“There’s a reason dogs beg at the table.  Maybe they’re begging us to feed them better.” – Eric Letendre, Dog trainer for 25 years

 

While the average vet says kibble is just fine as food… I’ve heard much compelling evidence that it’s simply not enough for a truly healthy doggie diet.  My sister started doing research, and I’ve compiled so much of what was found and put into practice to optimize a doggie diet.

I’m so in love with the fur kids, this research was so big and motivating to see.

To start, Purdue University conducted a study in 2005 where they tested the benefits of vegetables in dog diets in relation to the prevention of cancer. They had two subject groups; Scottish terriers that only ate dry kibble and Scottish terriers that received dry kibble mixed with different vegetables 3 times a week.

The results, reported HERE:  “Dogs that ate any green leafy vegetables, like broccoli, had reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer by 90% and the dogs that consumed any yellow – orange vegetables like carrots reduced the risk by 70%! “

Epigenetics Are True For Animals, Too!

In reading the book SuperGenes, I learned so much about the intensive links between lifestyle and our genetics.  Genetics are expressed based on lifestyle.  If you live your best life in balance, the incidence of negative gene expression drops dramatically.

Same goes for animals.

One huge part of this is the microbiome.  That is: the biology of your gut.

You can learn more about the microbiome online HERE, but suffice it to say, it’s your gut ecology.

Eating tons of fruit and veggies (prebiotics) feed the healthy bacteria that reduce inflammation in the body.  Couple that with adding powerful probiotics (yogurt, supplements) and you’re winning big points for a healthy microbiome.

This is true for animals, too!

A pet probiotic and lots of fruit and veggies makes a big difference.

Rodney Habib, a native Canadian, went out on a mission to discover why there was a growing incidence rate of cancer in dogs. This mission began after his dog Sammie, was diagnosed with cancer. He wanted to explore the reasons why some dogs live very long lives while others do not. What he discovered was the main culprit of cancer causing agents were not genetic, but rather a part of the dog’s lifestyle, particularly large amounts of processed dog food.

Here is Rodney Habib’s TEDx talk on keeping your dog’s alive longer, entitled, “Why don’t dog’s live forever?”

Thomas Sandberg began conducting one on the most extensive longitudinal studies on canine and cat health as it relates to their diet, and after 15 years it’s only halfway completed. Thus far, he has deduced that dogs that eat raw meat, and organ meats have a stronger immune system, promoting a healthier, longer life.  You can learn more about his work here. 

Here are some fruits and veggies that are great for a dog’s health and longevity: 

Parsley: Parsley can naturally freshen up you dog’s dog breath. It halso has many nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron and limonene (the component that kills the bacteria that causes bad breath.) If you feed this to your dog,  give them only a small amount as it’s potent.

Cantaloupe: These melons are rich in beta carotene and Vitamin A, which is great for a dog’s eyesight and the prevention of cancer.

Spinach: This leafy vegetable is rich in iron and can help as a preventative measure for cancer, cardiovascular problems, and inflammation issues.

Green Beans: This vegetable is super good for your dog. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, C and K as well as beta carotene. I cook these until they are soft and chop them up as a snack for the boys.

Apples: They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Always core and seed and I actually peel them too, since I’ve seen them get gulped down, even in tiny bites.

Sweet potatoes: These potatoes provide a rich source of vitamin E, A, B-6, calcium and iron. Bake an extra one and serve a bit of it with kibble over the course of a few days.

Blueberries: Blueberries are full of resveratrol, which help to fight against heart disease and cancer. Just a few will do the nutritional job.

Watermelon:  Dn’t feed the seeds… but the melon itself is fantastic.  This fruit is rich lycopene, a very powerful antioxidant that helps prevent against cancer and heart disease. It’s also loaded with vitamin A, C and B-6.

Brussel Sprouts: Brussel sprouts are full of Vitamin K, manganese, fiber, and B-6.

Pumpkin: Pumpkin can be a cure for doggy diarrhea and constipation. It’s also packed with vitamin A and antioxidants. I serve them actual cooked cubed pumpkin, boiled lightly and mashed up.  Canned pie filling pumpkin is a big NO.   Organic canned pumpkin is OK, but not really what you’ll want with so many other options.

You can learn much more HERE!

Want to get started with more fresh food for your fur kids? 

You can do a few blueberries, seeded slices of orange or cooked peas as treats.

You can make doggie gelatin in place of store-bought low calorie treats. 

And, after your do your own research- because portion control and balance are important-  you can start supplementing kibble with a daily dose of cooked or raw veggies and fruit, vitamins, yogurts and probiotics.

The boys love this so much!!!

Have fun feeding your dogs in waus that promote more of their own happy, healthy radiance! Their energy field has a deep affect on your own… and it’s pure love all-round!

xoxo Dana

**********************

Welcome to Creating Genius!
I spent the last year creating this e-guide to balancing and unblocking life by pulling together the best of a decade of space-changing and life-shifting feng shui! It’s 50 days and 50 ways to use feng shui to shift your space and your routines to move from “stuck” to creatively inspired and alive.

Start Creating Genius right HERE!

Gather up your magic & make gorgeous dreams come true!

xoxo Dana