Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Evidence: BFamily: Solanaceae

Revered Ayurvedic adaptogen rooted in rasayana tradition. Calms excess stress response, supports thyroid and adrenal balance, and restores depleted animals. Grounding rather than stimulating, making it ideal for anxious, wiry constitutions.

Consult Your Veterinarian First

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using herbal remedies for your pet — especially if they are on medication, pregnant, or have existing health conditions.

Species Safety

An herb safe for one species may be toxic to another.

Dogs

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: safe

Cats

Safe

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: safe

Horses

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: safe

Rabbits

No Data

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: unsafe

Birds

No Data

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: unsafe

Guinea Pigs

No Data

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: unsafe

Dosing Guide

General guidance only — always consult your veterinarian.

SpeciesFormDoseFrequencyNotes
Dogscapsule10-25 mg /lbtwice dailyStandardized root extract; anxiety, thyroid, adrenal.
Catsdried herb50-150 mgonce dailyPowdered root in wet food; start low.
Horsesdried herb15-30 gramsonce dailyPPID/Cushing adjunct, anxious performance horses.

Active Compounds

Withanolides(other)
Withaferin A(other)
Alkaloids (low)(alkaloid)Cat Unsafe
Sitoindosides(glycoside)

Compounds marked Cat Unsafe (phenols and many terpenes) cannot be metabolized by feline livers.

Quick Info

Plant Family

Solanaceae

Parts Used

root

Available Forms

dried herb, capsule, alcohol tincture, glycerin tincture

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