Latest Veterinary Research Into Herbs For Animal Health

The use of herbs in veterinary medicine for the health and wellbeing of animals is not new. However, it is only in recent years that there has been an increase in scientific research into their benefits. Even so, it continues to be limited compared for instance to human health research.

In this post, find out more about some recent veterinary research on how herbs can help with animal care.

Ashwagandha root extract for canine health

This study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Sciences in 2026 investigated whether Ashwagandha root extract could improve cognitive function in older dogs.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 12 elderly Beagle dogs (11–14 years old) were given either Ashwagandha root extract (15 mg/kg daily) or a placebo for 60 days. Researchers evaluated learning and memory using a T-maze test and measured cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) scores.

Key findings on benefits of Ashwagandha root extract for dogs

• Dogs receiving Ashwagandha showed significant improvements in learning, memory retention, and cognitive performance compared to the placebo group.
• The treated dogs also had higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to mood and brain function.
• Control dogs showed moderate age-related cognitive decline, which correlated with aging.
• The study concludes that Ashwagandha root extract may help reduce age-related cognitive decline in dogs and could serve as a nutraceutical or nerve-support supplement for geriatric canines.

Read the full research: Devarasetti, A. K., Bharani, K. K., Bobbili, R., Khurana, A., Veera Hanuman, D. D., Gudepu, R., … Banothu, A. K. (2026). Efficacy of Ashwagandha root extract on cognition parameters in geriatric dogs: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 54(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2026.2628614

Plant-Derived Functional Ingredients in Pet Nutrition

This review explains how pet nutrition is increasingly using plant-based ingredients rich in phytochemicals to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The review categorizes plant-derived bioactive compounds used in dog and cat foods, describing how they work, how they are included in diets, and the results seen in feeding studies.

Key findings include:

• Polyphenols and flavonoids may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve gut microbiome balance, and influence digestive fermentation products.
• Microalgae and seaweed are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which may support heart health, lipid metabolism, and healthier skin.
• Combined botanical extracts can affect immune and metabolic functions, though their benefits depend on the animal’s diet and health condition.
• Cannabinoid research mainly focuses on safety and absorption:
• In dogs, effects are dose-dependent, and high doses may cause neurological side effects.
• In cats, absorption is lower, but long-term use is generally well tolerated and may reduce osteoarthritis pain.
• The review also notes important limitations in current research, including small study sizes, inconsistent methods, varying ingredient formulations and doses, and short study durations. The authors conclude that larger, longer, and more standardized studies are needed to better support evidence-based functional pet food development.

Read more: Srisa A, Kamonpatana P, Promhuad K, Wongphan P, Seubsai A, Klinmalai P, Harnkarnsujarit N. Plant-Derived Functional Ingredients in Pet Nutrition: Phytochemical Classification, Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Application in Dogs and Cats. Animals (Basel). 2026 Mar 27;16(7):1034. doi: 10.3390/ani16071034. PMID: 41976013; PMCID: PMC13072038.

Rosemary as a liver protector in rats

This study examined whether an ethanolic extract of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) could protect the liver in female Wistar rats.
The research was conducted by scientists at Ibn Tofail University and published in 2026 in the International Journal of Veterinary Science.
The researchers wanted to evaluate the hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects of rosemary extract because rosemary is widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine to treat liver disorders.

They focused on:

• liver enzymes,
• blood biochemistry,
• oxidative stress,
• and liver tissue structure.

The study concluded that low to moderate doses of rosemary extract may help protect the liver through antioxidant effects, with rosemary having potential to be used as a dietary supplement for liver disorders,
but high doses may lose these benefits or produce opposite effects.

The researchers emphasized that more studies are needed, especially clinical trials and long-term safety studies.

Find the research study online at https://www.ijvets.com/pdf-files/25-141.pdf


In conclusion

A holistic approach to your animal's health can make a massive positive difference. Get more ideas by taking a look at other Natural Pet Care blog posts, and the rest of this Taranet website. Search the sitemap

And as always if your animal is unwell in any way, do get a professional veterinary surgeon to examine your animal to determine the best care required.

Find out more on veterinary research with a holistic approach here

Do you know someone who'd find this information on holistic animal health helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse

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