Feverfew
3 foods contain this ingredient
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About Feverfew
Feverfew is a daisy-family herb occasionally added to pet supplements for its plant compounds rather than any nutrient value.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an herbal botanical sometimes included in supplements or functional treats rather than standard pet foods; it contributes phytochemicals rather than meaningful protein, vitamin, or fiber, and is promoted for purported anti‑inflammatory/analgesic effects. Evidence in dogs and cats is limited, and feverfew can cause gastrointestinal upset, allergic dermatitis (it is in the daisy family), photosensitivity and may increase bleeding risk or interact with anticoagulant drugs, so it should only be used under veterinary guidance and avoided in pregnant animals.
- Derived from
- Tanacetum parthenium leaf
- Primary role
- herbal supplement additive
Why it's used
Feverfew is best known in human herbal medicine for migraine and inflammation support, and some holistic pet products borrow that reputation to position it as a plant-based anti-inflammatory. Its main active compound, parthenolide, is the focus of most of the research behind these claims.
Common concerns
- Contact dermatitis and allergy Feverfew belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family, and its parthenolide content is a documented contact allergen with cross-reactivity across related plants like chamomile, chrysanthemum, and ragweed.
- Bleeding tendency Parthenolide has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, and long-term feverfew use has been associated with bleeding tendencies and altered coagulation test results in case reports.
- GI and general toxic-plant listing The ASPCA lists feverfew (grouped under chamomile-family plants) as a plant of concern for dogs, cats, and horses, with reported effects including vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and contact dermatitis.
- Pregnancy Feverfew has documented uterine-stimulant activity and a history of use as an abortifacient in humans, which is the basis for advising against its use in pregnancy.
Also relevant
The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that evidence for herbal products used in veterinary patients is generally sparse and of variable quality, and feverfew has no dedicated dog or cat clinical trials, so its use in pets is extrapolated from human data; a veterinarian can advise on whether it fits a specific pet's situation.
5 sources cited
- General evidence-quality context for herbal products in veterinary patients
- ASPCA toxic plant listing, clinical signs, and bleeding-tendency note for feverfew/chamomile group
- Parthenolide as a contact allergen with Compositae/Asteraceae cross-reactivity
- Feverfew extract inhibits platelet aggregation
- Case literature on altered coagulation and bleeding associated with feverfew
Common Questions
What category is Feverfew?
Feverfew is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Feverfew part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Feverfew in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Feverfew?
3 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Feverfew, including Earth Animal, Only Natural Pet.
Foods with Feverfew
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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