Our Ingredients

Functional superfoods.
Ancient wisdom. No fillers.

Every ingredient in Botanical Bones is chosen for its wellness benefits, not its cost. Organic, tested, and backed by Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern science.

Vet-Formulated ·Organic Superfoods ·TCM-Rooted Wellness ·Picky-Dog Approved ·Zero Fillers ·Rescue Partners ·Small-Batch Quality ·Subscribe & Save 20% ·Vet-Formulated ·Organic Superfoods ·TCM-Rooted Wellness ·Picky-Dog Approved ·Zero Fillers ·Rescue Partners ·Small-Batch Quality ·Subscribe & Save 20% ·
Why Our Ingredients Work

Four Functional Formulas
One wellness protocol.

TCM doesn't treat symptoms — it treats systems. Every formula is built around four pillars that work together to support your dog's whole health.

01
Stress Adaptogens

Ashwagandha regulates cortisol at the source. Lemon balm increases calming neurotransmitters. Build resilience, not drowsiness.

Balance + Calm
Dog looking at a package of inner glow dog treats held by a person on grass
02
Pre & Probiotics

Dandelion stimulates bile flow. Chaga acts as a prebiotic. Ginger soothes naturally. Your dog's digestion, optimized.

Inner Glow
03
Superfoods & Mushrooms

Reishi teaches the immune system to respond intelligently. Blueberries provide antioxidant armor. Long-term vitality, built in.

Flower Power
04
Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp seeds deliver magnesium that calms the nervous system. Flax provides plant-based omega-3s for skin and coat integrity.

All Formulas
The Full Ingredient Library

19 ingredients.
Every one earns its place.

No fillers. No padding. Every ingredient in every Botanical Bones formula is there because Dr. Lindsey Wendt put it there for a reason — rooted in TCM practice and supported by modern nutritional science.

Balance + Calm
Stress Nervous System
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Withania Somnifera
Ashwagandha Root
Stress Nervous System Cortisol

Ashwagandha directly modulates the HPA axis — reducing cortisol output during chronic anxiety without sedation. Ideal for dogs with separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, or reactive behaviour.

Clinical studies show ashwagandha root extract significantly reduces serum cortisol and behavioural markers of stress in mammals.

Melissa Officinalis
Lemon Balm
Calm Anxiety Sleep

A gentle nervine containing rosmarinic acid, which inhibits GABA transaminase — naturally elevating calming neurotransmitters. Perfect for dogs who startle easily or struggle to settle.

Rosmarinic acid inhibits GABA-T, raising inhibitory neurotransmitter levels and producing a measurable calming effect.

Cannabis Sativa
Organic Hemp Seeds
Coat Skin Inflammation

Delivers omega-3 and omega-6 in the ideal 3:1 ratio for dogs — supporting the nervous system, reducing inflammatory signalling, and contributing to a healthy coat and skin.

Omega-3 fatty acids modulate neuroinflammation pathways and support serotonergic function in the mammalian brain.

Inner Glow
Digestion Gut Health
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Taraxacum Officinale
Organic Dandelion Root
Digestion Liver Detox

A powerful prebiotic and liver tonic used in TCM for centuries. Rich in inulin, it feeds beneficial gut bacteria and stimulates bile production — improving fat digestion and nutrient absorption.

Inulin from dandelion root selectively feeds Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, improving microbiome diversity and intestinal barrier function.

Inonotus Obliquus
Chaga
Gut Health Immunity Antioxidant

One of the highest antioxidant foods on the planet. Its beta-glucans modulate immune activity in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue — beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or inflammatory bowel tendencies.

Chaga triterpenes and beta-glucans demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal epithelial cells and gut immune signalling.

Zingiber Officinale
Ginger
Nausea Bloating Motility

TCM's quintessential digestive warming herb. Gingerols and shogaols accelerate gastric emptying and reduce nausea, bloating, and gas — particularly effective for dogs prone to stomach upset or motion sickness.

Gingerols act on 5-HT3 and muscarinic M3 receptors in the GI tract, improving motility and reducing nausea signals.

Flower Power
Immunity Longevity
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Trifolium Pratense
Red Clover
Skin Detox Antioxidant

Rich in isoflavones with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In TCM it clears heat and resolves toxicity — supporting skin health, lymphatic circulation, and long-term cellular protection.

Isoflavones in red clover have demonstrated antioxidant activity and support lymphatic detoxification in mammalian studies.

Ganoderma Lucidum
Organic Reishi
Immunity Longevity Inflammation

The "mushroom of immortality" — used in TCM for over 2,000 years. Its beta-glucans and triterpenes activate natural killer cells, modulate immune overreaction, and reduce systemic inflammation. Essential for older dogs or those with chronic health challenges.

Reishi polysaccharides stimulate NK cell activity and macrophage function while triterpenes inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Vaccinium Corymbosum
Blueberries
Cognition Heart Immunity

Packed with anthocyanins that protect cells from oxidative damage. Supports cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and immune defence — especially important as dogs age.

