Looking for simple, natural ways to boost your pet’s health and vitality? Try adding these 5 superfoods to your dog or cat’s diet!
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, phytonutrients (plant chemicals) that offer a variety of health benefits, including: anti-inflammatory properties; fighting cancer by reducing cancer cell proliferation and inhibiting tumor formation; improving memory; helping protect the heart. Blueberries also contain a phytochemical compound called pterostilbene, which in animal studies has been shown to contain potent anti-cancer properties.
2. Coconut Oil
Unlike the long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) found in most saturated fats, coconut oil contains primarily medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which convey numerous health benefits, including: improving digestion; helping with weight loss; soothing the skin and coat; providing a rapid form of non-carbohydrate energy; and improving brain function in older dogs. Use sparingly, however, as too much fat can pack on the pounds and create a risk of pancreatitis.
3. Fish Oil
Fish oil is rich in the essential omega-3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are highly anti-inflammatory, helping combat a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis, cancer, and obesity. Puppies supplemented with fish oil experience better cognitive ability, psychomotor skills and retinal function. Opt for a human-grade fish oil supplement made from small, low-mercury fish, such as sardines and anchovies.
4. Raw Honey
Raw honey is unpasteurized and so retains important antioxidants, minerals, natural enzymes and phytonutrients destroyed during heating. Raw honey is an alkaline-forming food and contains powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Consult with your veterinarian if your dog or cat is diabetic or overweight – one tablespoon contains about 17 grams of sugar and 70 calories. Never feed raw honey to puppies or kittens because it can become contaminated with a botulism-related toxin; adult pets are not affected.
5. Spirulina
Spirulina is a class of microscopic blue-green algae that grows in warm, fresh water. Spirulina contains many important nutrients, such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, gamma linolenic acid and superoxide dismutase (a potent free radical scavenger). Spirulina gets its blue color from phycocyanin (C-PC), a compound with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-cancer and liver-protective properties. Add about a quarter teaspoon per cup of food.
Originally posted 2018-01-16 14:57:24.
