When it comes to adaptogens, Rhodiola is a very special one. This unique herb holds a whole host of benefits, many of which benefit our pets and ourselves. Let’s explore this herb and all the benefits it lends to our pets!
What is Rhodiola?
Rhodiola is an herb that primarily grows in mountainous regions of Asia and Europe; it loves cold and unforgiving environments. Most plants would never tolerate such a stressful environment. Still, Rhodiola can thrive in them, which is interesting, considering its primary mechanism of action is to help the body manage stress! Rhodiola is a succulent, like cactus, with a bright yellow/green flowering top. It’s also commonly referred to as “arctic root,” “golden root,” or “king’s crown.” Rhodiola has been used for centuries. It was once considered a military secret in Soviet Europe when it was used to give soldiers energy and help them with stress on the battlefield.
Benefits of Rhodiola for Dogs & Pets
Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt and respond more appropriately to stress. It is widely used to support the body’s response to stress, promote emotional balance, and support healthy energy levels. Rhodiola is also commonly used to support mental clarity, focus, and physical performance and mental endurance.
Another hallmark feature of Rhodiola is its ability to support a healthy inflammatory balance and cellular stress response by inhibiting inflammation-related enzymes and reducing inflammatory markers like CRP (C-reactive protein) and LPS (lipopolysaccharide). This makes this herb a true powerhouse for naturally supporting both people and their pets.
All of these benefits can be useful for our pets. Rhodiola for dogs and pets may help support a calm, balanced stress response in pets during periods of environmental or emotional stress. If the stress is chronic/long-term, Rhodiola can be beneficial in helping to balance the gut and body over time. It can also support mental sharpness and healthy energy levels, which may be especially helpful for senior pets. Of course, all animals can benefit from improved endurance since “motion is lotion,” and an active lifestyle is one of the pillars of longevity in our pets.
MycoDog Digest with Rhodiola
Stress heavily impacts the gut since our neurotransmitters originate in the gut. Chronic stress will invariably lead to gut issues. Fortunately, in our blends like Digest, we focus on supporting both chronic stress and gut issues in one formula, as part of a holistic wellness approach.
Since the gut is the center of our immune, inflammatory, and stress response, we formulated our Digest blend with Rhodiola to support these interconnected systems. By combining adaptogens traditionally used to support gut integrity and resilience, you truly get to the root of the issue, addressing your pet’s poor gut health while actively helping the body manage stress more appropriately.
Is Rhodiola Safe for Dogs & Cats?
Rhodiola is widely used in animal wellness formulas and is generally considered well-tolerated when used appropriately. Rhodiola for dogs and pets is most often included in small, carefully formulated amounts as part of a broader blend designed to support stress response, energy balance, and overall resilience.
As with any botanical, quality, sourcing, and formulation matter. Rhodiola for dogs, cats and pets should also be used thoughtfully, starting low and using products specifically formulated for pets helps ensure it’s used in a way that supports the body rather than overwhelms it.
When incorporated responsibly into pet-specific blends, Rhodiola can be a gentle, supportive tool for dogs and cats navigating everyday stress and lifestyle demands.
Sourcing Rhodiola for Pets
As with all of the ingredients in MycoDog’s products, sourcing is just as important as the formulation. Because Rhodiola has traditionally been wild-harvested, responsible sourcing is especially important. Ethical suppliers prioritize cultivated or sustainably harvested plants to protect native populations and ensure long-term availability.
Final Thoughts
Rhodiola is one of nature’s best-kept secrets, as it has many seriously excellent benefits. For our pets, a little goes a long way in supporting digestive balance, a healthy stress response, and overall cognitive wellness. If you're looking for a dog or cat safe rhodiola, check out MycoDog Digest or MycoCat Digest, where functional mushrooms and adaptogens support gut resilience and stress-related balance as part of a comprehensive wellness approach.
About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino, a certified fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. She is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.
Angela is the founder and formulator behind Hemp Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.
Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.
