You may be surprised to read that dogs are actually omnivores. ’What’s an omnivore?" we hear you ask? Well, like their two-legged friends (us), it means dogs eat a variety of foods. The specific foods they eat don’t matter so much, it’s that they’re getting the right nutrients that is key.
Can a dog be vegetarian?
Yes! Dogs can eat a vegetarian diet and thrive. Dogs can get all the amino acids they need from plants and alternative protein sources while avoiding meat.
If my dog doesn’t eat meat, where will its protein come from?
Protein is found in lots of natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, legumes, and our personal fave, bugs. Did you know that cricket protein actually has 3.8x the protein of meat?! Wowzers.
All TBH treats are packed full of the nutrient’s dogs need, including the 10 essential amino acids found in meat.
Always consult with your vet before you make any major changes to your dog’s diet.
3 surprising benefits of hemp for a dog's nutrition
Hemp has become very popular in health and wellness because of its superfood health benefits. Here are 3 surprising benefits of hemp for a dog’s nutrition.
● It’s an anti-inflammatory
Hemp seeds contain the perfect ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids, and when they’re in the perfect ratio, they have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Great news for stiff joints and itchy skin sufferers!
● It’s an immunity booster
Hemp contains a high concentration of the antioxidant Vitamin E, which is super important for immunity, disease prevention and cell renewal.
● It’s good for digestion
Hemp seeds are packed with fibre and a high fibre diet means your dog’s bowel function will be running like a well-oiled machine.
Get on the hemp train with TBH’s Superior Hemp with Quinoa & Carrot dog treats. Oh, and in case you were wondering, no, your dog isn’t going to get high on their treats. TBH use whole hemp seeds in their treats, which come from a part of the plant that doesn’t contain any of the psychoactive stuff.
If you’re looking for something to help with your dog’s anxiety, TBH’s Organic Cricket with Hemp & Camomile has natural calming properties in it, courtesy of camomile.
7 reasons why cricket protein is good for your dog
Dogs have been digging up and snacking on bugs for centuries. Probably mostly because it was a fun game of chase for them, but also because of the health boost the natural nutritional powerhouse gave them.
Here are 7 reasons why cricket protein is good GREAT for your dog:
● It has 3.8x the protein of beef
Protein is what your dog needs to function. It’s the building blocks of all cells from hair to hormones so the more clean protein in your dog’s diet, the merrier.
● It has more iron than spinach
Iron is a mineral that is required by your dog's body for growth and development.
● It has more calcium than milk
Strong teeth and bones, anyone?
● It’s gentle on the stomach
Cricket is packed with chitin which is great for digestion and is gentle on even the most sensitive of tum tums.
● It’s high in omega-3s
Omega-3s are what your dog needs for a healthy coat and skin.
● It’s a prebiotic
Happy stomach bacteria mean a happy dog (and a happy you when your pup’s do-dos aren’t runny)!
● It’s planet friendly
Cricket raising requires FAR less resources than cattle grazing, pig or chicken farming. For example, cattle require 47x the land crickets do AND cattle emit 25x the greenhouse emissions crickets do. Yikes!
So, do your doggo (and your planet) a favour and get stuck into cricket protein! TBH have two tasty treat varieties to get you started: Organic Cricket with Roasted Pumpkin & Almonds and Organic Cricket with Hemp & Camomile.
Nutritional yeast, your dog's new best friend
Superfood protein is where it’s at and, heads up, your dog’s new fave is nutritional yeast.
Nutritional yeast is a complete protein with all 10 essential amino acids, just like meat, but without any of the fats, sugars, sodium and added preservatives. Nutritional yeast pumps out all the protein, B vitamins and fibre your dog needs.
Nutritional yeast is also BIG on taste (some liken it to a cheese flavour), which is why your pooch will love it. It’s also why dogs find TBH treats so tasty without the flavour enhancers ’Big Pet’ uses.
TBH use the highest quality nutritional yeast in their treats range.
Side note: Nutritional yeast is not the same kind of yeast used in bread. That kind of yeast is actually quite dangerous for dogs so keep them clear of it.
Myth BUSTED: dogs need a meat diet
There is a misconception that dogs are carnivores - ie. they need meat to survive. Let us clear that up for you and share great meat alternatives for your dog and their benefits.