There’s nothing better than seeing our four-legged friends happy and healthy.
Building a strong immune system plays a crucial role in doing just that.
Like us, dogs are susceptible to picking up illness and infection.
The immune system protects them from nasty outside invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Think of it like an invisible shield surrounding their bodies, defending them from all manner of big bad bugs.
Fortunately, there’s a variety of ways we can give these natural defenses a big boost.
Exercise, plenty of rest and sleep, good hygiene, keeping toys and bowls clean…and of course, nutrition.
Food is the cornerstone to good immune health. A well-rounded, well-balanced diet focusing on nutrient-loaded, wholesome foods will do wonders for your furry friend’s wellbeing, not to mention their taste buds.
Poor nutrition can quickly weaken an immune system, compromising its ability to fight off disease.
That’s why we need to provide our pups with meal plans that boast naturally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
Animal protein. Fiber-rich fruit and vegetables packed full of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
The nutrients found in these types of foods will keep those immune responses sharp and firing on all cylinders.
Don’t forget; access to fresh, clean water is also vital for a well-functioning immune system.
Every dog is different. And there’s no universal, one-size-fits-all approach to diet. However, there are certain foods that can undoubtedly add excellent nourishment to a lot of dog’s diets.
5 immune system-boosting foods your dog will love
1. Apples. ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ While your dog will need more than just a daily apple to stay clear of the vets, they are a healthy addition to any doggy diet. Apples contain free radical-fighting antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, which are vital for immune function. They’re also an excellent source of fiber, helping support immune health and digestion by encouraging regular bowel movement. An added bonus is they will keep teeth clean as well as freshen up bad doggy breath. Always remove the cores and seeds before serving up this delicious snack.
2. Carrots. Remember how your parents told you that eating carrots would help you see in the dark? Well, they’re also superb immune-boosters, for us and our dogs. Carrots are low in cost and low in calories – so an ideal everyday snack for hungry pups. What they are high in is beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and strengthen immune systems by helping fight off disease. They may not look like much, but nutrient-loaded carrots are a definite doggy diet must. They’ll also keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy…and yes, they may just improve their eyesight. See, your parents weren’t lying to you.
3. Sweet potatoes. These sweet-tasting veggies are loaded with vitamin C, critical for immune health. They’re also one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene around. As well as being a super antioxidant, beta-carotene is also converted into vitamin A in our dogs’ bodies, which is essential for maintaining health. On top of that, sweet potatoes are really good for hearts and digestion, courtesy of all the other vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber that can be found in them. Never give dogs raw sweet potatoes; they should always be cooked.
4. Pumpkin. Pumpkin is packed full of vitamins A and C, both known to support the immune system function. Despite overflowing with goodness, the orange fruit – yes, it’s a fruit – is a low-calorie source of nutrition so a great choice for any pet parents worried about their pet’s weight. Optimum gut health is vital for a fully functioning immune system. It’s a good thing then that pumpkin is also a natural source of dietary fiber, so will help keep your dog ‘regular’ while working on preventing diarrhea and constipation. Canned, cooked, or pureed pumpkin are all suitable serving options.
5. Berries. Dogs can’t get enough of these delectable little fruits. Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries may come in tiny packages but they all boast big health benefits. These four in particular are rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, crucial for building strong immune systems. They’re extremely tasty, too. And the different textures can add a bit of variety to your dog’s bowl. They’re great to use as training treats as well. Stick to berries that are safe for humans, and can be found in grocery stores. Always avoid wild berries as these can be toxic for dogs.
The importance of a well-rounded diet
All the foods mentioned in this blog carry incredible health benefits.
However, for our four-legged friends to fully thrive they need a proper balance of nutrients, and that can only be found in a complete diet.
Protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, water.
Just like humans, dogs need all these essentials if they are to function normally and remain healthy throughout their life. That’s why at Applaws, we highly recommend feeding your dog a diet of dry food, with a succulent wet food accompaniment.
We understand just how important taste is when it comes to dogs’ mealtimes, which is why we developed our Taste Toppers – exciting complementary meals full of flavor that will tantalize taste buds with each mouthful. Just take a look at these appetizing recipes:
– Chicken Breast with White Beans, Peas & Pumpkin in Gravy Pouch
– Lamb with Zuccini, Carrot & Chickpeas in Gravy Pouch
– Beef with Green Beans, Sweet Potato & Red Pepper in Broth Pouch
– Chicken Breast with Broccoli, Apple & Quinoa in Broth Pouch
Mouth-watering variety, and it’s no accident that all these offerings contain a number of the immune-boosting food stated above.
Your dog’s health and happiness is at the forefront of everything we do, and our enticing meal mix-in go to show just that.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet, or you’re worried they are poorly as a result of a weakening immune system, don’t hesitate in seeking medical advice from your vet.
