Hawthorn
6 foods contain this ingredient
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About Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a flowering shrub whose berries and leaves are used in pet herbal supplements aimed at circulatory and heart support.
Hawthorn is used in pet foods and supplements as a botanical ingredient rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, typically included for cardiovascular support and to promote circulation rather than as a source of macronutrients or vitamins. It may offer mild heart-supportive effects for dogs and cats but should be used under veterinary guidance because evidence is limited and it can interact with cardiac medications or cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- Crataegus species (berries, leaves, flowers)
- Primary role
- botanical cardiovascular support
Why it's used
Hawthorn is added to supplements and some functional treats for its flavonoid and antioxidant content, which is traditionally associated with supporting circulation and normal blood pressure in dogs and cats. It is typically formulated as capsules, soft gels, liquid extracts, or dried berries and leaves rather than as a bulk food ingredient.
Common concerns
- Use alongside cardiac medication VCA Animal Hospitals lists interactions with blood pressure medications, cardiac glycosides, anticoagulants, barbiturates, theophylline, and caffeine, so concurrent medications should be discussed with a veterinarian.
- Low blood pressure or heart rate VCA notes hawthorn should be used cautiously in animals with low blood pressure or low heart rates, and in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Limited research base VCA states that relatively little research has specifically examined hawthorn's effects in dogs, and it should not be given without veterinary input.
- Avoid in certain conditions VCA advises avoiding hawthorn in pregnant or nursing animals and in pets with severe liver or kidney disease.
Also relevant
Because hawthorn is intended for pets with existing or suspected heart conditions, any use should be discussed with a veterinarian rather than started independently.
Common Questions
What category is Hawthorn?
Hawthorn is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Hawthorn part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Hawthorn in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Hawthorn?
6 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Hawthorn, including Fera Pets, NaturVet, Only Natural Pet.
Foods with Hawthorn
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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