Beetroot slices
"Just looking at the ingredients I can already imagine that these cookies will have a beautiful red color, and be loaded with vitamins , fiber and antioxidants .
Once again, the use of oat flour is fantastic, as it will make this a cookie that is gentle on the digestive system and easy to digest .
I like using honey, they love it and Although honey is a simple sugar, it is metabolized differently than the sugar used in cooking. It requires less insulin and is absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream, avoiding high blood sugar spikes. This means that it can slow down the digestion and conversion of glucose. In addition to this, honey has many other benefits ." Marta Oliveira - https://www.martaoliveiravetnurse.com/
Beet
Beetroot is considered one of the richest sources of betanin.
Betanins exhibit antioxidant defense mechanisms and gene regulatory activity. They may also help inhibit DNA damage and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a marker of heart disease.
“The carotenoids present in beetroot, such as lutein and beta-carotene , act as antioxidants, anti-carcinogens and enhancers of the immune system.”
Studies have confirmed that lutein supports both cell-mediated and humoral responses in both cats and dogs. Beta-carotene, on the other hand, may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other chronic health conditions.
Furthermore, beetroot contains large amounts of phenolic compounds that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Beets are one of the richest sources of dietary nitrates (more than 250 milligrams per 100 grams of fresh weight), which are converted in the body into nitric oxide, a compound that acts as a "strongly vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory" signaling molecule, helping to promote proper endothelial function, which in turn reduces your pet's risk of developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Nitric oxide is also responsible for supporting an adequate blood supply to the brain. Therefore, it is important for several neuronal functions , such as those involved in learning and memory processes, food intake and immune response, among others.
Beets are rich in vitamins C, E, and K. One cup of beets contains 6.66 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C , a powerful antioxidant essential for tissue growth and repair, and 0.054 mg of vitamin E , which also helps inhibit oxidative stress and supports proper immune function.
Meanwhile, vitamin K is present at 0.272 micrograms per cup of beets. This vitamin plays an important role in blood clotting.
Beets also contain B vitamins , including vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B4 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). B vitamins play interrelated roles in supporting your pet's cellular function, from converting food into energy to supporting a proper immune response .
Beets are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber , providing a total of 0.24 grams per tablespoon. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and binds to fatty acids, helping to slow digestion and reduce blood sugar levels . Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, adds bulk to the stool , which helps promote regular bowel movements.
Link to full article on beets in your dog's diet:
Oat
Nutritional Value
- Protein - around 17%
- Contains soluble fiber (helps maintain low cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
- Rich in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc and B vitamins (B5 and B9)
- Low in gluten
Benefits of oats
Oats benefit several organs and systems, including the skin, nervous system, stomach, spleen, lungs, and urinary and reproductive systems .
Herbal qualities include:
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Antispasmodic
- Cardiac
- Diuretic
- Emollient
- Stimulating
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Antitumor - as it contains the compound b-sitosterol
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Digestive - acts as a digestive aid to soothe the intestinal tract
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Hormonal - helps achieve hormonal balance.
Honey
Honey is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for your dog's health and well-being . It can also help control allergy symptoms , skin problems, and maintain a healthy weight .
Here are some reasons why honey can be beneficial for your dog:
If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies , he may benefit from honey. Honey contains small amounts of flower pollen. By giving your dog honey, you are gradually introducing the flower pollen into his system. This helps your dog produce antibodies that, when the warmer months arrive, prevent an autoimmune response to airborne pollen. Additionally, pollen contains quercetin, a bioflavonoid with antihistamine properties, which can help reduce allergy symptoms .
If your dog has digestive problems such as:
- Indigestion
- Constipation
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Diarrhea
…a small amount of honey daily can be an effective way to help ease these stomach discomforts . Honey contains prebiotics and probiotics , which play an important role in healthy digestion .
Article written by: Marta Oliveira
martaoliveiravetnurse@gmail.com
