Restorative drinks
This week, one of my dogs seemed a little under the weather. She has an autoimmune disorder which we try to manage through diet, in consultation with our vet. Perhaps unusually, we opted for a dietary plan over the alternative of lifelong medication and treatment. Thus far (and without wishing to tempt fate), it’s been generally successful. But I’m always alert to tell-tale signs that her resistance is dipping.
That can – and this time did – mean a visit to the vet. But at the same time, I wanted to give her immune system a boost. I chose to add a ‘restorative’ to her diet in the form of a drink, partly because it’s mid-summer and extra hydration is always welcome, and partly because it’s so easy to pour a splash of something tasty into her bowl now and again throughout the day.
Next step: to develop a series of restorative drinks, essentially cold soups and smoothies, which my dogs can enjoy. (I can’t give what is essentially a treat to one without the other, so quality control is carried out by the team!)
The basis is usually a bone broth, either fish or beef. While beef bone broth contains more protein, fish broth has other valuable nutrients – so they get both. Most importantly, the broth is made from the bones in my own kitchen, without any added flavourings that might be harmful to dogs.
Restorative foods: the effects
Restorative foods can have various properties: antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, gut-restorative and/or immune-supporting. It’s clear, even from these simplified categories and the ingredients listed below, that many ingredients have multiple and overlapping effects. That’s the magic of functional food: ingredients rich in antioxidants will often help support immune response; foods that soothe the gut can also help in convalescence or even speed up the healing process. And don’t forget, these ingredients are ‘boosters’. A varied diet of functional foods will build a balanced gut and bolster our dogs’ natural resistance to infection and disease.
Ingredients
I’ll be sharing some (very easy) recipes shortly on the site for anyone wanting to give them a try.
What we need is punch and palatability. These are some of my go-to ingredients for canine drinks, especially pick-me-ups. They aren’t exclusive – there are plenty of other ingredients in the Well Dog Pantry and the Well Dog Freezer!
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, support cellular repair, and protect against inflammation and chronic disease.
Blueberries (and other berries): Blueberries in particular are one of the richest plant-based sources of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins; vitamins K and C also play a role.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables: Rich in sulforaphane, lutein and other phytonutrients that help protect cells from oxidative damage.
Beetroot:A rich source of betalains, widely recognised for their antioxidant properties, and natural nitrates that support blood flow and help reduce oxidative stress.
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash: The defining antioxidants in this group are carotenoids – especially beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin – which help protect cells from oxidative damage, support immune function, and promote eye health.
Dark leafy greens: Greens like spinach and kale provide a range of compounds, including flavonoids and vitamin E, which help neutralise free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. Use in moderation due to their oxalate content.
Shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms: Shiitake contain various antioxidants, including phenolic compounds that help reduce oxidative stress, and selenium, which contributes to the neutralisation of free radicals.
Fish bone broth: Provides selenium, iodine, and bioactive peptides; supports antioxidant enzymes and immune defence.
Flax, chia, and hemp seeds: These seeds provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which act as antioxidants and help support cellular health.
Apple: Provides polyphenols and a small amount of vitamin C, both of which contribute to antioxidant activity and help protect against oxidative damage.
Lentils: Contain antioxidant polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help reduce oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory foods can reduce or prevent swelling and inflammation in the body – tissues, joints and digestive tract – and relieve pain.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables: Contain glucosinolates and other natural compounds that help reduce inflammation and support the body’s response to oxidative stress.
Blueberries and other berries: Polyphenols in berries can help reduce inflammatory markers and support anti-inflammatory processes in the body.
Leafy greens: Provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and flavonoids, which can help modulate the body’s inflammatory response and support tissue health.
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash: Naturally rich in carotenoids, which help modulate inflammatory pathways and support tissue repair.
Shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms: Contain beta-glucans and other natural compounds that help regulate the body’s inflammatory response.
Salmon and oily fish: Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which have well-documented anti-inflammatory effects and support joint, heart, and skin health.
Beef bone broth: Rich in glycine, glutamine and collagen, which can help regulate inflammation and support tissue repair.
Chia, flax, and hemp seeds: Provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant compounds that can help reduce inflammation.
Turmeric: The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has well-documented anti-inflammatory effects and may help calm inflammatory responses in the body.
Antifungal
Antifungal ingredients help keep yeast conditions at bay and support microbial balance in the gut and on the skin.
Shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms: These mushrooms contain compounds like lentinan and antifungal beta-glucans that help defend against fungal flare-ups and support immune function.
Turmeric (curcuma): Contains curcumin, a compound known for its antifungal effects, especially against Candida species. When combined with a fat source, curcumin becomes more bioavailable and can help support microbial balance.
