Carrots and Canines
Carrots and Canines
Carrots have been around for thousands of years and are present in every culture around the world. We can trace the use of carrots as far back as 500 B.C. It is well known by the ancients and is mentioned by several Greek and Latin writers. These old writers told of how they had made a poultice from the roots that would mitigate the pain of cancerous ulcers and how a combination of the leaves and honey would cleanse running sores and ulcers. They also used an infusion of the root as an aperient (mild laxative).
Carrots are high in beta-carotene, vitamin B-complex, Vitamins C,C,E,K, iron, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, copper and complex carbohydrates . Dr, Norman Walker D.Sc. (author of Becoming Younger) has stated that the carrot molecule, observed through modern super microscopes, very closely resembles the blood molecule. It is no wonder why the carrot is so nourishing and beneficial.
Carrots do not contain vitamin A, but they are loaded with beta-carotene, a pre-courser to vitamin A. Beta-carotene is an orange-yellow to red crystalline pigment that exists in three isometric form designated alpha, beta, and gamma. When beta-carotene is combined with fat or lipids it is converted into Vitamin A by the liver. The effects of vitamin A are good for skin and coat with cancer fighting activities, especially lung type cancers. Human studies have shown a 50eduction in heart attacks, stroke and cardiovascular disease for those who took 50mg. of a beta-carotene supplement every day. Another benefit attributed to carrots is the stimulation of appetite. It helps stop diarrhea, firms up loose stool and is also a powerful antioxidant. Carrots will enhance the building and spreading of capillaries supplying blood flow to eyes as well as vital organs. It will help clean out the liver too. The properties found in carrots are also a natural solvent for ulcerous and cancerous conditions in the digestive tract and its volatile oils help rid the body of parasites like worms.
You will receive great benefits with other vegetables as well, it's just key to know which ones. Are beets good for dogs? Are carrots good for dogs? Is celery good for dogs? I get asked these questions a lot, and the answer is Yes! If served properly.
From an esthetic view point, carrots will darken pigment in the coat and very often in the eyes. Red, mahogany and all shades of brown will darken to a very rich color. The presence of beta carotene in the blood stream consistently will cause this effect. There are other things that can benefit them like feeding dogs dried carrots.
Now these sweet orange veggies have the attention of our canine friends. They are a healthy addition to your dog’s diet and may be given fresh, added to baked homemade treats or diced and cooked and added to your dog’s dinner. Fruits and vegetables can make up 10-300f a dog’s diet. By giving your dog a more natural diet you will be able to maintain their weight and give them a longer life. When preparing carrots to be added to your dog’s diet you should know that fresh is okay and some will be digested but most of it will pass undigested. Fresh is good from time to time to help clean your dogs teeth. Dogs’ mouths are very different from humans as they do not have the ability to move their jaws from side to side and have no flat teeth for grinding. Some people cook the carrots prior to feeding and this is okay but as we all know when heat is applied it alters the nutritional value of the food being cooked. This is why most dog food supplements come in dehydrated form. This allows for full absorption of all nutrients.
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Posted in: Animals by Jensen108 on September 27, 2012 @ 1:25 am