Broccoli sprout and blueberry smoothie
Smoothies are a really easy way of reducing duplication of work (the Care and Share theory).
I often have a smoothie for breakfast or lunch, using kefir and blueberries as a base and adding different powders, fruit and/or greens, depending on what I have in the deep freeze/refrigerator/pantry.
My dog has kefir in one form or another every day. On the days that I make a kefir smoothie, she will have the same – without the nuts or dried fruit topping, but maybe with flaxseeds if that’s what I’m having. On the days I have something that’s not good for dogs, like rhubarb, she gets it as is.
Today’s smoothie includes broccoli sprouts because:
(a) they’re very good for you and
(b) I was a little bit over-generous with the seeds when I put them to soak and turns out I’ve sprouted too many! They’ll be in salads and smoothies for the next couple of days… but it’s no hardship…😉
Just four ingredients:
15 g Kefir
35 g sprouted broccoli seeds
50 g frozen blueberries
50 g frozen banana slices
See below for the benefits of the individual ingredients at a glance.
Put all of the ingredients into a mini-blender and blend until smooth.
Tip: Keep slices of banana in the freezer. Slice the bananas before they get too ripe and open freeze the slices before storing in a container. These can be given to your dog as treat (not too many in one day!) or used in smoothies or baking.
Frozen banana slices
THE TASTING:
Ingredients: the benefits at a glance
Kefir is rich in probiotics, which balance got microbiota and promote overall gut health. It is nutrient dense, and has good amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Kefir is also rich in vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, K2, folic acid), which support energy metabolism and cognitive health, and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), which are important for bone health.
Broccoli seed sprouts are a concentrated source of powerful antioxidants, including sulforaphane, which has been widely studied for its potential anti-cancer and detoxification properties. These tiny powerhouses also provide vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health, along with dietary fibre to promote gut health. Rich in bioactive compounds, broccoli sprouts may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to overall wellness in dogs.
Bananas are a nutritious treat for dogs, as they are packed with dietary fibre to support healthy digestion and rich in essential vitamins like B6 and C. Together, these vitamins support healthy joints, brain function, energy metabolism, immune health and even mood regulation. The minerals in bananas, including potassium and magnesium, aid in muscle function, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance. Given their sugar content, however, they should be fed in moderation.
Blueberries are a real superfood. First, they are a good source of dietary fibre for digestive health. Then they’re rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds that help reduce oxidative stress, combat inflammation and support brain and heart health in dogs. And last but not least, blueberries pack a powerful punch with vitamins C, K and E and minerals including manganese, potassium and magnesium.
CARE AND SHARE IDEA:
Top with a bit of granola, nuts and some dried fruit and enjoy!
Important Considerations:
- Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
- Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
- Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
- I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
- Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.