Looking for nutritionally functional raw ingredients that provide overall health benefits beyond nutritional aspects? Here are some you should consider.
Improving general health
Peat moss can minimise the risk associated with the ingestion of toxic metals found in vegetable raw ingredients. Pea fibres can decrease the glycemic index value. Microbes and torula yeast as a source of highly digestible proteins and microalgae as an immunohistochemical booster could prevent inflammation and bring better health to the companion animals.
Yeasts have been shown to help the actions of gut microflora. They improve resistance to oxidative stress and support the general immune system of pets. Yeast is a raw material that may help promote health and well-being. Microalgae may be used as alternative raw material in kibble as a source of fibre, fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and other phytochemicals.
Reducing inflammation and free radicals
Chlorophyll from microalgae stimulates production of haemoglobin and improves blood flow and cardiac efficiency in companion animals. It also helps balance the pH of the blood by increasing alkalinity and thus decrease formation of free radicals. Chlorophyllin stimulates the regeneration of damaged liver cells, and increases circulation to all organs by dilating blood vessels.
Phycocyanin is a pigment from chlorophyll that may reduce inflammation in animals and promotes the liver function. Nearly 50% of the lipids in microalgae contain omega-3 fatty acids, highly beneficial to cardiovascular and immune systems.
Bone health
Pet animals require calcium, vitamin D and phosphorous as part of a balanced nutritional strategy, as well as plenty of physical activity. Vitamin D is essential for regulating calcium and thus stronger bones – but too much vitamin D may lead to kidney disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential too, but alpha-linolenic acid in flaxseed, rapeseed and soybean or pumpkin seed oil is inefficiently metabolised to omega-3 fatty acids in companion animals, so marine sources, like microalgae or fish oil, should be used.
Brain food
Some nutrients can help the brain to stay strong as animals age. Optimal treatment starts always with a diet including antioxidants, fats rich in omega 3/6 fatty acids and plenty of quality protein. The best raw material candidates are fresh meat and combined microalgae and yeasts.
For older dogs
Diets lower in calories and high in fibre, with adequate levels of fats and proteins, are of paramount importance for older dogs. Lowering protein content in the kibbles helps decreasing workload for kidneys. Low fat diets give lower caloric pet food, and optimal fat content may help the ageing process, up to 12%.
Constipation in elderly dogs is common and therefore high fibre content (minimum 5%) is a must. Raw food diets contain natural enzymes that help resist bacterial plaque. This gives dogs healthier teeth and gums. Ideally aged dogs should eat meat on the bone, coarsely minced, as part of their diet.
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