Some of you may be wondering how an old fashioned spice rack would have anything to do with dogs. Well you may be surprised to know that there are many herbs and spices that pack a lot more than just seasoning, not only for us humans but for our canine friends as well! Our confections are designed to look attractive and familiar to all you human guardians but that’s just the surface. Just like people and our furry friends, there’s always more layers to them and it’s equally important to us that the cookie itself is rewarding in both flavor and most importantly natural nutritional value. You may be surprised to know just how beneficial some of the ingredients we use actually are! We too were pleasantly surprised at the many values one little ingredient had to offer and that is ultimately why we painstakingly organized our “Dictionary of Ingredients”. We wanted to share this knowledge with you, after all knowledge is power and can be pretty darn tasty to boot!
In a recent conversation about one of our Valentine cookie recipes, Rosemary and Apple, I was asked if this was something i pulled out of the sky, following the current “designer foodie” trend or had a special reason for that particular combination. Now since each of our signature confections all have their own particular recipe, when the seasonal or holiday recipes come up its always fun to make them as special as the occasion they represent and a little different as well. So i guess the answer was a bit of all 3, a chance to try something new that paired nicely while still contributing meaningful value.
Now while our Dictionary of Ingredients gives an in depth look at each individual ingredient and is accessible at anytime at zenbellypet.com we thought a quick overview of some herbs and spices as well as a few oddities we like to incorporate into some of our recipes would give you inspiration or a new idea that you can feel good about giving your dog…and the best part is you would know why! So here is just a small selection we hope gives you a new kick on some old spice!
Parsley has always been something we imagine to be that useless garnish on a plate and in some cases depending where your eating it may be best to keep it that way!
In reality its actually a pretty tasty and nutritious health benefit. Parsley is loaded with vitamins A B C and K and the minerals potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and protein…whew! It is also high in chlorophyll, which gives a natural freshening power that can help combat foul smelling breath. All these things make Parsley a fantastic addition to a dog’s diet!
Rosemary traditionally thought of as a seasoning for roasts and veggies is becoming more appreciated for its medicinal values. Rosemary is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic. It also increases blood flow to the brain aiding in memory and sensory rejuvenation. It’s actually a potent little herb and a little goes a long way! We included Rosemary in our sweetheart mix, part of our Valentines collection.
Ginger is a favorite and its no wonder the smell alone instantly transforms the house into a cozy warm “home” (just like our dogs!) This is a very tasty and nutritious spice especially beneficial for upset tummy’s.
Mint is probably one of the first things you think of as a natural remedy for freshening breath and you would be right! It’s also a fantastic aid in digestive upset for dogs as well as humans so this makes mint a double threat against common dog ailments.
Oddities, Ends and Random Picks
Apple Cider Vinegar is something you may not associate with your dog but it seems you cant go wrong for both the inside and out! In a nutshell, apple cider vinegar is good for arthritis, allergies, itchy skin, correcting pH levels, fighting fleas and other pests and even eliminating tear stains around the eyes! The easiest way to introduce ACV into your dog’s diet is to start off adding a tiny bit into there water bowl. Give it some time then add a bit more. As your dog becomes accustomed to the taste which should be slight, gradually increase until you reach about a teaspoon a day into fresh water. It’s not an overnight miracle by any means but over time you will notice the benefits.
Flaxseed contains fiber and acts as a natural laxative to aid in digestion. In the intestine, it helps coat the lining reducing any incidence of gastritis, constipation and colon conditions. Using ground flaxseed in recipes is a natural addition of beneficial fiber and digestive support. That’s why it’s a staple in our Nutty Squirrel cookies.
Molasses is not the monster many people think it is…sugar oh no! While it is true that the syrup is the by-product of refining sugar, technically its the concentrated “left over” after the sugar’s sucrose has been crystallized. What’s left in this by-product are lots of beneficial minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6. So if you are looking for an alternative source of sweetener, blackstrap molasses is definitely one you should consider and it is suitable for a wide range of foods. We found it to be a big hit with our gingerbread “dog” houses and gingerbones during the holidays!
Yogurt is another food that’s been around for ages. It is an excellent source of protein and because it has less milk sugar it is easily digested even by lactose intolerant animals. It contains beneficial bacteria that support the digestive and immune system and it’s a great source of calcium. A tablespoon or so of organic, plain, low-fat yogurt can benefit your dog in many ways. It is especially helpful when your dog is on antibiotics being it restores some of the “good” bacteria that antibiotics are known to break down. Yogurt is a staple in many Zen Belly recipes and is one of our favorites!
The possibilities are endless! The most important thing is that you educate yourself. It’s not so important that you remember every benefit of every good ingredient but VERY important that you remember the bad ingredients that are toxic and unsafe such as the commonly known chocolate and macadamia nuts. (easy substitutions for these are carob instead of chocolate and sunflower seeds instead of macadamia nuts) The more you discover the more it will inspire you to try new things and its great fun experimenting! Your dog will be over the moon for your efforts and more than willing to be your taster “guinea pig”. Even if it’s not such a hit, it is still quality time with your favorite pal and i never minded my failures because i got great amusement out of my girl Eddie who was very dramatic in letting me know how much of a flop it was by spitting it across the floor and giving me a squinted eye and a raised brow!! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone was so honest?
Happy Tails Everyone!
