Devil's Claw for Horses and Dogs

Devil's claw is a plant originating from Africa that has been traditionally used as part of dogs' diet. It is incorporated into a balanced and considered feeding plan when the dog's daily life includes regular movement, outdoor activity, and physical exercise.

Devil's claw is one of the best-known plants used in feeding solutions for actively moving dogs. It is used as part of plant-based combinations that take into account varying activity periods and different life stages. Its use is based on the plant's natural composition, a long history of use, and its suitability as part of a balanced diet.

Many choose to include devil's claw in the diet when the amount of exercise, training periods, or daily activity levels vary. It is suitable for both young, active dogs and more experienced individuals when you want to add plant-based depth and traditional herbal expertise to the diet.

Natural Composition

Devil's claw naturally contains compounds belonging to iridoid glycosides, of which harpagosides are the plant's best-known components. In the dried root part, the harpagoside content is typically around 0,5–2 % depending on the variety and processing.

In addition, devil's claw contains phytosterols, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, which are part of the plant's natural chemical profile.

Dosage

Dog:
1–2 tsp per day depending on the dog's size

1 tsp ≈ 3 g

Start with a small dose and increase if needed.

Please Note

Not recommended for pregnant or lactating animals.

Analytical Constituents

Crude protein 4 %, crude fibre 8 %, crude fat 0,9 %, ash 6 %, moisture 4,5 %.

100 % dried and ground Harpagophytum procumbens

Research

Devil's claw has been studied particularly from the perspective of the plant's bioactive compounds and the plant's nutritional composition in animals and experimental animal models. The studies are used for background information and studies and to understand the plant's known composition.

Montavon, S. (1994). Efficacy of a medicinal plant preparation based on Harpagophytum procumbens in cases of bone spavin of adult horses. Pratique Vétérinaire Équine, 26.

Meyer, H. & Kienzle, E. (2006). Investigations on the tolerability of Harpagophytum procumbens in horses.

Colas, C., Garcia, P., & Popot, M. (2008). Evaluation of Harpagophytum procumbens use in equine nutrition.

Brien, S., Lewith, G., & McGregor, G. (2006). Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12(10), 981–993.

Mills, S. et al. (2005). Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and its botanical properties. Alternative Medicine Review.

Thorne Research (2008). Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw). Alternative Medicine Review, 13(3), 248–252.

Evaluation of acute and chronic treatments with Harpagophytum procumbens on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Experimental research model.