WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EACH INGREDIENT INCLUDED IN BONZA PLANT-BASED DOG FOOD?
Two primary questions are asked for every ingredient included in our food – will it have an impact on the health of your dog? And what impact does it have on the Planet and environment? The impact must be beneficial for both for it to be included in our food.
Nutrient-dense, antioxidant powerhouses – one of nature's finest sources of beta-carotene. Nutritionists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest ranked the sweet potato the world’s #1 vegetable for nutrition. A low GI elicits a gradual rise in blood sugar to keep your dog feeling satisfied for longer after eating.
A nutritious and filling cereal packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Also higher in fibre and protein than other grains. Some components, such as the soluble fibre, beta-glucan, and antioxidants known as avenanthramides are unique to oats. Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels and protects against skin irritation.
Powerhouses of nutrition – high in nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants. An excellent source of molybdenum and a good source of manganese, copper, protein, folate, vitamin B1, phosphorus, vitamin B5, and potassium. Peas also contain high levels of antioxidants and have strong anti-inflammatory properties from phytonutrients found almost exclusively in peas.
One of the world’s most valuable non-animal proteins due to its high level of digestibility and high content of essential amino acids. An excellent source of minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron; and vitamins B1, B3, and B6. A high vitamin C content promotes iron absorption.
Rapeseed oil supports brain, eye, skin, and coat health. It also helps with canine weight loss, strengthens the immune system, and supports cardiovascular health.
One of the world’s best complete protein foods, and a provider of potent plant antioxidants and all 20 amino acids, including the 10 essential acids that your dog’s body is unable to produce. Although often described as an ‘ancient grain’, quinoa is a seed that contains no gluten.
A good source of beta-carotene, fibre, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, the powerhouse vitamin for so much of your dog’s body. Carrots also provide ample amounts of vitamins C, D, and E, as well as many minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
A lean protein choice with plenty of fibre; a high concentration of thiamine, vitamin K, vitamin B-6, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, and magnesium; but no saturated fat or cholesterol. They help boost immunity and aid weight loss.
A potent, gluten-free package of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Chickpeas contain vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline, and selenium, together with exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium. Good for dogs because they may reduce their risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
A nutrient-rich, vegan food with many potential health benefits. Just a small amount provides a host of vitamins and minerals. Nutritional yeast provides energy and helps maintain healthy skin, coat, eyes, and mouth. For dogs with type-2 diabetes, the chromium content may help control sugar levels by improving glucose tolerance.
Seaweed and Seaweed Oil Extract
The most bio-available source of Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA and a source of the potent antioxidant, fucoxanthin, that helps protect your dog’s cells from oxidative damage. It contains taurine, that supports your dog’s heart health and boosts its oral health. Helps promote gut health, reduce blood pressure, and supports a healthy thyroid function.
High in healthy saturated fats that can boost fat burning and provide your dog’s body and brain with quick energy. Saturated fats also raise levels of good HDL cholesterol in their blood, which is linked to reduced heart disease risk. To turn coconut oil fats into fuel requires only three steps – a huge improvement on the 26-step process for other fats.
Low in calories yet loaded with nutrients and antioxidants with a string of health benefits, including improved digestion, a lower risk of cancer, improved immunity, relief of arthritis symptoms, and improved recovery after surgery and strenuous exercise. The enzyme bromelain jumpstarts protein hydrolysis to extract more nutrition from plant proteins.
Full of natural oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and phytochemicals to provide healing properties for almost every part of your dog’s body. Phytochemicals, which include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and analgesics, help support the healthy functioning of your dog’s cells, tissues, and organs.
An incredibly powerful medicinal herb used by Ayurvedic practitioners for over 3,000 years. It contains flavonoids and steroidal lactones called Withanaloides, known to help support a healthy response to stress and to bolster mood, immunity, and energy levels.
Described as ‘the vitamin tree’ by National Geographic, but possibly more famous for containing more antioxidants than any other whole fruit. Other health benefits of baobab include boosting the immune system, supporting bone strength, soothing the gastrointestinal system, and lowering inflammation.
This life-giving fungus – known as the ‘10,000-Year Mushroom’ and the ‘King of Herbs’ – has been an Asian go-to medicinal for over 2,000 years. They’re now noted for their unique collection of compounds, which include triterpenes, alkaloids, sterols, and a variety of essential polysaccharides, plus selenium, which is critical for the immune system.
