Kangaroo (Chemical Free)

In 2010 kangaroo was declared by New Scientist magazine to be the best red meat on the planet. It is high in protein, low in fat, and also has the positive sustainability attributes (compared to beef) of not producing excessive methane and needing only minimal food and water.

One of the most amazing health attributes of kangaroo meat is its high levels of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs). CLA is a naturally occurring free fatty acid that is a powerful antioxidant that boosts overall health. CLAs help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, support the body in fighting cancer, and improve cholesterol. Wild kangaroo meat has the highest levels of CLA.

Our kangaroo meat is premium, human grade quality, sourced from a supplier who is certified for ethical harvesting which ensures no mother or joey cullings.

I feed Ruby kangaroo more often than any other meat for its leanness and nutrition.

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Beetroot (Organic)

Beets are an ancient, prehistoric food that grew naturally along coastlines in North Africa, Asia, and Europe.  Originally it was only the beet greens that were consumed and not until the era of ancient Rome that the sweet red beet root that most people think of today as a “beetroot” was cultivated and used as food and a natural medicine.

Beetroot is a rich source of phytochemical compounds that include ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids. Importantly beetroot is also one of the few vegetables that contain a group of highly bioactive pigments known as betalains. Many studies have found betalains to have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

These powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective effects are the reason for beetroot’s ever increasing popularity as a nutritional approach to help manage cardiovascular disease and cancer. In human studies beetroot supplementation has also been reported to reduce blood pressure, avert oxidative stress, preserve vascular health and enhance athletic performance.

Sometimes I grate beetroot into Ruby’s meals or bake extra in my roast dinners for her to have later.

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Watercress (Chemical Free)

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used watercress to treat his patients. It is an ancient green said to have also been a staple in Roman soldiers’ diets. Watercress is a member of the cruciferous (also known as brassica) family of vegetables along with kale, broccoli, arugula and brussel sprouts. Weight for weight, watercress contains more vitamin C than an orange, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach and more folate than bananas. #remove links#

In 2014 a US University published a study in the Journal for Preventing Chronic Disease that found watercress had a perfect nutrient density score of 100, putting it ahead of ALL leafy greens (including kale, broccoli and spinach). They evaluated 47 ‘powerhouse’ vegetables against 17 critical nutrients, including fiber, potassium, protein, calcium folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D and others and watercress came out on top.

Studies have consistently shown that a compound in cruciferous vegetables known as 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) has protective effects against cancer, and another recent study shows there is also hope for using it as a shield to protect healthy tissues during cancer treatment.

I often add some finely chopped watercress to Ruby’s meals for a nutrient boost, chemotherapy support and digestion aid.

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Moringa

Moringa, or Moringa Olefeira, is native to India but thrives in the world’s tropical and subtropical zones. It is commonly known as ‘The Miracle Tree’ for its extraordinary nutrient profile and many uses. All parts of the plant (leaves, roots, seeds) are used for medicinal purposes and have been for thousands of years.

Moringa in its various forms has up to 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk, 9 times more protein than yoghurt, 15 times more potassium than bananas and 25 times more iron than spinach.

While in the main the positive medicinal effects of Moringa have been observed, practiced and purported by generations of traditional medicinal folk lore, strong scientific evidence of its antibacterial effects has been building since the 1950’s and some studies have shown that moringa can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Extracts of leaves have also been proven effective as anticancer agents.

The World Health Organisation classes moringa as a super food; so much so that it has moringa agricultural programs in famine stricken areas the world over to help fight malnutrition.

I mix in a dessertspoonful or dry Moringa to Ruby’s breakfast most days for an energy and immunity boost.

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Barleygrass (Organic)

Barley grass is one of the earliest grown sweet grass in the world having been around since before 5000 BC. It is a nutrient rich super food, fully loaded with vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha- tocopherol) and vitamin K (phylloquinone). It has an abundance of electrolytes such as magnesium, phosphorous and potassium as well as other essential minerals such as zinc, iron and calcium. Barley grass is also a rich provider of powerful antioxidants, essential amino acids and beneficial enzymes.

It is thought that the real power of Barley grass is the combination of all of these nutrients and enzymes in one food. It’s often referred to as a ‘wonder tonic’ due to its abundance of superoxide dismustase which protects cellular DNA from destruction, improves the body’s ability to deal with stress and keeps cholesterol in control. It also encourages agility along with physical and mental fitness.

