Berry Good Ingredients

02nd January 2021 10 mins read

Our Berry Good superfood mix is made up of only the highest quality, natural ingredients to give your dog an extra immune boost.

Back to News

Berry Good - Superfood Supplement

100% ethically sourced with wild and natural ingredients, Berry Good is a raw dog food supplement with a unique blend of sustainably sourced super-foods, chosen only for their nutritional excellence.

The Paleo Plus superfood supplement has been specially formulated to give your dog an extra immune boost. With health conditions on the rise, it is important to give your furry friend only the most nutritious, natural and healthy additions to their food.

Our Paleo Plus range of complete foods already, each contain 5% of this superfood mix. This nutritious pack of immune boosting goodness can be added to our Classic 80-10-10 range of complete meals too!

Below you will see what we use, how it is sourced and the benefits it brings to your dog!

Green Lipped Mussel

The mussels harvested along the coast of New Zealand benefit from a constantly renewed supply of marine nutrients brought by the ocean current.

The mussels act as a sea-water filter, which leads to the retention of many potentially beneficial nutrients.

Green-lipped mussels are known to contain several nutrients that may be beneficial in supporting dogs with joint issues.

Most importantly, green-lipped mussel has been shown to contain omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and a unique omega-3 fatty acid – eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA) – which interacts in the body with both the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways.

Green-lipped mussel also contains glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulphate), glutamine (a glycosaminoglycan precursor), vitamins C and E and antioxidant micronutrients (including zinc, copper and selenium) that can be beneficial in helping to maintain joint health. It is thought that these nutrients act synergistically to help support dogs with mobility issues.

Organic Hemp Seed Powder

Hemp seeds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich in, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium. They are also a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B-6, folate

Full of healthy fats, proteins and various minerals, hemp seeds are extremely nutritious. They contain the perfect ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (a good balance is crucial so the acids can effectively work interdependently within the body). Additionally, dogs can eat hemp seeds for the high sources of omega-6 fatty acid known as gamma linolenic acid. These have a ton of benefits for dogs, like cancer prevention and reduced joint pain.

The right amount of omega-6 present in a dog’s diet has been linked to reducing joint inflammation. While too much gamma linolenic acid in omega-6 can cause inflammation, the correct balance (like in hemp) can benefit joints. In return, this can reduce symptoms caused by arthritis and obesity.

Hemp is packed with high amounts of arginine, the amino acid responsible for producing nitric oxide in the body, which helps dilate and relax blood vessels. A healthy amount of nitric oxide can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of contracting heart disease. Studies show that increased arginine intake is linked with decreased levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker linked to heart disease. Animal studies have shown that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of blood clot formation and help the heart recover after a heart attack. In addition, ingesting hemp is shown to strengthen the immune system, support healthy organ function, and have positive effects on brain function and fertility.

Blackberries

Dark-coloured berries is where it’s at for dogs. They’re incredibly nutritious, packed full of some harder to find vitamins C and K and minerals like manganese. They’re also low GL (glycaemic load), particularly blackberries, meaning they don’t elevate blood sugars like other fruits, which is a good thing for dogs

Blackberries are loaded with vitamin C but are low in sodium and calories. They are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Blackberries are also high in vitamins A, E and K, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12), as well as minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium and potassium, and other nutrients such as pantothenic acid and folic acid.

Blackberries are also valued for their antioxidant capabilities, as they contain phytochemicals such as lutein, zeaxanthin, anthocyanins, catechins, ellagic acid, tannins, gallic acid, quercetin, cyanidins, kaempferol and salicylic acid.

Such compounds may help scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and chronic diseases. Anthocyanins, which are responsible for the fruit’s colour, were suggested to help protect against aging, inflammation, cancer and other neurological diseases.

Kale

Rich in B vitamins such as folate, vitamin C and vitamin E which are important antioxidants needed to help support the immune system, but it’s probably most well-known as being a very good source of vitamin K, which is needed to help wounds heal properly.

As for minerals, kale contains potassium, which supports effective heart function; calcium, for strong bones and teeth. Magnesium, for good hormone health, and selenium, which supports the immune system.

Kale, like other leafy greens, is very high in antioxidants. These include beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as various flavonoids and polyphenols.

Antioxidants are substances that help counteract oxidative damage by free radicals in the body.

Oxidative damage is believed to be among the leading drivers of aging and many diseases, including cancer.

But many substances that happen to be antioxidants also have other important functions.

This includes the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, which are found in relatively large amounts in kale.

These substances have been studied thoroughly. They have powerful heart-protective, blood pressure-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer effects.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K. Each of these is a component of bone. Adequate intake of these minerals and vitamins contributes to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.

Iron and zinc fulfil crucial roles in maintaining the strength and elasticity of bones and join The fibre, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrient content in blueberries supports heart health. The absence of cholesterol from blueberries is also beneficial to the heart.

Vitamin B6 and folate prevent the build-up of a compound known as homocysteine. Excessive build-up of homocysteine in the body can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems.

Antioxidants, like those in blueberries, help fight free radicals, which are responsible for cellular and molecular damage in dogs and humans. As an added bonus, studies show that adding antioxidants to a dog’s diet reduces the effects of brain aging, which is great if you have a senior dog.

Broccoli

A good source of fibre and protein, and contains iron, potassium, calcium, selenium and magnesium as well as the vitamins A, C, E, K and a good array of B vitamins including folic acid.

Broccoli is rich in glucosinolates, which are broken down into biologically active compounds that have anticancer properties. These compounds protect cells from DNA damage, make carcinogens inactive, induce cell death in tumours, prevent tumour blood vessels from forming, and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Yes, dogs naturally produce Vitamin C, unlike humans. However, an aging dog may not be as efficient or effective at naturally producing this vitamin.

This means that an aging dog may actually benefit from broccoli’s powerful vitamins. Older dogs are also more prone to diseases and cancers, which Vitamin C has been known to battle.

Seaweed

This marine plant is high in minerals and contains vitamins A, B, E, D and K. It also contains sodium alginate (algin), which helps remove heavy metals from the dogs system. It is also a good source of iodine that helps promote thyroid function and can benefit animals who suffer from hypothyroidism.

Seaweed is ideal for balancing glandular functioning in dogs. Iodine is essential for stimulating the thyroid gland. Seaweed can help maintain a shiny and healthy skin and coat in dogs.

Seaweeds are one of the richest sources of minerals and amino acids found in a plant source. Their dense amounts of nutrients are thought to help produce energy, enhance the immune system, and darken coat colour and skin pigment. Seaweeds are also rich in iodine and support the endocrine glands (thyroid function).

Seaweeds provide many health benefits and promote longevity in animals. Some studies have shown that seaweeds may be helpful in reducing cancer and they are thought to contain anti-tumour properties.

It is also believed they may fight heavy metal accumulations in the body by binding to them and may be helpful after cancer treatments. While seaweeds may taste salty, they are actually low in salt and are often used as a salt substitute for conditions requiring low sodium diets. There are also new studies showing seaweeds may be helpful for diabetes and heart conditions.

Probably the best features of these foods for dogs is the high mineral content, phytonutrients, colour enhancement for hair coats and pigment, energy builders, immune enhancers, digestibility, thyroid support and potential cancer protection.

Further Reading