The immune system is an intricate biological protection system responsible for determining what belongs to and in the body versus what does not belong and requires elimination. It defends the body against infection, disease and foreign substances. Keeping your pet’s immune system in good shape will go a long way in preventing ill health and chronic disease.
A high quality, natural diet is the most important component in building and supporting a healthy immune system. Along with a top quality diet, exercise, minimal exposure to toxins and a low-stress living environment are of utmost importance to the health of your companion.
In this post and the one following, I’ll suggest 10 specific ways to support your animal companion’s immune system and optimal health. Here are the first five:
1. Feed raw, minimally processed food. Fresh, raw food contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Fresh vegetables contain antioxidants and vitamins in their natural, more absorbable form. On the other hand, highly-processed food, such as dry kibble, loses some amino acids, most of its vitamins, and all enzymes and probiotics during the manufacturing process. Manufacturers try to replace some of these vitamins and minerals with artificial additives but they are typically artificial forms of these nutrients which can be harder to absorb.
2. Go organic as much as possible. Pesticide and herbicide residues are found on over 50% of produce and even higher percentages of grains. These are chemicals designed to kill living organisms – we want to minimize our pets’ exposure to such compounds. In multiple studies, organic foods have been shown to have higher nutrient values than their conventional counterparts as well.
3. Clean, fresh water. Depending on where you live, the tap water can be anywhere from almost acceptable to fairly toxic. The fluoride and chlorine add stress your companion’s elimination system. Filtered water is best, followed by bottled water and spring water. Dogs, and especially cats, that eat a raw food diet receive a good deal of the moisture they need from their food.
4. Avoid Chemical Insecticides & Flea Treatments. Chemical insecticides should be avoided in your home and yard for your companion’s sake. Animals are much closer to the ground and breathe in whatever chemical residues are on the floor and furniture. They also come into contact with chemicals used on the yard or local park, then groom these residues from their coat and paws. There are natural alternatives to the chemical products used by exterminators and used in lawn and yard care (a simple internet search on natural pest control or weed control is a good place to start).
Chemical flea treatments such as spot-on insecticides are absorbed into your animal’s system adding stress to the liver and kidneys as well as the digestive system. Natural flea control options are widely available and are effective without negatively affecting your companion’s immune system.
5. Keep a Healthy House, Free of Toxins. Household cleaning products are another source of toxins to your companion. Many cleaners, air fresheners and laundry detergents contain bleach, ammonia and other chemicals that our companions breathe in, walk on and lick from their paws. Keeping the floors clean is important since the dirt tracked in from outside likely contains heavy metals and other toxins, but using more natural cleaning products will keep the household healthier. Plug-in air fresheners are another source of indoor pollution – they may smell nice, but the petrochemicals that carry that scent offer a constant dose of toxins to your companion.
Coming Next: 5 More Ways to Support Your Pet’s Natural Immune System