For thousands of years, humans have used the natural, healing elements of plant essences to create salves, tinctures and medicines to help with almost every type of situation—from itchy skin to tummy aches. Since 1988, Mud Bay has used the natural, healing elements of plant essences to help dogs and cats (and their people, too) feel better and thrive.
All of that healing history comes together with Sensibly Rooted, a new batch of five supplements thoughtfully formulated with the highest-quality, all-natural ingredients to support your pet’s overall health and well-being:
Allergy – Nettle leaf, burdock root, licorice root, eyebright herb, quercetin dihydrate, bromelain
General Health – 100% apple cider vinegar powder
Digestion – Pumpkin fruit, peppermint, fennel seed, apple pectin
Joint – 100% New Zealand green-lipped muscle
Urinary – Cranberry fruit, echinacea herb, Oregon grape root, marshmallow root, uva ursi leaf, vitamin C
Created in partnership with Animal Essentials and Greg Tilford (world-renowned herbalist who also teaches veterinarians about the scientific benefits of plants), with Sensibly Rooted’s simple, supportive powders, you can offer your pets the very best affordable, safe and effective, holistic care.
The following list includes some of our carefully-sourced and expertly-prepared natural ingredients, along with a brief explanation of their intrinsic health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermentation of apple cider or apple must. Apple cider vinegar helps to maintain proper acid/alkaline balance in the body. It is composed of acetic, lactic, citric, and malic acids. It is rich in potassium. Unfiltered, unpasteurized, and containing the “mother” (the dark cloudy sediment of yeast and bacteria that fermented the cider) is classified as a probiotic. Used for digestive purposes because of its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. It can also be used topically as a rinse after a bath or soak for pets with itchy skin or allergies.
Bromelain is a group of enzymes found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant and has traditionally been used for various ailments, such as digestive disorders. Research shows that Bromelain reduces CD11c and DC44 chemicals used in the body to spark the immune system to have an allergic immune response. It also has been shown to reduce histamine. This research has led to the recommendation of Bromelain supplementation for allergies and asthma in humans. Used for allergies, digestive support and anti-inflammatory properties in dogs and cats.
Burdock root contains vitamins A, B complex and E. Phytochemicals include; chlorogenic acid, taraxosterol, arctigen, mucilage, resin; arctigenin, arctic acid; volatile oils & acids; non-hydroxy acids and sucrose. The root contains up to 50% inulin. Burdock stimulates lymphatic drainage and detoxification. Burdock Root contains inulin, a soluble and prebiotic fiber that helps improve digestion. It also contains mucilage which acts as a protection for the gastric mucosa and helps it to heal. The high antioxidant count in this root has been shown to help lower inflammation, including joint issues such as arthritis, in numerous studies.
Cranberries are appreciated for their content of antioxidants and natural acidic properties that may support urinary tract health. It prevents E. coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls and allows pets to wash out the bacteria when they urinate. The acidity of cranberries also balances the pH of urine and makes it less likely stones or urinary crystals will form. Cranberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and a unique natural source of tannins. They are also rich in flavonoids and may protect against tooth decay.
Echinacea contains polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils, and flavonoids. The chemicals contained in the root differ considerably from those in the upper part of the plant. For example, the roots have high concentrations of volatile oils (odorous compounds) while the above-ground parts of the plant tend to contain more polysaccharides. The combination of these active substances is responsible for echinacea’s beneficial effects, though research suggests that the above ground portion of Echinacea purpurea is the most effective. It is used to boost immune function, treat urinary tract infections, and administered as an anti-inflammatory. It’s also used in many ear washes to treat bacterial and fungal infections.
Eyebright has been used in traditional herbal medicine in Europe for centuries, particularly for minor eye ailments like redness and irritation. It contains several beneficial plant compounds, including the flavonoids luteolin and quercetin. That reduces histamine release, which can be beneficial for animals with allergies. It is also used in eyewashes to reduce inflammation. You can find this supplement also in topical anti-inflammatories for dogs and cats. Studies suggest that plant compounds in eyebright may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are involved in eye infections.
Fennel seed contains compounds that help to relieve gas and indigestion. This seed has also been shown to help freshen breath and calm coughs. In traditional Chinese Medicine, fennel seeds are administered to increase appetite, quell nausea, and to allay occasional bloating. In dog and cat supplements, fennel seed relieves indigestion by relaxing the smooth muscle lining in the digestive tract, as an antimicrobial agent, and in aromatherapy for relaxation purposes. Fennel seed is found in dental products for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial polyphenols that actively reduce plaque build-up and can prevent gum disease.
