Starting fresh food feeding can be scary right? Next week, we challenge you to add something new to your dog's dry food.
There are no rules as to how much, but just start off with a little as dogs who have lived on dry food diets can be a bit weird about real food. Whatever you add, mix into the dry food really well.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are tiny, oval-shaped seeds that come from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is native to Mexico and Guatemala. These seeds are rich in nutrients and have been touted for their various health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of chia seeds. You can find these in the health food aisle of your local supermarket or health food store. If adding more than a sprinkle, soak them in something wet for at least 20 minutes such as water, goat's milk, kefir, meat blood, etc.
Rich in nutrients: Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, healthy fats, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese.
May aid in weight loss: Chia seeds are high in fiber and can help you feel fuller for longer, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. May improve digestion: The high fiber content in chia seeds can help promote regularity and healthy digestion.
May help lower blood sugar levels: Chia seeds are low in carbs but high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
May improve heart health: The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
May boost energy: Chia seeds are a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can help provide sustained energy throughout the day.
May improve bone health: Chia seeds are high in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are all important for maintaining strong bones. Canned Fish
Good source of protein: Canned fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna, are a convenient and affordable source of high-quality protein.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Canned fish are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation.
Long shelf life: Canned fish can last for a long time on the shelf, making them a convenient option for meals when fresh fish is not available.
Affordable: Canned fish is generally less expensive than fresh fish, making it a cost-effective option for those on a budget.
May reduce the risk of certain diseases: The omega-3 fatty acids found in canned fish may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Overall, canned fish can be a healthy and convenient addition to a balanced diet. However, it is important to choose fish that are low in mercury and other contaminants, and to watch for added salt and other ingredients that may not be as healthy such as tuna. Cooked Sweet Potato Cooked sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious food that offer several potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of cooked sweet potatoes:
Rich in nutrients: Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and manganese.
May help regulate blood sugar: Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than other types of potatoes, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels and may be a good choice for people with diabetes.
May improve digestion: The high fiber content in sweet potatoes can help promote regularity and healthy digestion.
May boost immune system: Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
May have anti-inflammatory properties: Sweet potatoes contain several antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
May promote healthy vision: The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes may also help protect the eyes and promote healthy vision.
Dry dog food is already high in carbs and so is sweet potato so don't go overboard here
Greek Yogurt
High in protein: Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Lower in sugar: Greek yogurt is lower in sugar than other types of yogurt.
May aid in weight loss: The high protein content in Greek yogurt can help you feel fuller for longer, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
May improve gut health: Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health and digestion.
May help lower blood pressure: Some studies have suggested that the probiotics in Greek yogurt may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Good source of calcium: Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Look for Greek Yogurt plain full-fat varieties, you don't want added sugars or flavours. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is sold in the form of flakes or powder. It has a cheesy, nutty flavor and is a popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian cooking. Here are some potential benefits of nutritional yeast:
Good source of nutrients: Nutritional yeast is a good source of vitamins, especially B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium.
May boost immune system: Nutritional yeast is high in beta-glucans, which are a type of fiber that may help boost the immune system.
May support healthy digestion: Nutritional yeast is rich in fiber and may help promote healthy digestion and regularity.
May help regulate blood sugar levels: The high fiber content in nutritional yeast can help regulate blood sugar levels.
May have anti-inflammatory properties: Nutritional yeast contains several antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Low in calories: Nutritional yeast is low in calories but high in flavor, making it a great way to add flavor to meals without adding extra calories.
Almonds Almonds are a popular tree nut that are packed with nutrients and potential health benefits. You'll want to overnight soak them in water and then smoosh them to make them bioavailable.
Rich in nutrients: Almonds are a good source of fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and other important nutrients.
May lower cholesterol: Almonds are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
May help regulate blood sugar: The high fiber and healthy fat content in almonds can help regulate blood sugar levels.
May promote healthy digestion: Almonds are high in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and regularity.
May aid in weight loss: The high fiber and protein content in almonds can help you feel fuller for longer and may lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
May have anti-inflammatory properties: Almonds contain several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Chicken Hearts High in protein: Chicken hearts are a good source of high-quality protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Rich in iron: Chicken hearts are a good source of iron, which is important for healthy red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body.
May improve heart health: Chicken hearts are a good source of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is a compound that may help improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
May support brain health: Chicken hearts are high in choline, a nutrient that is important for brain health and may help improve cognitive function.
May boost immune system: Chicken hearts contain several vitamins and minerals that are important for immune function, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Brilliant for hiding pills in!
HOW TO START FRESH FOOD FEEDING
Check out our group resources at: https://www.freshfoodtribe.com/how-to-start
All reactions:
7Stephanie Eves and 6 others