Kibble Is Killing Your Dog’s Microbiome – Fermented Veggies Are the Lifeline No One Told You About
Fermented vegetables are becoming popular not just for humans but also for our canine companions — and for good reason! Adding fermented veggies to your dog’s diet can offer multiple health benefits that promote digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
What Are Fermented Veggies?
Fermentation is a natural process where beneficial bacteria break down sugars in vegetables, creating probiotics — the “good” bacteria that support gut health. Unlike cooked or raw veggies, fermented vegetables are alive with these helpful microbes and enzymes.
Benefits of Fermented Veggies for Dogs
1. Improved Digestion
Fermented veggies introduce probiotics to your dog’s digestive system. These microbes help balance the gut flora, improve nutrient absorption, and reduce common digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and gas.
2. Boosted Immunity
About 70% of a dog’s immune system lives in the gut. By supporting a healthy balance of gut bacteria with fermented veggies, you help strengthen your dog’s natural defenses against illness and infection.
3. Reduced Inflammation
The probiotics and enzymes in fermented vegetables can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and throughout the body. This is especially helpful for dogs suffering from allergies, arthritis, or skin issues.
4. Enhanced Nutrient Availability
Fermentation breaks down the cell walls of veggies, making vitamins and minerals more accessible to your dog’s body. This means your dog gets more nutritional bang for their bite!
5. Natural Detoxification
Fermented veggies can support liver function and help eliminate toxins more efficiently, contributing to better overall health.
🥕 How to Prepare Fermented Veggies for Dogs
Ingredients:
- Dog-safe veggies like carrots, green beans, zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage (avoid onions, garlic, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli in large amounts)
- Non-iodized salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
- Filtered water
Steps:
- Chop veggies into small, bite-sized pieces or shred them finely for easier fermentation and digestion.
- Make a brine by dissolving 1 tablespoon of salt in 2 cups of filtered water.
- Place veggies in a clean glass jar, then pour the brine over, making sure the veggies are fully submerged. Use a fermentation weight or a small clean stone to keep them under the liquid.
- Cover the jar loosely with a cloth or fermentation lid (to allow gases to escape but keep contaminants out).
- Leave the jar at room temperature (about 18–22°C) for 3 to 7 days, checking daily to ensure veggies stay submerged and no mold grows.
- Once it tastes pleasantly sour (but not rotten), transfer to the fridge.
Serving:
- Start by offering your dog 1 teaspoon of fermented veggies mixed into their food and gradually increase to a tablespoon or two daily.
- Fermented veggies add probiotics and digestive enzymes that support gut health and immunity.
Incorporating fermented vegetables into your dog’s diet is an easy, natural way to boost health from the inside out. Talk to your vet about the best fermented foods for your pup and enjoy the many benefits of a happy, healthy gut!