Pantry staples are essential food items that have a long shelf life and are versatile enough to be used in all kinds of recipes. They can include dry staples like flour, yeast or oats, and canned products such as sardines or tuna. A good and well-organised inventory of dry staples is essential for conjuring up healthy recipes for humans and for getting the most out of leftovers for dogs.

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a root from the ginger family that is used as a spice and food colouring and has long been one of the most popular herbs in traditional medicine because of its potential health benefits. This is [...]

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  • Psyllium husks

    Psyllium husks to aid digestive health Known for their remarkable ability to support digestive health, psyllium husks (Plantago ovata) have been valued for centuries for their soothing and bulking properties. The plant has been used in India and China in [...]

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  • Black beans

    Black beans: the health benefits Known for their rich, earthy flavour, black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) have been a staple in diets around the world for centuries. Given their meaty texture, these nutritional powerhouses have long been recognized in various cuisines, [...]

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  • Flaxseeds

    Flaxseeds: Packed with nutrients   Wherever flaxseeds become a regular food item among the people, there will be better health. Mahatma Gandhi. Flaxseed (or linseed) and flaxseed oil have gained recognition as valuable additions to a dog's diet, offering a [...]

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  • Beetroot powder

    Beetroot: a bit of a hero! Beetroot is a rich source of bioactive compounds and is believed to be extremely beneficial for health. When researching functional foods recently, I found studies[1][2] into the functional properties of beetroot, which suggested that [...]

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  • Yeast

    Yeast: nutritional or brewer's? Nutritional yeast (alongside brewer's yeast) is sometimes touted as a natural flea repellent for dogs. This is due to its high content of B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1). The theory behind this claim is that when [...]

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  • Lima bean puree

    The lima bean Lima beans (sometimes called butter beans) are a great source of protein and fibre. They aren't just rich in vitamins and minerals like manganese: dried lima beans also provide an essential amino acid called lysine, which supports [...]

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  • Lentils

    Lentils: small legumes, great benefits   Said Aristippus, "If you would learn to be subservient to the king, you would not have to live on lentils." Said Diogenes, "Learn to live on lentils, and you will not have to cultivate [...]

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  • Lima beans

    Lima beans: the benefts Lima beans, also known in some parts of the world as butter beans (although they aren't exactly the same), can be a nutritious addition to a dog's diet when prepared properly. These creamy pulses are packed [...]

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  • Chia seeds

    Chia seeds: a superfood! Chia seeds, derived from the plant Salvia hispanica, have gained popularity as a superfood for humans, and are increasingly being considered as an ingredient in canine diets owing to their rich nutritional profile. Chia seeds are [...]

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  • Wheatgrass

    Wheat is commonly used in human and animal food. Different parts of the wheat plant were also found have medicinal uses, such as the anti-cancer properties of wheat bran and the antimicrobial activities of wheat sprouts [1]. Wheatgrass, derived from [...]

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  • Moringa oleifera

    Moringa oleifera: what is it? Moringa oleifera is a drought-resistant tree (also known as the drumstick or horseradish tree) used in cooking all over the world. Importantly, every part of the plant is used: the whole leaves, stalks, mature seeds, [...]

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  • Well Dog Pantry Dry Staples: The List

    Dry staples: unsung heroes Dry staples are the unsung heroes of the pantry, quietly waiting in jars, ready to rescue us from potential dilemmas. Their importance cannot be overstated; from grains and legumes to spices and herbs, these humble ingredients [...]

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  • Chickpeas: the “meat for poor men”?

    Chickpeas Renowned for their nutty flavor and versatility in various cuisines, chickpeas or garbanzo beans are a staple in this pantry, especially for use in hummus, salads and Indian dishes. Chickpeas are considered to be an important pulse with a [...]

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  • Freekeh

    Freekeh, farik or frikeh Freekeh, also known as farik, frikeh or green wheat, is an ancient grain made from green durum wheat that is harvested while still young. After drying in the sun, the wheat is set on fire to [...]

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  • Oats and rolled oats

    Oats Oats have been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence dating back to ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians and Greeks, who valued the old plant for its hardiness and used oats primarily used as animal food. In fact, [...]

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  • Baobab powder

    The bail Bob tree is nicknamed the upside down tree because it’s branches look like roots. Native to Africa (although introduced elsewhere), every part of this tree is used. Its bark, seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruit pulp are both edible [...]

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  • Hemp seeds and hemp protein

    Hemp seed oil is known for its nutritive health-enhancing properties and bioactivity. Compared to other vegetable oils it is especially rich in essential fatty acids. Hemp seeds offer myriad benefits, ranging from improved digestion and immune function to enhanced skin [...]

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