Introduction
Can an apple a day keep the veterinarian away? Of course! It's why we include apples in our Original Blend recipe. Apples provide a variety of health benefits, for example:
- Boosts immunity
- Fights allergies
- Improves gut health
- Regulates bowel movement, and
- Prevents free-radical damage
In this post we explain how apples may improve your dog's health.
5 Health Benefits of Apples for Your Dog
1. Boosts Immunity
Firstly, a 2010 study from the University of Illinois found that soluble fibre in apples boosts the immune system. The consumption of soluble fibre, changes immune cells from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory. Therefore, this helps heal cells and boosts the immune system.
2. Fights allergies
Apples contain quercetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, that fights the effects of allergies. Quercetin is often called nature's antihistamine because it is known to reduce irritation, itchiness and redness. Subsequently we include the apple skin in Original Blend because the skin holds a large amount of quercetin.
3. Improves gut health
Moreover, apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fibre. The pectin acts as a prebiotic that feeds your dog's gut microbiota. Microbiota is the good bacteria in your dog's gut. By feeding the good bacteria, apples help keep your dog's gut healthy. A 2020 review of the effects of pectin found that it protects and enhances the gastrointestinal immune barrier. The gastrointestinal immune layer is made up of layers that prevent certain molecules from entering immune cells. It is the "gatekeeper of the human body."
4. Regulates bowel movement
Apples with the skin contain appoximately 4.5 grams of fibre. Like, pumpkin, the fibre in apples may help your dog with regular bowel movements becasue apples contain both soluble and and insoluble fibre. The soluble fibre can slow digestion, which prevents diarrhea. While, insoluble fibre speeds up digestion to prevent constipation.
5. Prevent free-radical damage
Lastly, apples are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These vitamins help protect against damaged cells, with a boost of anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidants found in apples fight the free-radicals. Therefore apples may help control inflammation and minimise the risk of long term health issues.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is critical for the immune system, along with bones, teeth, hair, eyes and skin.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, both of which help prevent free-radical damage. It is also known to fight the negative side effects of drugs.
Conclussion
In conclussion, whether your dog gets their daily source of apple from our Original Blend, treating your dog with a slice of apple (skin on) is a great and easy way to keep them healthy.