Anthocyanins cross the blood-brain barrier in mammals, reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress markers associated with cognitive ageing.

Love Bites
Training Everyday
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Fragaria × Ananassa
Organic Strawberries
Vitamin C Immunity Training

Natural sweetness that makes Love Bites irresistible. Rich in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants that support immune health. Their natural sugar content makes them ideal for high-focus training sessions.

Strawberry-derived ellagic acid and anthocyanins show anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in canine nutritional studies.

Beta Vulgaris
Organic Beets
Heart Liver Energy

Natural nitrates improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles — useful for active and working dogs. Deep red betalain pigment is one of nature's most potent antioxidant compounds. In TCM, beets nourish the Blood and support liver detoxification.

Dietary nitrates from beets convert to nitric oxide, improving endothelial function and cardiovascular efficiency in mammals.

In Every Formula
Foundation All Formulas
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Avena Sativa
Organic Oat Flour
Gut Health Energy Prebiotic

The wholesome base of every formula. Rich in beta-glucan fibre, it supports gut health, regulates blood sugar, and provides sustained energy. Naturally well tolerated — including by dogs with grain sensitivities.

Beta-glucan from oats feeds beneficial gut bacteria selectively and improves intestinal barrier integrity.

Arachis Hypogaea
Organic Peanut Butter
Palatability Protein Vitamin E

The reason even the fussiest dogs go wild for Botanical Bones. Provides monounsaturated fats, niacin, vitamin E, and protein. Always xylitol-free and sourced without artificial additives.

Monounsaturated fats support lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health, while vitamin E functions as a fat-soluble antioxidant.

Salvia Hispanica
Organic Chia Seeds
Omega-3 Joints Coat

Packed with omega-3 ALA, calcium, phosphorus, and soluble fibre — supporting joint health, coat quality, digestive regularity, and bone density. They expand in the stomach, helping dogs feel satisfied for longer.

ALA from chia seeds partially converts to EPA and DHA in dogs, contributing to anti-inflammatory eicosanoid production.

Linum Usitatissimum
Organic Flax Seeds
Coat Hormonal Fibre

Contributes lignans — plant-based compounds with antioxidant and hormonal balancing properties — alongside soluble fibre and omega-3s. Supports digestive regularity, coat condition, and hormonal health.

Flaxseed lignans are converted by gut bacteria to enterolignans with demonstrated antioxidant and mild phytoestrogenic activity.

Cocos Nucifera
Organic Coconut Oil
Brain Energy Skin

MCTs are rapidly absorbed and converted to ketones — a direct energy source for the brain. Supports cognitive function and mental clarity, particularly in seniors. Also has antimicrobial properties that support skin and gut health.

MCTs are metabolised directly to ketone bodies, providing an alternative brain energy source with neuroprotective effects in ageing mammals.

Cucurbita Pepo
Organic Pumpkin
Digestion Immunity Vision

One of the most trusted digestive supporters in canine nutrition. Soluble and insoluble fibre work together to regulate bowel movements. Rich in beta-carotene, potassium, and zinc for immune health and healthy vision.

Pumpkin's soluble fibre forms a gel in the GI tract that slows digestion and feeds beneficial bacteria, while insoluble fibre adds bulk and supports motility.

"Food is medicine. Every ingredient earns its place — nothing is filler, everything has a function."
Dr. Lindsey Wendt · DVM · Co-Founder & CVO
The Science

Ancient wisdom.
Modern results.

Dr. Lindsey Wendt — holistic vet and TCM specialist — co-founded Botanical Bones to prove that functional nutrition could look entirely different.

Every formula is evidence-led. Every ingredient earns its place.

Adaptogenic HerbsOrganic SuperfoodsTCM-FormulatedZero FillersSmall-BatchGrain-Free
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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about
Botanical Bones.

Everything you need to know about our formulas, ingredients, and subscription.

Still have questions?  Get in touch →

Traditional Chinese Medicine food therapy views food as a form of daily wellness support. Instead of separating nutrition from healing, it uses specific ingredients to help balance the body and support different systems, including digestion, circulation, immunity, and stress response.

Each food has energetic properties. Some ingredients cool, some warm, some tonify blood, and others support qi, or vital energy. In our treats, we pair Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine principles with modern research. Ginger supports digestion, beetroot supports circulation, and dandelion root supports liver health.

We use organic ingredients because dog treats should support health, not add to the body’s toxic load. Conventional ingredients may contain pesticide residues, including glyphosate, which can accumulate over time and contribute to inflammation, gut imbalance, and liver stress.

