If
you would like to ensure that the probiotics you are providing for your dog and cat are
viable, from a trusted source and are of the first quality you can make the
probiotics yourself. Sauerkraut is quick, easy and very inexpensive to make.
You can also make your own kefir - it is also simple to make, however you need
to start by purchasing a few kefir grains.
Fresh
Sauerkraut…
Fresh sauerkraut is a very concentrated source of probiotics.Typically fresh 'kraut contains 13 strains of bacteria and about 100 times more probiotics than most supplements; it is simple to make and most dogs enjoy the taste.
The health benefits to your dog are many...
- Aids in the digestion process.
- Boosts the immune system.
- Helps prevent cancer (sauerkraut contains compounds called isothiocyanates which protect against cancer).
- Fights E. Coli, salmonella and candida.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties (inflammation can trigger some cancers).
- Rich source of vitamin A, B, C and E.
- Calcium and magnesium, iron, potassium, copper and manganese.
- Excellent source of antioxidants.
- Helps alleviate anxiety and depression.
- Supports omega-3 fatty acids.
- Reduce allergy symptoms.
Kefir…
Is
a creamy, naturally carbonated, fermented dairy product. Typically one
tablespoon of kefir contains 5 billion beneficial bacteria. As a rich and concentrated
source of beneficial bacteria the probiotics found in Kefir contribute to
health in a wide variety of ways:
Contains a substantial amount of B Complex vitamins, Calcium, vitamin A, Vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus;
Contains a substantial amount of B Complex vitamins, Calcium, vitamin A, Vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus;
- Contains typtophan, and essential amino acid;
- Helps prevents illness;
- Is easily digestible;
- Is excellent for the immune system;
- Natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties;
- Promotes anti-cancer and anti-tumour activity in the body;
- Promotes the faster healing of wounds;
You
can read more about the benefits in detail here.
So,
let’s look at some simple but great recipes to make your own sauerkraut and
kefir for your dog and cat- of course you can eat the sauerkraut and kefir as well, to
gain the same health benefits.
Using organic products to make the recipes is always better than using non-organic, but either way the end product will be benficial for your dog and cat.
Using organic products to make the recipes is always better than using non-organic, but either way the end product will be benficial for your dog and cat.
Recipe
One - Simple Sauerkraut
- 1 medium green cabbage;
- 1 tbsp of organic salt - NOT iodized salt/table salt. Choose from i.e. grey sea salt, Celtic sea salt, Himalayan salt, etc.
- Water - enough to submerge cabbage in jar(s);
- 1 large mixing bowl;
- 1 Mason jar (sterilized).
Optional
ingredients
- Fresh dill;
- Juice of one fresh lemon.
This
recipe makes about 1.6 litres of sauerkraut. See below for preparation
instructions and amount to feed your dog.
Recipe
Two - Confetti Sauerkraut
- 1 medium green cabbage;
- 1 medium red cabbage;
- 2-3 tbsp of sea salt;
- 1-2 cups water - enough to submerge cabbage in jar(s);
- 1 large mixing bowl;
- Mason jars (sterilized).
Optional
ingredients
- Grated carrot
- Fresh dill or caraway seeds;
- Juice of one fresh lemon;
- 2-4 tbsp of fresh shredded ginger.
This
recipe makes about 3 litres of sauerkraut.
Preparation
Make
sure that you wash the cabbage prior to grating it and cut off any spots that
are not fresh and healthy looking, cut off the bottom of the cabbage and save
it. Once you place the prepared cabbage in to the Mason jar you can use the
cabbage bottom that you have saved to press the cabbage to the bottom of the
jar. Make sure that all utensils, surfaces, bowls, etc. are very clean in order
to ensure that you do not contaminate the end product.
Shred
or grate the cabbage, then mix in the salt. If you are using the optional
ingredients mix them in as well. Press the resulting mixture into a mason jar.
Make sure that you leave 2 to 3 inches empty at the top of the jar. Remember
that the cabbage is going to ferment in order to become sauerkraut so you need
to allow some space for the fermentation process to occur. Cut the cabbage
bottom so it fits into the jar on top of the shredded cabbage and then firmly
press the cabbage down into the jar until the juice rises above the shredded
cabbage.
Now you are ready to seal the jar. You can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the jar rim and then the lid - this will ensure that any undesirable microbes are killed and that the sauerkraut remains pure and uncontaminated.
The
sealed jar(s) should be placed in a location were they can sit at room
temperature, away from direct light for a period of 4 to 10 days. Although you
can eat the sauerkraut after 4 days, the longer the sauerkraut is allowed to
sit and ferment the more variety and quantity of probiotics present - so
waiting 10 days is best!
