Algarve Secret

Rice Flour

A wheat and gluten free grain which dogs can easily digest. It has soothing stomach properties and can help to expel toxins. Rice is also known to calm the nervous system and may help fight depression (yes, our furry kids also can get the blues, especially when left alone too long). This slightly sweet grain may help to strengthen the organ health. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) rice is considered a ‘clean burning’ food, which helps to drain dampness from the body.

At Cooka’s we only use human-grade flour from a family-owned mill in Mafra. Mafra is famous for its palace, but most of all for its bread. 

Carob

The carob tree has fruit that look like brown pea pods, which carries pulp and seeds. Carob is a sweet and healthy substitute for chocolate and its use for health benefits goes back 4,000 years to ancient Greece. Boasting a naturally sweet flavor, it also contains a variety of healthy nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and D as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and protein. Carob is also a good source of fiber and pectin, a substance that helps to flush toxins from the body.

Bananas

Bananas are like nature’s smile. From the packaging to the yummy inside, bananas just make happy. These sunny fruits are ultra-rich in potassium, a mineral known to aid muscle and blood vessel functions and vitamin B6 important for the development and proper functioning of a dog’s brain. B6 is also responsible for the secretion of melatonin which is responsible for the sleep cycle. So just in case your dog deals with irregular sleeping patterns, add a few bananas to the dinner plate. Bananas contain also a lot of Biotin, responsible for shiny fur and healthy skin.

Bananas grow on plants that are officially considered a herb and are officially classified as a berry.

Apples

This humble disease fighting fruit packs a healthy and nutritional punch for us and for our furry families. R​​​​​​​ich in Vitamin A, apples may boost your pup’s natural defences. Vitamin C can aid healthy bones and muscles and antioxidants are always busy counteracting those cell-damaging free radical. Apples are also a great source of soluble fiber, which contributes to your dog’s digestive health.

At Cooka’s we use fresh farm apples from local suppliers.

Flax Seeds

Highly beneficial for dogs, as those tiny seeds are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, those good fats that nourish skin and fur. Lignans, another compound found in flax may improve heart health and assist joint and bone strength. A rich source of fiber makes flax also a great aid for the digestive health of our pets.

At Cooka’s we freshly grind our flax seeds to make sure that our pets get the very best of their nutritional value. 

Coconut

Coconuts have been grown in tropical regions for more than 4,500 years but only recently increased in popularity for their flavour and potential health benefits and are now considered a super-fruit. Coconuts are highly nutritious, rich in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) – also known as GOOD FATS, are kind of the ‘secret weapon’ of these tropical fruits and help to support the immune system, are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasite. Coconuts can also gently elevate the metabolism and provide a natural source of quick energy, which can enhance physical and athletic performance.

As a bonus, coconut can also improve our dog’s skin and coat, improve digestion and reduce allergic reactions. 

Sunflower oil

The golden oil of the sunflower is a great source of omega-6 fatty acids (omega-3’s cousin) and is lower in saturated fat than animal fat. Sunflower oil benefits healthy skin and a glossy fur, strengthens the immune functions and the heart and provides energy. Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamin E and K and phytosterols.

Chia Seeds

Cultivated by the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas Chia literally means strength in local tongue. Chia seeds are a true super-food. A rich source of B Vitamins and minerals, Chia actually contains more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach and more magnesium than broccoli. Chia seeds help to boost the body’s natural defences and are said to be great stress busters. Those tiny little seeds are also known to support electrolyte balance, which makes chia a great choice for endurance training.

In ancient times chia was almost considered magical in its properties and was offered to the gods and in religious ceremonies. 

Rosemary

Rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin B6 and antioxidants, which can help to strengthen the natural defences. Rosemary is used by holistic vets to improve circulation and strengthen the blood. It is said to be beneficial for heart health and can assist animals that have been under stress. Rosemary is also one of Nature’s ‘best kept secrets’ to preserve food, as it’s two compounds rosemarinic and carnosic acid are known to inhibit the free radical chain reaction that leads to oxidation in fats.

At Cooka’s we use Rosemary extract to keep our cookies fresh and healthy for longer.

LOVE

The secret ingredient in our recipes is always L♥VE.

• 100% Natural
• 100% Real
• 100% Honest
• 100% Nourishing
• Helps heart health
• Lowers stress hormones
• Boosts the immune system

Love is nature’s most potent drug and the best: It is for free. Let’s keep on LOVING!