In pet nutrition, Superfood for pets has garnered significant attention and interest. These nutrient-packed ingredients offer myriad health benefits and serve as a cornerstone for ensuring the well-being of our beloved companions.
As pet owners, understanding the significance of incorporating superfoods into our pets’ diets is paramount. From bolstering their immune systems to preventing various ailments, the power of superfoods transcends mere sustenance, offering a proactive approach to pet care that resonates deeply with responsible guardians.
One of the most sought-after food categories.
Foods researched in human medicine are superfoods, a category of nutrients with interesting nutritional characteristics that can provide various health benefits if used correctly.
On these pages, we have tried to understand the characteristics of the ‘superfoods’ most commonly found in dog and cat foods. Also, I want to understand their function, which may help our dog or cat.
Nutrition, why the Superfood?
There is no scientific definition of ‘superfood‘, so it is helpful to ask ourselves some questions when faced with this definition. The first and most important one is to ask oneself: ‘Why is this food or ingredient a superfood? Why are other ingredients in perhaps the same product not?’
Generally speaking, companies identify foods in this category that Are particularly rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals or, in the case of cats, taurine.
Foods contain substances or groups of substances that have an active effect on the body, modifying certain organic functions to a greater or lesser extent; Foods that contain substances with preventive action, e.g. antioxidants.
This macro distinction shows that not all superfoods have the same function. For example, if some foods provide vitamins and minerals, they will have no specific use in the individual dog or cat (in other words, they can give them to practically all dogs and cats).
If, on the other hand, certain ingredients have a functional effect, i.e. they modify a function of the body even in a small way, they will benefit those animals that need their intake. In contrast, they will be inappropriate for pets with no pathological condition targeted by that superfood.
A simple example might be a ‘superfood’ that has a thickening effect on faeces: this food will be helpful to animals suffering from diarrhoea but may worsen a constipated condition.
What are the most common superfoods?
It is not easy to draw up a list of the most common superfoods included in industrial dog and cat food that can also be provided in-home feeds.
Trying to list the most common ones, we can divide them into the three categories mentioned above and try to understand their functions.
Superfoods containing nutrients
One of the bases for a healthy diet in dogs and cats is the presence of the minimum essential nutrients for their needs. For this, the diet must be complete and balanced, i.e., it must contain all the nutrients necessary to avoid certain diseases, known as nutritional deficiencies.
Certain foods are very rich in vitamins, minerals, and taurine and are often classified as ‘superfoods’: these include algae (spirulina, kelp), rich in B vitamins and various minerals, including iodine; certain leafy vegetables such as spinach and cabbage (especially kale), and more generally Brassicaceae, for their mineral content; and shrimp, for their taurine content.
Specifying that these nutrients must legally be present in complete foods and are usually added as additives is essential. Functional foods help reduce the content of industrial food additives while using in-home feeds to balance the diet.
Choosing a food for the presence of these superfoods is only helpful if, for specific reasons, you are interested in the individual nutrient present in the unique superfood, which is why it is beneficial to analyse your animal’s needs carefully.
Superfood antioxidants
Antioxidants are particular molecules whose function is to counteract ‘free radicals, molecules generally produced by the body of dogs and cats.‘ They are produced in more significant quantities in the presence of disease and, in some cases, may have a mutagenic effect and thus cause neoplasia.
For this reason, they are also known as ‘anti-cancer’ foods. However, their function is exclusively preventive, i.e. they must be taken before the neoplasm forms, precisely to prevent its formation.
They comprise a large group of foods.
Broccoli, turmeric, pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, and berries such as blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and rosemary are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants have a dual function in industrial foods: On the one hand, they are helpful for the body. On the other hand, they prevent the rancidity of sensitive components, i.e., fat in the food.
In general, however, there is no such thing as an overdose of antioxidants, and it may be helpful to include them directly in the bowl outside the essential diet to safeguard the health of the dog and cat even more.
Superfoods containing active substances
Some superfoods contain substances that can modify certain functions in dogs’ and cats’ bodies to a greater or lesser extent.
SuperFood: These include Omega-3s with an anti-inflammatory function.
- Echinacea with its immunomodulating function
- Blueberries and berries for their acidifying activity on urine
- Pineapple for its involvement in digestive system function
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are used to maintain collective well-being.
These are generally non-harmful active substances, which are not all the same, as seen from the functions. Depending on the condition, lifestyle, and possibly the disease of the dog and cat, the owner, with the support of their vet, will have to choose the best food for their specific situation. They are opting for superfoods best suited to the problem and avoiding those that might have the opposite effect.
In this case, if an active effect is sought, it is also essential that the company declares the quantities of the product used. The primary advice, however, remains: do not stop at appearances but read the label well. Check with your veterinarian, and if necessary, ask the person who formulated the food, if industrial, or the diet, if homemade, for clarification. So, superfoods can be a real benefit to your pet’s health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, including “Superfoods for pets” in their diet is a testament to our commitment to their health and happiness. By harnessing the nutritional prowess of these superfoods, we can proactively safeguard our pets from the myriad of health challenges they may encounter.
Whether providing essential nutrients, antioxidant-rich options, or active substances tailored to their specific needs, the versatility of superfoods empowers us to elevate the quality of life for our furry companions. As stewards of their well-being, let us embrace the transformative potential of superfoods and embark on a journey towards a brighter, healthier future for our beloved pets.
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