Your daily diet can make the difference between living a quality life and being unhealthy. Just like people, your furry family members need a good quality diet and lifestyle, with plenty of exercise and nutritious foods.
With all the many food trends currently available, it’s hard to always know if you’re providing your family with the healthiest menu. Also, what people eat is not always safe for your beloved pets. There are some healthy trends, however, that are suitable for people and pets alike.
Fermented foods are a popular and ancient food trend that are safe for your pup to consume, as long as you use foods that are non-harmful to dogs.
What Are Fermented Foods?
Fermented foods go through a process called fermentation. They’ve been a staple in human diets for centuries because of their proven benefits. Fermentation begins when lactic acid is created by natural bacteria that feeds on sugar and starch in the food. This process not only preserves the food, but also creates probiotics, important enzymes, and vitamins for the gut.
The probiotics created during the fermentation process are the most important aspect of fermented foods. Probiotics help restore and maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. In turn, a healthy gut microbiome strengthens the immune system.
The fermentation process also enhances the nutrients and vitamins of the food and can break down harmful food compounds. When fermenting dairy products, kefir is created. This reduces the lactose content while increasing B vitamins and calcium. Because of this, fermented foods are a great choice for people and pets that have trouble digesting lactose.
Fermented foods are made by:
- Preparing the foods and placing into a jar (away from direct sunlight)
- Covering with a salt brine (2 grams of fully dissolved, non-iodized salt for every 100 grams of water)
- Weighting the food down underneath the brine solution
- Allowing food to fully ferment (a 2-day to several week process, depending on the food and how tangy you want the taste to be)
- Storing the food (seal the jar and place in the refrigerator to slow the process)
- Sometimes adding sugar after several days of the fermentation process
During the fermenting process, after covering the food with your brine solution, you need to close the jar with a clean cloth or loose lid. It should be tight enough to stay on and keep contaminants out, but loose enough to allow gasses to escape.
Benefits of Fermented Foods For Your Pup
Fermented foods improve the overall gut health of your dog and add probiotics to their diet. Also, since you can ferment the foods yourself, it can save costs on buying previously prepared and packaged foods. Here are some other great benefits to feeding your dog fermented foods.
Healthy Skin and Coat
Fermented vegetables add nutrients and probiotics to your dog’s diet. This can improve skin and reduce skin irritations. It can also lead to a healthy, shiny coat.
Better Mouth Health
Fermented foods contain natural enzymes. These enzymes can reduce plaque buildup, promote healthier gums and teeth, and provide fresh breath.
Enhanced Immune System
The gut contains a large amount of the body’s immune cells, and fermented foods improve gut health. This in turn aids in boosting your pup’s immune system, helping them fight illnesses, and providing them with a healthier life.
Better Nutrient Absorption and Digestion
The enzymes contained in fermented vegetables help make food easier for your dog to digest. This improves digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to a higher state of wellness.
Help for Allergies and Sensitivities
A healthier immune system is better for handling allergens. By improving the immune system, fermented foods may be able to reduce the severity of allergies. No more sneezing, coughing, and runny nose!
Other benefits include gastrointestinal support, detoxification, and waste elimination, which improve organ health and reduce the burden on the kidneys and liver. It also increases your pup’s energy and vitality by improving their overall health.
Whether you choose to feed your pet fermented vegetables, kefir, or pre-packaged dog food, adding fermented foods into your dog’s diet will help improve your pup’s health and vitality.
Fermented Food Choices
Now that you know the benefits of adding fermented foods to your pup’s diet (and yours), the next step is to determine which foods can be fermented. Also, remember that not all people-food is safe for dogs to eat.
There are several popular food choices for fermentation, and some of these foods are safe for dogs to consume.
Vegetables: Dog-friendly vegetables include carrots, cucumbers, green beans, and beets.
Fruits: Dog-friendly fruits that can be fermented include apples, blueberries, oranges, cantaloupes, and peaches.
Dairy: Dog-friendly dairy includes plain yogurt, kefir, and some cheeses. Remember to stay away from dairy if your dog is lactose intolerant.
Legumes: Most beans are safe for dogs if unspiced. Legumes that can be fermented include black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
Bread: Some breads are safe for dogs in small quantities. Breads that are dog-friendly and can be fermented include sourdough bread, rye bread, and French bread.
Final Thoughts
When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian before feeding your pup new foods. Make sure the food doesn’t contain additives that might be harmful to your dog. Remember that plain foods are best, and not all foods are safe for your dog to eat.
Once you’ve ensured your food choices are safe, you and your dog can begin the fermentation process together. Just make sure you place the fermenting jars out of easy reach for your pup!