Burdock
6 foods contain this ingredient
This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.
About Burdock
Burdock is the root of Arctium lappa, a plant added to some pet foods and herbal supplements mainly for its fiber and plant compounds.
Burdock root is used as a botanical additive and source of dietary fiber and prebiotic inulin in some dog and cat foods and supplements, where it may help support gut health and provide antioxidant compounds. Evidence for specific benefits in pets is limited, and it can cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive animals or interact with diuretics and hypoglycemic medications, so products containing burdock should be used with veterinary guidance.
- Derived from
- Root of Arctium lappa (burdock plant)
- Primary role
- Botanical fiber and prebiotic source
Why it's used
Burdock root is naturally high in inulin-type fructans, reported at around half its composition in some analyses, along with polyphenols like chlorogenic acid and quercetin. Formulators include it to contribute fermentable fiber and antioxidant plant compounds rather than as a significant protein, fat, or calorie source.
Common concerns
- Blood sugar and diuretic activity Burdock root has documented hypoglycemic and diuretic effects in animal studies, which is why sources caution about combining it with diabetes medications or diuretic drugs.
- Gastrointestinal tolerance As a concentrated fiber source, burdock can cause loose stool or GI upset in some animals if introduced in large amounts or too quickly.
- Wild burdock burrs The burred seed heads of the wild plant (distinct from the processed root used in food) can stick to fur and mouths and cause mechanical irritation, though this is unrelated to the root ingredient itself.
Also relevant
Research on burdock root has focused mostly on human and rodent studies, so its pharmacological effects in dogs and cats are inferred rather than directly tested in those species.
Common Questions
What category is Burdock?
Burdock is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Burdock part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Burdock in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Burdock?
6 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Burdock, including Earth Animal, Fera Pets, Forza10.
Foods with Burdock
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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