BLUEBERRIES - a "superfood" for your dog

Blueberries are considered a so-called "superfood" with extremely beneficial properties. It is not for nothing that in the warm season, two-thirds of the daily diet of wolves living in Voyageurs National Park consists of berries, the vast majority of which are blueberries. Why does the seemingly completely carnivorous wolf choose them? We will try to answer this question.

First of all, blueberries are the most complete antioxidant among fruits and berries. Oxidation is a common cause of cell damage and aging. Over time, your dog's body accumulates metabolic byproducts, also known as free radicals, which damage the dog's cells. They are the main cause of aging and chronic diseases in dogs, such as diabetes, arthritis or kidney disease. Naturally, a dog's body is not protected from free radicals - the only way to protect it is to feed your dog a diet that contains antioxidants. They are found only in plants, especially berries. Blueberries are rich in a special antioxidant that no other berry or fruit has.

Scientists have even conducted several studies on the properties of blueberries in dogs. Italian researchers divided service dogs into two groups. Dogs in both groups ate cereals, but one group of dogs was given blueberries. After 18 weeks, the dogs eating blueberries showed lower oxidative stress. The second study compared the antioxidant content of dogs with cancer. The scientists found that dogs whose diets included blueberries had much better protection against oxidative stress. What influenced this difference? It is the polyphenol content in blueberries.

Strong antioxidant properties are not the only benefits of blueberries for your dog. Blueberries may also inhibit tumor growth, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce chronic inflammation. They are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as various trace minerals (especially manganese and folate).

A dog's brain uses more oxygen than any other tissue in its body. This makes the brain and nervous system particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. If your dog suffers from neurological disorders, it is largely due to the interference of the aforementioned free radicals. Blueberries contain an antioxidant that can contribute to the harmonious functioning of the brain and nervous system. This is anthocyanin, the only antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Each of us has our own super dog, who truly deserves a portion of his daily diet to be a "superfood"! Blueberries are included in all Top Dog Bistro dog foods.