From the rooibos growing in our very own South African soil to the calming qualities traditionally associated with chamomile and valerian, botanicals have long been appreciated for their unique properties. But what exactly are botanicals, and why are they becoming such an interesting part of modern pet wellness?
Let’s take a closer look!
What are botanicals?
Simply put, botanicals are ingredients derived from plants, including their flowers, leaves, roots, seeds and extracts. They contain naturally occurring compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, that researchers are exploring for their potential roles in supporting health and wellbeing.
Botanicals bring together centuries of traditional plant knowledge and growing scientific interest. In fact, recent research into animal nutrition has highlighted the potential value of plant-derived compounds, particularly polyphenols, in canine nutrition.
Rooibos
Native to South Africa, rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is much more than a comforting cup of tea. It naturally contains polyphenols, including aspalathin and nothofagin, which are recognised for their antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are interesting because they interact with free radicals, which are naturally produced in the body during everyday metabolic processes. Research into rooibos has explored its antioxidant and other biological properties, although much of the existing evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies rather than clinical trials in dogs.
There is also growing interest in plant-derived polyphenols in canine nutrition, with researchers investigating how these compounds may contribute to overall animal health.
For us, rooibos is particularly special. It is a proudly South African botanical that features throughout the Innovablendz range, bringing that local goodness into our approach to pet wellness.
A closer look at our calming botanicals
Chamomile
A familiar favourite in many households, chamomile has traditionally been enjoyed as a soothing herbal infusion. It contains naturally occurring flavonoids and other plant compounds that have attracted scientific interest. Although its traditional calming associations are well established, more research is needed to confirm its effects when consumed by dogs.
Valerian root
Valerian has a long history of traditional use in herbal preparations associated with relaxation. Interestingly, a 2025 study investigated valerian extract in dogs displaying anxiety-related behaviours. The researchers observed changes in certain behavioural and neurological measures, although the study was small and lacked a placebo control group. More research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Passionflower
Known for its beautiful flowers, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has traditionally been used in herbal preparations associated with relaxation. Researchers are interested in its naturally occurring plant compounds, including flavonoids. However, evidence specifically demonstrating its effects in dogs remains limited.
Together, these botanicals offer an interesting example of how traditional plant knowledge continues to inspire research into complementary pet wellness ingredients.
Nature and science, working together
One of the most exciting things about botanicals is the opportunity to combine traditional knowledge with modern research and thoughtful formulation.
But natural doesn’t automatically mean suitable for every pet. The plant species, quality, concentration, preparation and amount all matter. Botanical ingredients should therefore be selected and formulated with pets in mind, rather than simply adapted from products intended for people. Veterinary guidance is particularly important for dogs with existing health conditions or those taking medication.
At Innovablendz, we believe pet wellness is about taking a thoughtful, considered approach. We bring together carefully selected botanical ingredients and modern formulation principles to create products that can be incorporated into your dog’s everyday routine.
Because a little thoughtfulness goes a long way when it comes to caring for the ones who make our lives so special.
Innovablendz – Healthy pets, naturally.
References
- Cevik, C., Ercan, A.M. and Or, M.E. (2025) ‘Multimodal assessment of Hericium erinaceus and Valeriana officinalis for canine anxiety: Integrating EEG, neurochemical analysis, and behavioral surveys’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 80, pp. 57–68. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.010.
- Quintavalla, F. (2024) ‘Phytotherapeutic approaches in canine pediatrics’, Veterinary Sciences, 11(3), p. 133. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11030133.
- Robinson, N.G. (2025) ‘Herbal medicine in veterinary patients’, Merck Veterinary Manual. Available at: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/therapeutics/integrative-complementary-and-alternative-veterinary-medicine/herbal-medicine-in-veterinary-patients.
- Ruiz-Cano, D. and Arnao, M.B. (2024) ‘Beneficial effects of nutraceuticals, especially polyphenols on canine health’, Pets, 1(3), pp. 228–254. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/pets1030017.
- Sirotkin, A.V. (2022) ‘Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) influence on health and ovarian functions’, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 106(5), pp. 995–999. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13624.