**Always consult with your veterinarian before trying a new diet on your pet.
My dogs are my world! I am dedicated to making sure they are well-fed on nutritious ingredients. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives go into these little beasts, and one big beast.
Rosemary
One of my favorite ingredients to add to their diet is fresh rosemary. Rosemary is a super tolerant herb and grows really well in the Bay Area. Every day, I sprinkle about 1/2 a tablespoon of freshly chopped rosemary onto their food. They would not eat this unless it was on something yummy, not even George, my hungry-hungry Labrador. But sprinkled on something a little wet, they gobble it right up.
According to the ASPCA’s website, rosemary is safe for dogs in normal doses (normal being less than a tablespoon per serving). I don’t bother with dried rosemary, and rosemary extracts can be dangerous to give to animals! So only give them the fresh stuff.
Rosemary as a natural flea repellant?
I’m skeptical. But so far it’s been working. But flea season hasn’t really picked up again yet, so I’ll keep you posted.
According to Rover.com and http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com, you just have to steep rosemary in boiling water and viola! Frontline. Of course, let it cool down first before applying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 pint boiling water
Directions:
Steep rosemary in boiling water and allow to cool down to room temperature. Once cool, strain out the rosemary sprigs and set aside. Bathe dog, per your normal routine, turn off the faucet, pat dry with a towel, then pour the room temperature rosemary water over their coat.
One of the biggest problems I had was that it didn’t seem like the water was absorbing under his coat. Also, I couldn’t get this everywhere, like his face, or his little bits… but still, I was intrigued by the idea. So we’ll see how long this works!
Update 5/23/19:
After adding rosemary to their diet, I still have not noticed any fleas, but also, they have had almost no exposure to fleas. I have serious suspicions that this would have a preventative effect on heavy flea infestations.
Positive note, their coats are shinier than ever and Fizzy is much less itchy from seasonal allergies!
Sources:
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/is-rosemary-good-for-dogs/
Zero Waste California 