Once upon a time, people fed their dogs dry, dusty kibble, and the dogs lived unhappily ever after. The end… Not so fast! The story is not over yet. Thanks to better quality food from companies like ZIWI®, who are 100% committed to peak nutrition for pets. Peak nutrition which includes finding the very best ingredients for your pet’s health and wellness. Read on to discover their use of novel pet food ingredients – along with all the benefits provided by these lesser-known nutritional powerhouses.
Chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, sweet potato, rice. These are all ingredients we know. We also know that sustainability is important, organic is good, and transparency in sourcing is key. But did you know that there’s a world of lesser known, yet highly beneficial ingredients that can make a significant difference in your pet’s health?
ZIWI® does. Their PeakPrey® recipes are crafted to be not only biologically appropriate for cats and dogs (read “a carnivore’s dream dinner”), but to contain unmatched, authentic inclusions and a variety of highly digestible ingredients you might never have otherwise considered. To wit:
Cold-Washed Green Tripe: A Digestive Dynamo
The word “tripe” might immediately stimulate your gag reflex when it comes to your own diet, but in the pet food world, cold-washed green tripe is a game-changer. This highly palatable ingredient is not only appetizing to pets but also packed with essential nutrients.
Probiotics
Green tripe is a natural source of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion. Probiotics can help alleviate sensitive stomachs, reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, and promote regular bowel movements, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, which is vital for overall health.
Fatty Acids
Additionally, green tripe is rich in fatty acids, particularly Omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and for playing a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and a lustrous coat. They can help alleviate skin irritations, reduce shedding, and promote a shiny, itch-free coat.
The exceptional nutritional profile of green tripe makes it perfect for picky eaters or pets with sensitive digestive systems. Bonus points for being a superfood that adds a supercharged burst of flavor to your pet’s meal.
New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels: Skin and Coat Health Superstars
New Zealand green-lipped mussels are another lesser known but highly valuable ingredient found in ZIWI®’s premium pet foods. These mussels are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
EPA and DHA are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat. As with green tripe, the EPA and DHA in green-lipped mussels help prevent skin conditions, reduce itching, and contribute to overall skin health.
Omega-3s also have anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate joint pain and stiffness, making them particularly beneficial for aging pets or those with arthritis.
Organic Kelp: A Natural Source of Essential Minerals
Kelp, a type of seaweed that grows in underwater forests, is an extraordinary source of trace vitamins and minerals essential for your pet’s well-being.
Iodine
One of the crucial minerals found in kelp is iodine, essential for regulating the thyroid hormone, which controls metabolism. A well-functioning thyroid is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and energy levels in your pet.
Organic kelp also provides your pet with vitamins and minerals they can’t produce naturally, making it a valuable addition to their diet.
Embracing Innovation and Imagination
It’s clear that the world of pet nutrition is evolving, and pet owners now have access to a variety of novel ingredients that offer remarkable health benefits. Thanks to pet food innovators like ZIWI®, your pet’s food story does not need to end unhappily after all. Instead, it will be a story of dinner time delight and nutrition designed to be as good for Fido as it is delicious. And that, fellow pet lovers, is what we call a happy ending.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
