5 great food toppers
Turmeric/Curcumin
Turmeric/curcumin has been shown to act in a number of ways to prevent the growth or spread of cancer cells for many different types of cancer. It works as an anti-inflammatory, as an antioxidant, and by encouraging cancer cell death. Despite the bright yellow colour, it has very little flavour or odour, making it very easy to sneak into your dog’s dinner. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon daily for every 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil speeds healing, improves skin, coat, and digestion, and helps with allergies. It supports healthy immune response and has an antiinflammatory effect. As well, coconut oil’s medium-chain fatty acids have been shown to improve brain function and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that negatively affects brain health in older dogs. Start by giving 1/8 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight daily. Check out Oscar Newman’s organic all-natural coconut products, from oil to coconut chips, made especially for pets (cocotherapy.com).
Chia
Chia, an ancient seed and a super one at that, truly deserves the label “superfood.” Chia has more than three times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as salmon. It is also high in fiber, promoting healthy bowel movements, aiding in constipation woes, and promoting weight loss. And that’s not all. It contains loads of iron, magnesium, and calcium (more than whole milk!), as well as phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, and zinc. Plus, it keeps well (unlike flax seed) and has no taste/odour so it can effortlessly be added to a picky dog’s dinner. Add 1/8 teaspoon ground chia daily for every 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight. Ch-ch-ch-chia, indeed.
Flax seed
Flax seed, either ground or oil, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, great for skin, coat, and a whole lot more. Additionally, flax seed (as opposed to flax seed oil) is a source of fiber. Because it is all but tasteless, it can easily be sprinkled atop your dog’s dinner as well as added to your breakfast smoothie for a nutritional boost. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly; be sure to store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air-tight dark container. Flax seed oil is a more concentrated form of omega-3 fatty acids without the fiber. It has a light, pleasing taste, perfect for drizzling a 1/2 teaspoon atop both your steamed veggies and your dog’s dinner.
Fish oil
If there’s one thing you should be adding to your dog’s dinner, this is it. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are good for all manner of ailments, from poor skin and coat health to cancer—they play an important role in any cancer fighting regimen due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega- 3’s also promote healthy cells, joints, and immune system function, as well as cardiovascular function, brain health, and normal eye function. It’s a wonder supplement! Try Iceland Pure’s human-grade fish oils for dogs, Biologic Vet’s BioFats Omega 3-6-9 blend, or DHA Gold’s sustainable marine-algae derived omega-3 sprinkle. While you’re at it, get yourself an omega-3 supplement to take daily. It’s good for you, too.
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