Information about foods/ herbs and their uses.
Dogs always obtained some semi digested cereals in their natural diet along with herbs and other plant material.
 Apricots: cleansers for the skin, the hair and the eyes as they contain large amounts of carotene. Antioxidants.
Brewer’s yeast is low in fat, sodium, calories, and carbohydrates. It is a natural source of Vitamin B complex and highly concentrated amounts of protein, as well as a wonderful spectrum of other healthy vitamins and minerals.
Chickweed (stellaria media.) chickweed is a delicate weed found in Autumn in shady places. It has many herbal uses one of them is for skin irritations.
Coconut is rich in digestible oils and it is also rich in fibre. It is a body builder and is high in iodine.
Eggs are a rich source of minerals, salts and vitamins.
Figs are good for the treatment of constipation, anemia, skin troubles, asthma, low blood pressure and a range of other ailments.
Fruit; most adult dogs love dried fruits especially figs and raisins. Both are much used in the Middle East for Salukis and others.
 Ginger root is an excellent stimulant for the appetite and aids the digestion. It has warming qualities and aids the joints.
Honey: Honey is considered the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life. History has recorded honey as the most used edicine in ancient Egypt.
Karamu (Coprosma robusta) and Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) had many uses by Maori. Both were taken internally to assist with bladder and kidney complaints. If the kidneys do not work well removing toxins from the system, arthritis, muscular pain and rheumatism can result.
Kelp is a natural source of iodine and is not an unnatural food for dogs.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is also known as queen of the meadow. The plant was found to contain salicylic acid which was subsequently synthesized to produce aspirin. It has long been used to reduce the pain of rheumatism and sciatica. Do not use if there is sensitivity to aspirin.
Oats are a good source of iron and cleanse the intestine of impurities.
Olive oil: Olives are great for the digestion and soothing irritated skins.
Garlic can be used for all types of congestion and infections. An excellent deodorizer for dogs.
Palm oil is a good source of energy. The palm oil is rich in natural chemical compounds important for health and nutrition. Among others, it is a natural source of Carotenoids & Vitamin E as well as supplying fatty acids and other important fat-soluble micronutrients. It also supplies an abundance of calories that gives us much-needed energy for our daily  life.
Parsley is very high in vitamin c, iron, manganese, calcium and potassium.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). Pennyroyal is incorporated into ointments to improve circulation to the skin and prevent fleas. A little of the dried leaves in the pet’s basket keeps fleas away. Pennyroyal should not be used with pregnant animals or women.
Poplar (populus candicans.) Internally the bark is normally used to help fight rheumatism and other rheumatic conditions as well as diarrhea and cystitis. Used externally it helps to treat sinusitis and colds while easing arthritis, rheumatism and muscular pain. It is also used to support psoriasis and dry skin conditions. Do not use if there is sensitivity to aspirin.
Raisins take their place in the list right alongside prunes and apricots as an antioxidant-rich fruit. Raisins also contain boron which is critical to good health.
Sesame seed oil is known as the Queen of oils. Research shows that sesame oil is a potent anti oxidant. It is naturally antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. It also helps joints to keep their flexibility and has a multitude of other uses for health and vitality.
Sunflower seeds are very high in selenium, magnesium and vitamin e.
Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins and minerals. Tuna can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Research ahs shown that omega 3 fatty acids found in abundance in tuna can help lower the pain of arthritis and is essential for the growth and development of young animals.
Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing. It also acts as a natural preservative.
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