Yucca For Dogs

Yucca root is widely used in dog food as well as in other pet foods. It is an herb that is highly nutritive as it is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, protein, niacin, and phosphorus. Yucca contains two very beneficial compounds: sarsasapogenin and smilagenin. These two compounds work on the mucous membranes of the small intestine. These compounds help with the penetration and absorption of minerals and vitamins. Sarsasapogenin and Smilagenin are known as steroidal saponins (phytosterols), which act as precursors to corticosteroids produced naturally by the body.

Steroidal-saponins support the immune function of the body while stimulating and supporting the production of its own corticosteroids and corticosteroid–related hormones. Due to this action, studies conducted on yucca have shown that it may be beneficial and effective for discomfort and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Yucca may also be effective as an appetite booster in dogs and may also help reduce the production of urease, which contributes to the unpleasant odors of urine and feces in some dogs.