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Natural ingredients always trump synthetically manufactured ones when it comes to pet nutrition. This is because they're free from harmful toxins, easier to absorb, and are more environment-friendly. This is generally true for pet foods which is why most of the products in the market are advertised as being derived from whole foods such as animal meats and plants. And there's no reason to believe that this isn't the case for supplements as well. So, if you're looking to improve your pet's health through supplements, it's always best to go natural.  

Luckily, there is no shortage of natural ingredients to help our pets live healthier. With a bit of research, you may even find some of the herbs and mushrooms you're already propagating in your garden to be excellent dog immune boosters. 

So, to help you get a grasp of what you need to look out for, we've made a list of the most common and effective vet-approved herbal remedy ingredients that can help your pets live happier and healthier lives.  

Soothing Ashwagandha 

As an adaptogen, humans used ashwagandha to promote the stability of our physiological processes. It's consumed as a stress-relieving tea in India, where the shrub grows abundant. Its use has also spread across Asia, the Middle East, and certain African regions. Studies on domesticated companion animals also suggest that it provides some of the same benefits. 

Studies claim that ashwagandha can help calm dogs down in stressful situations. Pet owners, therefore, often apply ashwagandha-based products on their dogs during anxiety-inducing situations such as when they're relocating to a new home, during occasions where fireworks and loud explosions are involved, or when their dogs are suffering from separation anxiety. 

Ashwagandha also carries natural ingredients such as iron and amino acids that can help modulate and improve our pet's immune systems. It is, therefore, one of the best ingredients that preventative supplements can use as a primary ingredient. 

Furthermore, the naturally occurring C28-steroidal lactones, otherwise called withanolide, found in the plant is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that can fight tumor growth. 

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric 

Turmeric is another ingredient with origins in India that is swiftly growing in reputation as a holistic health enhancer for humans. Researchers advocate its use as an anti-inflammatory antioxidant. Studies also suggest that it can reduce the risks of heart disease. It also has mood-boosting properties, which can help combat age-related brain illnesses such as Alzheimer's and depression. 

The active ingredient in turmeric that makes it such a beneficial ingredient is curcumin. What makes turmeric such an essential ingredient for a natural pet supplement is that it has one of the highest concentrations of curcumin. 

Studies on how curcumin affects dogs support claims that it promotes natural antioxidant production and functions as an anti-inflammatory substance in the body. Dogs with chronic inflammation who were given a steady dose of concentrated curcumin for 6 days showed a significant reduction in globulin levels. By the 30th day of supplementation, signs of inflammation were almost completely gone.  

The Holistic Agaricus Mushroom 

The Agaricus blazei Mushroom (AbM) has slowly climbed into the superfood category in recent years. It has a three-pronged approach to holistic supplementation — fights chronic inflammation, boosts immunity, and stimulates the natural killer cell activity. 

Agaricus mushroom, otherwise known as the mushroom of the gods, stimulates apoptosis.  Thus, giving our pets Agaricus Mushroom supplements as a preventative care regimen can help them evade one of the most prolific illnesses that take beloved pets away from their owners. 

Its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, on the other hand, are excellent ways to improve the quality of our pet's lives by reducing discomfort. Specifically, the beta-glucan and proteoglucans found in the cell walls of AbM stimulate the white blood cell response and, in effect, modulate and control phagocytosis. This should help our pets live their best lives diving in the lake or running around on the grass without worrying about the diseases they may contract. 

On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory properties of AbM come during metabolism. Studies suggest dogs with endotoxemia or sepsis. Furthermore, dogs with food intolerances have shown improvement because of the AbM's anti-inflammatory properties. 

Final Thoughts: The Supremacy of Natural Herbal Remedies 

No matter how much we shield our pets from illnesses, there's no hiding from it. Our pets can contract potentially deadly viruses or bacteria anywhere — even in our own homes. So, it's best to provide them with a layer of protection through naturally available supplements. 

Since they're natural, you can probably find a way to use them on your own. However, for best results, a vet-approved natural pet supplement made with cutting-edge formulations and advanced processes is a much safer bet than doing it on your own.