What Foods Reduce Inflammation in Dogs?

· by Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

What Foods Reduce Inflammation In Dogs?

Guide To Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods For Dogs

In addressing the challenge of aging and chronic conditions in dogs, the role of nutrition stands out as a pivotal element in managing and potentially mitigating the impact of inflammation. As dogs advance in age, they experience an increase in inflammatory responses and oxidative damage, leading to a phenomenon known as “inflammaging.” This condition accelerates aging and is associated with a host of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, and even psychological disorders such as anxiety.

The dietary intake, particularly the consumption of foods high in saturated fats, has been linked to exacerbating chronic inflammation. However, a carefully curated diet, rich in specific nutrients and food groups, can significantly alter the inflammatory gene expression and serve as a potent countermeasure to inflammaging.

Comprehensive List of Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Dogs:

Anti-inflammatory Fruits and Vegetables:

  • Olive Oil Extract: Contains oleocanthal, which inhibits inflammatory enzymes similar to ibuprofen. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol offer additional anti-inflammatory benefits.(1, 2, 3)
  • Pineapple: Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, is noted for its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and associated pains.  (1,2, 3)
  • Kale and Spinach: These green leafy vegetables are packed with anti-inflammatory carotenoids, vitamins, and powerful antioxidants for dogs (and humans).  (1, 2, 3)
  • Plums: Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, particularly anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress.
  • Peaches: Offer a variety of antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, contributing to inflammation reduction and cellular protection.
  • Cruciferous Vegetables: Including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, known for their glucosinolates which produce anti-inflammatory compounds upon digestion.

Anti-inflammatory Proteins and Fats:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in seaweed, algae, fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, DPA) are crucial for reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
  • Legumes: Legumes including peas, chickpeas, soya beans, fava (broad) beans, lentils, kidney beans, contain numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation

Functional Foods:

  • Reishi Mushroom: Known for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, reishi mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants, selenium, and β-glucans, contributing to heart health and inflammation reduction. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
  • Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and blackberries are high in antioxidants, supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.
  • Mushrooms (Shiitake, Maitake): These contain beta-glucans for immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Probiotics and Fermented Foods: Support gut health, which is essential for controlling inflammation. Suitable examples include kefir and low-fat plain yogurt.

Seeds and Grains:

  • Oats: Avenanthramides in oats play a significant role in reducing inflammation unique to this grain. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  • Quinoa: Contains flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. (5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10)

Oils:

Other Notable Anti-inflammatory Foods and Ingredients:

  • Turmeric: Curcumin in turmeric is widely recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
  • Ginger: Contains gingerol, an ingredient with notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (1, 2, 3)
  • Baobab: Its antioxidant and polyphenol content may help reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative damage. (11, 12, 13)
  • Cranberry: Rich in compounds, Quercetin, Myricetin, Peonidin and Ursolic acid, all with anti-inflammatory effects. (3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
  • Parsley, Sage, Rosemary: Herbs with high inhibitory effects on inflammation-inducing compounds. (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 16)
  • Echinacea Purpurea Root: Echinacea has potent anti-inflammatory properties – numerous studies point to a significant reduction in inflammation markers. (20, 21, 28)
  • Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero): Amongst its many other health benefits, acts as an anti-inflammatory helping to reduce inflammation which is considered a cause of most chronic diseases. (9, 10, 11, 12)
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory effects such as increasing glutathione levels. MSM may reduce the release of molecules associated with inflammation. (4, 5, 6, 7, 86, 87, 90, 91)
  • Glucosamine: How this works in disease treatment is not yet fully understood, but studies indicates that it may reduce inflammation. (3, 4, 5, 18)

Incorporating these functional food ingredients into a dog’s diet can play a critical role in managing inflammation, slowing the aging process, and enhancing the quality of life. By focusing on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, dog owners can significantly contribute to their pet’s health, offering them the best chance of a vigorous and disease-resilient life.

Bonza vegan dog food contains more anti-inflammatory ingredients than other dog foods, all included in our Superfoods and Ancient Grains formula to prevent the effects inflammation can have on your dog’s health.

Our seaweed sourced DHAgold™ contains a number of anti-inflammatory, bioactive ingredients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) including DHA, EPA and DPA, chlorophyll a, β-carotene, astaxanthin and fucoxanthin, and as dietary ingredients, their extracts have shown to be effective in chronic inflammation-linked metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis and other inflammation related health issues. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Bonza also includes powerful adaptogens Siberian Ginseng and Ashwagandha known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Bonza anti-inflammatory vegan dog food, includes 36 high quality ingredients you know and trust, carefully selected for their synergistic anti-inflammatory activity.

Elevate your dog’s food beyond simple nutrition by feeding them the best anti-inflammatory dog food.

You may find exploring the article Foods That Reduce Inflammation in Dogs Naturally worthwhile.

Shop Bonza Superfood Now

About Glendon Lloyd Dip.Canine.Nutrition Dip.Dog.Nutrigenomics

I have had dogs from the day I was born. Much to my Mum's amusement, my Dad bought home Zetta, a beautiful corgi puppy , as his contribution to our new family!

Fast forward to 2018 and Catherine, my wife, and one of our dogs Poppy, were both diagnosed and treated for cancer within months of each other

Diet and its impact on health, cancer particularly, led me down a rabbit hole of discovery.

I consumed information voraciously - on our diets, our dogs' diets and the impact these have not just on health but also the health of our increasingly fragile planet.

I was humbled by the time and expertise given so freely by doctors and vets, canine nutritionists and scientists, academics and agronomists. The more I learned the more I understood there had to be a better way to improve not just our health but also our dogs and the planet's.

The result of my trip down that rabbit hole is Bonza, a plant-based dog food (and now supplements) that elevate our dogs' diet beyond simple nutrition to a diet that inspires a healthier everyday life for our dogs and the planet.

I am continually researching the nutritional impact our dogs' diets have on their health and wellbeing and the ingredients and nutrients we should include in, and exclude from, their food to deliver longer, healthier lives.

I am delighted that my trip down the rabbit hole has led to me completing a Diploma in Canine Nutrigenomics and a Diploma in Canine Nutrition being awarded a Distinction for both my coursework and theses!

ADD LIFE TO YOUR DOG'S YEARS

X