Food and nutrition play a huge role in dog behaviour. That’s because body and brain health work together very closely.
A dog who is constantly irritated by pain, indigestion and itchiness, or struggles to concentrate and manage overwhelm will struggle to learn and choose good behaviours.
I love making up combinations of super foods for my dogs which I used to fill Kongs, cow hooves, tracheas and lick mats – enrichment opportunities that promote calmness in our dogs.
Here are two recipes you can make at home for your dog.
NOTE: The quantities of ingredients are what I personally do for my dogs. You can adjust as needed based on your own research.
Healthy and Strong
Supports the immune system
Prevents parasites and other nasties
Supports the joints
Promotes healthy coat
Acts as an anti-itch supplement
Ingredients:
- 100 g natural greek yoghurt
- 100 g homemade cooked chicken bone paste
- 2 tbsp un-roasted pumpkin seeds
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger powder
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp green-lipped mussel powder
Blend or crush pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds and garlic clove.
Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
Senior Dog Boost (great for young dogs too!)
Boosts the immune system
Supports heart health
Lowers levels of cortisol (the body’s big stress hormone)
Reduces cognitive decline
Promotes eye health
Reduces inflammation
Ingredients:
- 2 green bananas (green so that your dog gets the goodness without the sugar)
- 2 tins of sardines (in water, not oil!)
- 100g natural greek yoghurt
- 1 leaf of sliver chard (or spinach)
- parsley
- rosemary
- basil
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Dice the herbs and spinach. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until the banana is mixed through.
This makes enough to stuff about 10 mini Kongs.