Kefir for Dogs

THE BENEFITS OF KEFIR FOR DOGS.

Kefir, is known as the “grain of life” and it contains many probiotic organisms that have incredible healing properties.  While it is a similar consistency to plain yoghurt it is said to pack much more of a punch because it contains far more strains of friendly bacteria, which are crucial for a healthy gut.  Kefir is not just good for humans but dogs can benefit from it too!  Read on for more information about this incredible super food.

Advances in veterinary medicine have confirmed that the benefits of probiotics for our dogs are vast and this is because they can promote all kinds of health gains from strengthening the immune system to guarding against allergies and diseases.  Research has also investigated the connection between imbalances of gut flora to anxious behaviour in canines.

So what is Kefir?

Kefir is made from fermenting small grains that contain bacteria, fungi and yeasts; all of which are beneficial to the body.  There are two main types of kefir – water and milk.  It can be made from cow, sheep or goats milk, but it can also be made with coconut water.  If your dog is lactose intolerant a water based kefir might be best, or one made with goats milk.

You can make your own kefir at home, but it is now readily available in leading supermarkets and on-line and it is said to be far better than commercially made probiotic supplements.

The health benefits are huge and this comes from over 30 different strains of good bacteria contained in kefir along with vitamin B complex, vitamin A, D and K as well as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium minerals.

Some of the excellent health benefits kefir provides are:-

  • ANTIBIOTIC AND ANTI-FUNGAL PROPERTIES.
  • HELPS PREVENT ALLERGIES.
  • PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN.
  • STRENGTHENS THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
  • HELPS WITH HEARTBURN, GAS, IRRITABLE BOWEL AND UPSET STOMACH.
  • CAN COUNTERACT BAD BREATH.
  • HELPS WITH PANCREATITIS, JOINT DISEASE, ANEMIA, AND LEAKY GUT SYNDROME.
  • POTENTIALLY REDUCES THE INCREASE OF CANCEROUS CELLS.
  • CAN HELP WITH MALAISE, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.

Like people, dogs can consume far too many carbohydrates – commercial pet foods for instance can contain up to 70% carbohydrate.  Since carbohydrate breaks down into sugars this then provides an awful lot of sugar which can fuel yeast in a dog’s body.  This yeast can be detrimental to overall health; (in humans and other animals).

How much kefir should I give to my dog?

As a guide; Small dogs 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon

Medium dogs 1 – 2 tablespoons

Large dogs 2 – 3 tablespoons

If you do not want to give your dog kefir there are other ways you can introduce probiotics into your dog’s diet and these include foods such as;

  • APPLES
  • MUSHROOMS
  • FERMENTED VEGETABLES SUCH AS SAUERKRAUT
  • BANANAS

Whenever you change or add anything to your dog’s diet, it is best to do so gradually and then feed in moderation.  If you are at all concerned about your pet’s health – your first port of call should always be your vet.