and Human Nutrition. Almonds are also an excellent source of B vitamins, copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc and bioflavo- noids, with a trace of omega-3. While safe in small quantities for larger dogs, whole almonds are not easily digested and can upset the stomach and create intestinal distress. Almonds are easily ground into a powder using a blender, and almond meal is also available at many grocery stores.
Coconut Renowned herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy pioneered the use of coconut in natural diets for companion animals. Raw coconut contains medium-chain, saturated fats that transform into energy and can decrease bacterial growth, irritation and inflammation, according to naturopathic physician Bruce Fife, a certified nutritionist, doctor of naturopathy and author of The Coconut Oil Miracle.
Carob
Carob, the fruit of the Ceratonia siliqua tree, is rich in natural sugars, vitamins and minerals. Free of the stimulants caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate, it’s safe for dogs and its vitamin E supports skin health. Recent research published in the Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal shows that carob also has natural antibacterial properties.
Oats
A fortifying cereal low in starch and high in mineral content, especially potassium and phosphorus, oats also harbor cal- cium, magnesium, B vitamins and iron. The grain’s primary benefit to skin and coat is its soluble fiber content, which also helps a dog’s gastrointestinal system to remove toxins.
Liver Liver from grass-fed animals enhances healthy skin. Nutri- ents include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A, C, D, E and eight B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and biotin.
Wild Salmon
Cooked wild salmon is ripe with omega-3 fatty acids, which along with benefiting the skin and coat, appear to boost the immune system, and may assist dogs with allergies, accord- ing to the article “10 ‘People’ Foods for Dogs,” by Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott.
Cranberries Cranberries contain a variety of bioactive components, in- cluding proanthocyanidins and anthocyanin antioxidants, plus the phytochemical ellagic acid. “Animal experiments show that supplementation with anthocyanins effectively prevents inflammation and subsequent blood vessel damage,” explains Northern California Registered Dietitian Marilyn Sterling, who also points to myriad studies of the antioxidant power of pro- anthocyanidins. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, ellagic acid can prevent skin cancers. The 16th-cen- tury herbalist Henry Lyte documented their use in treating skin wounds and eczema.
Chow Down
Try to use organic ingredients whenever possible for all of these recipes.
Chia Coconut Crunch
1½ cups rolled oats 1 tsp baking powder ½ cup coconut flour 1½ Tbsp chia seeds ¼ cup coconut oil 1 cup almond butter 2 whole eggs 1 tsp pure vanilla ¼ cup carob chips
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cover a large cookie sheet with parch- ment paper. Combine all ingredients except carob chips. After ingredients are well incorporated, add carob chips. Form small balls of dough with hands, place on cookie sheet and lightly flatten each ball with the back of a fork. Bake for 10 min- utes in preheated oven. Cool completely before serving. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or bag.
Oats ‘n Egg Scramble
2 eggs, whisked ½ cup rolled oats ¼ cup goat’s milk Olive oil
Combine ingredients in a medium-sized bowl; let sit for 10 miutes. Lightly coat a pan with olive oil, add bowl contents and then scramble like regular eggs. Cool before serving as a topping to a dog’s regular meal.
Source: Recipes courtesy of Suzi Beber. natural awakenings July 2014 23
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be considered a skin superfood, because they hold a high level of betacarotene (a precursor form of vitamin A) and are a good source of vitamin E. Their vitamin C content, which increases with cooking, facilitates collagen production, contributes to photoprotection, decreases pho- todamage and supports wound healing, according to a report by Alexander J. Michels, Ph.D., of the Oregon State Universi- ty Linus Pauling Institute.
Suzi Beber is the founder of The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund via Canada’s University of Guelph Veterinary College and Teaching Hospital Pet Trust. She also contributes to Animal Wellness magazine, from which this article was adapted and used with permission.
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