Spending Valentine’s Day with a Human? You Must Be Barking!

The Dog Nutritionist shares top Valentine’s Day recipes for you and your pooch as new research finds 48%¹ feel that a dog would be the preferred, no-hassle, stress-free companion on the most romantic day of the year.

The Kennel Club has conducted some new research and found almost half of dog owners would rather cuddle up with their canine companion forgoing any potential romance tomorrow. To inspire those who will spend the day in the company of their furry friend(s), Love Fresh Berries has partnered with Cam Wimble, The Dog Nutritionist, to create some healthy dishes.

One in four dogs dies from cancer in the UK [2], which is the leading cause of death in dogs over ten years old [3]; To help protect against this, The Dog Nutritionist has unveiled a range of berry recipes that are both healthy and delicious.

With their heart shape, rich red colour strawberries are synonymous with romance – but not usually synonymous with dogs. This is proven by the search term “can dogs eat strawberries?” which is searched around 22,000 times in the UK each month, making it the fourth most googled question about our pet pooches [4].

However, with almost half preferring to stay in with their dog this Valentine’s Day, strawberries, as well as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, could be the perfect ingredients for dinner indoors for two.

It is because it is not only healthy for humans, but certified canine nutritionist and founder of The Dog Nutritionist Cam Wimble, says they are an excellent preventative measure against diseases in our furry friends.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs older than ten [5], with almost half over this age developing the disease [6]. More than one in four dogs in the UK die from cancer [7].

• Blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants – helping protect healthy cells from harm. [8] This could aid the prevention of illnesses like cancer and heart disease in dogs, which are caused by damaged cells.
• Resveratrol – a compound found in strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – is a potent anti-inflammatory. [9] This makes it important in tackling degenerative diseases in dogs – which nearly all involve long-term, low-grade inflammation.
• Blackberries are a rare source of manganese which can help with dogs’ bone mineral density in order to aid movement and strength – making it particularly important as they grow older. [10]

Cam Wimble, The Dog Nutritionist and certified canine nutritionist who has partnered with Love Fresh Berries, says, “With almost half of Brits admitting to preferring a night in with their dog this Valentine’s Day than going out on a date,

“I’ve partnered with Love Fresh Berries to create some tasty meals for canine companions which incorporate berries that are important to humans, but for our dog’s diets too.

“With one in four dogs dying from cancer, the antioxidants found in all four berries are especially important – with strawberries considered to have anti-angiogenic properties which may help prevent tumour growth. [11]

“The four berries make perfect treats in their raw state – but I have also created some easy recipes to try if you want your pup to enjoy a really nutritious meal on Valentine’s Day.”

The Dog Nutritionist suggests the following dog-friendly recipes to incorporate berries into your dog’s diet this Valentine’s Day:

Berry Honey Bowl

Ingredients:

• 200ml Kefir
• 100g Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
• 1 tsp Honey

Method:

• Chop berries into small pieces and place into a bowl.
• Add the honey and kefir to the bowl and mix all ingredients together well.
• Ready to serve and portion out.
• Berry Good Chicken

Berry Good Chicken

Ingredients:

• 350g Chicken
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 Eggshell (dry out and grind well using a pestle and mortar until powder-like)
• 50g Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
• 50g Vegetables (use either: asparagus, broccoli, carrot, courgette, or cauliflower)
• 100g Cooked sweet potato

Method:

• Chop chicken into small chunks and boil for approx. Ten minutes until cooked.
• Grate (preferably) the chosen vegetables and chop the berries into small pieces; do not juice.
• Mix the cooked chicken with the grated/ chopped vegetables and berries in a mixing bowl.
• Add the raw egg, ground eggshell and cooked sweet potato.
• Mix it all up and then portion out.

Place the remaining mixture in the fridge or freezer. Once in the fridge or out of the freezer and defrosted in the fridge, it will last up to a week.

Egg-cellent Berry Dinner

Ingredients:

• 350g Red Meat
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 Eggshell (dry out and grind well using a pestle and mortar until powder-like)
• 50g Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
• 50g Vegetables (use either: asparagus, broccoli, carrot, courgette, or cauliflower)
• 2 tsp Extra virgin olive oil

Method:

• Chop red meat into small chunks and boil for approx. Six minutes until cooked. Or if using mincemeat, heat extra virgin olive oil in a cooking pot and mix in the mince until cooked (approx. 10 minutes)
• Grate (preferably) the chosen vegetables and chop up the berries into small pieces. Do not juice.
• Mix the cooked red meat with the grated/ chopped vegetables and berries in a mixing bowl.
• Add the raw egg and ground eggshell.

Mix it all up and then portion out. Place the remaining mixture in the fridge or freezer. Once in the fridge or out of the freezer and defrosted in the fridge, it will last up to a week.

Disclaimer: The berries shown to benefit dogs are strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, and they should be given in moderation. Do not use if allergens are present. Always consult your vet prior to changing your dog’s diet.

About The Dog Nutritionist
The Dog Nutritionist (Cam Wimble) is a dog nutritionist, certified canine nutritionist, and natural healer, sharing knowledge to empower dog owners and transform the lives of dogs. For more information on Cam and his work, visit his website, www.thedognutritionist.com.

References

1. https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/dog-friendly-sussex-nearly-half-of-dog-owners-would-rather-spend-valentines-day-with-their-furry-friend-than-go-on-a-date-4024900
2. Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs, Jane M. Dobson, 2012, 941275.pdf (hindawi.com)
3. Domestic Dogs and Cancer Research: A Breed-Based Genomics Approach, 2014, Domestic Dogs and Cancer Research: A Breed-Based Genomics Approach (nih.gov)
4. SEM Rush Key Word Magic Tool Data as of 22.03.2022
5. Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs, Jane M. Dobson, 2012, 941275.pdf (hindawi.com)
6. Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs, Jane M. Dobson, 2012, 941275.pdf (hindawi.com)
7. Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs, Jane M. Dobson, 2012, 941275.pdf (hindawi.com)
8. Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries and the comparison of blood parameters associated with exercise, 2006, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109564330500317X
9. Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries and the comparison of blood parameters associated with exercise, 2006, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109564330500317X
10. Essentiality of Manganese for Bone Health: An Overview and Update, 2021, Essentiality of Manganese for Bone Health: An Overview and Update – Mariangela Rondanelli, Milena Anna Faliva, Gabriella Peroni, Vittoria Infantino, Clara Gasparri, Giancarlo Iannello, Simone Perna, Antonella Riva, Giovanna Petrangolini, Alice Tartara, 2021 (sagepub.com)
11. Angiogenesis in Cancer, 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1993983/

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