New Zealand green-lipped mussel is a proven source of glucosamine, chondroitin, glycogens, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These nutrients support long-term joint health. Along with EPA and DHA, green-lipped mussel also contains the unique omega-3 fatty acid, eicosatetraenoic acid which appears to inhibit inflammatory response through two different pathways. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, the green-lipped mussel is considered a superfood because it contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fats, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, and other nutrients. This supplement can be used to improve heart health, mobility, skin and coat inflammation, eye health, and general health and brain development in dogs and cats.
Licorice acts as an expectorant (a medicine that promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages to treat coughs). It is also a demulcent (a substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes by forming a protective film), which makes it a common ingredient in hairball remedies. Licorice has very mild laxative properties as well. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a glycoside that acts as a natural corticosteroid, but without the adverse effects of weakening a dog’s immune system. Licorice enhances the body’s anti-inflammatory processes, making it a perfect herb to align with more conventional treatments like hydrocortisone therapy.
Marshmallow root is an herbal remedy that helps to soothe and lubricate internal tissues, can soothe the skin, and has antimicrobial and immunostimulatory properties. The spongy material inside of the marshmallow root is called mucilage. When it comes in contact with water marshmallow root forms a gel, which provides a lubricating property. This lubricating property also has the potential of helping to alleviate or prevent hairballs in some cats. It is most commonly used to help soothe digestive and urinary issues. It can naturally soothe irritated kidneys and the urinary tract while inhibiting bacterial growth.
Nettle is also a nourishing superfood that provides protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene and potassium. Also present in nettle are vitamins A, C, D, and B-complex. In addition, nettle is rich in gut-cleansing fiber and antioxidant chlorophyll. The active constituent, in this case, is thought to be Beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol known to possess mild anti-inflammatory actions. While the exact reason it works is unknown, many dogs and cats find relief from allergies when taking nettle. It also is used in mobility supplements to reduce inflammation and add healthy antioxidants to ease pain and strengthen bones.
Oregon grape is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. The bark, root, and root-like stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. Oregon grape is used for scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis), eczema (atopic dermatitis). The chemicals in Oregon grape might help fight bacterial and fungal infections. The most well-known compound is berberine, which has both antimicrobial, especially antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. For dogs and cats, it is a common ingredient in supplements to support urinary tract health because it helps clear undesirable bacteria. It can also be found in ear washes to clear bacteria, fungal and mite infections.
Peppermint helps calm the stomach and improves the digestive process by stimulating the bile acids and gastric juices. Peppermint is also used as a breath freshener and flavor enhancer, which originated from volatile oils, particularly menthol. It can also reduce pain because it contains 35 to 45 percent menthol. This aromatic herb has historically been used to help soothe upset stomachs, reduce gas, reduce nausea, and help with travel sickness. In addition, research is being done into whether or not it may have radioprotective effects and can be used to reduce radiation-induced sickness and mortality in animals undergoing chemotherapy.
Pumpkin is often recommended as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that are experiencing certain digestive ailments such as constipation, diarrhea, or hairballs. The high fiber content aids in proper digestion by adding a bulk of both soluble and insoluble fiber that is not usually found in an animal’s diet. This additional fiber helps things move through the GI tract more efficiently. Pumpkin is regarded as a fiber and carotenoid-dense vegetable. Pumpkin flesh is a good source of beneficial fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Quercetin is a phytochemical, polyphenol and flavonoid (also called a bioflavonoid) pigment that adds color to many fruits and vegetables. It’s found mainly in the skins and leaves of plants. It has anti-oxidant, anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. During an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine. Histamine contributes to inflammation, redness and irritation. Research has shown that Quercetin can “turn off” histamine production and suppress, or at least moderate, inflammation.
Up to 40 percent of the Uva Ursi plant is made of tannins that lead to its use as an astringent to stop bleeding and reduce inflation on the skin or internally in the urinary tract. It also contains hydroquinones that are antibacterial and effective against many of the pathogens found in the urinary tract. To work effectively, it must be in an alkaline environment. Therefore, it’s often paired with other antibacterial herbs to help treat urinary tract infections and other urinary issues. It can also be used topically as a rinse for dermatitis, seborrhea and flea bites.
Vitamin C in ascorbic acid form, is an essential catalyst in many biochemical reactions that fight bacterial infections. It also plays a crucial role in detoxifying reactions and in the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. It also acts as an antioxidant. In dog and cat supplements, it is often found to protect urinary health by making more acidic urine to inhibit and kill bacteria. It’s also found in dental products to help teeth formation and for its antibacterial properties. Vitamin C may help to stabilize other nutrients in the diet, and it is also one of the primary components used to preserve fat in dry cat and dog food.