Chicken

Considered a lean protein, which makes it perfect for the health-conscious dog. Protein is the main source of energy for our pets and chicken provides that boost without a high calorie count. Chicken is known to help build muscle mass and provides a great dose of Omega 6, important for a shiny coat and healthy skin. Rich in essential amino acids and glucosamine, it also helps to strengthen the bones.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are starchy vegetables with plenty of nutritional benefits for our canine companions. One of the best dietary sources of vitamin A, these yummy roots can help promote healthy skin, and coat and strengthen the eyes, nerves and muscles in our fur-families. Abundant in Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A and powerful antioxidant, which helps to prevent disease and infection. Sweet potatoes are also a rich source of fiber, vitamins C and B6, potassium, calcium, and iron. Their natural anti-inflammatory properties make them also a great choice for dogs with food allergies.

The sweet potato was domesticated more than 5,000 years ago.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is also known as the ‘Golden Goddess’ or ‘Kanchani’ (in Sanskrit) in India and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic traditions as a medicinal herb. Curcumin is the key phytochemical compound responsible for many of turmeric’s health-giving properties and also for its vibrant colour. Curcuminoids work by reducing the production of enzymes which promote inflammation. They are also potent antioxidants, protecting the cellular DNA from the day-to-day damage of modern life, sort of like protecting us and the fur-kids from from going ‘rusty’ inside. This golden spice is also known to relieve joint pain associated with arthritis, reduce allergies*, promote cardiovascular health, help to keep the intestines and bowel well functioning, and might even stop cancerous cells from spreading.

*Cooka used to have severe problems with allergies. Loving the outdoors, she adores rolling in grass. Only her skin never approved, turning into angry red bumps and often she would scratch and bite herself all night, until her basket looked like a ‘blood-bath’. We tried everything, even keeping her inside (poor girl), but to no avail. Until we started to add a daily dose of turmeric (with coconut and pepper) to her food and now she can rock&roll without any problems. Rather amazing!

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.

Catnip