September 15, 2021

At Kaya’s Kitchen, our sole mission is to provide products of the highest quality, natural and of actual nutritional benefits to our pets. We ensure all our products provide bountiful nutrients that are easy for all pets to digest, no matter their age or size. We work hand in hand with nutritional experts to manufacture pet food that is meshed into a complete food item that is delicious, nutritious, attractive and easy to eat.

One of the main ingredients we use to achieve this is Superfoods. Superfoods are edibles that deliver the highest amount of nutrients with minimum calories. These foods are a key source of antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, fiber, protein and vitamins, just what our furry friends need dietary.

Antioxidants are very important in both humans and pets. They are substances that prevent or slow down the damage made to cells by the normal metabolism process. Damage to cells comes from free radicals and unstable molecules that the body produces due to the environment and feeding. Food high in antioxidants  will boost your pet’s immune system, reduce damage to cells and will maintain your furry friend’s healthy skin.

Omega Fatty Acids, mainly Omega 3 and Omega 6, are quite vital for pets but unfortunately they cannot produce these naturally and thus their diet must be supplemented. Omega fats are mainly found in fish products. They assist in normal reproduction and growth of the pet, they promote a healthy nervous system for your pet, and they maintain a normal immune response to attacks. Omega fats also promote joint health, your pet’s flexibility, mobility and help reduce inflammation is case of pet injury.

Fiber is key when it comes to a pet’s nutrition as it is vital for maintaining your pet’s health and managing diseases. Fiber is a carbohydrate that comes in soluble - digestible form on insoluble, undigestible form. Fiber ensures a healthy stool, and maintains a healthy gut which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

Just like humans, Vitamins are vital for dogs as well. Some are water soluble and these are the ones that your pet needs to consume everyday as they are excreted out of the body. Among these are  Vitamin B1 which promotes a good appetite and normal growth. It’s also very important as it promotes energy production for your furry friend. Vitamin B2 promotes growth, very important for puppies and kittens while Vitamin B6 aids in the metabolism of proteins as well as reproduction of red blood cells. Fat soluble vitamins are also vital like Vitamin A is necessary for proper vision-especially night vision, it is important in bone growth, reproduction, and maintenance of tissues such as the lungs, intestines, and skin. Vitamin D is critical to the pet’s ability to use calcium and phosphorus for bone and cartilage growth and maintenance. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells (and the pet food) from oxidative damage. It keeps both the pet and the pet food we produce fresh. We also like Vitamin E because it is important for muscular and reproductive function.

Proteins are the most critical component of food for our mini carnivores. They are also the most abundant component of our little pet’s body. Our pets need proteins to produce hair, nails, tendons, cartilage, and all the connective tissues that support the rest of the tissues and organs in their body, making them extremely vital for them. We need to provide our pets with the adequate protein as its important for our pet’s growth and proper development, their muscle development and strength, the production of functioning hormones, the proper volume of blood, functioning immune system, injury repair and prevention and so much more.

With the above main building blocks to dog’s nutrition, we know these building blocks are required in our fur babies’ daily dietary intake for them to remain healthy, despite the age and breed. Let now deep into the Superfoods that we use to make your pooch’s favorite food and treats.

  1. Chick Pea flour

Also known as Garbanzo beans, chickpeas have Mediterranean and Middle Eastern roots, but now can be found all over the world including Uganda. Chickpeas are small, but they are very nutritious and good for dogs. In addition to protein and fiber, chickpeas provide a lot more of nutrients like Vitamin K, potassium, Zinc, copper, Folate, Managanse, Magnesium and iron and Vitamin B6.

Chickpeas are full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can apparently tackle many health issues like High blood pressure and heart issues, Diabetes, Chickpeas are complex carbohydrates and release energy slowly, which avoids the inconsistency in blood glucose levels that simple carbs can cause in your pooch. Although chickpeas are not a cure for cancer, they do contain numerous substances that aid in cancer prevention and growth. For instance, selenium  helps the liver detoxify cancer-causing agents and decreases tumor growth. They also contain Folate and saponins help prevent cancer cells from forming and multiplying great food for your furry friend. In addition, chickpeas contain vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free-radical damage as discussed above. Inflammatory conditions especially when caring for an older pet who suffers with osteoarthritis pain can be challenging. Chickpeas contain choline, which significantly reduces chronic inflammation, helps in nerve impulse transmission, helps to maintain cell membrane structure, and aids in fat absorption, all of which help keep an arthritic dog comfortable.

