’s gut health by:

✅ Feeding a Fresh, Balanced Diet – Avoid highly processed kibble and opt for whole, fresh foods like Butternut Box.✅ Adding Probiotics & Prebiotics – Supports gut bacteria and digestion.✅ Ensuring Proper Hydration – Dehydration can worsen digestive problems.✅ Including Digestive Enzymes – Helps break down food more efficiently.✅ Avoiding Common Allergens – Wheat, dairy, and processed foods can trigger digestive issues.

📌 How to Safely Use Herbs for Digestive Health in Dogs

🌿 Start with small doses and monitor for any reactions.🌿 Use organic, high-quality herbs for the best results.🌿 Avoid overuse – Some herbs work best short-term for flare-ups.🌿 Consult a holistic vet if your dog has chronic digestive issues.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Natural Digestive Support for a Happy, Healthy Dog

Your dog’s gut health affects everything from digestion to immunity, so keeping their tummy balanced and happy is essential! By using herbs like Slippery Elm, Ginger, Peppermint, Fennel, and Marshmallow Root, you can help soothe an upset stomach, reduce bloating, and improve digestion—naturally.

🐾 Has your dog ever had digestive issues? What natural remedies have worked for you? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️