Giving herbs or supplements to your dog or cat can sometimes be as simple as mixing them into their food. But some cats and fussy dogs can detect even the smallest change and may refuse to eat it!
If you need to give a supplement regularly, this can quickly become frustrating for both you and your pet. Some animals will even disappear as soon as they see the bottle or container come out!
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to make giving herbs and supplements easier.
Mixing Herbs and Supplements With Food
For most pets, mixing a powder, capsule or liquid into their usual food is the easiest option.
However, if your pet is unwell or particularly fussy, avoid adding a new supplement to their main meal. If they refuse the meal, you may accidentally create a food aversion.
Instead, try mixing the supplement with a very small amount of something your pet enjoys and offering it separately from their main meal.
Strong-smelling foods such as sardines or pink salmon can work particularly well for cats.
How to Give Liquid Herbal Extracts
If a liquid supplement needs to be given by syringe, give it slowly into the side of the mouth rather than squirting it directly towards the back of the throat. This allows your pet to swallow naturally.
Always follow the directions provided for the particular herbal extract, as some liquid preparations may need to be diluted before oral use.
For strong or bitter flavours, a small amount of water or suitable broth may help disguise the taste. Some pets may also accept a small amount of unsweetened apple purée.
Some liquid herbal extracts contain alcohol. If you are giving an alcohol-containing preparation to a cat, puppy or particularly sensitive pet, check the product directions or ask your animal health practitioner about the most appropriate way to administer it.
For bitter or strong-tasting herbs, you can also try:
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Placing the required amount into an empty capsule
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Mixing the extract with a small amount of strongly flavoured food
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Using a suitable pill pocket
How to Give Tablets and Capsules
Capsules can often be given whole or opened and mixed into a small amount of food, depending on the particular product.
Some tablets can be crushed and mixed with food, but always check the product instructions first, as not all tablets should be crushed.
If giving a tablet or capsule whole, offering a small amount of food afterwards can help encourage swallowing.
For pets that strongly dislike tablets, homemade pill pockets can be a simple alternative.
How to Make Homemade Pill Pockets
Pill pockets are small pieces of food that can be moulded around a tablet or capsule to disguise it.
You can make a small batch and store them in the refrigerator for a few days. Make the pockets just large enough to cover the tablet or capsule, and adjust the amount according to your pet's size.
Almond Pill Pockets
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⅓ cup almond butter or organic peanut butter
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1 tablespoon almond flour
Mix together and roll into small balls. Make a small hole in the centre using a straw or chopstick.
Chicken and Salmon Pill Pockets
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2 tablespoons chicken mince
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1 tablespoon mashed pink salmon in water
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1 teaspoon quick oats or oat flour, as needed to bind
Mix together and roll into small balls. Make a small hole in the centre. If baking, cook at 180°C until firm and cooked through, then allow to cool completely before use.
Nutty Pill Pockets
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1 tablespoon organic peanut butter or almond butter
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2 tablespoons brown rice flour, almond flour or coconut flour
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1 tablespoon water or unsweetened non-dairy milk, as needed
Mix together and roll into small balls.
Coconut Pill Pockets
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¼ cup coconut flour
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1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Mix together and add a little water if needed to achieve a workable consistency. Roll into small balls.
Pumpkin and Apple Pill Pockets
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Mashed pumpkin or stewed apple
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A small amount of gelatin powder, as needed to bind
Mix together, roll into small balls and refrigerate until firm.
Fishy Pill Pockets
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Mashed pink salmon or sardines
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Enough rice flour, almond flour or oat bran to bind
Mix together and roll into small balls.
Fruity Pill Pockets
Some dogs enjoy fruit, so you can also try hiding a tablet in a small piece of apple or banana.
Always make sure the food you choose is suitable for your particular pet and avoid ingredients that are toxic to dogs or cats.
Tips for Giving Herbs and Supplements
Every pet is different, so experiment with flavours and textures your dog or cat enjoys.
A few simple tips can make dosing much easier:
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Use only a small amount of food to hide the supplement.
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Keep dosing separate from your pet's main meal if they are particularly fussy.
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Make the experience calm and positive.
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Reward your pet afterwards if they respond well to treats.
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For cats, strong-smelling foods can be particularly useful for disguising flavours.
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Always follow the directions for the particular supplement or herbal preparation.
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Check whether a supplement can be given with food, as some products have specific administration instructions.
With a little patience and creativity, giving herbs and supplements doesn't have to become a daily battle!