  1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains an abundance of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants.  It is a great alternative carbohydrate for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat or grains and  Oatmeal contains vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to keep a dog’s skin strong and healthy. Oats contain a healthy soluble fiber which is renown to reduce bad cholesterol, improve blood sugar and improve on insulin response, hence controlling diabetes.

Oatmeal contains powerful antioxidants that are almost exclusively found in oats like Avananthramide, This is plant-based antioxidant that is known to help reduce blood pressure, and also has anti-itching and anti-inflammatory effects. The superfood also contains healthy fats and proteins that most grains don’t have plus because of its high fiber content, it supports healthy gut bacteria which assists in digestion. We love Oatmeal.

  1. Rice Flour

Rice is a very good source of carbohydrates and is a good source of energy for your pet. Rice contains no harmful fats, cholesterol or salt, making it an important part of a well-balanced diet for dogs. One of the main benefits of rice to your furry friend is it assists in the normal function of your pet’s brain. Rice contains a good amount of starch which helps in the growth of good bacteria and promotes normal bowel movements. Rice is an excellent source of Vitamin D, fiber, Iron, Calcium, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. Rice helps in lowering your pooch’s high blood sugar, and can be used to treat dysentery.

  1. Soy Flour

We absolutely love soy because of its high protein content. There some pets that are allergic to some animal proteins and soy provides an great protein alternative to meat. Soy is a pure plant protein and can be easy for our pets to digest. If you notice your pooch has allergies, changing to a soy based diet can assist with diagnosing which allergy they me suffering from. A soy diet leaves your dog feeling full after meals, so if you have an overweight dog, soy is a great substitute to fatty animal protein.

  1. Quinoa

Quinoa is another superfood we love as it is highly nutritious and we use it as a substitute to other harmful starches like maize corn. Quinoa is packed with calcium, protein, vitamin E, Vitamin B1 and B2 and thus making it a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food. Quinoa is indeed a Superfood as it also has minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium as well as containing monosaturated fat and Omega 3 fatty acids! No wonder we love it so much! Amino acids in quinoa protects the muscles as well as increases muscle growth. Vitamin B1 supports canine metabolism, and promotes proper brain function. The healthy carbs in quinoa take longer to break down enabling nutrition to be absorbed slowly, sustaining energy levels longer for your fur baby. Quinoa is also packed with natural occurring fiber which assists in regulating normal bowel movement and prevents constipation. Vitamin E in this super food nourishes your pooch’s coat keeping it sleek, smooth and shiny.

  1. Green Peas

When it comes to our canine companions, Green peas are an excellent source of essential minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. Packed with protein, this plant boosts energy levels in dogs and is absolutely gentle on their digestive systems. Being a high fiber food, green peas also helps dogs maintain a healthy weight and is known to lower their cholesterol. They contain a plethora of vitamins like A, B1, B6, C and Vitamin K which is vital for bone health. Green peas also contain lutein a antioxidant nutrient that aids in the support of great eyesight, good skin and perfect heart health for your furry friend.

  1. Carrots

Carrots are another favorite in Kaya’s Kitchen. These amazing Superfood is a great source of fiber, protein and essential vitamins. Dogs love them whole and crunching on them releases endorphins just like if they are chewing on a bone. We love giving our pooches whole carrots as treats. Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A which is vital for the normal functioning of your dog’s eyes. The orange color in carrots is caused by the antioxidant carotene, which is metabolized into vitamin A during digestion. Carrots too are a great source of vitamin B6 which assists many metabolic reactions in the digestion process. They too contain dietary fiber vital for a consistent normal stool.

  1. French Beans
Cookouts can be great fun, but it’s no fun to put a beloved pet in danger. By understanding how cookouts can be dangerous for pets, it’s easy to take steps to keep them safe.