Sage is a herb that many of us are familiar with, but did you know that it can also be a beneficial addition to your dog’s diet? While it’s always important to check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your pup’s diet, sage can be a great way to add some variety to their meals and provide some health benefits. In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of sage for dogs, the risks of feeding sage to dogs, and various ways to prepare it.
Can Dogs Eat Sage?
Yes, dogs can eat sage, and it is generally considered to be safe for them to consume. It is best to feed sage to your pup in moderation, as it is a potent herb and can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts. Additionally, some dogs may be more sensitive to sage than others, so it’s important to monitor your pup closely when introducing it to their diet.
The Benefits of Sage for Dogs
Sage is a great source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your pup from free radicals that can damage their cells and DNA. Additionally, sage is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and swelling. Sage can also help to stimulate the appetite, which can be useful for dogs who are picky eaters or have a decreased appetite due to illness or stress. Finally, sage is thought to help with digestion, making it a great addition to meals for dogs with digestive issues.
How to Prepare Sage for Dogs
Sage can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor to your pup’s meals. It can be added fresh or dried to meals, or it can be made into a tea or tincture. If using fresh sage, it’s best to chop it into small pieces before adding it to the meal. For a tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain and let cool before giving it to your pup. A tincture can be made by adding 1 teaspoon of dried sage to 1 cup of boiled water, then letting it steep for 30 minutes and straining.
The Risks of Feeding Sage to Dogs
While sage is generally considered to be safe for dogs, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind. Sage can be toxic in large doses, so it should always be fed in moderation. Additionally, sage can increase the risk of bleeding, so it’s important to avoid it if your pup is taking any medications that thin the blood. Finally, sage can also cause digestive upset, so it’s important to monitor your pup closely when introducing it to their diet.
Top Sage Recipes for Dogs
If you’d like to try feeding sage to your pup, here are a few recipes to get you started:
• Slow cooker turkey and sage: Add 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 cup of chopped celery, 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 tablespoon of sage and 1 cup of chicken broth to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
• Sage and sweet potato: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Peel and cube 2 sweet potatoes, then add them to a baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sage. Bake for 30 minutes, then serve.
• Sage-infused chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Add 1 pound of chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Add 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of sage, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with steamed veggies.
Conclusion
Sage can be a great addition to your pup’s meal plan, as it offers a variety of health benefits and can help to boost the flavor of their meals. However, it’s important to feed sage in moderation and monitor your pup closely when introducing it to their diet. With these tips in mind, your pup can enjoy the health benefits of sage without any of the risks.