7 reasons to add chia to your dog’s menu!
In recent years, chia has grown in popularity due to its many health benefits. Chia seeds have become a “superfood” for humans, but are they good for our pets? In this article, you will find out what are the benefits of chia for your pet and how you can add it to its main menu.
Your pet’s complete diet should be tailored to its biological species and include natural, natural, unprocessed ingredients. The BARF feeding method provides all the nutrients your dog needs, such as raw meat, edible bones, organs, fruits, vegetables and oils. Our pets should consume mainly protein, healthy fats, fiber and less carbohydrates in order to absorb food optimally and have a good state of health. Chia is rich in polyunsaturated fats, protein, fiber, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and omega 3 fatty acids. It contains 19-23% protein, 34% oil and 25% fiber. This makes it a wonderful, irreplaceable supplement and a rich source of energy for your friend. Chia is a functional food, which means you can add it to the main menu as an added bonus for a complete diet.
Why is chia beneficial?
1. Source of omega-3 fatty acids
Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be beneficial for both humans and animals. Dogs need them to balance omega-6 fatty acids. Chia seeds contain 3 times more omega-3s than salmon. Two tablespoons of chia seeds provide a 3-to-1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids control inflammation in the body, which is the cause of many diseases, so it is important to give your dog anti-inflammatory foods. Dogs with osteoarthritis experience improved mobility and reduced joint pain when they take chia regularly.
Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to heart health by strengthening the cells that make up the heart. They are important for the immune system, joints, growth, maintenance and development of the brain and eyes. They also have a beneficial effect on your dog’s skin and coat.
2. Source of antioxidants
Chia is a rich source of antioxidants such asquercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin. Antioxidants are very important compounds that improve cell division. They prevent the accumulation of free radicals, which can damage various cells and cause oxidative stress. They also slow down age-related changes in the body and aging, protect the heart and liver, and have anti-cancer properties. Therefore, it is good for your dog to eat foods high in antioxidants every day.
And do you know which is the richest source of antioxidants among fruits? These are blueberries, which, in addition to being tasty, are also very useful because of their high content of fiber and vitamin C. Take a look at our hypoallergenic horse menu with added blueberries
3. Source of fiber
Chia seeds are a rich source of fiber, which is an essential part of digestion and absorption of important nutrients. In 100 g. chia contains about 35 g. dietary fiber. The main function of fiber is to regulate the digestive tract. Passing through the digestive system, they take in water and support intestinal motility. Fiber has a cleansing effect, as it draws a number of accumulated toxins into the colon. They prevent constipation, solve problems with the anal glands and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.
4. Protein source
High-protein food is extremely important for your pet.
Although chia seeds are not a major source of protein, they do have high protein properties for a plant source. When combined with meat proteins, they additionally help build muscle mass and preserve muscle tissue and health. Chia seeds aren’t a substitute for the protein your dog needs to get from their daily diet, but they can be a great addition to their BARF diet.
5. Helps maintain healthy bones
Chia seeds contain more calcium than whole milk. In combination with phosphorus, these minerals support the development and maintenance of healthy bones, preventing problems such as hip dysplasia.
6. Helps maintain a healthy weight
The fiber that chia seeds contain helps your pet fight excess weight. They expand in the stomach and create a feeling of satiety. This is especially useful for dogs who are prone to overeating or need to regulate their weight. If your friend has a constant appetite, a moderate amount of chia seeds can help him reduce the amount of food he consumes to maintain excellent physical shape.
7. Helps regulate blood sugar
Regular and moderate consumption of chia seeds helps prevent diabetes. Chia slows down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugars and stabilizes blood sugar levels. This supports normal function and insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, and glucose tolerance.
How much chia does your dog need?As we found out, chia seeds are a great addition to any dog diet. In addition, they have a long shelf life, do not go rancid quickly and are easy to store. And even if your friend is pretentious, he will enjoy chia seeds for their mild taste and smell. They absorb a lot of water, so your dog needs to be constantly hydrated.
It is necessary to add a moderate amount of chia to your dog’s diet. We recommend 1/4 teaspoon of chia daily for every 10 pounds of body weight. For a few days, give less and increase the amount until the optimal dose is reached. This will avoid unwanted stomach upsets. We advise you to soak the chia beforehand in water for easier consumption. Then you can sprinkle the seeds on your dog’s portion or prepare “super” delicious homemade treats.
Chia seeds are full of nutritional benefits, but they are certainly not a substitute for a healthy diet tailored to your dog’s age, breed and individual needs. We at Divus offer you an affordable and easy option to supplement your friend’s BARF diet with a moderate amount of chia seeds. Our “super” beef menu with chia is a great choice to diversify your pet’s diet and provide him with the necessary “superfood”. The menu is suitable for all dogs and has added positive effects on the body.
