The Pros and Cons of Fermented Veges for Dogs
Fermented foods can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. However, there are pros and cons to consider when feeding your dog fermented veggies.
Fermenting vegetables is straightforward. Beneficial bacteria and yeast come into contact with the food, growing at room temperature. This process predigests the plant’s sugars, turning them into lactic acid and removing hard-to-digest carbohydrates.
Dogs have shorter digestive tracts compared to humans. As carnivores, they are adapted to raw meat, which requires less digestion. Vegetables, however, need to be broken down for them.
Pros of Fermented Veges for Dogs
Fermented vegetables offer numerous benefits:
Nutrient-Rich: They supplement your pet’s diet with a variety of nutrients.
Vitamins and Enzymes: Bacteria and yeast produce extra vitamins and enzymes.
Probiotics: These bacteria become food-sourced probiotics when consumed.
Fermented vegetables also have a long shelf life. You can add them to your dog’s meals several times a week. A little goes a long way—1/2 to 1 teaspoon per 9 kg of body weight. Unlike fresh vegetables, you don’t need to grind them before feeding.
Benefits of Feeding Dogs Fermented Vegetables
Promote healthy gut bacteria.
Break down nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins.
Increase prebiotics that feed probiotics.
Help prevent diabetes by improving glucose tolerance.
Source of antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients.
Better digestibility and nutrient absorption.
Boost immune system function.
Regulate sleep-wake cycles, which may reduce anxiety.
Cons of Fermented Foods for Dogs
While beneficial, fermented foods can harm dogs with gut issues or infections.
Yeast Growth: Foods like yoghurt, kefir, and kimchi can feed yeast, worsening yeast problems.
Histamine Intolerance: Fermented foods are high in histamines, which can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes and breathing issues.
Signs of histamine intolerance include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Flatulence
Inflammation
Lethargy
Skin rashes
Itching
Severe signs may include irregular heart rate, anxiety, aggressiveness, dizziness, SIBO, and mast cell tumours.
One Probiotic Doesn’t Fit All
Different probiotics target specific health conditions. Using a non-specific probiotic may not yield the desired results and could harm your dog, especially those with yeast issues.
To ensure you’re providing the right probiotics, consider supplements that contains at least 10 different microbe strains and 30 billion Colony Forming Units (CFUs). Our products, like MicroMed and Barks and Whiskers, are excellent probiotic supplements.
In summary, while fermented foods can be beneficial, they should be given with consideration to your dog's specific health needs.
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