Here are Cooka’s favorite 9 HOOMAN-FOODS you should be sharing with your dog

1. Curcuma

This is one of our all-time favourites at home. We mix it with our food. Curcuma contains a powerful natural anti-inflammatory which is called curcumin. When added to your dog’s daily diet, it can help prevent many health problems by reducing chronic inflammation, which is believed to be one of the main causes of age-related issues like joint degeneration, heart problems and even cancer. And the best part? We love the paste, as it is mixed with yummy coconut. Golden Paste is NOW available here in our shop

2. Coconuts (and coconut oil)is super yummy and hoomans call it a superfood. These milky fruit are highly nourishing, can help to improve skin and coat conditions, assist digestion and are even known to reduce allergies , all thanks to antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.

How to enjoy? For the oil - just add a spoon to your dog’s dinner plate. Coconut chips make for a healthy and natural treat, just be sure there is no added sugar. PS: The oil can also be used directly on the skin and fur for a healthy dose of shine.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar.Rich in enzymes, gut-friendly bacteria and plenty of vitamins and minerals this humble drink offers plenty of health-boosting benefits, including strengthening the immune system, improving skin and coat conditions (less itches, redness, dander, hot spots and even fleas) and is said to be useful in fighting urinary tract infections. It’s also can assist to fight yeast infections.

How to take it? Add 1 teaspoon for small dogs and 1 tablespoon for medium to large dogs to the daily meal. You can even add it to your dog’s drinking water (if your pup doesn’t mind the taste). Best to use organic, unpasteurized (raw)apple cider vinegar. It is easy to know if it is raw – the bottle should be green or brown to protect from the light and the vinegar will have some sort of ‘slime’ inside – which is exactly what makes it so beneficial. This slime is also called the ‘mother’ and is a powerhouse of goodness.

4. Raw bones. Which dog doesn’t like a good chew? Bones actually have physical, nutritional and mental benefits for dogs. The gnawing and chewing prevents dental disease and improves oral health, while the minerals provided by these animal bones are part of a healthy, balanced diet. Plus, chewing on raw meaty bones is tremendously engaging for dogs, providing often lacking mental stimulation. But are they right for your dog? Many dogs adore raw meaty bones, but there are a few stories of dogs that have chipped or broken a tooth, or swallowed a fragment of bone, which could potentially cause a blockage and be dangerous. So always keep an eye when your fur-child is chewing and NEVER give cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause serious health problems.

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5. Blueberries.Yes, dogs should eat blueberries. This is yet another superfood which makes a delicious healthy treat for doggies and their hoomans. (great snack to share). Research has shown that blueberries can improve the overall health of, from lowering cholesterol and improving cardio, to building stronger bones. Blueberries are nutritious power-houses. They’re high in fiber, low in calories, and rich in vitamin C. They also contain high amounts of phytochemicals, which have been shown to help fight cancer in hoomans and animals. Plus, they’re rich in antioxidants, which are key in helping fight those free radicals that cause cellular and molecular damage. And as a new study just found out – those little berries can even help the aging brain, keeping your pup younger for longer.

6. Eggs are excellent for dogs. They’re a complete food source, 100 percent bioavailable, high in protein and contain many essential amino acids and fatty acids. They’re alsoa good source of linoleic acid and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A. They can even help with an upset stomach, providing easily digestible proteins.

How to feed eggs? Add to the daily meals – either cooked or raw (if the egg is organic). At Cooka’s we keep the egg-shells and ground them into a fine powder for an extra does of calcium.

7. Bone brothis one of my favourite good-night drinks. This nutrient packed soup is extremely bioavailable and has a ton of benefits. It improves digestion, reduces inflammation, helps alleviate joint pain, strengthens bones, joints and muscles. Furthermore, the glycine in bone broth helps to detox the liver and the collagen is great for the skin and coat! You can easily make your own broth by simmering bones on low heat for 8 to 24h with a dash of apple vinegar and some veggies.

8. Organ meatsand glands are superfoods! Think of animals in the wild—they always go for the organs first - for a good reason! Dogs can benefit from organ meats such as the liver, kidneys, hearts or even brain. Best to use organic and pasture-raised if possible.

9. Small, oily fish such as anchovies and sardines are brain foods. Packed with Omega-3’s, they offer anti-inflammatory benefits, lubricate joints, promote skin, coat and eye health. Small fish are normally “cleaner” as they haven’t had a chance to accumulate the toxin levels found in large fish like tuna. For a fish treat, try our dehydrated omena fish, available here.

Happy sharing with your hooman, Your Cooka