THE GREATEST SUPPER FOODS

PNS Greatest Super Foods

Great Food to consider When making pet food In our other ebooks and articles we have give evidence on the importance of species & breed specific diet planning. More importantly, the damage cause by not adhering to this type of diet for your pet. Once you have determined what are the key nutritional elements, food groups, balance of those nutrients, and the correct/most bio-available way to feed each nutrient, you need to know which super foods will give the best bang for you buck.

Below we provide a list of foods that when properly prepared provide the maximum benefit for your pets health & wellness.

Spinach It’s not easy being green, but it doesn’t have to be hard to eat and feed your pet that way! A sprinkling of spinach may look pretty in chloe’s bowl, but this vegetable also packs a ton of nutritional benefits. Hidden in that pile of greens are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and vitamins that promote vision and bone health ,

Spinach is known for its high levels of vitamin A, giving every bite of food with steamed spinach in it immunity boosting, vision protecting, skin enhancing powers. A cup of cooked spinach packs up to 12% of the recommended daily dose of calcium and enough vitamin K to help build proper bone development .

In addition to this veggie’s vast vitamin boost, studies suggest spinach’s glycolipids may help prevent the development of tumors. Plus, the galactolipids in spinach have been linked to the prevention of inflammatory diseases like arthritis .

A recent study found that some compounds in spinach may improve muscle efficiency. Spinach is also a good source of iron—almost the same amount of beef per serving! But don’t substitute it for beef — research suggests the canine body more easily absorbs iron from meat than from spinach and other plants.

Lean, Green, Nutrient Machine Yet even with its rich nutritional makeup, spinach needs to be broken down for your canine’s body to absorb the nutrients . And feeding of raw spinach always run the risk of ingesting pesticides.

The only way to be 100% certain those greens are safe and deliver the goods is to buy organic spinach and cook or steam them. Otherwise washing them well and one to two minutes of cooking or four minutes of steaming to maintain a good texture and nutrient level will work. Fresh spinach is available throughout the year. Though most supermarkets feature the savoy kind, spinach also comes in semi-savoy and flat leaf varieties. Make sure to snip the stems and dispose of discolored pieces before washing the spinach thoroughly. Aside from boiling (which can potentially remove nutritional content), spinach is great when lightly steamed or sautéed. Or try a twist on the classic basil pesto mixed with you favorite home made pet food.

Ingredients: 2 cups spinach (frozen + thawed) 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

3 teaspoons basil 3 teaspoons parsley 1 tablespoon lemon juice Preparation: 1. Thaw the frozen spinach by placing it in a microwaveable bowl and microwaving it for 2 minutes.

2. Transfer the spinach into a blender or food processor, and add the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. If the pesto is too thick, a small amount of water may be necessary to thin it out.

Salmon Like flaxseeds, salmon contains a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which research suggests can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. One study found that canines who ate omega-3-rich once week significantly lowered their chances of organ failure later in life. Another study found that feeding salmon or salmon oil twice per week can increase levels of HDL (the good cholesterol), compounds important in maintaining a healthy circulatory system.

But this fish will help more than just your pet’s circulatory system.

Salmon (along with a host of other foods) has also been credited with boosting of brainpower, another omega-3 fat found in salmon— DHA— has been linked to

improved cognitive function, specifically in middle-aged pets. One study found cats and dogs with higher levels of DHA were calmer, more focused and easier to train. Looks like this fish has got the brain and circulatory system covered Salmon is rich in omega-3s, but it also packs a whole lotta’ protein— 17 grams per 3 ounce serving. But before selecting this fish as a base of protein in your pet’s diet, take heed of some seaworthy warnings. Although salmon has lower mercury levels than many other sea-dwellers, it can still be risky for certain groups of pets. Pregnant dogs and cats, nursing pets, and young puppies and kittens should avoid eating more than 50% of their meat protein from fish and should opt only for fish lower in mercury, like canned tuna, catfish, or salmon. Farmed raised salmon is also reported to have a higher toxicity level than the wild variety, so opt for caught over grown when available.

Pistachios Aside from their earthy flavor and crunchy texture, pistachios are a naturally cholesterol-free snack that’s high in fiber and protein. Plus, a one-ounce serving of these nuts has almost as much potassium as a small banana.

Research suggests pistachios can significantly reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad� type) while boosting antioxidant levels.

In addition to keeping cholesterol levels in check (and thereby lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease), pistachios might also be effective in weight management.

Get Cracking Crush up a handful of pistachios and sprinkle some in your homemade pet food, make a pistachio and spinach pesto to add to their food, or use them when baking dog treats.

Ingredients: 1 cup pistachios, shelled 3 cups milk (any fat content works) 3 eggs 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon nutmeg Unsweetened shredded coconut and strawberries for garnish

Preparation: 1. In a blender, combine the pistachios and yogurt until smooth.

2. Pour the yogurt & pistachio mixture into a large pot and whisk in the eggs.

3. Heat this mixture over the stove on medium.

4. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Then take the pot off of the stove, transfer to a bowl, and let cool.

5. After the pudding has cooled to about room temperature, place in the fridge to chill before serving.

6. Mix in your pets favorite ground meat protein and place into a dog dish and top with unsweetened coconut and strawberries.

Strawberries Strawberries are one of nature’s most beautiful and delicious fruits

(even if they aren’t actually berries). They also happen to be a great, low-calorie addition to a healthy pet lifestyle, packing enough vitamin C, manganese, and fiber for a frozen berry nutritional treat or mashed up into your pet food mixture. They add the sweetness allot of dogs love.

