Calendula
21 foods contain this ingredient
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About Calendula
Calendula is a marigold-derived botanical used in pet foods and topical products mainly for its antioxidant and skin-soothing plant compounds.
Calendula is an herbal/botanical ingredient used in pet foods and supplements for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, sometimes added to support skin and coat health, aid mild digestive soothing, or serve as a natural colorant thanks to its carotenoids and flavonoids. Generally considered safe for dogs and cats in small amounts, evidence of benefit is limited and potency varies, so watch for allergic reactions and consult your veterinarian—particularly for pregnant animals or pets on medications—before using concentrated extracts.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) flowers
- Primary role
- botanical antioxidant and skin-supportive additive
Why it's used
Calendula flowers are a source of flavonoids, carotenoids, and terpenoids that have been studied for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which is why the plant shows up in skin salves, ear and paw wipes, and some oral supplement blends for dogs, cats, and horses. In veterinary use it is described mainly as a topical anti-inflammatory and antiseptic aid, with oral use for digestive comfort considered a secondary, less-studied application.
Common concerns
- Allergic reactions Pets with sensitivities to ragweed, daisies, or other Asteraceae family plants may react to calendula, and veterinary sources note serious reactions can include facial swelling, rash, fever, or breathing difficulty that warrant prompt veterinary attention.
- Drug and condition interactions Veterinary sources advise caution when calendula is combined with sedatives, blood pressure medications, antifungals, or insulin, and in pets with low blood pressure or diabetes.
- Use in pregnant or nursing animals Veterinary guidance recommends cautious use in pregnant or nursing pets given limited data in these populations.
- Mild digestive upset Oral use has been associated with occasional mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
Also relevant
Calendula officinalis (listed by the ASPCA under its common name pot marigold) is classified by the ASPCA as non-toxic to both dogs and cats, distinguishing it from marigold species in the Tagetes genus that carry separate toxicity listings.
Common Questions
What category is Calendula?
Calendula is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Calendula part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Calendula in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Calendula?
21 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Calendula, including American Natural Premium, Aniwell, Earth Animal.
Foods with Calendula
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
Find the right food for your pet
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