Chamomile has long been used by humans to soothe stress and aid digestion, and now it’s finding its place in dog nutrition too. Packed with natural anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and calming compounds, chamomile is a gentle yet powerful herb that can support multiple aspects of your dog’s wellbeing. We include chamomile in all our naturally balanced FEDIAF-compliant meals for dogs including our RAW POWER, MIGHTY MINCE and POWER BALLS ranges.
Health Benefits of Chamomile
1. Calming Effects
Chamomile is widely known for its calming properties. It can help soothe dogs who suffer from anxiety, separation stress or noise phobias. Louise, co-founder of Poppy’s Picnic, says, “When Poppy had her first fireworks night, we gave her food with added chamomile – she slept through it all.”
2. Digestive Support
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile help settle upset tummies, ease gas and reduce nausea. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), chamomile may also reduce symptoms of mild indigestion or colic.
3. Skin Relief
Applied topically or consumed as part of a diet, chamomile can calm itchy skin caused by allergies or irritants. Its natural antiseptic qualities make it helpful in managing minor wounds or rashes.
4. Sleep Support
If your dog struggles to unwind, chamomile’s mild sedative effects may help them settle more easily. The relaxing effect comes from the compound apigenin, which binds to brain receptors that promote sleepiness.
How to Use Chamomile for Dogs
Beyond what's in your dog’s bowl, chamomile can be offered in other ways:
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Chamomile Tea: Brew a weak tea and let it cool before adding a tablespoon to their food.
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Chamomile Compress: Soak a cloth in cooled tea and apply it to irritated skin.
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Chamomile Bath: Add cooled tea to a warm bath to calm itchy skin.
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Chamomile Treats: Some treats include chamomile for calming purposes – always check they’re natural and safe.
Chamomile in Poppy’s Picnic Meals
We’ve added chamomile to our enhanced herb and botanical blends in all three dog food ranges – RAW POWER, MIGHTY MINCE and POWER BALLS. This helps to support dogs naturally without resorting to synthetic additives. Because our food is raw and made with fresh ingredients, these herbs retain their natural properties – whether you serve them raw or flash-cook.
Expert Insights and Research
Veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan says, “Chamomile is a great natural calming herb with multiple uses for pets. I’ve seen success using it for anxiety and digestive upset in my patients.” Research published in the journal Phytomedicine also supports chamomile’s calming and anti-inflammatory effects in mammals.
We choose ingredients that have proven benefits, supported by both research and tradition. Our meals reflect this with carefully selected botanicals like chamomile to offer gentle, everyday support to your dog’s health.
