Detoxification is a hot topic these days, and rightly so. It helps you rid your body of harmful toxins and leave you with more energy, a boosted immune system, and healthier skin, nails, and hair. But detoxification isn’t just for humans, your pets need to rid their bodies of toxins as well. This is where activated charcoal powder treats can help you out.

Food-grade activated charcoal is a safe and natural way to help detoxify your pet’s system. You can find activated charcoal in the form of capsules and tablets as well, but who has the patience to grind them out with a mortar and pestle? Activated charcoal powder is easy to use, versatile, and can be made with a mix of different flavors.

Read on as we discuss the benefits of using activated charcoal powder treats for your dogs and instructions on how to use the powder effectively.

Why Activated Charcoal Treats are Good for Your Dog (and other pets)

All dogs are scavengers by nature. They like to go outside and eat everything in their way which may include harmful substances like insecticides, chocolates, dried fruits, and other things that may be dangerous for them. This may lead to food poisoning which in turn may cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and more. One way to make your dog feel better is to give it treats made with activated charcoal powder.

Activated charcoal is made from burning natural carbon sources like wood at high temperatures. The heat ‘activates’ the carbon by creating crevices or pores around its surface that bind toxins in them. When activated charcoal is ingested, it adsorbs any toxins in the intestinal tract through its pores and speeds up the digestion process. So any toxins ingested by your dogs are adsorbed by the charcoal and passed through its system naturally.

Here are some other reasons why activated charcoal treats are good for your dogs:

• It can help reduce 80% of toxins from your dog’s system.
• It can help remove your dog’s bad breath.
• It can help prevent gas and flatulence in dogs.
• It can be used to soothe itchy skin when used while bathing your dog.
• It promotes better digestion.

How to Make Activated Charcoal Powder Dog Treats

Dogs love all kinds of treats, but when they’re feeling down due to indigestion, you might need to get creative with what you put in front of them. Here are two quick and easy activated charcoal powder dog treat recipes that your dogs will devour. 

Dog Biscuits for Constipation Relief

When it comes to dog treats, you can never go wrong with biscuits.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/8 cup Zen Principle Coconut Activated Charcoal Powder
• 1/8 cup dried parsley
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/8 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F
2. Mix flour, parsley, and charcoal in a large bowl.
3. Beat egg and stir in canola oil, chicken broth, milk, and water.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
5. Stir until thoroughly combined.
6. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Using a one-inch cookie scoop, scoop balls onto your prepared baking sheet.
8. Use a drinking glass dipped in water and flatten each ball into a cookie shape.

Optional: You can use dog cookie cutters, too.

1. Bake for 25 minutes.
2. Turn off the oven and leave the charcoal dog biscuits in the oven to cool overnight.
3. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. You can store them for up to 6 months.

Puppy Popsicles

Yummy treats that will make your dog’s upset tummy get better.

Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup Zen Principle Coconut Activated Charcoal Powder
• 1 cup Peanut Butter
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• Puppy Chew sticks
• Puppy bones
• Banana
• Dixie cups (or small cups)
• Blender

Directions:

1. Mix the peanut butter, greek yogurt, honey, and banana in a blender. Puree it until it is a thick creamy consistency. 
2. Spoon the mixture into your little cups until they are 3/4 full.
3. Stick a bone or a chew halfway out of the cup, like a wooden stick for a popsicle!
4. Freeze for at least four hours or overnight. 
5. Unwrap the cups, and let your pups go wild!

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of charcoal powder for dogs depends on the weight of your dog. Research published in the Journal of Veterinary and Critical Care recommends that you should give one to five grams per kilogram of your dog’s weight. For specific dosage requirements please consult your veterinarian before giving activated charcoal to your dog.

Limitations of Activated Charcoal 

As with every substance, there are certain limitations associated with activated charcoal for dogs. Here are some points you need to be mindful of when giving activated charcoal treats to your dogs:

• It isn’t effective against all kinds of toxins. Some toxins like sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alcohol, ferrous sulphate, nitrates, petroleum distillates, caustic alkalis, and mineral acids will not be adsorbed by activated charcoal. 
• If you’re not careful about the dosage, activated charcoal might adsorb some of the essential nutrients from your dog’s body.
• Consistently giving high amounts of activated charcoal to your dogs may increase their sodium blood levels.
• Aspiration and vomiting are some of the risks associated with activated charcoal.

If you’re using activated charcoal as an ingredient in your dog’s treats for the first time, we suggest starting with a small amount and keeping an eye out for any adverse reactions after your dog eats the treat.

Final Thoughts

Activated charcoal powder treats are great for detoxifying your dog’s system. They also have a bunch of other benefits that can help your dog lead a healthier life. Activated charcoal is commonly used at the vet as well so you know that it is safe to give to your dog. However, it is important that you follow the dosage guidelines that your veterinarian recommends.