The star player in strawberries is vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps build and repair the body’s tissues, boosts immunity, and fights excess free radical damage. Studies also suggest vitamin C promotes healthy eye function.

In one recent study, researchers found the specific antioxidant content in strawberries might help control cholesterol levels.

Participants with high cholesterol who were given a diet rich in strawberries showed a reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol similar to a control group given oat bran supplementation. Combined with its high vitamin content, strawberries’ cholesterol-checking effect makes this fruit a dietary dual threat (triple, if you count palatability).

Strawberries are a tasty, low-calorie treat, but it doesn’t even take much to reap their nutritional benefits. Just 2 to 4 of these berries more than satisfies the daily requirement for vitamin C along with a respectable 1 gram of dietary fiber.

Strawberries are a heavenly additions to your pets diet, especially when they’re in season (April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and June in Northern states). Stock up now before the season comes to a close!

Cinnamon Spice Up Your Pet’s Life A well-known study found that just a eighth teaspoon of cinnamon per day can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels in dogs and cats with diabetes. Cinnamon has also been shown to have many other benefits:

For one, it’s been found to slow the speed at which the stomach empties following a meal, which can help control sharp rises and falls in blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon has also been found to enhance the way that antioxidants from other foods help the body defend itself, strengthening the immune system.

Additional suggested health benefits include relieving congestion, reducing stiffness in muscles and joints, counteracting inflammation, supporting digestive functions, and even boosting brain function. Not to mention it has been shown to stimulate good circulation with its bloodthinning properties.

Oatmeal Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants, oatmeal adds high-fiber content that’s been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels, aid with digestion, and improve metabolism in dogs with short colons. Oatmeal is made of oat grains and contains soluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease [3]. Its high-fiber count helps prolong feelings of fullness (here’s more fiber-rich foods) and increase energy levels.

Although oatmeal is most commonly consumed as a hot cereal, it can be eaten cold or turned into a delectable treat). An 18 ounce box of rolled oats has a long shelf life and is relatively cheap pet food additive.

There are two ways to add oatmeal to your pets diet: boil them or leave raw. We suggest purchasing plain over presweetened oatmeal and save big on calories.

Because it’s packed with fiber, low in cost, and easy to prepare, oatmeal might just be the best thing for a pet on a diet.

Probiotics

Ever try to read a yogurt label out loud? With about a million cultures ending in “ophilus” and “erium,” it can sound like a Greek army ready to attack. But rest assured, there’s no need to take cover. These microorganisms are a completely friendly bunch, with a variety of potential health benefits to the immune system and digestive tract. The only challenge: separating the real deal probiotics from the duds.

Available as supplements or in foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, and a few new juices and soy drinks, probiotics are live microorganisms (usually bacteria), similar to the “good bacteria” found in the canine and feline intestinal tract. They produce enzymes that break down food and nutrients and are essential in fighting harmful viruses and bacteria that can cause some pretty uncomfortable scenarios like irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Probiotics are sometimes prescribed to offset the side effects of antibiotics, which tend to kill the good bacteria along with the bad, resulting in cramping, diarrhea, and other fun times.

While not all research has been conclusive, one study showed that canines given probiotics had developed more respiratory and/or gastrointestinal illness than those who didn’t.

Probiotic Primer – What It Means To You Before adding any probiotics to your pet’s food, it’s important to read the fine print. Check the product label for “live and active cultures,” particularly lactobacillus, the most effective bacteria for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and fending off “unfriendly” organisms. Bifobacterium probiotics are also touted for similar effects.

Also, look for products that list the full names of their probiotics,

since companies are eager to spotlight the strains with research to back up their benefits. Stonyfield Farm’s yogurt, for example, lists “Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001″ on its label, signifying the genus: Lactobacillus, species: Rhamnosus, and strain: HN001. For more targeted benefits (i.e. fighting digestive problems vs. a common cold) a veterinary nutritionist can help recommend a specific strand that’s most effective. Just note: puppies, elderly dogs, and pets with compromised immune systems should consult with a healthcare professional before taking probiotics, as some mild digestive side effects have been reported.

One final tip: keep them cool. Research shows that the number of living bacteria in probiotic yogurt decreases in room temperature.

Supplements should also be stashed in the fridge for optimal benefits. If probiotic are list on canned or kibble bags they are no long effective due to the heat used to make the food.

Broccoli This vitamin and mineral-packed powerhouse has

everything from disease-fighting compounds to muchneeded fiber.

Taking Stalk Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are a formidable family of anti-cancer all-stars, fibrous and full of fiber, they range from the bitter (horseradish and mustard) to the bland (cabbage and collards), with Brussels sprouts and broccoli falling somewhere in between. Broccoli stands out among its cruciferous kin for exceptionally high levels of vitamin C and folate (which reduces the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke) . And what makes these crunchy stalks tough (fiber to help digestion) and pungent (a super-dose of bitter vitamins) is precisely what makes them healthy. Just try not to go overboard on the ranch dressing.

Several large studies suggest adding broccoli could reduce the risk of your pet developing cancer.

But the question remains: should we serve broccoli raw, boiled, or steamed? The raw camp says any exposure to heat will damage certain cancer-fighting nutrients. But others believe boiling broccoli makes it easier to digest and boosts vitamin A content. Finally, the steamers invoke Goldilocks’ hypothesis that not too hot or too cold is just right for preserving broccoli’s vitamin C and proteins.

The bottom line: broccoli has a slew of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds, all of which respond to heat in different ways. Whether it’s raw, steamed, or boiled, eat

more broccoli and reap the benefits. Broccoli’s assertive flavor works particularly well with curries, garlic, cranberries, pine nuts, and lemon zest.

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