Naturally Healthy Dogs
Herbs and Foods for Your Dog's Heart

March 1, 2013

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In this issue:

• Herbs and Foods for Your Dog's Heart
• Product Pick - Young at Heart for Dog Heart Disease
• Recipe - Bison Jambalaya

In humans, heart disease is the number one killer in many countries; but did you know that heart disease is also rather prevalent in the canine world?

In dogs, heart diseases can be congenital or acquired. Congenital heart diseases in dogs are rather rare. However, acquired canine heart diseases are quite prevalent and can be caused by bacterial infections, heartworm infestations, hormonal disease (e.g. hypothyroidism), and nutritional deficiencies.

Symptoms to look out for:

• Coughing (especially at night or early in the morning).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Gums turn blue from a lack of oxygen, especially during exercise.
• Appetite loss.
• Lethargy and exercise intolerance.
• Swollen limbs and bloated belly.
• Stumbling or fainting.

If your dog is unfortunately diagnosed with heart disease, conventional treatment is of course essential. However, a home prepared diet and use of some herbs can largely complement the conventional treatment.

Foods, Herbs, and Supplements For Your Dog's Heart

• Bison: Lower in fat than beef and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Blueberries/Cranberries: Rich in resveratrol, which is a natural compound that, amongst other things, helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Green Beans and Tomatoes: Protect the heart and promote artery health.
• Brazil Nuts: Packed with selenium, a trace element that helps heart function.
• Kelp: Supports heart health.
• Wild Salmon Oil: Rich in EPA and DHA, 2 omega-3 fatty acids that assist heart function.
• Hawthorn: Contains phytochemicals that help improve blood flow to the heart and promote pumping action of the heart muscle. "The" herb for congestive heart failure.
• Chamomile: Has a strengthening or "tonic" effect on the heart.
• Coenzyme Q10: Acts as an antioxidant that makes the heart muscle stronger thereby improving heart muscle oxygenation.
• Vitamins A, B6, C, and E: Act as antioxidants that help remove free radicals from the body, thus preventing damage caused to the heart by the free radicals.

Even if your dog has a healthy heart, it doesn't hurt to add some of these food items to his diet and, especially if your dog is getting on in age, give him some of the heart-supporting supplements listed above.

Young at Heart for Dog Heart Disease is a natural herbal formula that contains not only the herb Hawthorn, but also a number of other heart-supporting herbs including the Chinese herbs Fo-ti root, Schisandra fruit and Gotu kola, which have been used for years in China and Asia for cardiovascular support. Together, these herbs have a gentle action on the body to support the total health of the heart - the muscle, valves and blood vessels.

Check it out!

This heart-healthy "Jambalaya" is not only delicious, easy to make, but most importantly contains a lot of goodies that help support your dog's heart.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground bison meat
• 1/4 cup minced liver
• 1 cup finely grated sweet potato
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 cups vegetable and fruit puree (e.g. green beans, celery, carrots, blueberries, cranberries)
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 large fresh Shiitake mushroom
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kelp powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring stock to a boil.
2. Add sweet potato, stirring gently to avoid sticking, and turn heat down to simmer. Cover the pot and leave for 5 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients, combine thoroughly, bring heat back up to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and turn the heat back down to simmer for 40 minutes.
4. Cool, then transfer to containers for storage in the refrigerator or freezer.
5. Serve at room temperature. You can sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.