As herbal remedies continue to grow in popularity, more pet parents than ever are seeking holistic ways to promote their furry friends’ health. One of these natural ingredients is a flowering plant known as milk thistle, which has been used to support liver health in both people and animals for centuries. 

Here is everything you need to know about milk thistle for pets and how you can use it to help your companion maintain normal liver and kidney function. 

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a flowering herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to Southern Europe, it’s been utilized for centuries for its potential medicinal properties. The plant is characterized by its distinctive purple flowers and spiky leaves with white veins.

The plant's name, "milk thistle," is derived from the milky-white sap its leaves produce when crushed.

Active Ingredient

The most well-known active compound in milk thistle is called silymarin. Silymarin is a flavonoid complex that includes several polyphenolic compounds known as flavonolignans. These compounds are believed to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Traditional Uses

Milk thistle has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially for liver-related conditions. It was traditionally used to treat liver disorders and promote overall liver health. 

Modern Uses

In contemporary times, milk thistle is commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and teas. While milk thistle is used to maintain various aspects of overall health, it’s primarily used to support normal function and health of the liver.

6 Benefits of Milk Thistle for Pets 

1. Liver Support

The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, is believed to have antioxidant properties that can support normal cleansing of the liver from impurities. This is crucial for our furry friends, as the liver plays a vital role in blood detoxification and metabolism.

2. Detoxification

Milk thistle is thought to aid in the detoxification process by assisting the liver in removing harmful substances from the body. Pets, like humans, can be exposed to toxins through their environment, food, and medications. Milk thistle may help the liver process and eliminate these toxins more efficiently.

3. Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation can contribute to various health issues in pets. Milk thistle helps maintain healthy liver function, which may lead to less inflammation caused by toxins in the body. 

4. Support for Pets with Chronic Illnesses

For pets with chronic conditions that may affect the liver, milk thistle supplements could be considered a more holistic approach to managing their health. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your pet's daily regimen.

5. Potential Benefits for Senior Pets

As pets age, their organs, including the liver, may experience a natural decline in function. Milk thistle might offer support for your aging companions and help them maintain optimal health and an improved quality of life.

6. Consideration for Pet Medications

Some medications, especially long-term use of certain drugs, can put a strain on a pet’s liver. Milk thistle is sometimes used as a complementary approach to help mitigate the potential side effects of medications and support the liver during treatment.

The Side Effects 

Currently, there are limited studies on the potential side effects of milk thistle for pets. However, it appears to be well-tolerated by both people and their pets so far, and only a handful of people have reported an upset stomach after use. 

Improve Your Furry Friend’s Overall Health the Natural Way 

Our holistic approach to your pet's well-being is at the forefront of what we do, and we can’t wait to share even more holistic-based pet health advice with you. Be sure to check out our blog for even more pet health tips, recipes, pet parent lifestyle inspiration, and more. 

Sources

• VCA Animal Hospitals 
• National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health