Sardines: a mighty powerhouse in your dog's diet

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Fresh sardines

That tin gathering dust in the back of your cupboard? Its contents could be the answer to all manner of doggy health issues, from itchy skin to helping reduce the risk of cancer. What is this miracle ingredient you ask? Sardines! More often associated with cats, these small but mighty fish make sense in your dog’s bowl for a myriad of reasons.

Should you feed your dog sardines?

Oily fish, such as sardines, are good for us humans and can also be a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. They provide a very healthy dose of vitamins B3, B12 and D as well as omega 3s, protein, calcium, iron and the all-important coenzyme Q10.

What makes sardines so good for your dog?

Omega-3s
Unlike other fatty acids that can be produced in the body, omega-3s can only be obtained as part of your dog’s dietary intake. They’re an important part of a dog’s diet because they help with brain development, allow for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, maintain eye health, help inflammation in joints and contribute to healthy skin and fur. Omega-3s have even been found to help reduce the risk of some forms of cancer.

Coenzyme Q10
A true powerhouse, coenzyme Q10 helps to support your pup’s heart function and promote optimal blood circulation, as well as boosting the health of their gut, liver and brain. The goodness doesn’t stop there, coenzyme Q10 can also help with dental health, making it an excellent supplement for growing puppies.

Protein
Lean protein, which sardines are rich in, supplies the amino acids that are necessary for muscle, hair, skin, tendon, ligament and cartilage development. It also plays an important role in hormone production.

Calcium
Sardines contain lots of calcium, which is necessary for bone development. Lyka’s in-house vet has designed all meals with a ratio of 1.2-1.3 calcium to 1 phosphorus, as per the latest AAFCO (the industry nutritional standards for dog food) guidelines. It’s the lower end of the scale, which means there’s room in your dog’s diet for a little extra calcium (in the form of sardines, or the odd bone), without putting your dog at risk of overconsumption of calcium, which could increase your pup’s chance of developing hip dysplasia. You should however, always check with your vet before giving your dog any bones to gnaw on.

Iron
Iron is a mineral that’s necessary for all kinds of important functions in your dog’s body, including carrying oxygen in the haemoglobin of red blood cells throughout the body so that cells can produce much-needed energy – and you guessed it: sardines are swimming with it.

Lyka: packed with goodness

Lyka’s Grass Fed Beef Bowl contains an optimal dose of sardines, along with a variety of powerful ingredients, including kelp, psyllium seed husk and ginger.

We are all about supporting the little guys, and we are proud to say that our sardines are sustainable as possible, caught off the waters off the South Australian Coast via an MSC-certified family-owned and run business.

Experience the benefits of adding sardines to your pup’s diet, try a Starter Box today!

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