Borage, a starflower, is a natural herb native to Mediterranean countries. It has delicate edible blue flowers and many medicinal benefits. People wonder if it is safe for their canine companions. Let’s find out!
Borage is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as copper, potassium, zinc, vitamins A and C, and omega-3 fatty acids. This helps keep your pet’s coat healthy and shiny.
It also contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) to reduce inflammation in your pet’s joints and tendons.
Research shows that borage can help:
- Manage cholesterol levels
- Improve digestive wellness due to its antifungal properties
- Encourage cell regeneration
- Provide vitamins for bone density
- Aid in managing anxiety due to its calming qualities
Borage
Borage – also known as Starflower – is an herb with many beneficial properties! It treats skin issues in humans and can reduce dog inflammation. Borage is also known to help with anxiety in canines.
This article will explore borage’s safety and potential benefits for your pup.
Nutritional Benefits
Borage, or starflower, is a yearly herb with tiny blue or purple flowers and a slight cucumber-like taste. It’s native to Europe and grows across the U.S.
For centuries people have used borage to treat inflammation and skin conditions. It has also been used to treat anxiety and stress due to its high amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which helps repair cell structure.
Nutritionally speaking, borage provides a range of vitamins and minerals. A cup contains:
- 28% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C
- 14% DV of vitamin A carotenoid compounds
- 5% DV of vitamin K, thiamin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium in trace amounts.
- 1 gram of dietary fiber per cup, 4% DV
- 0.8 grams of protein
- 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving
- 18 mg/cup or 2 % DV of calcium
- 0.7 milligrams or 4 % DV of iron
- 0.12 milligrams or 1 %DV of zinc
- 5 micrograms or 7 %DV of selenium
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Potential Risks
Borage is a part of the Boraginaceae family that has over 2000 species of plants. It is from North America, Europe, and North Africa. Humans use it for its anti-inflammatory properties.
But borage has risks when feeding it to your dog. As it has small amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it can cause tummy troubles like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
So, it should be given with caution. Also, if given too much, it can increase lactation production in nursing mothers, which can cause digestive irritation or imbalances that make weaning more challenging or risky.
Is Borage Safe for Dogs?
Borage, aka starflower, is an edible herb sometimes used to flavor dishes or infuse drinks. Sadly, it can be toxic for some animals – especially dogs.
The leaves, flowers, and seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These can cause health problems if ingested. Borage can also potentially cause cancer.
If considering giving your pet borage – teas, baits – check with a vet first. They can weigh the risks and give advice.
Humans can eat borage but don’t give it in large doses or regularly to pets. Always consult a vet before serving your pet this herb or any product.
How to Feed Borage to Dogs
Borage, or starflower, is a medicinal herb for many medical issues. It is also beneficial for dogs. Thus, knowing how to feed Borage to dogs is essential for their safety.
We will now discuss the safe way to give dogs Borage and its potential risks.
Preparation and Serving
Feeding your pup borage is essential, but it can be hard to digest. Give it as a snack and never as a meal replacement. Always wash it first.
Serve it raw or lightly steamed and diced into small pieces. Remove any seeds. Add cooked lean protein and healthy fats like flaxseed, fish, or coconut oil for a balanced diet.
Cook borage carefully – overcooking reduces its nutritional value. Avoid seasoning – it may irritate the pup’s digestion.
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Dosage
Borage should only be given to dogs in moderation. The recommended dosage is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight. Please speak to a vet before feeding borage to your canine, as individual cases vary, and some health issues may mean it’s not suitable.
Fresh borage leaves should be processed to reduce toxins by lightly boiling them. Borage oil can be given as a supplement, but only in tiny doses. Cold-pressed, refrigerated borage oil should be used for the best effects.
When buying ready-made food for your pup, look for high-quality omega-3 fatty acids from salmon or herring oils. These are better than plant sources like flaxseed or hemp oils – which may not be as beneficial.
Possible Side Effects
Borage has been used to treat various ailments in humans, but the safety of pets is debatable. Minor side effects such as digestive issues or skin irritation might occur.
Serious side effects are possible, so you should always speak to your vet first.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in borage can be toxic to humans and animals. Consuming a lot of it can damage the liver and cause other health problems.
However, borage flowers don’t contain enough PAs to be considered toxic for cats or dogs. More research is needed to be sure.
Toxicity from borage is rare, far less than other plants like grasses and weeds that pets commonly eat. If your pet has no signs of illness and you feed it moderately, borage could improve its well-being.
Conclusion: Is Borage Starflower Safe For Dogs
Before giving your pup borage or any other herb, talk to your vet. Herbs don’t have the same safety regulations as medications, so caution is necessary.
Borage may interact with other herbs, supplements, and medications your pet takes. Your vet will confirm if it’s safe for your pet and the correct dosage.
Offer borage either raw (freshly picked or dried leaves added to meals) or in commercial formulations like tinctures, teas, or capsules. Borage has beneficial side effects for dogs, but too much can damage the liver or other organs.
Overdosing symptoms range from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to loss of appetite and weakness. Contact a vet immediately if your dog’s behavior changes while eating borage products. They may need medical help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Borage (Starflower) safe for Dogs?
A: Yes! Borage (Starflower) is generally considered safe for dogs in small doses. However, it is always best to consult a veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplement.
Q: What are the benefits of Borage (Starflower) for dogs?
A: Borage (Starflower) is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great supplement to support a healthy immune system. It may also be beneficial in promoting healthy skin and coat.
Q: How much Borage (Starflower) is safe for my dog?
A: The exact dosage of Borage (Starflower) depends on your dog’s size and the supplement’s form (e.g., oil, powder, etc.). It is best to consult your veterinarian for the correct dosage.
