Keeping your pet happy and healthy is a full time job. And it’s a job that your pet’s immune system takes on day and night. From healing a scraped paw to battling cancer, a healthy immune system is vital to all things healing and feeling good. The great news is there are plenty of healthy ways to truly strengthen your pet's immune system.
So what can you do to strengthen your pet’s healthy immune system?
The best way to strengthen your pet's immune system, is to give it all the tools it needs to function well. After all, your pet's body is constantly generating immune cells, and they know how to do their job. A healthy lifestyle will promote happy immunity in your pet.
Get Moving
Staying active, getting their blood flowing regularly will help keep your pet’s body in better working condition. For most dogs, a walk or two per day, or some good yard time chasing a ball will do. A healthy cat might want to chase a toy (or another pet) around the house.
De-Stress
Reducing the amount of stress your pet is exposed to can also encourage their physical health. There is lots of evidence that suggests a direct relationship between emotional and physical health. De-stress your pet by establishing a daily routine, especially around meal times, or coming-and-going. Avoid stressful situations (don’t invite too many dog friends over if Kitty gets nervous), and make sure they know how much they’re loved.
Nutrition, Nutrition
The real kicker here, as always, is diet (can you believe it?). Getting a proper balance of vitamins and minerals can help avoid many illnesses and ailments. However, there are five micronutrients in particular that help maintain a healthy immune system. Filling your pet’s diet with these micronutrients can give them a head start in the great battle for good health:
Vitamin B6
This anti-inflammatory micronutrient helps make amino acids, which are the body’s building blocks. It also helps support healthy brain function. You can find B6 packed into foods like pork loin (a favorite CrockPet protein), turkey and chicken, potatoes with the skin, avocado and spinach.
Vitamin C
Along with its famous immune-boosting properties, Vitamin C helps the body absorb minerals (which in turn will strengthen your pet's immune system). It promotes good circulation and heart health, and even fights free radical damage. Tomatoes, broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts are all full of Vitamin C, and make your pet’s CrockPet Diet deliciously nutritious.
Vitamin E
Healthy skin, sharp vision and balanced cholesterol can all give a nod of thanks to Vitamin E. Spinach, sweet potato and butternut squash will bring some Vitamin E to the table, as will many nuts (almonds, peanuts and cashews). Mix a little peanut butter with some coconut oil, and freeze for a delicious, frosty treat your pet will love!
Magnesium
Magnesium is an oft unsung hero of nutrition. It plays a huge part in nerve function, energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Magnesium also helps the body regulate proper blood pressure and control blood sugar. You'll find lots of this micronutrient in pet-friendly foods like spinach, chard and avocado.
Zinc
Last but certainly not least on our list is the mighty Zinc. A major player in healthy cell division, Zinc aides muscle growth and repair. It supports liver health and heart health, and acts as an antioxidant in the body. Foods with high amounts of protein contain the most naturally occurring Zinc. Lamb and grass-fed beef contain lots of Zinc, and so do chickpeas, mushrooms, spinach and chicken.
It's Easy to Strengthen your Pet's Immune System
Offering your pet a balanced diet, full of these and other healthy foods, gives them the best opportunity to build a healthy immune system. A multivitamin will help fill in any holes, as even the most balanced diets have gaps to be filled at the end of the day. Feeding your pet The Original CrockPet Diet affords you the opportunity to be certain your pet is getting enough of the right minerals and nutrients - from the right source.
Let your pet be their happiest by helping them be their healthiest. Load your crockpot up with lots of these immune boosting foods for your pet, and finish it with a quality multivitamin like Holistic Total Body Support for Dogs or Cats. You’ll be glad you did, and all the extra tail wags and nuzzles will tell you they are, too.
This is all great information, but I've read that almonds, mushrooms and avocado were toxic to dogs... is that incorrect?
It is incorrect - also many things that are considered toxic, like grapes, raisins, chocolate, are safe in small quantities. For instance, humans with eating disorders can get the same grape toxicity that dogs do, but we have to eat 10 pounds at one go. It takes over 2 pounds of grapes to create toxicity in a 50 pound dog.