Kefir (plain, unsweetened): Helps to maintain a healthy balance of gut microbes, which can discourage flareups and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Cranberries: Contain compounds like proanthocyanidins, which may help prevent fungal adhesion and reduce the growth that leads to infections.
Apple cider vinegar (with the mother): Helps maintain an acidic environment in the digestive tract, which may discourage fungal growth and support microbial balance.
Parsley: Offers mild antifungal and antibacterial properties and may contribute to maintaining microbial balance. (Use in moderation.)
Coconut oil: Contains medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid and caprylic acid, which may help inhibit the growth of certain fungi and support microbial balance. (Use in moderation.)
Natural antibiotic (antimicrobial)
Antimicrobial ingredients help the body defend against harmful bacteria and support a healthy microbial balance in the gut, on the skin, and in the ears.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which may help disrupt bacterial communication and prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to cells.
Shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms: Contain compounds that help stimulate immune cell activity, enhancing the body’s ability to detect and defend against harmful bacteria.
Parsley: Contains compounds with mild antimicrobial effects that may help limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. (Use in moderation.)
Blueberries: Contain polyphenols with antimicrobial activity that can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.
Gut-restorative
Ingredients that do what it says on the tin: restore gut health by soothing the digestive system, supporting the gut lining and feeding beneficial bacteria – all crucial to digestive health and overall resilience.
Beef bone broth: Rich in collagen, gelatin and amino acids like glycine and glutamine, beef bone broth helps protect and repair the gut lining, supporting digestive function, especially after illness or stress.
Fish bone broth: While similar to beef broth in some respects, fish bone broth has a slightly different nutrient profile. In addition to supporting the gut, it’s a rich source of iodine and selenium, which help replenish electrolytes and support hydration.
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash: These vegetables provide a mix of soluble and insoluble fibre that supports gut motility and overall digestive health.
Chia seed mucilage: Chia seeds form a gel (mucilage) when hydrated. Mucilage carries fibre, which is beneficial for the digestive tract and can help support gut lining integrity. It is also a potential prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Chamomile: Rich in active ingredients, chamomile has been used traditionally for many gastrointestinal conditions, including flatulence, digestive disorders and gastrointestinal irritation.
Lentils: A source of fermentable fibre that supports the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help maintain gut lining integrity, promote microbial balance, and contribute to healthy digestion.
Rolled oats: A source of soluble fibres, including beta-glucans, which act as prebiotics, helping to nourish the gut, promote digestive health and support microbial diversity
Beetroot: A source of prebiotic fibre that supports healthy digestion, beetroot is also known for its high levels of betaines, which support stomach acid production and contribute to efficient digestive function.
Kefir (plain, unsweetened): A probiotic-rich fermented drink that supports the gut by suppressing harmful pathogens, strengthening microbial defences, and enhancing communication between the gut and immune system.
Immune-supportive
Everyday support for the immune system or a resilience booster during illness or convalescence
Beetroot: A source of natural nitrates, which support blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, helping to enhance immune circulation and overall defence readiness.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables: A source of sulforaphane, which supports immune modulation, detoxification pathways and cellular defence. Also contributes small amounts of vitamin C and folate, both of which play a role in immune function.
Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and butternut squash: Rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which plays a key role in supporting mucosal surfaces – the protective linings of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts – which form a vital part of the body’s first line of immune defence.
Shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms: Contain immunologically active glucans that have been demonstrated to stimulate defence reactions. Shiitake are also rich in polysaccharides, compounds which improve immune cell proliferation and activation.
Beef bone broth: Rich in amino acids such as glutamine and glycine, which support immune regulation and cellular repair. These nutrients help modulate inflammation, maintain the integrity of the gut lining, and support recovery during illness.
Fish bone broth: A valuable source of iodine and selenium, two minerals that support thyroid function and antioxidant enzyme systems. These nutrients help regulate immune responses and maintain overall immune resilience.
Salmon oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support immune balance by helping to regulate inflammation and strengthen immune cell function. These fatty acids contribute to healthier cell membranes, improving communication between immune cells and supporting overall immune readiness.
Kefir (plain, unsweetened): A probiotic-rich fermented drink that supports the gut by suppressing viral activity, strengthening microbial defences, enhancing communication between the gut and immune system, and supporting antibody responses.
Lentils: While not directly involved in immune regulation, lentils provide essential nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, and folate, which contribute to the development and function of immune cells.
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Recipe ideas follow….
If you would like more information about each ingredient, just search this site – most have their own info pages!
Important Considerations:
- Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
- If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
- 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.
- I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
- The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!