Phytonutrients and Your Dog

With more and more people opting for a plant based diet these days it's no wonder that the research into the nutritional properties of fruits and vegetables are being pushed to the top of the pile. One of the groups of nutrients that have been looked into a lot in the recent past are phytonutrients, a group of natural compounds found in plant based foods, treats and chews. At Natural Cornish Pet we like to be at the forefront of pet food nutrition and provide our customers with the very best nutritionally rich pet products on the market so your animals will always have exactly what they need to stay as healthy as can be. 

What Are Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are a group of nutrients found in plants whose name literally translates to ‘plant nutrients’. This group includes compounds such as carotenoids, terpenes and flavonoids and are increasingly thought to be essential for the preservation of good health in humans and animals. Many of these cool compounds have properties which can have health benefits for your canine companions including, antioxidants, anti inflammatories as well as evidence to show some of them help in reducing the chance of stroke, heart disease and cancer. 

Phytonutrients are responsible for the bright colours found in fruits and vegetables and as such giving your dog a rainbow of colours in their treats, chews and foods will provide a good range of phytonutrients in their diet. A good variety of phytonutrients is essential as there isn't a single one that will give your dog all of the brilliant benefits that these colourful compounds provide. 

Major Phytonutrient Groups and Their Benefits

Carotenoids 

There are over 500 different carotenoids with some of them being responsible for the orange and red colour in carrots, sweet potato, watermelon and tomatoes. Each and every one of these clever compounds, including the well known beta-carotene, act as antioxidants and many of them are not produced by your dogs naturally and are therefore needed in their diet. Carotenoids are helpful for reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, protection and regrowth in eye cells, and the prevention of cancerous cell growth. 

Flavonoids 

Flavonoids are found in nearly all fruit and vegetables and are therefore easily added into your dog's diet. Modern research shows that flavonoids are likely to be the reason that many health benefits are associated with diets rich in plant based foods. These magical compounds are powerful antioxidants as well as having a plethora of benefits for the immune system, as well as there being some research indicating that a diet rich in flavonoids can prevent heart disease and neurodegeneration. Rich sources of flavonoids include kale, sprouts, seaweeds and blueberries, although nearly all fruits and vegetables contain some fabulous flavonoids.

Terpenes

This group of phytonutrients are the most vast with over 40,000 known to science with more being discovered every day. Many terpenes are responsible for the scents of plants and as such are found in enchantingly fragrant ingredients such as herbs, spices, apples and citrus fruits. Terpenes are said to have strong pain relieving properties as well as being antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral making them great for preventing infection and disease.

Phytonutrients at Natural Cornish Pet 

At Natural Cornish Pet we have the very best of all natural and nutritionally rich foods and natural treats for your dogs and this includes a great range of phytonutrient rich treats and chews so you can easily add some of these marvellous compounds to your dogs diet today. 

Green & Wilds - Super Seaweed Snacks

These planet friendly treats are packed with a whole host of phytonutrients which can help with the cellular health of your dogs as well as helping to strengthen their immune system and improving the digestive health of your furry friends. These tasty treats are also vegan and are a great way to reduce the meat consumption of your canine companions and your carbon pawprint.  

Green & Wilds - Mighty Mussel Munchies

Another great treat from the brains at Green & Wilds are the Mighty Mussel Munchies which are also a great source of phytonutrients and the nutritional benefits within. Great for dogs with arthritis and other joint problems as the green lipped mussels that these treats are made of are a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin. As with all of the Green & Wilds treats the Mighty Mussel Munchies are all natural and are grain and nasty free. 

Benevo - Pawtato Vegan Dog Chews

If you're looking for a phytonutrient rich vegan treat for your dogs then look no further than the brilliant range of Pawtato chews we have on our shelves at The Pets Larder. From blueberry sticks to mint and parsley chews and purple sweet potato knots, the Pawtato rage really makes eating the rainbow, and a wide variety of those fabulous phytonutrients, a doddle for your dogs. 

So, if you're looking for a nice nutritional boost for your dogs this winter then look no further than the phytonutrient rich treats and chews available here at The Pets Larder and watch them bounce with boundless energy all year round.