A popular adaptogen, beloved by athletes for its power to boost endurance and reduce fatigue. Siberian ginseng is also used for chronic heart conditions, blood pressure management, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic fatigue, and rheumatoid arthritis.
An herb with worldwide popularity used to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health issues. Echinacea contains an impressive variety of active compounds that boost health, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, and polyacetylenes.
A low-calorie food that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pumpkin is a great source of potassium and beta-carotene, the carotenoid that converts to vitamin A. The nutrients and antioxidants in pumpkin may boost your dog’s immune system, protect their eyesight, lower their risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.
Contains one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit, which helps protect cells against free-radical damage and aids in the prevention of chronic disease and urinary tract disease.
Cranberry is a good source of several vitamins and minerals and is exceptionally rich in a number of unique plant compounds.
Rich in valuable nutrients and powerful antioxidants, including lycopene that may reduce the risk of diseases associated with age, such as heart disease and cancer. The enzyme papain, found in papaya has been shown to jumpstart protein hydrolysis to extract even more nutrition from plant proteins.
A nutritious, low-carb, high-fibre, leafy green vegetable that contains high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. Spinach may decrease oxidative stress, improve eye health, and help prevent heart disease and cancer.
The king of the super-healthy greens is one of the most nutritious plant foods on the planet. Kale is loaded with beneficial compounds, many of which have powerful medicinal properties including heart-protection and lowering of blood pressure, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-depressant, and anti-cancer effects.
An outstanding health-promoting herb containing powerful phenol antioxidants, such as carvacrol which has microbial-balancing benefits. Oregano may help fight off bacteria and viruses, potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells and help alleviate inflammation.
A herb with health benefits that include stress reduction and blood-sugar control. Basil may also be able to reduce blood pressure, inhibit bacterial growth connected with tooth decay, and provide antibiotic properties.
Another superfood that needs only to be consumed in small amounts for its health benefits to take effect. Parsley is packed with health-giving nutrients (including vitamins K, C, and A), essential oils (including myristicin and apiol), and antioxidant flavonoids.
A herb with the potential to support oral health, aid brain function, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The Romans believed that sage, which is high in antioxidants, had substantial healing properties, while the Chinese use it to treat colds, joint pain, typhoid fever, and kidney and liver issues.
A superfood loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds offering powerful benefits for body and brain. Ginger’s health-giving abilities come largely from its antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and other therapeutic compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone.
One of the world’s most widely used and well-documented medicinal plants, recommended for a variety of health applications. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent, and healing medicine. Chamomile has some unique properties that may improve the quality of your dog’s sleep.
A useful component of your dog’s diet with numerous health benefits and a history of medicinal use. Yucca contains high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which can benefit the immune system and overall health. Yucca also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe pain.
Quite possibly the healthiest fat on the planet. Olive oil is incredibly good for your dog. It’s rich in mono-unsaturated oleic acid, a fatty acid that’s believed to have many beneficial effects, including reducing inflammation. With its powerful antioxidants, olive oil is also good for your dog’s heart, brain, joints, and more.
A popular dietary supplement used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. MSM is a sulphur-containing compound found naturally in plants, animals, and humans. Our plant-based MSM is often used as a natural way to relieve joint pain, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
Plays a vital role in building cartilage and is often used to treat arthritis and osteoarthritis. Glucosamine occurs naturally in the fluid around the joints, in animal bones, bone marrow, shellfish, and fungi. Our vegan glucosamine is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than glucosamine derived from other sources.
Renowned since ancient times for its medicinal properties, rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, and boost the immune and circulatory systems. It may also improve digestion, offer neurological protection, and have anti-cancer properties.
Long regarded the “king of spices” it has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Its concentration of powerful, health-giving compounds acts in synergy with other polyphenols and phytonutrients to enhance health benefits.
Taurine’s benefits are so broad and extensive scientists have described taurine as a ‘wonder molecule’. It promotes cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, electrolyte balance, hearing function and immune modulation.
L-Carnitine plays a crucial role in the production of energy by transporting fatty acids into your dog’s cells' mitochondria. The mitochondria act as engines within your dog’s cells, burning fats to create usable energy.
An essential amino acid in humans and dogs, it can be converted into glutathione, an important physiological antioxidant, an amino acid that is vitally important to the long-term health of your dog.
Calcium carbonate is a natural source of calcium, an essential mineral for dogs. Calcium carbonate supports strong bones and teeth, healthy joints, is needed for proper muscle function, regular heartbeat and a healthy immune system.