Dry Staples

Blending flours: how it works Combining to create better functional treats In my search for the holy grail of training treats, I’ve tried many different flavours, even different shapes. Always with the same underlying aim: to achieve a palatable,  functional [...]

Flour for function This is part of the eternal quest for the perfect functional training treat: a no-crumble, easy-to-eat-without-losing-concentration, super-palatable bite that doesn't cause energy spikes. Not all flours play the same role[1]. Commercial white flours (some with raising agents) [...]

Buckwheat Cultivated for thousands of years across Asia and Eastern Europe, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is naturally gluten-free and highly digestible compared with many cereals. Rich in complex carbohydrates, protein and dietary fibre, this pseudograin offers steady energy release and provides [...]

Pumpkin Seeds Known for their distinctive shape and rich, nutty flavour, pumpkin seeds are a nutrient-dense food with a long history. They have been a dietary staple in many cultures for centuries and are celebrated not only for their taste [...]

Amaranth in the kitchen Amaranth is one of those ancient grains that feels both timeless and fresh. It stands out as a complete plant-based protein, which is relatively unusual in the plant world. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for dogs [...]

Amaranth - God's own grain Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is one of the ancient grains like quinoa, kamut and spelt that finds itself among the numerous forgotten ingredients now experiencing a revival, although technically it’s not a grain but a pseudocereal [...]

What’s in a Mushroom? The lesser-known compounds (and their effects) Many cultures, from traditional Chinese medicine to Japanese culinary heritage, have long recognised mushrooms for their medicinal qualities -  modern science is now revealing why those traditions were so effective. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Mucilage: what is it? Working on the Doggy Delly sprouting experiments soon made it evident that chia seeds can’t be sprouted in water in the same way as legumes, for example. This is because of the gelatinous layer created when [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]