Goji berries are a vibrant red Asian fruit, sometimes known as wolfberries and we were so excited to be able to include this superfood in our treats! They are safe for dogs to consume, although like with other berries, should be given in moderation due to their sugar content. Read on to learn more about why this superfood is a must-have in your dog’s diet!
Goji Berries, In Summary:
Goji berries are known to be a rich superfood for humans, and the same applies to your dog! Aside from being a great source of antioxidants, they are known for supporting a strong immune system, good eyesight, and prevent the growth of cancer cells, and reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Main Nutrients:
VITAMINS:
This little berry doesn’t hold back when it comes to vitamins! You’ll find high levels of Vitamins A, B, C, and E. They also contain high levels of calcium, crucial for good bone and tooth health. Goji berries are also a source of iron, fibre, and protein, making them a great addition for muscle, nerve, and enzyme health.
ANTIOXIDANTS:
This small berry is known for being a super antioxidant-rich food, so it can be a great tool to help slow the aging process in your pup! Check out our previous blog about blueberries to learn more about what antioxidants are and how they help our dogs stay healthy.
Goji berries are high in carotenoids, which are the pigments in plants that give bright yellow, red, and orange colours. Goji berries contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which provides Vitamin A as well as the antioxidant benefits of other carotenoids.
Other Benefits:
Goji berries are also rich in amino acids. Amino acids are also known as the building blocks of life, and are used to make body proteins. There are essential amino acids for both humans and dogs, and these are those amino acids that are either not created naturally by the body or not in a high enough quantity, which means they must be supplemented by diet. There are 10 essential amino acids for dogs:
- Arginine
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
Goji berries contain 9 of these 10 essential amino acids - all except for Tryptophan!
Lastly, these berries are low in calories, which makes them a great treat or training reward.
Goji berries can interact with some medications, so it is always best to speak to your veterinarian before introducing a new food. In particular, you may want to avoid goji berries if your dog is on medication for diabetes, has high blood pressure, or is on a blood thinner.
Fun Fact:
Goji berries originate from China, Mongolia, and the Tibetan Himalayans. There is an old story of a man, Li Qing Yuen, who would eat goji berries every single day. Legend says that he lived to be 252 years old!
If you’re eager to start incorporating goji berries into your dog’s diet, check out this healthybud product:
Happy snacking, #healthygang!
