Broccoli - the green miracle in dog nutrition

It is not for nothing that broccoli is called the jewel of the food pyramid - it is one of the most nutritious vegetables. Dog nutrition is no exception - broccoli will perfectly complement your pet's diet when feeding raw meat. It is low in fat, low in sugar, more protein than any other vegetable, and these are far from all the good properties of broccoli. So we will try to tell you in more detail why broccoli must be in your dog's diet.

First of all, broccoli is a perfect means of protection against oxidative stress in the dog's body, which often becomes the main cause of chronic diseases. Broccoli is a powerful antioxidant, as it contains two important elements - vitamin C and sulforaphane. Cancer, premature aging, heart disease, brain disorders - these are just some of the chronic diseases caused by a lack of antioxidants.

Interesting fact - broccoli has 2.5 times more vitamin C than oranges!

The substances in broccoli are able to fight free radicals that damage the cells of the dog's body and cause cancer. Yes, it's the aforementioned good sulforaphane. This element also reduces inflammation and eliminates carcinogens.

Inflammation sounds like a fairly innocent thing, but this disorder can become the cause of such complex diseases as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and various allergic reactions.

Balancing the totality of microorganisms living in your dog's body is another "mission" that the fibers and elements in broccoli take care of. This time it's prebiotics, responsible for the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract.

Your dog's body is constantly exposed to various chemicals and toxins - a lot of them are floating in the air, so they inevitably enter the body. Most of these substances and toxins accumulate in fat cells, are broken down in the liver and removed from the body. Smooth liver function is extremely important for the detoxification process. Sulofrane in broccoli can activate these processes by as much as 61%.

Broccoli is rich in carotenoids, which are extremely important for ensuring good vision. These are beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the dog's body, a deficiency of which can even cause blindness. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in food that accumulate in the retina and are extremely important for its condition.

Studies show that sulforaphane may help prevent Alzheimer's and other brain disorders. This is because sulforaphane contributes to the growth and survival of nerve cells. This improves brain function. Scientists say that sulforaphane also contributes to faster recovery from brain injuries.

Proper nutrition for a dog affects not only physical but also psychological health. Broccoli contains compounds that can help treat anxiety and depression. Inflammation is one of the causes of depression. As we mentioned, sulforaphane reduces inflammation. When your dog is stressed or anxious, his body releases stress hormones. These hormones use up important resources, such as zinc, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Broccoli is a good source of these substances.

Zinc is another element that broccoli is an indispensable source of. Zinc deficiency can contribute to the occurrence of countless diseases. These include heart and skin diseases, gastrointestinal and thyroid problems, and blindness. Zinc is not stored in the body, so your dog's diet should always include foods that contain this element. Broccoli is a great option.