Since many dogs eat treats daily for training, enrichment, and rewards, ingredient quality matters. Organic ingredients help reduce pesticide exposure while supporting cleaner nutrition. For functional ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, chaga, berries, and herbs, organic sourcing also helps preserve the therapeutic compounds that make the treats effective.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, “tonifies” means an ingredient strengthens, nourishes, or supports a specific body system. For example, beetroot is said to tonify the blood, meaning it supports circulation, red blood cell health, and vitality.

“Cools” means an ingredient helps balance excess heat, which may show up as inflammation, irritability, red itchy skin, panting, or restlessness. Cooling ingredients like strawberries and red clover help support a calmer, more balanced system. Modern science often explains these traditional concepts through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, circulatory, and immune-supportive actions.

Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha help dogs adapt to stress and maintain balance. They do not sedate or force a specific response. Instead, they support the body’s natural stress-regulation system, including the HPA axis, which controls cortisol and nervous system activity.

In dogs, ashwagandha has been studied for supporting lower cortisol levels, improved fear and anxiety behaviors, and better stress resilience with consistent daily use. It works best over time, not as a quick fix. In Balance + Calm, ashwagandha supports calm behavior, focus, and long-term nervous system balance.

Yes, medicinal mushrooms like reishi and chaga are generally safe for dogs when properly sourced, prepared, and served at appropriate doses. They are commonly used in integrative veterinary care for immune support, antioxidant protection, gut health, and healthy aging.

Reishi and chaga contain beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes that help support immune modulation, meaning they help the immune system regulate itself rather than overstimulating it. If your dog has a compromised immune system, takes immunosuppressant medication, or has a serious medical condition, consult your veterinarian before use.

Superfoods for humans and dogs share the same basic idea: nutrient-dense whole foods that provide benefits beyond basic nutrition. Ingredients like blueberries, strawberries, chia seeds, beetroot, and ginger can support antioxidant protection, digestion, circulation, and immune health in both humans and dogs.

The difference is digestion and formulation. Dogs process foods differently, so ingredients must be selected, prepared, and dosed for canine physiology. We use dog-appropriate superfoods in forms that are easier for dogs to digest and absorb, creating treats that support wellness without unnecessary fillers or human-focused ingredients.

We formulate based on veterinary research, integrative practice, body weight, and appropriate therapeutic ranges, not token marketing amounts. Functional ingredients need to be included at meaningful levels to provide real support.

For ingredients like ashwagandha, we calculate the amount needed to support stress reduction and nervous system balance, then build the serving recommendation around dog weight. That is why we recommend 1 bone per 15 lbs of body weight. Each treat is designed to deliver functional support through consistent daily use, while staying within safe serving guidelines.

Most dogs can safely enjoy our treats, but you should consult your veterinarian if your dog takes medication or has a diagnosed health condition. This is especially important for dogs taking anxiety medication, seizure medication, thyroid medication, immunosuppressants, blood thinners, or long-term prescriptions.

Herbs and medications are often used together in integrative veterinary care, but coordination matters. Ashwagandha may affect calming or thyroid medications. Medicinal mushrooms may affect immune-related treatment plans. Liver-supportive herbs may influence how medications are processed. We are not replacing veterinary care. We are supporting it responsibly.

We use both because they offer different but complementary ways to support dog wellness. Western nutrition helps identify specific compounds, such as anthocyanins in blueberries, nitrates in beetroot, or gingerols in ginger, and explains how they support the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at how ingredients work together over time to support balance, energy, circulation, digestion, and organ systems. Dandelion root supports liver function in both frameworks. Beetroot supports blood and circulation. Ginger supports digestion. Our formulas combine modern research with traditional plant wisdom for whole-body support.

Our treats are made with limited, organic, whole-food ingredients and do not contain common animal proteins like chicken or beef. They are also free from corn, wheat, soy, dairy, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, and fillers, making them a cleaner option for many dogs with sensitivities.

However, no treat is universally allergy-safe. Dogs with peanut allergies should avoid our treats because they contain organic peanut butter. Dogs with oat sensitivities should also avoid them. If your dog has severe food allergies, anaphylaxis history, or a prescription diet, review the full ingredient list with your veterinarian before use.

Lab tested means we verify our finished treats for glyphosate contamination, not just the raw ingredients before baking. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide and is a concern in many conventional crops, including oats.

We test the actual finished product because that is what your dog eats. Our treats are made with organic ingredients and certified glyphosate-free oats, but we still verify through testing because ingredient claims alone are not enough. This gives pet parents more confidence that our treats are clean, safe, and aligned with our quality standards.

We source certified organic ingredients with traceability and documentation, then manufacture our treats in small batches in Colorado. Small-batch production allows for better quality control, fresher ingredients, and closer oversight throughout the process.

Every ingredient we use has a purpose, whether it supports digestion, immunity, stress balance, circulation, skin health, or overall wellness. We also test finished products for glyphosate contamination to verify the cleanliness of the final treat. Our goal is not to make the cheapest dog treat. It is to make a clean, functional treat we would feel confident feeding every day.