L+D Health: Juicing For Dogs

Photo (c) LIFE+DOG. Pictured here is the revolutionary Omega VRT-350, a first-of-its-kind vertical masticating juicer. Masticating juicers tend to be more efficient and, most believe, healthier than centrifugal juicers. The Omega is our pick for the best of the best. Find more information online at www.omegajuicers.com. $379.00

The juicing craze has been sweeping the nation lately and it’s easy to see why. In our frenzied world filled with processed foods and fast food drive-through eateries, healthy living seems to take a back seat. Most of us can count on one hand the days in the last month that we have actually consumed the recommended 6 – 8 servings of vegetables. By bringing a juicer into your life, you can change that in a snap! Juicing has a vast array of health benefits because it allows you to include a wider selection of fruits and vegetables into your diet, and the raw, unprocessed nature of the juice allows your body to absorb all the nutrients and health benefits of the vegetables. A fresh, green juice is an incredible way to kick-start your day with a healthy dose of energy and vitamins. The benefits of juicing don’t stop with your two-legged family members, either! The vitamins and minerals in vegetables provide the same health benefits and immune-boosting properties to our dogs. When juicing for yourself, save a portion for your dog, too. Either serve it in a side dish, or save it to add to their kibble for a extra punch of nutrients. When juicing for your dog, make sure to avoid garlic, onions and grapes, and remove any seeds before juicing, even if your juicer can handle them. When you’re finished juicing, don’t throw away the pulp! Simply mix it with a little bit of yogurt and/or coconut oil and add some to your dog’s food for a kick of fiber and fun, or make dog treats out of the leftover pulp using the recipe below. 

As you get comfortable with your juicer, you’ll be able to mix and match your favorite fruits and vegetables to create your own recipes. To get started, here are some of our favorites. Remember to purchase all organic produce if you are going to juice with the skin on. Cucumbers, lemons, limes and apples make great complements to more bitter tasting dark green vegetables like kale and spinach. 

Cleansing Juice
1 medium apple
2 stalks of celery
4-5 large carrots

Juice the carrots (with tops removed), followed by the celery (with tops remaining). Finish with the apple (with seeds removed if making extra for your dog) and mix well. This is a delicious juice that will cleanse the body and skin. 

Slimming Juice
1 orange
.5 lemon
1 beet
1 handful of spinach
2 stalks of celery
2 large carrots
1 inch cube of ginger root

Juice all the ingredients together for an invigorating juice that will help improve digestion, lower blood pressure, boost your immune system, eliminate toxins from the body and help you handle stress. 

Juice is best fresh. If you want to make extra, place it in an airtight container in your refrigerator and consume within two days.

DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR PULP! These juice-pulp treats are extremely low-calorie and very easy to make.

8 cups juice pulp
1 cup ground flax seed
1 large egg

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and spread out onto two baking sheets. Use a pizza cutter to score the treats into squares or rectangles of various sizes. Place in the oven at 175 degrees for 2 hours, flipping once during cooking. If the treats are not completely dry, reduce heat to 140 and continue cooking. Store in an airtight container.   

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