During
the fermentation period you will likely see the cabbage (soon to be sauerkraut)
bubble and change colour. You can periodically open the lid(s) to allow a
little of the gas to escape, then use a clean utensil to push the cabbage back
down leaving it submerged in the liquid.
Once
you open a jar to eat it make sure you refrigerate it. The finished sauerkraut
should be provided to your dog raw not heated as heating will destroy the
probiotic quality as heat kills live bacteria. Kept in the refrigerator the
fresh sauerkraut will preserve for several months.
Daily
Dosage of Sauerkraut
- Small size dogs - ½ tsp to 1 heaping tbs, 1x to 2x per day
- Medium size dogs - 2 tbs to 3 heaping tbs, 1x to 2x per day
- Large dogs - 3 to 4 heaping tbs, 1x to 2x per day
How
to Introduce Sauerkraut to Your Dog’s Diet
As
with any new foodstuff that you introduce to your dog’s diet you should go
slow. The probiotics in sauerkraut are highly concentrated so give your dog’s
system time to adjust. For the first few days to a week cut the recommended
dosage in half. This will avoid stomach upset as your dog’s system adjusts to
the increased quantity of good flora in their GI tract. You can bring the daily
dosage up to the recommended amount over the space of a few days to a week or
two. If your dog has a negative reaction to the new food stop providing the
food to your dog. All of my dogs get kefir, sauerkraut and yogurt on a daily
basis. None of my 10 dogs have ever had a negative reaction to any of these
food stuffs.
Kefir
Recipe
You
will need the following utensils:
- 3 wide-mouth quart jars complete with lids;
- 1 wooden slotted spoon or fork;
- 1 wire whisk that will fit inside jar;
- 1 plastic strainer.
You
will need the following Ingredients:
- Whole, milk (organic, farm-fresh milk if possible) - enough to fill the jars leaving a little space at the top;
- 1 tsp of kefir grains per each quart of milk.
- You will need to purchase the kefir grains (or kefir starter) from a health food store or on-line;
- You can, if you wish also purchase Kefir making kits.
Preparation
- Sterilize the jars and all utensils;
- Place the appropriate qty of kefir grains in the bottom of each jar;
- Fill the jar with milk leaving to 2 to 3 inches empty at the top of the jar - the kefir will need room to ferment;
- Secure the lids on to the jars;
- Put the jars in a paper bag(s) and place the bags in a warm place (the ambient air temperature must be about 210C/70oF…leave the jars to sit, undisturbed for 24 hours;
- After 24 hours the contents in the jars should have a soft, delicate solid consistency and when the jar is slightly tipped over there should be a little liquid that separates from the solid;
- Place the jars (still in paper bags) in a cool, dark place to cure for an additional 8 to 10 hours - this time the ambient air temperature should be as close to 100C/50oF as possible;
- After the 8 to 10 hour curing period gently shake the jar(s), remove the lid(s), use the wooden spoon to remove the kefir grains (you will notice that the kefir grains are larger as they have grown during the during process). Place the grains in another clean jar, secure a lid and set the jar aside. Once the kefir has been removed from the cured jar of kefir, use a wisk to beat the kefir to a smooth blended consistency;
- Place the strainer over the wisked kefir and pour the kefir into another clean jar, secure the lid - the kefir is ready to drink, or you can refrigerate it for later;
- You can then take the remaining kefir grains from the strained jar, combine them with the other kefir grains and start another batch of kefir.
Daily
Dosage of Kefir
- Small size dogs and cats - 1 tbs to 2 tbs, 1x to 2x per day
- Medium size dogs - 1/8 cup, 1x to 2x per day
- Large dogs - 1/4 cup, 1x to 2x per day
- X-Large dogs - 1/3 to 1/2 cup, 1x to 2x per day
How
to Introduce Kefir to Your Dog’s and Cat's Diet
As with any new foodstuff that you introduce to your dog’s and cat's diet you should go slow. The probiotics in kefir are highly concentrated so give your dog’s and cat's system time to adjust. For the first few days to a week cut the recommended dosage in half. This will avoid stomach upset as your dog’s system adjusts to the increased quantity of good flora in their GI tract. You can bring the daily dosage up to the recommended amount over the space of a few days to a week or two. If your dog has a negative reaction to the new food stop providing the food to your dog and cat. All of my dogs get kefir, sauerkraut and yogurt on a daily basis. None of my 10 dogs or my cats have ever had a negative reaction to any of these food stuffs.
DIY Nutritious Treats Made with Yogurt and Cheese
- DIY Smoothies & Frozen Treats for Dogs and Cats – Nutrient Rich Refreshing Relief During Hot Weather - recipes and health benefits here.
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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld