Boswellia
19 foods contain this ingredient
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About Boswellia
Boswellia is a resin extract from the Boswellia serrata tree, added to joint supplements for its boswellic acid content rather than for nutrition.
Boswellia (Indian frankincense) is used in pet foods and supplements as a nutraceutical anti‑inflammatory ingredient to support joint health and mobility rather than as a macronutrient. Boswellic acids may help reduce inflammation and stiffness in dogs and cats, but evidence is limited, product potency and dosing vary, and some pets can experience gastrointestinal upset or drug interactions, so it should be used under veterinary guidance and avoided in pregnant or lactating animals unless directed by a veterinarian.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- resin (gum extract) of the Boswellia serrata tree
- Primary role
- joint and mobility support nutraceutical
Why it's used
Manufacturers include boswellia extract in joint chews and mobility formulas because its boswellic acids, particularly AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid), are studied for their action on inflammatory pathways. It is typically paired with other joint ingredients like glucosamine, collagen, or omega-3s rather than used alone.
Common concerns
- Limited standalone canine evidence Most controlled trials, including a PLOS One randomized double-blind study, test boswellia combined with other ingredients such as undenatured type II collagen, so improvements cannot be attributed to boswellia by itself.
- Gastrointestinal upset VCA Animal Hospitals notes boswellia can cause mild digestive upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in some dogs and cats, particularly when not given with food.
- Drug interactions Because boswellia acts on inflammatory pathways, VCA advises caution when combining it with other anti-inflammatory medications and recommends disclosing any supplement use to a veterinarian.
- Use in pregnant or nursing animals VCA states that use in pregnant, nursing, or breeding animals has not been established and advises avoiding it in these cases unless a veterinarian directs otherwise.
Also relevant
An early open veterinary trial by Reichling et al. (2004) reported improved mobility in dogs with degenerative joint disease after six weeks of boswellia resin extract, but the study was small, uncontrolled, and predates more rigorous recent trials.
4 sources cited
- VCA documentation of GI upset, drug interaction caution, and pregnancy/nursing guidance
- Reichling et al. 2004 open veterinary trial on boswellia resin in dogs with joint and spinal disease
- Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of undenatured type II collagen plus boswellia in dogs with mobility disorders
- Randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial of a multi-ingredient dietary supplement including boswellia in dogs with osteoarthritis
Common Questions
What category is Boswellia?
Boswellia is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Boswellia part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Boswellia in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Boswellia?
19 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Boswellia, including Crumps' Naturals, Dr. Tim's, Fera Pets.
Foods with Boswellia
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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