Often I have to go into depth about three ingredients in my food recipe, so I'll cover them in this article! It is commonly mistaken that garlic is a NO for dogs and there is much confustion over rosemary following a study on rosemary oil, so let's dive in.
First let's talk garlic because it's likey why you're reading this! No, garlic is not toxic to dogs. The reason that it got added to the ASPCA list is from a study where they fed dogs whole heads of garlic. Let me say that again...WHOLE HEADS. So, we aren't talking one or two cloves. Now, when you go to cook a meal, have you ever added a whole head? No way!
Funny story I had a dog eat a garlic plant once, the whole bulb/head! Nothing happened to him...at all, haha. So see! It's fine. I also listed the benefits below in case you're not sold yet!
We all know garlic gets to be way too much and is best served in small doses. So, same applies here. Also, the only thing that did happen to the dogs was some upset tummy, so clearly "toxic" is the wrong classification for this gem of a plant. I've never met a holistic vet that DIDN'T recommend garlic and the good it can bring to your homecooked food is phenomenal, so I hope you will feel comfort in knowing I've been feeding it for 17 years with no issue!
PRO TIP: Make sure to crush your garlic to activate the allicin in it (the sulfide compound that provides its benefits), then wait 15 minutes before adding to your gently cooked meal. If you're feeding it raw, there's no need to wait, but it will protect it from being damaged by heat!
Moving on...so you're like...why are we adding spices to my dog's meal, they don't care?! And let me clarify, it's not for taste! I've listed below the beneficial properties of both parsley and rosemary so you understand why they make an awesome addition to a home cooked meal!
I've been using Rosemary for 17 years and I swear by it.
But let's dive into why you might've heard NO to rosemary. There was a study done where it was found that rosemary OIL, not the plant, could aggravate dogs prone to seizures. Now, we all know that an oil of something is at a much higher concentration level than the actual plant. Essential oils are at the heart of the oil toxicity debate, and rosemary is no exception. Now, how many sprigs of rosemary would it take you to get to the level of being "possibly" harmful to your dog as they found in the study? Don't worry, they wouldn't fit in your cooking pot! Check out all it has to offer below!
Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb that offers several health benefits.
1. Rich in Vitamins: Parsley is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, vitamin A supports eye health, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Parsley contains antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
3. Rich in Minerals: Parsley is a good source of minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, calcium is important for bone health, and potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Parsley contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
5. Digestive Health: Parsley is rich in fiber, which can help support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that not only adds flavor to dishes but also offers several health benefits due to its nutritional content!
1. Antioxidant Properties: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and carnosol. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and carnosol that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall health.
3. Rich in Vitamin C: Rosemary is a good source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports the immune system, promotes skin health, and acts as an antioxidant in the body.
4. Improves Digestive Health: Rosemary has been traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve digestive issues. It may help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and promote healthy digestion.
5. Supports Brain Health: Some studies suggest that rosemary may have cognitive-enhancing effects and improve memory and concentration. The antioxidants in rosemary may help protect brain cells from damage.
Here are some of the key nutritional properties of garlic:
1. Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic contains sulfur compounds like allicin, which have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
2. Contains Vitamins and Minerals: Garlic is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. Vitamin C supports the immune system, vitamin B6 is important for brain health, and manganese plays a role in metabolism and bone health.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The sulfur compounds in garlic have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall health.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits: Garlic is known for its cardiovascular benefits, including helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It may also help improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. Immune-Boosting Properties: Garlic has been used for its immune-boosting properties for centuries. It may help support the immune system and protect against colds and infections.