What are adaptogens?
Before we discuss the best adaptogens for dogs, it might be helpful to explain what adaptogens actually are. Essentially, they’re plants which have the ability to increase our – and our pets’ – resistance to stress. What does that mean? Well, they help the mind and body to cope with both short- and long-term stress of various kinds. That includes physical, emotional, and environmental stresses. Adaptogens can work to restore balance to mood and hormones, fight fatigue, and support the immune system. All of which lessens the negative effects of stress on your pup.
Why does this matter? Just like stress is bad for us, it’s also bad for our pets. It may cause an array of harmful symptoms, including tummy troubles, loss of appetite, and behavioural problems. Stress weakens the immune system as well, leaving pups more susceptible to illness. So adding the best adaptogens for dogs to their diet could be beneficial in a wealth of ways.
Although adaptogens are a fairly new idea for many of us, their use dates back centuries. Various adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms are commonplace in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. What’s more, modern scientific research is finding evidence to verify this ancient wisdom. Studies show that adaptogens can help support both human and canine health in a variety of ways.
Each type of adaptogenic plant has its own advantages, enhancing wellbeing slightly differently. As such, the best adaptogens for dogs vary depending on the specific benefits you’re hoping to achieve. Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive options.
Ashwagandha: One of the best adaptogens for canines
One of the best adaptogens for dogs is also the most famous: ashwagandha. Research has found that this potent Ayurvedic herb is useful for dealing with anxiety and associated symptoms. For example, a study revealed that adding it to your pet’s diet can significantly decrease anxiety symptoms and stress responses.(1) It additionally lessened pain interference and fear-related aggression. One way in which ashwagandha achieves this is by lowering your pup’s levels of a hormone called cortisol. This hormone is part of the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response, and having too much of it could be problematic. Ashwagandha may help to balance your pooch’s hormones and reduce their stress and anxiety levels in a natural way.
Ashwagandha is one of the best adaptogens for dogs who struggle with nerves – but that’s not all it’s good for. The herb also acts as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, reducing both inflammation and oxidative stress. This helps to decrease the chances of developing conditions such as arthritis and other chronic diseases, particularly in older pups.(2) All of which means your pet could stay healthy and physically active for longer. That’s great news for those pooches who enjoy walkies and energetic games!
What’s really interesting is that ashwagandha could be among the best adaptogens for dogs in terms of brain health, too. As your pet ages, they naturally experience a decline in memory and other cognitive functions – much like humans do. By fighting oxidative stress – one of the causes of such issues – ashwagandha helps protect your pup’s brain cells from harm. This could have beneficial effects on conditions like canine cognitive dysfunction.(3) So maybe old dogs can keep learning new tricks after all!
The best adaptogens for canines: medicinal mushrooms
Many of the best adaptogens for dogs are functional fungi. These mushrooms offer a variety of notable health benefits, including lessening the harmful effects of stress. They’re additionally rich in a fibre called beta-glucan, which supports everything from gut and heart health to the immune system. Each species of medicinal mushroom offers these advantages. However, thanks to different key metabolites and other compounds they contain, they also have their own strengths. This enables you to choose the most appropriate fungus for your pet’s needs.
For example, cordyceps is one of the best adaptogens for dogs who want a little extra energy. It helps to boost endurance and fight fatigue, so pups can play more. That’s perfect if you and your pooch enjoy long walks, tug-of-war, or fetch!
Turning to the cerebral, lion’s mane mushroom tops the list of best adaptogens for dogs in terms of cognitive health. The fungus is rich in erinacine A, a compound which could have some seriously impressive benefits for the brain. Studies suggest it can stimulate the production of nerve growth factors, which protect neurons and support nerve cell regeneration. This aids cognitive functions, and could even guard against neurodegenerative disorders.(4)
And then there’s reishi. This fabulous mushroom is one of the key adaptogen supplements for dogs in terms of immunity and stress relief. It also has the potential to enhance the quality and duration of your pet’s sleep.(5) This is super important because sleep supports things like your pup’s ability to learn, their immune system, and their mood. Finally, turkey tail mushroom is one of the best adaptogens for dogs when it comes to gut health. It nourishes the gut microbiome, boosting wellbeing in a wealth of ways.
How to add adaptogens to your pup’s diet
So, those are a selection of what we at Boosie think are some of the best adaptogens for dogs. But how do you get your pup to take them? They aren’t exactly common ingredients in normal pet food, or things that you’ll find in the local supermarket. If the idea of trying to force-feed your pooch adaptogen supplements for dogs sounds like a nightmare, don’t panic! There is a better option than tablets: adaptogenic powders.
