Naturally Healthy Dogs
Superfoods for Your Dogs

October, 2011

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Natural Dog Health Remedies

In this issue:

• Superfoods for Your Dogs
• Don't Lose Your Dog During Halloween
• Superfood Recipes
• Aromatherapy Recipe - Calming Blend

Did you know that some "superfoods", especially those containing phytochemicals, that are good for us are also good for our canine friends? It's not too surprising actually because phytochemicals work at a cellular level, and since canine cells function almost exactly the same way as human cells, foods with phytochemicals are good for dogs too.

Phytochemicals are organic compounds found in plants. They are beneficial because they both prevent and fight disease. For example, certain phytochemicals can boost the immune system. Others help cells remove carcinogens and toxins much more quickly - before these toxins can cause any permanent DNA damage.

So what are some superfoods that our dogs can safely eat? Here are some that can easily be found in most of our fridges:

Broccoli

Broccoli is packed with vitamins (especially high in vitamin C and folate) and minerals and is rich in fiber. It also contains high levels of sulforaphane which has anticancerous, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. Several studies suggest that adding broccoli to our dogs' diets may reduce the risk of cancer development. One quick way to get your dog to eat broccoli is to remove the stems and cut them into bone-sized pieces and use them as snacks. My dog loves them!

Kale

This veggie is jam-packed with cartenoids which are free radical scavengers. Kale is also rich in sulforaphane and various other compounds that have anticancerous properties. Boiling kale decreases the level of sulforaphane; however, steaming, microwaving, or stir-frying do not seem to result in significant loss. Kale should be cooked (steamed or sauteed) and preferably pureed or finely-chopped before feeding to dogs.

Spinach

Feeding your dog spinach may not make him as strong as Popeye, but it sure will boost his immune system, protect his vision, and enhance his skin health. Spinach is rich in vitamin A, iron, and calcium, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies also suggest that spinach's glycolipids may help prevent tumor development. In addition, the galactolipids in spinach have been found to prevent inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Spinach should be cooked (steamed or sauteed) and preferably pureed or finely-chopped before feeding to dogs.

Berries

All berries are packed with phytochemicals that work to prevent cancer. For example, red raspberries, blueberries and strawberries contain ellagic acid which can slow and sometimes even stop tumor growth. Black raspberries contain high concentrations of anthocyanins, which can slow malignant cell growth and cut off blood supply to cancerous tumors. Most dogs like the tastes of berries. For the really finicky few, try mixing 1/4 cup fresh or frozen and defrosted berries into 1/2 cup of plain yogurt.

(There are a couple of recipes in the Recipe Section below that may give you some ideas as to how to serve these superfoods to your doggies.)

Please also visit our page on Canine Cancer Prevention to see what else you can do to prevent canine cancer.

It's that time of year again. Yes - I am talking about Halloween!

While Halloween can be a fun time for people, it is a stressful and potentially dangerous time for our dogs. It has been reported that a large number of dogs become lost every year around Halloween, mainly because it is easy for a dog to dash outside the house while the door is being opened for trick-or-treaters.

So, before getting yourself (or your dog) a Halloween costume, make sure that first of all he has proper, up-to-date ID such as a microchip or a tag.

If your dog does not have a microchip, consider this slide-on ID tag with engraved "QR code". You can keep up-to-date information on your dog (e.g. new address, medical info, etc.) on a designated profile page which you can access anytime. The "QR code" can be scanned by anyone with any Smartphone (such as Apple iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Microsoft Windows Mobile, and others).

Here are two simple superfood recipes for your dogs:

Spinach Basil Pesto

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen spinach (thawed)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 teaspoons basil
• 3 teaspoons parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

• Thaw the frozen spinach by placing it in a microwaveable bowl and microwaving it for 2 minutes.
• Transfer the spinach into a blender or food processor, and add the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• If the pesto is too thick, add a small amount of water.

This pesto makes a nice and healthy topping on your dog's food.

Healthy Omelette

Ingredients:

• 3-4 eggs
• 1/4 cup kale (finely-chopped)
• 1/4 cup broccoli (finely-chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

• Beat the eggs.
• Mix in the kale and the broccoli.
• Add oil to a pan and scramble the mix over medium heat.
• Let cool and serve.

This essential oil blend is effective in calming dogs who are nervous; who show fear of people, loud noises, and things; as well as dogs who have separation anxiety. If your dog gets nervous and stressed out on Halloween, try using this blend to calm her down. (Adapted from "Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals" by Kristen Leigh Bell):

• 1/2 oz (15 ml) base oil such as sweet almond oil
• 3 drops Valerian essential oil
• 4 drops Petitgrain essential oil
• 4 drops Sweet Marjoram essential oil
• 2 drops Sweet Orange essential oil

Mix well and store in a dark glass bottle. Apply 1-6 drops of the blend (depending on the size of the dog) to the tips of the ears, neck and chest of the dog via gentle massage.