Spinach Cuits
Spinach Cuits
" I can say that these cookies will be very green and full of nutrients! Almost like taking a multivitamin !
The choice of oat and rice flour is great, as it will be a cookie gentle on the digestive system and of easy to digest . Therefore, it is a good biscuit even for those boys who have more sensitive digestive systems, as long as they do not have any food intolerances. Rice flour can be a little inflammatory and is not recommended for animals that already have intestinal inflammation, but as it is in such a small portion and is combined with oat flour that soothes the intestine, it is an ingredient that does not worry me at all in this recipe. " Marta Oliveira - https://www.martaoliveiravetnurse.com/
Spinach
There are many vitamins present in spinach that contribute to your dog's overall health. One of them is vitamin C , a vitamin with antioxidant action Known to play an important role in several biochemical processes, including the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for tissue growth and repair. One tablespoon of this leafy green contains 0.53 mg of vitamin C.
Spinach also contains B vitamins , which perform numerous functions in the body, from regulation of energy metabolism and enzyme function to improve the immune response.
One tablespoon of spinach contains the following vitamins: complex B :
- Thiamine (B1) – 1.44 micrograms
- Riboflavin (B2) – 3.56 micrograms
- Niacin (B3) – 13.56 micrograms
- Pantothenic acid (B5) – 1.19 micrograms
- Vitamin B6 – 3.63 micrograms
- Folate (B9) – 58.2 micrograms
Additionally, spinach provides your pet with 38.06 micrograms of vitamin E for each serving of 1 tablespoon.
This fat-soluble vitamin may help inhibit the oxidative stress and promote the healthy functioning of the immune , reproductive, muscular and nervous systems.
Spinach also contains vitamin K (9.06 micrograms per 1 tablespoon serving), which is crucial for the blood clotting .
Some of the phytonutrients with antioxidant effect present in spinach:
Spinach contains numerous phytonutrients with antioxidant properties, including flavonoids such as spinacetin, patuletin and jaceidin, as well as polyphenols such as quercetin (known to be a natural antihistamine), and lutein .
Another nutrient in spinach with antioxidant properties is beta-carotene , also known as pro-vitamin A. In addition to inhibiting oxidative stress damage, beta-carotene is essential for the vision, immune system, cell division and development.
One tablespoon of spinach contains about 105.63 micrograms of this nutrient.
Fiber source
Spinach is a great source of fiber for your dog, containing 41.25 milligrams per 1 tablespoon serving. This fiber will help regulate bowel movement and improve the intestinal microbiome , thus promoting a more balanced and healthy immune system.
Care with the supply of spinach in the diet:
- Pesticides and herbicides :
Unfortunately, spinach is a vegetable that can contain a high level of pesticides and herbicides. Therefore, if possible, buy organic spinach.
- Oxalates :
Spinach contains oxalates, which are compounds that act as a natural defense mechanism for the plant. Once ingested, the oxalates bind to calcium in the blood, forming small crystals of oxalic acid. If your dog has a history of calcium oxalate stones, it is best to avoid giving spinach or consult your veterinarian or animal nutritionist before offering this vegetable.
- Sensitivities :
Dogs can have individual food sensitivities or allergies. If after giving your dog spinach, he develops vomiting or diarrhea, itching on his body, or changes in behavior, it may mean that he has a food sensitivity, so stop giving him this vegetable.
- Goitrogenic :
Spinach is a cruciferous vegetable, so it can have goitrogenic effects.
Goitrogenic foods contain molecules called goitrogens. When ingested, these molecules can prevent the absorption of iodine and interfere with normal thyroid function. Veterinarian Jean Dodds DVM (a world-renowned expert on thyroid diseases) says that the benefits of spinach outweigh the risks and that steaming spinach lightly can greatly minimize this risk. Therefore, if your dog has hypothyroidism, always cook spinach, as well as any other cruciferous vegetable, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc.
Link to full article on spinach in your dog's diet:
https://www.martaoliveiravetnurse.com/ingredientes/espinafre-posso-dar-espinafres-ao-meu-co
Oat
Nutritional Value
- Protein - around 17%
- Contains soluble fiber (helps maintain low cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
- Rich in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc and B vitamins (B5 and B9)
- Low in gluten
Benefits of oats
Oats benefit several organs and systems, including the skin, nervous system, stomach, spleen, lungs, and urinary and reproductive systems.
Herbal qualities include:
Antispasmodic
Cardiac
Diuretic
Emollient
Stimulating
Antitumor - as it contains the compound b-sitosterol
Digestive - acts as a digestive aid to soothe the intestinal tract
Hormonal - helps achieve hormonal balance.
Spirulina
It is considered a super food ! Nature's true multivitamin!
It is known to be an algae, but in reality it is a cyanobacteria .
Contains more than 50% easily digestible protein and 9 essential amino acids.
Nutritional value of 10g of spirulina:
35,200 IU of beta-carotene
109mcg of vitamin K (helps with clotting)
16.2mcg of vitamin B12
46mg of calcium
96mg of phosphorus
8.7mg of iron
31.9mg magnesium
145mcg zinc
326mcg manganese
40mcg chromium
166mg of potassium
14mcg of iodine
64mg sodium
82mg Omega-3
Spirulina Phytonutrients
17% C-phycocyanin (the most abundant protein in spirulina)
1.2% chlorophyll (helps in cases of anemia and eliminates heavy metals and toxins)
53,100IU of superoxide dismutase (antioxidant)
108mg of gamma-linolenic essential fatty acid (anti-inflammatory and antitumor effect)
50.4mg total carotenoids (fight free radicals and premature aging)
10mg zeaxanthin (helps prevent cataracts)
Article written by: Marta Oliveira