A quick Google search will lead you to a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of human nutrition advice.
Every January, we are offered a barrage of New Year, New You musings from the latest, or next to latest, diet and health expert—all in the hopes of helping you develop your best self, best body and live your best life. Hordes of healthy, wealthy and wise fitness and nutrition ‘experts’ offer daily doses of things you should be doing, but are, in all probability, not.
In this information age, where there is no such thing as too much, knowledge is power and knowledge is, in effect, everywhere. Ubiquitous. Ever present. But how much does the lay man know about animal nutrition? Peter the Pug can’t hop online to Panic-Google, Signs I’m Allergic to Gluten! You, their local vet, are their best port-of-call for all thing’s pet health. So, in this series on the Covetrus Knowledge Hub, we’ll be exploring Pet Nutrition in its glory; what our Maltese should be munching on, and what chihuahuas ought to be chowing down on.
Don’t Berry Your Head in the Sand
You simply cannot ignore the health benefits of Blueberries. They contain a plant compound known as anthocyanin, which gives this variety of berry its blue colour; it’s also found in red cabbage, aubergine and a host of other nutritious edibles. In humans, anthocyanins can help increase longevity, aid cardiovascular health; it’s also been found to assist in the cognitive function in children.
Yes, feeding your pooch a handful of blueberries may just have a whole host of healthful effects. A healthy happy pet leads to a happier you! Let’s explore some of the effects:
Keeps a Dog Heart Healthy
Heart disease is so prevalent in the human world, and our pets aren’t any exception. Blueberries can lower LDL Cholesterol, which can help keep your dog’s ticker keep beating well in later life. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shows that daily consumption of blueberries may lead to lower blood pressure.
Bahram H. Arjmandi, PhD, RD, Margaret A. Sitton professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences at Florida State University says: “to our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of blueberries on arterial function as was done in this study, as well as in this study population…these findings suggest that blueberries may prevent the progression to full-blown hypertension.”
Helps Manage Pet Weight
Have you ever met a pet parent, who overfeeds their cat or dog? It seems, sometimes, people don’t consider weight management in their animals until said animal is massively overweight! What about preventative measures? Instead of giving your dog protein-rich treats, why not opt for some frozen blueberries. A cooling, refreshing and healthy treat during a hot summer afternoon. While blueberries are low on the Glycaemic Index, they do contain sugar so be careful with portion size, instead mix it up with something else healthy like Calibra Joy Treats.
Maintains Brain and Braun
Blueberries contain high levels of phenols, which can act as a neuroprotective agent, keeping your dog’s mind in good nick. As well as brain-boosting-benefits, these little blue balls of goodness will also maintain healthy bone density—great for your more active dogs, and those who are a tad over the hill!
Contraindications
Despite the multiple benefits, the old adage, Everything in Moderation, rings true for your dog. There is too much of a good thing, so be mindful of the side effects:
• Too much insoluble fibre can lead to diarrhoea in dogs and humans. A little fibre does a [dog’s] body good.
• Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay; make sure you’re brushing your dog’s teeth after eating sugar-high foods.
The Hard Facts
One cup of fresh blueberries provides:
• 84 calories
• 0 g of cholesterol
• 1.1 g of protein
• 0.49 g of fat
• 21.45 g of carbohydrate
• 3.6 g of dietary fibre
• 14.74 g of total sugars
• 24 percent of daily vitamin C
• 5 percent of daily vitamin B6
• 36 percent of daily vitamin
• 9 milligrams (mg) calcium
• 0.41 mg of iron
• 114 mg of potassium
• 9 mg of magnesium
• 18 mg of phosphorus
• 1 mg of sodium
• 0.24 mg of zinc
• 9 mg of folate
Inspired by nature, Farmina Pet Foods is scientifically formulated to provide optimum nutrition for your cats and dogs. Our blend of Lamb and Blueberries makes a delicious and nutritious dinner for your dog! Happy Pet. Happy You.
See below for our complete list of ingredients or click here for our feeding guide.
Fresh boneless lamb (24%), dehydratd lamb meat (24%), pea starch (20%), chicken fat, hydrolysed fish protein, dehydrated pumpkin (5%), fresh herring, dehydrated herring, dehydrated whole eggs, fish oil, pea vegetable fibre, dried carrots, dried alfalfa, inulin, fructooligosaccharides, mannanoligosaccharides, powdered blueberries (0.5%), spinach powder, psyllium (0.3%), dehydrated apple, powdered blackcurrant, dehydrated sweet orange, pomegranate powder, sodium chloride, dried brewer’s yeast, turmeric root (0.2%), glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, Marigold extract (source of lutein).