With all the controversy hounding grain-free diet and its link to DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy), many pet owners are being particular with the ingredients that go into the pet food they give to their pets. That said, you need to consider the ingredients that you may want to include in your pet food, ingredients like fruits, herbs, and other superfoods. Here are eight of them.
Fruits
Blueberries make a great source of natural vitamins and minerals for pets. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, plus minerals like iron, potassium, and manganese. Blueberries have plenty antioxidant properties that combat stress and free radicals. It also supports joint health and helps maintain healthy bones.
Cranberries help prevent UTI in pets. It is also a natural source of vitamins C, E, and K plus minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, iron, and magnesium. It contains phytochemicals that prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and have anti-microbial qualities that can prevent other UTI-causing bacteria. Like blueberries, it has antioxidants that combat stress and free radicals that may cause cancer, heart diseases and other ailments.
Mangoes contain more than 20 different vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to pets. Aside from vitamins A and C, it also contains antioxidants that help prevent degenerative diseases. It also helps improve the immune system of pets.
Papaya is a good source of fiber and helps in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal problems and intestinal parasites. Its enzyme, papain, helps break down and digest proteins. It has vitamins A and C, plus minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Herbs
Rosemary is an herb rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps strengthen capillaries and protects against free radicals. It also aids in improving blood circulation that leads to the pets’ overall wellbeing.
Basil is an antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial herb that helps in preventing arthritis and other forms of cancer. It also helps in repairing and preventing further damage to cells.
Peppermint is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, potassium, and zinc. It’s also a natural source for dietary fiber needed by pets. Plus, it has natural antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that may help freshen the breath of pets.
Grain
Flaxseed is loaded with protein and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin, coat, and strong immune system of pets. It is rich in fiber that aids in digestion. It helps improve heart health. Its anti-inflammatory properties help ease joint pains, lower blood pressure, and improve kidney function.
Superfoods
These eight ingredients are considered superfoods which are beneficial to pets. These ingredients come in powdered form. Having these in your pet food gives you the edge as a premium private label as these superfoods are very rich in nutrients, high in fiber, and low in fat.
Addiction Foods Private Label can help you fortify further the recipe you have in mind. Let us be the right partner for you. Our resident nutritionists and dieticians will be on hand to help you formulate your pet food. We have access to nature’s pantry right in New Zealand, the cleanest place on earth to manufacture and source pet food. Start your journey with us!
For further reading:
https://trupanion.com/pet-care/fruits-and-veggies-for-pets
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/nutrition/10-best-fruits-and-vegetables-dogs
http://www.eatingwell.com/article/281948/the-best-vegetables-for-dogs-and-cats/
http://felinewellness.com/veggies-fruits/
https://www.cat-world.com.au/can-cats-eat-fruit-vegetables.html
