Meadowsweet
4 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 Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a European wildflower, Filipendula ulmaria, included in some herbal pet formulas for its natural salicylate compounds.
Meadowsweet is an herbal additive sometimes used in pet foods or supplements for its natural flavor and traditional digestive-soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties, contributing phytochemicals like salicylates, tannins, and flavonoids rather than macronutrients. While it may offer antioxidant and astringent benefits, it has limited nutritional value and carries precautions—its salicylate content can interact with NSAIDs, affect clotting, and pose greater risk in cats, pregnant animals, or pets with bleeding disorders, so veterinary guidance is recommended before use.
- Derived from
- flowers and leaves of Filipendula ulmaria
- Primary role
- botanical source of salicylate compounds
Why it's used
Meadowsweet contains salicin, salicylaldehyde, and methyl salicylate, plant compounds that convert to salicylic acid in the digestive tract, related to the active compound in aspirin. Historically it was used in horses and, more recently, in some canine herbal formulas aimed at supporting joint comfort, and it contributes flavonoids and tannins rather than macronutrients.
Common concerns
- Salicylate interactions Because its salicylate content behaves similarly to aspirin, meadowsweet can interact with NSAIDs or other pain medications and affect normal blood clotting.
- Use in cats Sources on meadowsweet and cats conflict: some describe it as not documented to be harmful, while others advise avoiding it due to salicylate sensitivity, since cats metabolize salicylates more slowly than dogs; a veterinarian should be consulted before giving it to a cat.
- Bleeding risk populations Its salicylate content is generally flagged as a greater concern in pregnant animals or pets with existing bleeding disorders.
Also relevant
Pet owners should tell a veterinarian if a pet is receiving meadowsweet before starting any NSAID or other pain medication, since both act on similar pathways.
Common Questions
What category is Meadowsweet?
Meadowsweet is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Meadowsweet part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Meadowsweet in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Meadowsweet?
4 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Meadowsweet, including Earth Animal, Only Natural Pet.
Foods with Meadowsweet
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
Find the right food for your pet
Sign in free to sort and filter by score, and avoid or require Meadowsweet in the Food Finder. Add KL+ to see these foods ranked for your pet's breed, age, and health focus.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook