Why your Westie needs this little blueberry in it’s bowl.
Blueberries are an exquisite little deep blue fruit that give your Westie a huge boost of scrummy goodness, it’s the gift that keeps on giving nutritionally.
People often ask me, ‘if my dog is on a raw diet, can I feed fruit’? Or ‘do they really need it?’ The answer is, if you want a healthier Westie, with a stronger immune system that may live longer, then yes feed blueberries. Of course, other fruits are beneficial (obviously not grapes), but the blueberry is the King of the fruit Kingdom.
There are several studies on the benefits of feeding blueberries and how they can support good health. A high percentage of dogs are suffering from various forms of cancer and unbelievably this little blue fruit may decrease the risk.
Research also says that blueberries can help support the brain and keep it healthy. They also may be able to slow the brain’s natural ageing process, a wonderful benefit for our senior Westies out there.
Blueberries are also proactive in helping to reduce inflammation in the body, which of course can be a preventative for disease.
Blueberries can also be beneficial to the gut, and as we know a healthy gut supports a healthy body. They can help protect the health of the microbiome.
Blueberries are really helpful if your dog suffers from recurring urinary tract infections, UTI’s. Normally people reach for cranberries, but blueberries can be just as effective. They help by preventing bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract.
Blueberries are also great for eye health as they contain a high level of Vitamin C, dogs do make their own, but it’s always good to have a boost now and again, and the blueberry is the go to fruit for this.
This little blue nutritious bomb is exploding with antioxidants as well, is there anything this wonderful little fruit can’t do?
Antioxidants are extremely good in helping the body rid itself of the toxins it is exposed to on a regular basis. Westies can end up with a huge toxic overload for various reasons. For example, over vaccination, poor quality processed food and treats, pesticides used as flea and worming preventatives, chemicals used in the home and the garden.
So, how do we feed blueberries? Some dogs will eat them from the bush, they know a good thing when they see it! Some will eat them straight from your hand, some like them blitzed up and mixed in with their food, some like them frozen. If you feed a raw diet then 5% can be blueberries, if you feed processed food then I suggest feeding 10% of the diet as your dog needs a heavier load of antioxidants.
Blueberries are a very versatile food, I suggest buying organic if you can, or try and choose the darkest fruit you can.
During the summer months you can blitz blueberries, raspberries and strawberries together with some yoghurt and even a few pumpkin seeds, freeze in some ice cube trays to make not only a cooling treat, but a very nutritious one, and your Westie will not only get some wonderful benefits, but of course will love you more for it.
Get inventive in that bowl, it’s all about offering your dog the eating experience it deserves.
Sue Makepeace is the Founder of the Westie Advice Group (WAG) on Facebook and is also a certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist.