With these, all you need to do is mix a little into your pup’s normal wet food. The exact amount will depend on factors such as the size of your dog and the adaptogen in question. For example, with our ashwagandha powder, we suggest using ⅛-¼ of a teaspoon per 10kg of their body weight. If you choose medicinal mushrooms, we recommend ¼-½ of a teaspoon per 10kg. These are the daily dosages, which you can give all at once or spread out over two meals. You could always start off smaller and work up to these amounts – especially if your pooch is a fussy eater!
Before you give your pet one of the best adaptogens for dogs we’ve mentioned here, speak to your vet. They will be able to confirm whether it’s suitable for your pup and their individual needs. This is particularly important if your furry friend has an existing health condition or is on any medication. Seeking veterinary advice first helps you avoid any unwanted interactions or side effects from feeding your pooch these foods. Like humans, all animals are unique. What’s ok for one might not be ok for another, so it’s wise to make sure!
Adaptogens for dogs: safe usage
Even if your pup is in good health, there are some safety points to consider when giving them functional foods. This is because the best adaptogens for dogs are pretty potent plants, so you should treat them accordingly!
One top tip is to feed adaptogens to your pooch in cycles. You can give them the powder daily, but after a couple of months, you should pause for a few weeks. There are two main reasons for this. First, it prevents your pet from building up a tolerance to the herb or mushroom. Second, as we mentioned above, the best adaptogens for dogs have an immunomodulatory effect. Taking a break from the plants ensures your pup doesn't overstimulate their immune system.
Another thing to remember is that the best adaptogens for dogs may not be suitable for all pups. For instance, you should never give functional foods like these to puppies. The same is true for animals who are pregnant or nursing. This is because there hasn’t yet been enough research to clarify if they are safe for these pets.
Finally, please note that even the best adaptogens for dogs are not a substitute for professional veterinary care and treatment. If you have any concerns about your beloved pup’s health, book them an appointment right away. It’s what our fluffy friends deserve!
How to choose the best adaptogens for dogs
Talking about what our pets deserve, it’s not only the best adaptogens for dogs in terms of the plant species. It’s the best adaptogens for dogs in terms of quality. So, how do you know if you’re getting those?
A lot of it has to do with the techniques the farmers use to cultivate the plants. For example, we recommend always opting for an organic adaptogen. That way, you can rest assured that no nasty chemicals were used to grow them. That’s better for both your pup and the planet! In line with this, we source our ashwagandha directly from small, organic farms in India.
When it comes to medicinal mushrooms, you want to look into the substrate that the producers grow them on. We work with a team of expert mycologists, who cultivate our fungi on natural and organic substrates in Europe. These provide the mushrooms with all the nutrients they need, which they then pass on to your pet! To verify they really are the best adaptogens for dogs, we get an independent laboratory to test them. As such, we can confidently say they’re rich in beta-glucans and key secondary metabolites.
After harvesting the adaptogens, our producers carefully dry them and then grind them into a fine powder. We don’t mix in any additives like preservatives, filler ingredients, or artificial flavourings. We’re proud to state that our products are 100% pure. What’s more, we ship them out to you in eco-friendly amber glass jars. These keep the powders nice and fresh, plus help us minimise our impact on the planet. Please lend a paw by reusing or recycling them once they’re empty!
Other ways to enhance your dog’s health
Buying the best adaptogens for dogs is only one way to support your pet’s wellbeing. There are plenty more things you can do that will help to keep your canine companion in good health. Here are some of our top tips for being the number one pup parent:
- Feed them a healthy and balanced diet that’s tailored to their age and individual needs.
- Don’t give your pet too many treats! Obesity can be very harmful to their health.
- Before feeding your pup human food, look up if it’s safe to do so. Lots of ingredients we eat are toxic to our pets.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Poor dental health and gum infections can lead to serious problems, including in the heart and kidneys.
- Take your pup to the vet for their annual checkup every year. If you notice any negative symptoms or behavioural changes in between, book another appointment.
- Get your dog spayed or neutered. This may lower the risk of certain cancers.
- Walk or exercise your dog every day. The exact amount of physical activity they need will vary depending on factors like age, health, and breed.
- Don’t smoke around your pet.
- Keep your dog on a lead when near roads and other hazards.
- Take your pet for puppy playdates or to dog parks, so they can socialise with other animals.
- Provide your dog with toys and games for mental stimulation. Just like us, they may get bored when they have nothing to do!
Final thoughts on the best adaptogens for dogs
Hopefully, this post has given you a better idea of the best adaptogens for dogs and how to use them. Evidence suggests that they might be an effective way to support your pet’s health. For the optimal results, harness their power as part of a holistic approach with the other tips above. Your pup will thank you!