Pet Herbal Dosage Guide
General dosing principles and guidelines for giving herbs to pets. Always consult your veterinarian for your pet's specific needs.
Important: Dosing information is general guidance only. Appropriate dosing depends on your pet's species, breed, weight, age, health status, and concurrent medications.
Key Dosing Principles
Weight-Based Dosing
Most pet herb doses are calculated by body weight. A common starting point for dogs is Clark's Rule: (animal weight / 150 lbs) x adult human dose.
Species Matters
Cats typically receive 1/4 to 1/2 the dog dose, with additional herb restrictions. Never extrapolate doses between species without checking safety data.
Form Matters
Alcohol-based tinctures must be diluted or replaced with glycerin-based for cats. Powders mixed into food are often easiest for dogs.
Start Low, Go Slow
Always start with the lowest recommended dose and increase gradually over several days while monitoring for adverse reactions.
Guidelines by Species
Dogs
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1/4 adult human dose
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1/2 adult human dose
- Large dogs (50-100 lbs): Full adult human dose
- Giant breeds (100+ lbs): Full adult human dose (do not exceed)
- Give with food to reduce stomach upset
- Glycerin or alcohol tinctures can be mixed into wet food
Cats
- Typically 1/4 to 1/2 the small dog dose
- NEVER use alcohol-based tinctures — use glycerin only
- Avoid phenol-containing herbs entirely
- Avoid most essential oils — cats lack key liver enzymes
- Powders mixed into wet food work best
- Always verify each herb is cat-safe before use
Horses
- Higher absolute doses due to body weight (800-2000 lbs)
- Dried herbs and powders mixed into feed are standard
- Many herbs are banned in competition (valerian, devil's claw)
- Teas can be added to water buckets
- Topical preparations (poultices, salves) widely used
Small Pets
- Rabbits: Very sensitive GI — only gentle herbs, tiny doses
- Guinea pigs: Similar cautions as rabbits
- Birds: Extremely fast metabolism — minimal doses only
- Ferrets: Obligate carnivores — very limited herb selection
- Always consult an exotic animal vet before herbal use
Look Up Specific Herb Dosing
Each herb in our library has species-specific dosing data by form and weight.
Browse Pet Herb Library