Nutrient and metal analyses of Chinese herbal products marketed for veterinary use.
Authors: Shmalberg J, Hill R C, Scott K C
Journal: Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Nutrient and Metal Composition of Veterinary Chinese Herbal Products Herbal supplements are increasingly used in equine and canine practice, yet little is known about their actual nutrient and contaminant profiles. Shmalberg and colleagues analysed 14 commercially available herbal combination formulas marketed for veterinary use, three single herbs sourced from multiple suppliers, and a proprietary haemostatic blend, measuring macronutrients, essential minerals, and potential contaminants including cadmium, nickel, lead and aluminium. Whilst nutrient concentrations varied significantly between single herb sources, the combination formulas contained notable mineral loads—some could theoretically supply over 140% of a dog's recommended iron intake or 122% of a horse's maintenance requirements at maximum labelled doses—though aluminium concentrations were unexpectedly high (median 380 mg/kg dry matter, range up to 920 mg/kg). Heavy metal levels (cadmium, nickel, lead) remained below published oral tolerance thresholds in all samples. For practitioners, these findings suggest that herbal combinations are unlikely to create substantial dietary imbalances when used at recommended doses, but the elevated aluminium content and variability between sources warrants caution; standardisation of herbal products and further investigation into long-term safety of chronic low-level contaminant exposure would strengthen confidence in their use alongside conventional nutritional programmes.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Chinese herbal formulas marketed for veterinary use are unlikely to cause clinically relevant nutrient imbalances when fed at labelled doses, but practitioners should monitor for mineral accumulation with chronic use
- •Quality control concerns exist: high variability in composition between sources and elevated aluminium levels warrant caution and selection of reputable suppliers
- •Consider herbal formulas as minor contributors to overall mineral intake rather than primary nutrient sources in equine and canine diets
Key Findings
- •Herbal combinations at maximum labelled doses could provide >38% of calcium, 142% of iron, and 96% of manganese requirements in adult dogs, and >13%, 122%, and 2% respectively in horses
- •Aluminium concentrations were notably high (median 380 mg/kg DM, maximum 920 mg/kg DM) compared to previously published data on Chinese herbs
- •Cadmium, nickel, and lead concentrations remained below published oral tolerance levels across all samples
- •Proximate nutrient composition and mineral concentrations varied significantly among single herbs from different sources (p < 0.05)