Digestive herbs for horses and dogs are used to support normal digestive function, maintain gut comfort, and promote overall gastrointestinal wellbeing. Both species can experience digestive sensitivity due to stress, dietary changes, environmental factors, travel, competition, medication, or underlying imbalance.
These herbs are traditionally used to help maintain healthy digestion, support the stomach lining, promote balanced gut motility, and encourage normal elimination. When combined appropriately, they can provide gentle, natural support for the entire digestive system.
These herbs support digestive efficiency, appetite, nutrient absorption, and overall gut balance.
Barley grass Nutrient-dense support for overall digestive health.
Bentonite Clay Traditionally used to support normal gut motility and bind unwanted substances, supporting digestive comfort.
Blackberry Leaves and fruit support normal digestive function and gut comfort
Brewers yeast Supports normal digestion and beneficial gut flora.
Dandelion Supports digestive secretions and liver function.
Fennel Traditionally used to ease wind and support digestive comfort.
Fenugreek Supports appetite and digestive wellbeing.
Mint Supports digestive efficiency and palatability.
Rosemary Supports appetite and digestive function.
Sage Traditionally supports digestive comfort.
Thyme Supports healthy digestion and gut comfort.
Seaweed Mineral-rich support for digestive health.
Wheat Grass Nutritional support for digestive wellbeing.
Sunflower Seeds Provide nutritional support for digestive balance.
Chlorella Supports detoxification and gut balance.
Burdock – Traditionally used to support liver and digestive function.
Hawthorn Supports digestive secretions and general gut function.
These herbs are traditionally included to support the integrity of the stomach lining and maintain digestive comfort.
Liquorice Traditionally used to soothe and support the stomach lining.
Marshmallow (leaf & root) Rich in mucilage to help soothe digestive mucous membranes.
Slippery Elm Supports gut lining comfort and normal bowel function.
Meadowsweet Traditionally included to support gastric comfort.
Plantain Soothes digestive mucous membranes.
Marigold (Calendula) Supports gut lining integrity and digestive comfort.
Sea Buckthorn Antioxidants support normal mucosal health.
Yarrow Traditionally used to support digestive mucous membranes.
Chamomile Supports digestive comfort and relaxation.
Turmeric Supports normal digestive comfort and inflammatory balance.
Hemp Fatty acids support mucous membrane integrity.
Traditionally included for animals prone to stress-related digestive upset or irregular bowel patterns.
Ashwagandha – Adaptogen supporting stress-related digestive upset.
Lemon Balm Supports gut comfort linked to nervous tension.
Chamomile Gentle soothing support for digestive comfort.
Guelder Rose/Cramp bark Supports normal smooth muscle tone in the digestive tract.
Vervain Traditionally included for mild digestive upset.
Raspberry Leaf Supports gentle gut tone and comfort.
Ground Ivy Traditionally included for mild digestive support.
Heartsease/violet Supports mucous membrane health.
Rosebay Willowherb Traditionally supports digestive comfort.
Pysillium Husk Supports bowel regulation and normal motility.
Chia Seeds High in soluble fibre to support healthy stool formation.
Often included in blends supporting the lower digestive and urinary systems.
Corn silk Traditionally used to support urinary tract comfort.
Couch Grass Traditionally supports urinary and lower tract comfort.
Clivers Supports lymphatic and urinary function.
Dietary changes
Competition or travel
Periods of stress
Hindgut imbalance
Sand exposure
Food transitions
Sensitive stomachs
Loose stools
Stress-related digestive upset
Changes in routine or environment
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new herbs, particularly if your horse or dog has an existing medical condition or is receiving medication.
Introduce herbs gradually and monitor for individual tolerance.
Use herbs sourced from reputable suppliers and follow appropriate feeding guidelines.
Digestive herbs should complement — not replace — appropriate veterinary care, nutrition, and management practices.
When used responsibly and under professional guidance, digestive herbs can provide gentle, natural support for maintaining gut comfort, digestive balance, and overall wellbeing in horses and dogs.