Alcohol vs. Glycerin: Is Your Pet’s Tincture Doing More Harm Than Good? with Greg Tilford

alcohol vs glycerin in pet tinctures supplements for dogs pets cats vegetable glycerin

By Angela Ardolino

Updated on June 18, 2025

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In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela is joined by renowned herbalist Greg Tilford, CEO and formulator of Animal Essentials. With over three decades of experience, Greg joins Angela to unpack the confusion around glycerin and alcohol in pet tinctures—explaining why glycerin is often misunderstood, how alcohol is sometimes necessary for proper extraction but is not the best option for finished pet products, and why palatability is key to effectiveness. Together, they explore the evolution of herbalism for pets, the importance of clean, simple formulations, and how truly holistic remedies support the body’s natural healing process. Learn why quality and intent matter when choosing herbal supplements for your pets.


Episode Recap:

  • The confusion surrounding glycerin as a preservative in pet products (1:10)
  • Clarifying glycerin grades: pharmaceutical (USP) vs. industrial (2:36)
  • Benefits of glycerin-based tinctures for pets over alcohol-based tinctures (7:00)
  • Understanding herbal remedies beyond chemicals: the importance of plant energetics (9:19)
  • Debunking tincture myths: glycerin, alcohol, and proper extraction explained (12:32)
  • Why alcohol in tinctures can be problematic for pets (16:57)
  • Holistic herbalism: supporting rather than forcing the body (19:28)
  • Misunderstanding the role of fevers and symptoms in natural healing (21:57)
  • The rise of informed, discerning pet parents in the holistic pet care market (22:50)
  • Hidden additives and inactive ingredients sabotaging pet wellness (26:56)
  • Synthetic additives in supplements are often for human appeal, not pet health (29:20)
  • How misleading labeling in pet products can harm pets (30:38)
  • Prioritizing purity and integrity over profits leads to lasting success (31:26)

Episode Resources:

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About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino Your Natural Dog Podcast

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

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 Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere. 

 

About Greg Tilford

Greg is CEO and formulator of Animal Essentials Inc., and serves as industry consultant and custom formulator for hundreds of veterinarians worldwide.  Animal Essentials and Greg Tilford are renowned for their integrity, quality, sustainable sourcing and green business practices. 

Greg has developed a global reputation as an expert on herbs and holistic care of pets. He serves as honorary advisor to the Japan Animal Wellness Association for international pet care professionals. Greg is a charter member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Animal Supplements Council (NASC). He founded the Animal Products Committee of the American Herbal Products Association designed to promote and protect responsible commerce of herbal products intended for use in animals. He has also served on Health Canada’s Expert Advisory Committee for Veterinary Natural Health Products.