Thyme for some festive nutrition!
We’re all about this popular nutritious herb, perfect for the holiday season…
Ever thought about adding thyme to your pet’s diet? It’s a spice that you probably have on hand in your kitchen for adding a delicious kick of flavour to your soups, stews, meats and pasta dishes. But it’s actually a herb that can also be incorporated into your dog or cat’s bowl, with numerous nutritional benefits for them. Not only does it help improve digestion, and strengthen bone and muscle tissue, thyme can also reduce inflammation and pain. Thymus vulgaris (or garden thyme - not to be confused with Spanish thyme, which is actually toxic to dogs and cats) has a number of health benefits for our furry friends (when consumed in small quantities), as well as being a tasty addition to their food!
Some of those benefits include:
1. Helps maintain digestive health
Thyme’s antispasmodic properties mean that it can help improve digestion and symptoms of poor gut health such as IBS or indigestion. In cats, thyme can also help to rid the digestive tract of hairballs.
2. Provides powerful antibacterial qualities
Thyme is known to have powerful antimicrobial properties, which means that it can fight against microorganisms and bacteria such as E. coli. Because of its powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties, thyme has also been known to battle coughs, colds and skin issues in dogs and cats by boosting their natural combatant against infections.
3. Increases vitamin and mineral intake
Thyme has high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, which are all powerful antioxidants known for combatting free radical damage, boosting dogs’ immunity and protecting them from illness. Thyme also contains calcium, iron, and manganese, which are also highly beneficial to our pets - helping their bone strength, improving their teeth and giving a boost of energy.
4. Protects with thymol
Thymol, the main component of thyme, is an oil that has been shown to protect and actually increase the percentage of healthy fats found in the cell membrane of the brain, kidney and heart.
5. Helps with respiratory issues
Thyme is thought to aid with symptoms of asthma, as well as other respiratory disorders in pets such as cats and dogs.
6. Provides anti-inflammatory properties
Thyme is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient, meaning that it is especially beneficial for pets suffering from arthritis or joint pain issues. It contains volatile oils that have proven effective for fighting infections, reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate thyme into your pet’s diet, why not try one of our delicious Smack recipes? Thyme can be found in the following recipes:
- Very Berry Chicken (DOG)
- Caribbean-Salmon Fusion (DOG)
- Chunky Chicken (DOG)
- Very Berry for Cats
As with any food, too much thyme could cause issues for your pet. Start with small quantities, and always consult your veterinarian with any concerns or questions.