Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a delicious vegetable, low in fat, rich in Vitamin A* and potassium, and one of the best-known sources of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a known anti-inflammatory and Vitamin A is thought to be beneficial to skin and coat health, as well as improving night vision.

* It is theoretically possible for dogs to suffer toxicity from an oversupply of Vitamin A but this has been shown to very difficult to achieve outside of animal studies.

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Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses

A ‘waste’ product of the sugar industry, unsulphured blackstrap molasses is increasingly becoming known as a nutrient dense superfood. It contains high levels of iron, calcium, copper, the antioxidant manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium and B6. Anecdotal evidence and numerous testimonials suggest that blackstrap molasses may play a role in cancer prevention, bone and heart health, have anti-inflammatory benefits and support overall good health.

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Flaxseed Meal

The health benefits of flaxseed have long been recognised. It was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000BC and in the 8th Century King Charlemagne passed laws that his subjects must consume flaxseed due to its impressive health benefits.

Rich in important Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, flaxseed meal (rather than the whole seed) promotes a soft, glossy coat and healthy skin in dogs.  Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), a component of flax seed, helps support the immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties and some animal studies have also shown it to inhibit tumor incidence and growth.

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Turmeric – (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric is best known as a culinary spice but many animal studies have suggested the active ingredient, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and perhaps even anticancer and pain relief properties. It has been shown to relieve skin allergies and inflammation, ease joint pain and block the growth of certain cancer tumours. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to aid digestion and liver function.

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Passionflower – (Passiflora Incarnata)

Passionflower has been used medicinally for centuries, first by Native Americans then by other cultures. Research studies have shown Passionflower to provide mild pain relief, reduce muscle spasms and anxiety and have a general calming effect.

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Ceylon Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been consumed as early as 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where it was almost considered to be a health panacea. In medieval times doctors used cinnamon to treat conditions such as coughing, arthritis and sore throats.

Considered to be the ‘true’ cinnamon (rather than the cheaper, more common and in large quantities toxic ‘Cassia Cinnamon’) our treats include Ceylon Cinnamon which contains antioxidant compounds called proanthocyanadins. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols (345). According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Cinnamon can be used to help treat muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, and infections.

In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking “superfoods” like garlic and oregano (6).

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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, calciumironzinc, 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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