Barley grass is a blood builder and helps purification. Vitamin E contributes to hormonal balance and vitamin K helps maintain normal bone metabolism in the body. The powerful enzymes and other useful components such as glutaminic acid act as neurotransmitters and work against senility, poor concentration and learning disorders, making it great to enhance brain function. Including barley grass in a diet has overall strengthening and invigorating effects on the entire body (for humans and dogs!).

Barley grass provides a natural way to stimulate cell regeneration without any side effects. Vital components such as chlorophyll, vitamin B, iron and phcocyanin, a blue pigment in barley grass, helps vitalise the bone marrow and supports the creation of white and red blood cells. Very useful during cancer treatment.

Barley grass powder is a great addition to your dog’s meals, I often add it to Ruby’s for a superfood boost.

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Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are amongst the healthiest foods on the planet. They are jam packed with goodness and were prized by the Aztecs and Mayans for their ability to help sustain energy.

They are rich in antioxidants and full of fiber, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium, making them great for bone health and brain and body function.

Although high in Omega 3 fatty acids, dogs can’t convert plant based omegas easily to be useful so this isn’t a huge health benefit in this case.

By weight, chia seeds are about 14% protein, which is very high compared to most plants, and also contain a good balance of essential amino acids.

I frequently sprinkly Ruby’s meal with chia seeds for an added boost of protein, energy and free radical scavenging.

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Millet Flour (Organic)

Millet is one of the oldest foods known to humans and possibly the first cereal grain to be used for domestic purposes. In Africa and India millet has been used as a staple food for thousands of years. In China it was grown as early as 2700 BC where it was the dominant grain before rice became the main staple. It is documented that the plant was also grown by the lake dwellers of Switzerland during the Stone Age.

Millet is highly nutritious, gluten free and alkaline so is soothing and easy to digest. In fact, it is considered by many to be one of the least allergenic and most digestible grains available and it is a warming grain so will help to heat the body in cold or rainy seasons and climates.

Millet is tasty, with a mildly sweet, nut like flavor and contains a myriad of beneficial nutrients. It is a ‘smart carb’ with low GI, nearly 15% protein, high amounts of fiber, B-complex vitamins including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, the essential amino acid methionine, lecithin, and some vitamin E. It is particularly high in the minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium, not to mention being a healthy source of essential fats in the body.

It is great for body detoxification, heart and digestive health, kidney, liver and immunity system function, and may help alleviate respiratory and heart conditions.

You may find some warnings that dogs with thyroid conditions should not eat millet, but be aware that these warnings can be traced back to a study that gave dogs intense amounts of millet in a short period that we would not recommend of any one ingredient. If your dog has a thyroid condition perhaps avoid lots of millet on its own and consult your vet.

Millet is easy to cook and add to your dog’s diet. I sometimes add millet to Ruby’s meals and we use organic millet flour in all of our Medible treats.

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Coconut Oil (Organic Cold Pressed)

Coconut oil is high in saturated fats (90%), most of which are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) and responsible for most of coconut oil’s health benefits. The main component of MCTs is lauric acid (40%), followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic.

Lauric acid particularly has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties but are best known for their anti-fungal effects.

MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. They also balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.

By gently elevating the metabolism, coconut oil provides a higher level of energy and vitality, helps protect from illness, and speeds healing. It also reportedly improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.

You can easily add coconut oil directly to your dog’s diet. We use coconut oil in our treats and other nutritious food supplements.

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Eggs (Organic, Free Range)

Organic eggs are one of the most complete sources of nutrition and are great for your dog’s coat and skin health.

They are high in antioxidants and amino acids, notably tryptophan and tyrosine which have both been shown to have positive impacts on aggression, stress and mood through diet or supplementation.

Eggs are also a great source of digestible protein, riboflavin, vitamin A, folate, iron, biotin, fatty acids and selenium. Selenium is an important trace mineral and antioxidant that has been known to reduce incidence of cancer in both dogs and humans.

Some challenge giving raw eggs to dogs saying it is a health risk, but, while some sensitive stomachs may prefer cooked, fresh eggs are perfectly safe raw. You can even include the ground up shell as an additional source of calcium.

We use organic, free range eggs in our Medible treats and recommend including egg (usually raw) about once a week, mixed in their meal – depending on their sensitivity… start cooked if you aren’t sure. You can also grind the egg shells and add a sprinkling into their meals for added calcium.

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