Decrease Border Collie Cancer by 90%. The Power of Veggies: Why Your Dog Should Eat More Greens

Have you ever wondered where your dog falls on the herbivore-carnivore scale? While they’re not quite pure carnivores like cats, dogs aren’t herbivores either. They sit somewhere in between, with a diet that includes more than just meat. In fact, dogs and their wild counterparts, like wolves, have been munching on veggies for centuries.  For those that follow us or have a pup, they know our position remains, fresh is best anytime you can do that.  We also regularly recommend carrots (great chew for teething pups!) and regular addition of berries to your puppy or dogs bowls.

Here’s why:

1. Wild Origins:

Wild canines often consume the gut contents of their prey, which frequently includes vegetation. They also scavenge for herbs, vegetables, and fruits like berries.

2. Alkalizing Effect:

Balancing the pH levels in your dog’s body is crucial for overall health. While meat can make the body more acidic, vegetables have an alkalizing effect, which is beneficial for organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

3. Nutrient Powerhouses:

Vegetables are packed with essential nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. While dogs need meat for certain amino acids, veggies help round out their diet and provide important phytonutrients not found in meat.

4. Hydration Support:

Many dogs who eat dry kibble often suffer from chronic dehydration. Adding veggies to their diet can help provide additional fluids, as many vegetables have a high water content.

5. Vitamin Bonanza:

Raw vegetables offer a plethora of vitamins essential for your dog’s health, including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

6. Mineral Boost:

Dark leafy green veggies like kale and spinach are rich sources of minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, crucial for bone health and overall wellbeing.

7. Phytonutrient Power:

Phytonutrients found in vegetables, especially broccoli and kale, boast numerous health benefits, including fighting cancer cells, reducing inflammation, and supporting gut health.  Decrease Border Collie Cancer by 90% simply by adding a couple veggies 2×3 times a week!

8. Digestive Aid:

Enzyme-rich vegetables like asparagus and tomatoes aid in digestion and promote overall gut health.

9. Antioxidant Protection:

Vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that help combat free radicals, which can lead to aging and disease.

10. Fiber for Health:

High-fiber vegetables promote gut health, reduce cancer risk, and provide a feeling of fullness.

Research backs up the benefits of including vegetables in your dog’s diet. Studies have shown that regular consumption of veggies can reduce the risk of cancer, support gut health, and prevent chronic diseases.

Decrease Border Collie Cancer by 90%

Researchers say feeding dark leafy greens and yellow and orange vegetables 3 times a week will reduce the risk by 90%. That’s because fruits and vegetables are loaded with polyphenols, the secret weapon in the war against cancer.

But if you just feed cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, you’ll reduce the risk of cancer by 70% … and that’s an excellent start.

Feeding vegetables to your dog is easy. Aim for a variety of raw veggies, crushed or pulverized for optimal digestion. Steaming is an option, but keep in mind that some nutrients may be lost in the process. Just remember to avoid certain vegetables like onions and macadamia nuts, and go easy on starchy options like potatoes and legumes.

Incorporating vegetables into your dog’s diet can be a game-changer for their health and vitality. So why not add some greens to their bowl today?

References:

1. Wu T, Seaver P, Lemus H, Hollenbach K, Wang E, Pierce JP. Associations between dietary acid load and biomarkers of inflammation and hyperglycemia in breast cancer survivors. Nutrients. 2019;11(8):1913.
2. Raghavan M, Knapp DW, Bonney PL, Dawson MH, Glickman LT. Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Scottish Terriers. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. 2005 Jul 1;227(1):94-100.
3. Kim, J., An, JU., Kim, W. et al. Differences in the gut microbiota of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) fed a natural diet or a commercial feed revealed by the Illumina MiSeq platform. Gut Pathog 9, 68 (2017).
4. Jirayu Tanprasertsu, Devon E. Tate, Justin Shmalberg DVM DACVN DACVSMR. Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health. J Animal Phys & Animal Nutr. 8 September 2021