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. 

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.

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.

Pears

Pears are well known for being one of the most fiber-rich fruits found, important for a healthy digestive system. Mildly sweet, pears are rich in important minerals like niacin and potassium and vitamins A, B, E and K, which support optimal skin, blood, and brain health in us ‘hoomans’ and in our dogs. Pears, like many fruits, are a great source of antioxidants, which  effectively slow the aging process by battling those free radicals. This prevents cell damage which that can lead to inflammation, diabetes, arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

There are over 3000 varieties of pears grown around the world. The Chinese consider the pear, which they call “li” to be a symbol of immortality.

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. 

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.

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!

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.