Vegan Anti-Inflammatory Dog Food – Health Benefits for Dogs
In both humans and dogs, certain detrimental physiological changes occur later in life, a significant one being the enhancement of the inflammatory response and the increase in oxidative damage. This process leads to various pathologies related to chronic inflammation, resulting in what is called “inflammageing” (1). This inflammageing is the root of immunosenescence in both dogs and humans (2, 3).
Impact of Diet on Inflammation
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even anxiety are all fuelled by inflammation. Diets rich in long chain saturated fatty acids, predominantly found in full-fat dairy products, red meat, and poultry, are known to contribute to a state of chronic inflammation, which negatively impacts health, longevity, and mood (7, 8, 9, 10, 11).
The potential to manipulate the expression of inflammatory genes lies in the balance of macronutrients, micronutrients, and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. It is therefore suggested that anti-inflammatory nutrition can serve as a form of gene silencing technology, especially for genes related to silent inflammation. Incorporating supplemental omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can enhance an anti-inflammatory diet.
Vegan Diet’s Role In Reducing Inflammation
A diet abundant in colourful vegetables would not only provide sufficient amounts of polyphenols that inhibit the nuclear factor (NF)-κB (the primary molecular target of inflammation), but also boost AMP kinase levels, thereby impacting various metabolic and cellular pathways (3, 4, 5, 6, 8). Consequently, the role of an anti-inflammatory diet transcends merely providing calories and positions it at the forefront of gene-silencing technology.
The synergistic effects of phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables are largely responsible for their potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities (7, 8). Giulia Alessandri et al’s recent study (9) supports this finding, concluding that a meat-based diet offers lesser protection against inflammatory activity in the canine gut.
Feeding your dog a diet rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients helps slow the ageing process associated with inflammation while simultaneously improving overall wellbeing. At Bonza, we incorporate a wide array of phytochemical-rich ingredients into your dog’s food, each chosen for their potent, synergistic, anti-inflammatory properties.
Bonza vegan anti-inflammatory dog food includes a variety of ingredients with well researched anti-inflammatory properties.
Following is a list the anti-inflammatory ingredients in Bonza vegan dog food and how they contribute to inflammation reduction.
Olive Oil Extract: Olive oil is known to be a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), especially oleic acid, which have been shown to modulate immune response and exert anti-inflammatory effects. A study conducted by Beauchamp et al. revealed that oleocanthal, a component found in extra-virgin olive oil, inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, much like the common anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, thereby exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties (1). Other studies further confirm the beneficial effect of olive oil compounds, such as Oleuropin and hydroxytyrosol, in reducing inflammation (2, 3).
Pineapple: Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can reduce inflammation by modulating key pathways, including the COX-2 pathway and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation (1, 2).
Kale and Spinach: These vegetables are rich in carotenoids and other antioxidants, which neutralize harmful free radicals and help prevent the initiation of inflammatory pathways (1). Sulforaphane in kale reduces inflammation by blocking the activation of the NF-κB system (3).
Reishi Mushroom: This mushroom is loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans (1). Specifically, it inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, as well as downregulates gene expression related to inflammatory pathways (2).
Turmeric: The active component of turmeric, curcumin, has been widely studied for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibits the activation of NF-κB, a major cellular transcription factor that regulates the gene expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines (4, 5).
Ginger: This spice contains gingerols and shogaols, which inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a compound that produces harmful free radicals. By doing so, ginger prevents the activation of NF-κB, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects (1).
Oats: The unique compounds in oats, avenanthramides, have been found to inhibit the activation of NF-κB and the production of inflammatory cytokines (1).
Quinoa: Quinoa is rich in phytochemicals such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have anti-inflammatory properties. They inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils, leading to reduced inflammation (5).
Rapeseed Oil: This oil is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, resulting in reduced inflammation (36).
Baobab: The polyphenol content of baobab is known to prevent oxidative damage to cells and reduce inflammation (11).
Cranberry: Compounds such as quercetin, myricetin, and peonidin in cranberries show anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the enzymes COX-2 and lipoxygenase, both involved in the inflammatory process (3).
Bonza anti-inflammatory vegan dog food also contains PhytoPlus™, a proprietary blend of herbs, botanicals and adaptogens that provide the health benefits that their powerful phytonutrients offer for your dog’s healthy, long life.
What is the best anti-inflammatory vegan dog food ?
For all of the reasons outlined above we contend that Bonza is arguably not just the best anti-inflammatory vegan dog food, but the best anti-inflammatory dog food available for your dog.
Elevate Your Dog’s Food Beyond Simple Nutrition
