People often ask me what I feed my dogs. I’m by no means a nutritionist but I’m happy to share what I give them and why. Most of the time they’re fed a complete food 80/10/10 (meat/bone/offal) with a few additives but sometimes I feel creative or just want the dinner to be more interesting for them (is that even possible?).
These are few foods I give my dogs on a regular basis:
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin Seeds are an effective deworming agent because they contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin. This paralyzes the worms making them easily eliminated from the intestine. I grind them into a fine powder and add them to my dogs’ food. I give half teaspoon to my Lakelands, ¾ of a teaspoon to my Scotties, and 1 teaspoon to my Airedale. So it’s about ¼ tsp per 10lb or 4.5 kg of weight. I give this to them a few times a week but if they have worms I’ll do it once or twice a day until the parasites are gone. Pumpkin seeds are safe for pregnant dogs.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a more potent source of antioxidants than any other fruit and they also lower blood sugar and decrease chronic inflammation. They are also nutritious and rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as trace minerals.
Turmeric
Also known as Indian saffron, turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years in alternative medicine. It’s commonly used in Ayurveda medicine for wound healing and treating skin problems, although there is more to it. It was proven that curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, was stronger and more effective in people with arthritis than ibuprofen. Curcumin worked well as a painkiller without gastrointestinal problems and side effects.
Curcumin is able to block enzymes supporting the growth of tumors and it has been proven it can help as preventative care and as a support treatment in cancer, including prostate, skin, and colon cancer. It is the most researched component of turmeric, and it also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
So, how much should you give your dog?
¼ teaspoon of finely grated root for 4kg of body weight.
Kefir
Here are some amazing benefits of Kefir for dogs.
- Antibiotic and antifungal properties.
- Helps prevent allergies.
- Promotes healthy skin.
- Strengthens the digestive system.
- Helps with heartburn, gas, irritable bowel and upset stomach.
- Can counteract bad breath.
I use plain, unflavoured kefir and I feed roughly 1-2 teaspoons daily to my Scotties and Lakelands and 1 tablespoon for Richard.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is useful for fighting off tapeworms. This is because compounds in pomegranate help expel worms from the digestive tract.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
I also give my dogs raw organic apple cider vinegar. ACV may be able to help with regulating blood sugar levels in your dog.
The acetic acid in ACV helps reduce high blood pressure.
ACV has antimicrobial properties and can help restrict the growth of toxic bacteria and yeast.
ACV may be able to help your dog keep his mind sharp. Studies show that foods that contain phenolic compounds can help lower Alzheimer’s risk in humans. So they could help protect your dog from Canine Cognitive Disorder (CCD). ACV has a number of these phenolic compounds.
ACV can lower the risk of obesity-related diseases.
We know that gut health is essential to our dog’s overall health because nearly 90% of our dog’s immune system is in his gut. The fermentation process used for raw ACV makes it a useful prebiotic. ACV’s prebiotic properties support the good bacteria in the gut, helping with digestion and keeping the gut nice and healthy.
How much apple cider vinegar should I give my dog?
The first thing you need to know is that you should not give your dog undiluted ACV. Always mix it into his water or food. Give the following daily amount depending on the size of your dog:
1 tsp for dogs up to 6kg
2 tsp for dogs 6 – 15 kg
1 tbsp for dogs 15 – 20kg
Please note when you use apple cider vinegar internally or topically, remember to watch your dog for any adverse reactions. Some dogs can be sensitive to ACV may vomit or get itchy skin. Consult with your vet.
What do you give your dog on regular basis?
Jitka xx