Enrichment… It’s a word that we hear a lot in the dog community. It’s a way of getting creative and expressing ourselves whilst giving our furry friends a delicious snack. But enrichment is so much more than a pretty meal for our pups. Enrichment is important for dogs because it keeps their brains balanced, bodies active and emotions balanced. It helps with stress reduction, keeps their minds busy, helps them to build confidence and prevents boredom and destructive behaviour. Enrichment is a wonderful way to keep a dog’s mind active and engaged even when illness or injury limits their physical activity.
But what if you have a dog with a sensitive stomach and you are unsure on what to give them?
Gut health is incredibly important for dogs because the digestive system does so much more than just process food- It plays a major role in their immunity, mood and overall wellbeing. 70% of the immune system resides in the gut! Maintaining a balanced microbiome helps protect against illness whilst also aiding in the breakdown and absorption of vital nutrients. A healthy gut helps to positively influence your dog’s mood and behaviour whilst reducing digestive issues. By creating this gut friendly enrichment bowl for your sensitive pup, you are nourishing both their mind and tummy! I have created a super easy enrichment bowl all packed with gut loving ingredients so your pup can still enjoy a delicious and stimulating bowl of goodness!
Ingredients:
Pumpkin puree
Kefir
Plant Dog Freeze Dried Pumpkin
Blueberries
Bone broth
Enrichment bowl ( We are using Plant Dog's The Meadow Slow Feeder in the colour Smokey white)
But why are these ingredients so beneficial for dogs with sensitive tummies?
Pumpkin puree- Pumpkin is a nutrient rich, vitamin packed fruit rich in soluble fibre. It helps to regulate bowel movements, is gentle on the stomach and is low calorie (perfect for pups on a diet!) Pumpkin also has prebiotic properties which feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome. Pumpkin is often used to help dogs with constipation or diarrhoea. Plant Dog Freeze Dried Pumpkin pieces are also a great addition alongside to not only make your enrichment super cute but being 100% pumpkin, they are a super nutritious and healthy snack
Kefir- Kefir is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet as it is full of gut boosting probiotics. It is rich in beneficial bacteria that helps to balance the gut microbiome and supports digestion and stool consistency. This nutrient rich superfood is packed with a wide range of vitamins such as B12, B2 and vitamin K. Kefir is perfect for dogs with digestive upset, and it helps to restore gut bacteria, regulate bowel movements and soothe upset stomachs. When introducing kefir to your dogs diet it is important to introduce it slowly and gradually to avoid further stomach upset. It is also important to only feed plain kefir with no flavourings or sweeteners added.
Red Ginseng- Red Ginseng is a powerful herbal supplement that naturally supports your dog’s vitality, resistance and overall well-being. Known for its apoptogenic properties, it helps to boost energy and stamina making it perfect for dogs recovering from illness. Red ginseng helps to strengthen the immune system to protect itself against infections, can help keep your pup calm by reducing stress and anxiety and is a perfect addition to your dog’s gut boosting enrichment bowl.
Purple Sweet Potato pieces- These small but powerful super cubes are a great way to add some extra nutrients into your dog’s diet. Low in calories, rich in antioxidants and high in fibre, this is the perfect addition for dogs with sensitivities. They are also packed with vitamins A,C and B6 perfect for an overall boost!
Blueberries- Blueberries really are one of the most beneficial fruits you can offer your dog. They are packed with antioxidants, fibre, vitamins C, K and are low in calories. Due to them being rich in fibre they are beneficial for digestion and can help prevent constipation and help to regulate bowel movements. Not only are blueberries delicious they are a superfood!
Bone broth- Bone broth is another incredible addition to your dog’s diet. It is a fantastic way to keep your dogs hydrated and their tummies happy! The collagen, glycine, and glutamine found in bone broth have been linked in scientific research for their healing and repairing properties in the gastrointestinal tract and throughout the body. When it comes to your dog’s gut health, bone broth is an excellent choice. Bone broth is also a great way to support your dog’s overall well-being, joint health, skin and coat health, bone health and much more
Our recipe is simple, easy to follow and super nutritious! So, what are you waiting for?! Give it a try and your dogs gut will thank you for it.
Top tip: For the hot, summer days why don't you pop your enrichment bowl in the freezer to keep your pup occupied for even longer?
Fussy pup? If your dog is reluctant to eating food with supplements in, mix the supplement into the pumpkin puree or kefir to disguise it!