Noni Juice for Pets

Noni juice's uses include food and drink recipes, medicinal remedies, and even clothing dyes. When considering noni juice as a possible addition to a pet's diet, it's useful to consider the pet's specific health status and monitor current research into noni's potential uses, advantages and disadvantages.

  1. What Is Noni?

    • Noni is a shrublike evergreen tree originating in tropical regions like India, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Resembling a green potato with brown spots, noni is also known as the Indian mulberry. Its scientific name is Morinda citrifolia. In dietary and medicinal uses, many parts of the tree are consumed, including the fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and bark. The fruit of the noni is used to make noni juice, and the process usually involves fermenting the fruit for several weeks.

    Uses and Reputed Benefits

    • Noni juice is used for a range of ailments, and may help pets with same conditions. Noni juice is used to fight inflammatory issues like arthritis and muscle pains, circulatory problems, diabetes and ulcers. Its high potassium levels may help repair cells. It can also be applied to skin to soothe burns, sores, or wounds. According to Veterinary Practice News, other potential advantages include anti-tumor and fungal properties, and heart-protective qualities.

    Ancient Use, Modern Research

    • In native regions, noni has been used in food and medicine for over a thousand years. Today, numerous studies are underway, including one from the National Institute of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Results aren't yet available, but involve prostate and breast cancer research. Brian Issell, M.D. from the University of Hawaii is leading a clinical study, with early feedback reporting improved quality of life for his noni-drinking patients. This research includes humans, but pet parents might extrapolate for pet use.

    Potential Side Effects and Other Considerations

    • Research is still underway, so use noni with caution and keep your vet informed. Several cases of liver damage have been reported. Noni may cause abortions, so pregnant pets shouldn't consume it. Because of high potassium content, it's not suitable for pets with kidney problems. Noni juice is often mixed with other fruits which may pose dangers. Dogs, for example, shouldn't consume grapes, commonly used in noni mixtures. Noni's unpleasant smell and soaplike taste may leave your pet less than enthused about noni juice.