Unleash Your Dog’s Inner Superhero: Superfoods for Immunity, Digestion, and Vitality
As a pet owner, one of the main front-mind thoughts of every one of us is ensuring our young furry partner has a strong immune system. It is very necessary for the overall health and well-being of your canine.
But have you thought about what measures you can take to ensure your little partner is healthy both mentally and physiologically?
In this detailed article, we will take a walk though about what is a dog’s immune system, its role in its well-being, and what are the most effective ways to boost their immune system.
Let us take you to the details right away!
Understanding Dog’s Immune System - What is it?
A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect the body from harmful bacteria, pathogens including parasites, viruses, and bacteria is known as the immune system.
Mainly, a dog’s immune constitutes of two major components:
1. The Innate Immune System
In simple words, the innate immune system is the first line of protection in the dog’s body that provides an immediate protection layer against harmful organisms. However, this offers a generalized protection.
This immune system includes the physical barriers such as skin, mucous membranes, and certain other chemicals and cells that identify that something is wrong in the body and they need to eliminate those harmful elements. For instance:
Skin serves as a physical barrier that stops pathogens from entering in the dog’s body.
The linings in the respiratory and digestive tracts are known as mucous membranes that generate mucus to trap and prevent pathogens from entering deeper into the cells.
Lastly, cells like macrophages and neutrophils are also an essential part of the innate immune system that engulf and kill pathogens that are trying to cause any harm to the body. This process is known as phagocytosis.
2. The Adaptive Immune System
On the other hand, the adaptive immune system is more advanced and comprises a memory component. It identifies the presence of selected pathogens in the body and conducts a targeted action against those pathogens and eliminates them from the body.
This system is controlled by the presence of white blood cells in the body like lymphocytes and antibodies, that are particularly produced in response to the specific pathogens.
In this immune system, lymphocytes play a major role and are specifically divided into two types:
B Cells: These cells produce antibodies in the body that identify and kill particular pathogens.
T Cells: These cells produce target action against infected cells and destroy them or assist other immune system organs to improve their functions in the body.
10 Superfoods for Dogs to Boost their Immunity
We all are well aware of the fact that every cell in the body is assigned to do certain tasks but they need an ample amount of nutrients to ensure these jobs are done correctly.
Thus, in this section of the article, we are presenting you with some of the healthy dog food ingredients to ensure your little friend is healthy and fit.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the best nutrients for dogs as it is full packed with minerals and vitamins. These little green trees are enriched with vitamin A,C, and E and antioxidants that are helpful in a dog's digestive health.
Vitamin A is helpful to improve the functional and structural integrity of mucosal cells that are involved in the innate immune system. Plus, it is also important to improve the activity of the killer cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in the body.
Moreover, in the adaptive immune system, vitamin A aids in the improving the functioning of T cells and B cells and thus, they are necessary for the generation of antibodies in response to the specific pathogens.
2. Red Bell Peppers
Did you know that red bell peppers contain three times more Vitamin C than oranges? Citrus fruits are always considered as immunity boosters but they can cause digestive discomfort to your little companion. Though, not all of them can be affected but some of them could be.
By adding red bell peppers to your little pet’s diet, you can boost their immune system and eventually support several cellular functions in the innate and adaptive immune system.
Subsequently, Vitamin C also contributes to the production of white blood cells that are responsible to control different defense mechanisms in the body and protect your dog from infections.
3. Poultry
There is definitely a reason why you were always told by doctors and elders to have chicken soup whenever you are feeling low or under weather. Poultry animals like turkey and chicken contain higher levels of vitamin B6 that are important in regulating inflammation and helps in the production of cytokine and natural killer cell activities.
Furthermore, in the adaptive immune system, B6 also helps in the conducting amino acid metabolism that are the building blocks of antibodies and cytokines. Also, it is helpful in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, and maintains Th1 immune reactions.
4. Nutrient-packed Dog Food
Do you feel that despite giving your dog a balanced diet, your partner does not feel fresh and energetic? Sometimes, this happens!
To that end, you can introduce your little friend to nutrient-packed dog food which is specifically designed to meet their nutritious needs. These dog foods not only boost dog immunity but also improves dog’s digestive health.
5. Mushrooms
A lot of people know that mushrooms are a great source of vitamin Bs, but only few of them know that they are also a great source of mineral selenium.
There are selenium-dependent enzymes in your little pet’s body that acts as antioxidants and redox regulators. Thus, selenium helps to protect your body against free radicals. Furthermore, it is also helpful in T cell proliferation and plays a key role in antibody production.
Simply, cook mushrooms lightly and serve them to your little friend. Make sure to check for the health benefits for different species.
6. Shellfish
When it comes to the powerhouse of immune function, shellfish are one of the superfoods for pet wellness. They contain zinc that has antioxidants properties and acts against the oxygen species. Furthermore, it aids in modulating cytokine release and maintains the health of mucus membrane and skin that are an essential part of the innate immune system.
Subsequently, in the adaptive immune system, zinc plays an important role in controlling the cell growth and development in the body. In addition, it also helps in the production of T cells and supports their activity when needed.
7. Kale
Rich in folate or vitamin B9, Kale is one of those leafy greens. These b vitamins are important to convert food into energy and the demand increases when your dog is suffering through sickness and might require more of it to recover.
Moreover, the folate helps in maintaining the level of natural killer cells and plays a key role in maintaining a sufficient amount of antibodies. In case of folate deficiency, your little friend might suffer from a weak immune system and may get sick frequently.
8. Red Meat
One of the great sources of iron is red meat. Iron is usually available in two forms:
Haem: It comes from meat sources.
Non-haem: It comes from the plant sources.
Iron plays an important role in providing dog digestive support and boosting the immune system. It plays a key role in regulating the cytokine production and its action against harmful bacteria in your little furry partner’s body.
Not only this, but iron is also a major part of enzymes that are working in the immune cells and supports cell differentiation and growth. It is difficult for your dog’s body to absorb non-haem iron while it is easy to absorb haem iron. However, over supplementation may lead to toxicity.
9. Liver
Raw or cooked, liver is a great source of vitamin D for your little companion. Vitamin D receptors are widely spreaded throughout the immune system which defines its role in its proper functioning.
Furthermore, vitamin D promotes cell proliferation and cytokine production in the body and aids in fighting against infections. It also acts as an immune modulator in adaptive immunity. That is the main reason why we notice increased cases of autoimmunity when there are low levels of vitamin D.
10. Turmeric
This bright yellow spice is known for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known for its immunomodulatory properties. Technically, it interacts with the dendritic cells, and both T and B cells.
The inclusion of turmeric into your little one's diet can result in increased levels of antibodies and overall improvement in the performance of both innate and adaptive immune systems.
Concluding Thoughts
Whether you want to include fresh ingredients or include a nutrient-packed food to your little furry partner’s diet, you can choose from the above-mentioned foods. These are the dog immune system boosters and help them in proper digestion and utilization of nutrients in their body. However, if your little companion is already having certain health issues, consult with a professional practitioner before applying changes to the diet.
