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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Good Eats

If you are going to feed your dog(s) "people" food, shouldn't you feed them something that is actually good for them?

We've compiled a list of six healthy, easily obtainable items that can be found straight from your markets shelves or from your local farmers market and can be added to your usual dogs meal. Remember, most dogs will eat just about anything but can be surprisingly fussy about new foods being added to their bowls. Start with small portions and see how it goes.

(Just a side note, we like to buy from our local farmers market. We always buy from those farmers that are chemical-free so that we are not ingesting harmful pesticides. Most of these will not be available at your farmers market but it is always fun to peruse the other fruits and veggies with your two-leggers.)

Ready...?


Here we go!

1. BANANA
They are high in potassium, which is great for muscle and blood vessel function as well as regulating the acidity of body fluids, full of fiber, which is a handle remedy for diarrhea or constipation, loaded with magnesium, which is important for energy and protein building, along with lots of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) which helps metabolize proteins and regulates blood cell function. That means more oxygen to the brain and muscles. They also contain Vitamin C which is an antioxidant that protects cells and builds cartilage. So mush a banana into your kibble but just a side note, the compounds in bananas that give them their distinct banana smell are
offensive to some dogs. Try sharing a bite with your two-legger first to see if you are okay with the scent.

2. SWEET POTATO
Sweet! We love these guys! They are loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin C and carotenoids along with other antioxidants and phytochemicals. They are full of pyridoxine, potassium, fiber and magnesium, and are also good sources of copper, iron and manganese. Boil them first and then mash them up with a little safflower or olive oil. Don't worry about the oils. They are not harmful and in actuality, dogs need fats and handle them better than humans do.


3. RUTABAGA
Ruta-who? We can honestly say that we have never tried these jewels yet. They should be peeled, boiled and mashed just like the yummy sweet potato. Don't forget the oil with these turnip-looking beauties. They have high levels of Vitamin C, potassium and carotenoids which will aid eye health. They are also important to immune systems along with containing phytochemicals which are known to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases associated with aging. Rutabaga... who would have thought?


Moving on to #4



4. YOGURT

Only the yummiest creation ever (at least in our book)! We love yogurt! Loaded with probiotics, it improves our gut functions. It contains a number of nutrients like protein, calcium, Vitamin B12, phosphorus, zinc, potassium and iodine, along with riboflavin and pantothenic acid. Just a dollop will do. Sometimes when we have to take medicine, it is hidden in a dollop of yogurt. Makes the medicine taste much better!



5. FLAX SEEDS
These little seeds pack a punch! They are known for their alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content which benefits our coats, skin, bone and brain function. This is why we are soooooo smart! They are high in fiber and lignans which may be beneficial for insulin action. Other benefits are that they are a great source of copper, manganese, phosphorus, pyridoxine, magnesium and B vitamin folate. Use either a teaspoon of flax seed oil or grind the seeds up and add them to any meal for a nutty goodness.


(Whew. This is a long post for us. Our paws are getting tired.)



6. SALMON
Yep! Just as good for dogs as it is for humans. Salmon is loaded with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids - wonderful for our skin, coat and brains as well as helping to limit arthritic pain and other chronic canine conditions. A few pieces of cooked salmon added to any meal is awesome! Dogs also like to eat it cold or dehydrated like jerky. If you are suffering from arthritis, ask your vet if fish oil in capsule form daily might help.

We hope we have given you a lot of great information. Next time your people cook, ask them to share their good food with you. Be healthy and be happy!

19 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

I've not had rutabaga (Mom has and says YUM!!!) or flax seeds.

All the other items get a FLOOF from my fluffy tail!

Tank woo fur sharing this tasty list!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Anonymous said...

good info... I worry about the dogs who are allowed to eat junk food.

Cowspotdog said...

those are good foods....I eat a sweet potato and venison mix (it is all my tummy will accept) - but I do like dried banana

Mack said...

Salmom...oh yeah!!

Rutabaga....hmmmm... I don't know about that one!

Two French Bulldogs said...

Guess what..we love these foods. I don't think we ever tried that thing called rutabaga. You try it first
Benny & Lily

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Wow, maybe my Mom will let me try some "good for me" people food!!

Thank you Smileys!
Dory

Martha said...

We like salmon but so far have refused all other 'good' things like bananas and carrots.
We have never heard of ratabaga - sounds like a back condition!
Thanks for the post of healthy snacks - mum is going to try the yoghurt!
love
Martha & Bailey xxx

Mr. Puggle® said...

oh wow! great info! is it okay to give the potato raw? if i slice it up in little thing long sticks? so he doesn't choke? i do that with carrots and he loves it. i learned the carrot trick from Coco the pug at http://pugnetwork.blogspot.com/

Mr. Puggle® said...

forgot to click the email follow up comments box so that i will know when you answer. :)

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

Mmmm! I love bananas. And salmon (although Mom is very careful about de-boning it for me). I'll have to talk to her about the rest of the items on this list - they sound quite tasty!

*kissey face*
-Fiona

Ms. ~K said...

Most of those foods are yummy for the tummy, but Rama says we don't have to eat ruta-whatevers because she hates them too!
Wrooo wrooo!

Life With Dogs said...

I will be trying many if not all of these. Thanks for a great post.

And if you have a sec Friday, I have a little something for you. :)

Brind'Amour Clumbers said...

Mmmmmmmmmmm, they all look so good!!!! But, where's the cookies???

Wiggles,
Brind'Amour

Tiffany and the Munchkins said...

Great info! Thanks for sharing. We are going to tell our Mom right now all about this. We pretty much never get people food, but maybe now this will encourage her and Dad to share!

Chihuahua kisses,
Bentley & Lexus

Joe Stains said...

YUM I will take one of each please!!

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

those Ruta whota thingys are good. My mom and dad like them cut up in veggie soup even.
You three should start a doggie dietition blog. Gooood Eats.
I see that Bree & Reilly love what I do. Nothing better on my hill than a super supper of deer and sweet potatoes. LOVE EM.
I just hope my dad brings more deer in this year than last. he he he

Tiffany and the Munchkins said...

Hi Guys. We just wanted to let you all know that we just nominated you for an award. Stop by our blog and check it out.

Chihuahua kisses,
Bentley & Lexus

Bijou said...

Hi,

I am one of those dogs who sometimes gets "hooman/junk" food. Mom usually makes sure we only eat foods that are good for us, but thinks we deserve a special treat once in awhile. Like the ice cream the other night.

One thing we love to eat that isn't on your list is baby carrots. They are so yummy!

Wags & wiggles,
Bijou

Olive said...

Wonderful information!! THe treats you sell look yummy too. I love Salmon and really believe in the benefits of Omega 3's. Eat bananas every morning on our walks too ..

Thanks again...Have a wooferful day!