Coconut Oil
Coconut exploded into Western supermarkets about 10 years ago. First came coconut water (an excellent sports recovery drink), and then came all kinds of coconut derivatives. If you visit Whole Foods today, you'll find coconut sugar, flour, drinks, and of course, coconut oil. Coconut oil is considered a superfood because it is made of medium-chain triglycerides, otherwise known as MCTs. These are digested differently to other fats and are more available for the body to use as energy rather than stored as fat.
Benefits of coconut for dogs include:
- Coconut oil is antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral.
- Helps with digestion and provides beneficial gut bacteria.
- Helps with joint mobility and helps soothe arthritis.
- Helps with shiny and healthy coat.
- Improves insulin sensitivity.
- Boosts immunity and increases nutrient absorption.
If you'd like to supplement your dog's diet with coconut oil, start by adding 1/4-1 teaspoon of oil mixed into their food. Most dogs love the taste of coconut oil and are happy to eat it off the spoon.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a wonderful little root in the ginger family, and its main active compound is called curcumin. Curcumin has shown to have incredible anti-carcinogenic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. It can also help with the treatment and prevention of arthritis, cancer, liver disease and diabetes.
For both humans and dogs, inflammation can exacerbate a host of different diseases and health problems. A 2014 study on turmeric found it to be more effective than ibuprofen in treating inflammation in people with arthritis. Turmeric was also shown to be just as effective as some steroid treatments for joints and allergies.
For an increased superfood kick, give your dog turmeric by making a paste of turmeric and coconut oil. Curcumin is absorbed better when paired with fats such as coconut oil, and when you mix the two together it boosts the benefits of both superfoods.
However, while there are many great turmeric supplements for dogs out there, please check with your vet before giving them to your pet. Turmeric can sometimes interact with some diabetes and anti-inflammatory drugs, meaning they may not be suitable for your pup if they're on any other medications.
Bone broth
In just a few years, bone broths have seen a huge surge in popularity thanks to their amazing health benefits for humans and dogs. Animal bones contain an incredible amount of nutrients that are released as they are slowly simmered. In particular, bone broth is full of collagen, which promotes a healthy bones, coat and skin. It also prevents injuries by improving the condition of ligaments, muscles and tendons, and boosts appetite — which is why it is often recommended for people who are struck down with a cold. I often make a bowl of doggy bone broth for our pups when they are feeling under the weather.
It is important to remember that bone broth that is sold for humans is most likely not safe for canine consumption. Commercial bone broths often contain ingredients such as onion, which is great for humans but toxic for dogs. They often also have a high sodium content.
Luckily, it is incredibly easy to make pooch-friendly bone broth at home. Animal bones will often be sold very cheaply by your local butchers, (and a few times I have had butchers give me bones for free.) As well as animal bones, you can also use other animal parts, such as knuckles and feet.
I like to add some carrots to my pot of bones, cover them all in cold water, bring to boil and let it all simmer for couple of hours. Once that's done, strain out the bones, and enjoy a broth full of vitamins, nutrients and protein. If you have a pressure cooker at home, it's possible to speed up process and make good quality bone broth in under an hour. In the summer, I sometimes freeze little bowls of broth as a nutritious treat for the dogs to lick on a hot day.
