Do you add any "Super Foods"?

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

"Super Foods" sounds so trendy. But I know in the human world that all of the antioxidant/phytonutrient dense foods like kale, berries, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, broccoli, etc. are so good for us. A lot of the recommended dog foods on this site contain these ingredients. But when they are toward the end of the ingredient list, I'm wondering if they really make a difference?

I keep reading about how doodles seem to be a little more prone to cancer, and I'm curious how many of you add these foods on a routine basis just for the health benefits. And, if you do, do you feed them raw or cooked? What does the research show to be most beneficial in dogs? I've been putting a handful of berries or a chunk of sweet potato on Winnie's evening meal and she gets sugar snap peas or bits of apples/watermelon for treats. Should I add more greens? What do you guys do? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The jury is still out on the benefits of antioxidants for dogs. To date, the studies that have been conducted have been limited in scope and have not shown any clear links between increased longevity/decreased incidents of cancer, etc. and antioxidant-rich foods. There is also the issue of the physiological differences between dogs and humans regarding vitamin requirements. For example, humans need to obtain vitamin C from our food; dogs make their own vitamin C and don't need to get it from food. 

 I'd say that there's no harm in adding fruits and vegetables to your dog's diet if she likes them and you enjoy doing it.  Certainly, the extra fiber from fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for dogs. Most fruits and veggies are also very low in calories, which makes them a good choice for treats.  But I wouldn't count on them helping to prevent cancer or other diseases.  

Regarding the question of raw or cooked, cooking makes the nutrients in most vegetables more available; as it breaks down the cell walls, which are made of insoluble plant cellulose, allowing the food to be digested and the vitamins & minerals to be utilized by the body. This is true for humans as well as for dogs. You may have noticed that if you give your dog raw carrots, you'll subsequently see bits of carrot in the poop, lol. That's because raw carrots are basically indigestible for dogs, and we don;t do the best job of digesting them either. :) 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Thanks for the info., Karen! So, in other words, it can't hurt and it might help, huh? And, cooking is best. I think I'll cook down the berries that I give her, too.

Your comment on the carrots made me think of how years ago I used to give my Samoyed leftover corn on the cob to nibble on. And, it always came out looking exactly like it went in. Lol

[Shari Becker]

I write this cautiously ... tip toeing on the board, here.

Our holistic vet says cancer rates are sky rocketing for all dogs and cats, and she firmly believes it's for the same reasons that we humans are less well. She says food supply, over-medicating, and chemicals in the environment, etc...

She feels very strongly that we over-vaccinate our pets. She only thinks you should vaccinate for what you need and highly encourages doing titers before a vaccine booster. (I.E. if your animal still has strong antibodies to a vaccine, there's no need to give them another one). She insisted that we do the 3-year rabies instead of the yearly. (I have no trouble with that, personally). 

She says too many people are feeding their pets crappy food filled with nasty ingredients, and that most vets are super fast to medicate for viruses, upset stomachs, etc... She believes that many viruses just need time to work their way out of the  system. You wouldn't give a human prophylactic antibiotics for a cold, but many vets do that the minute a dog starts coughing.

She's a fascinating lady - this vet - but she feels like her mission is to try to keep our pets cancer-free. Sadly, she says most of her patients come to her when they are already very ill, after years of yearly vaccines, eating Purina and probably grazing on chemical-covered lawns....

I know this didn't answer your question directly, but that's the cancer input I've been given from the holistic vet we consult with....

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Hi Shari- she sounds like an interesting lady with some good info. Being a cancer survivor myself, I am always trying to weigh the risks vs. benefits of environmental chemicals/food additives/medications in my own life. I think the cumulative effects of these things impact us more than we realize. And, it stands to reason that the same would be true of our pets. 

I'm curious -what is your vet's approach to nutrition? (If you care to tiptoe a little more.... :-) 

[Shari Becker]

Ha ha! Well ... I'm going to clarify and say that this is what she does, not necessarily what is right for other folks, since I know this is a heavily debated approach. But, she is a huge proponent of feeding raw. HUGE. Straight raw chicken necks and wings - the whole shebang. Once she offered me a 1/4 of a whole venison she had just secured from a local hunter. I actually just stared at her and said, "like part of it's actual body? Still on the bone?" That said, last time I was there I asked her what she feeds her dogs when she's in a rush - or on the road - and she said Orijen kibble - that as far as she's concerned it's the best kibble available.  

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Ah, yes, now I remember reading about the debate. That same debate is alive and well at my local healthfood store, too  :-)  

I can't help but picturing Bambi in my deep freeze... I'm pretty sure my husband would think I've lost my mind...Lol

Good to know about the Orijen. I might have to consider trying it again when I switch Winnie to adult food soon. 

[Deborah Brown]

I cook for my dogs but the homecooked food is about 1/3 of their diet.  It's hard to keep up with 3 large doodles!  Anyway, the basic recipe includes a lot of protein, sweet potatoes, kale or spinach, and apple or pear.  They also get other greens depending on what leftovers are in my fridge but often asparagus or green beans.  The greens in particular need to be chopped with a food processor and cooked to be beneficial to the dogs.  

I'm hoping this helps keep them healthy but its probably more important that they don't eat any junk on the side.

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Do you cook the apples and pears, too? I was thinking of maybe throwing the veggies in a crock pot along with some fruit and then freezing smaller portions. Sorta like making homemade baby food! Lol 

[Deborah Brown]

Yes, I cook it all in a crockpot. The

[Marie + Marshall]

Marshall gets cooked carrots and cooked sweet potatoes and loves! I want to try the sugar snap peas, I'm assuming you feed those raw?? And I haven't tried apples. I'm guessing small peeled bites?

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

Winnie seriously loves sugar snap peas more than anything on earth. :-)  Yes, she eats them raw. And, I have to admit that one of the reasons I give them to her is because I get the biggest kick out of hearing her eat them. That probably sounds weird, but, it is soooo funny the way she so unabashedly chomps and smacks her lips when she eats them! Lol That's one of the things I love about her- she is so unlady-like...

[Gail and Bailey]

Just now reading this discussion.  I had to respond to your confession about why you feed Winnie snap peas.  I had to chuckle because I love to feed my Bailey different snacks because I love listening to the way she crunches them!  I also like to hold on to a large blueberry and have her slowly nibble at it before she gobbles it down and I love to watch her eat a hard boiled egg or a banana piece.  Apple pieces, carrots, green beans....  I could go on but I think you get the picture!  Just love to watch and listen to her eat! :))