Often called the king of grains, this is one of the least acidic grains and one of the lowest of all foods on the glycemic index. A brilliant source of prebiotic fibre, which helps gut biome to flourish, barley lowers cholesterol, supports heart health, and is rich in potassium, folate and vitamin B6.
The slow release energy from this super grain is so, so good for the long lasting health of your dog.
Vet nutritionist comment:
"Both barley and oats are good sources of beta glucans that have an important role in stabilising immunity. Carbohydrate digestibility of oats and barley is over 98%."
Among the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet, oats bring a subtle, delicious flavour to the mix. Naturally gluten free, they're also cholesterol free and chock full of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds. The ultimate comfort food, oats are a particularly lovely inclusion for puppies and seniors.
Oats' super power is their unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides. They have particular anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties; so necessary for your pup's coat and skin health.
Vet nutritionist comment:
"Both barley and oats are good sources of beta glucans that have an important role in stabilising immunity. Carbohydrate digestibility of oats and barley is over 98%."
These brilliant gelatinous little seeds are an incredible source of fibre, calcium, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Together with the barley and oats, they slow the digestion of carbs, which gives your dog’s body long-lasting energy. They pack a mighty protein punch too—just 28 grams of chia contains 5.6 grams of protein—and adds body to our Happy Dog Food.
Chia is nicely described in Christopher McDougall's fabulous book Born To Run: "In terms of nutritional content, a tablespoon of chia is like a smoothie made from salmon, spinach, and human growth hormone. As tiny as those seeds are, they're superpacked with omega-3s, omega-6s, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, fiber, and antioxidants. If you had to pick just one desert-island food, you couldn't do much better than chia, at least if you were interested in building muscle, lowering cholesterol, and reducing your risk of heart disease ... "
Vet nutritionist comment:
"Chia seeds are a source of omega 3 ALA fatty acids, and have good anti-inflammatory effects."
Rich and sweet, this darling of the health food world is anti-inflammatory, stabilises blood sugar, lowers cholesterol and increases metabolism. This fibre hero contains loads of antioxidants, vitamins and fabulous muscle building minerals. Coconut's 'wonder food' title is well deserved!
Vet nutritionist comment:
"Coconut contains monounsaturated fatty acids beneficial for healthy brain and intestinal function, and the medium chain triglycerides are important for cardiovascular health."
The orange carrot bits you see throughout the formula get their bright colour from beta carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. Carrots are rich in fibre and the elusive vitamin K—also potassium, and antioxidants. They're weight-control-friendly and are popularly known to improve eye health.
Vet nutritionist comment:
"Carrots are rich in beta carotene, a source of natural vitamin A and a strong antioxidant. Carotenoids have immuno-modulating properties, they stimulate cell-mediated immune responses in dogs."
Parsley improves blood sugar and is rich in minerals calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. This little beauty is also an antibacterial and antifungal warrior.
Vet nutritionist comment:
"Parsley is another rich source of vitamin C. It has a diuretic property, and it is recommended for dogs with urinary tract problems where increased flushing of urinary bladder is needed, eg in case of urinary crystals formation problems and in chronic urinary bladder infections.
It is recommended if there are fluids accumulated in abdomen and lungs due to lower functions of heart and kidneys."
Rosehips are a natural source of full molecule vitamin C (meaning natural plant nutrition with no overdosing side effects), and they're super rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They're the darlings of joint-sore seniors and a brilliant preventative for breeds that are genetically prone to joint weakness.
Every 1/2 cup of our formula contains about 1/2 teaspoon of pure rosehips.
Vet nutritionist comment:
"Rose hips are given to reduce pain and strengthen the joints in dogs with joint problems. They are a natural source of the full molecule of vitamin C , whereas ascorbic acid that is given to supplement vitamin C is just a part of vitamin C molecule, and high doses can cause side effects. The full molecule of vitamin C [found in rosehips] has no side effects.
Both vitamins A and C protect mouth gingiva by reducing capillary permeability and fragility and decrease the risk of cancer. Although dogs can make their own vitamin C in their body, they still need supplementing daily."
Our beautiful, rich, concentrated broth is made with premium veggies & herbs. Fully vegan, it gets doggy noses working as well as their taste buds—and checks all the boxes for healthy eating. Just like every other ingredient in HHD, it's pure, natural and preservative free.
Low sodium, this product is onion and garlic free.
Glucosamine hydrochloride and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are included in each of our formulas.
Glucosamine HCI is for dogs with healthy joints as well as those with pain. MSM is primarily an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for strengthening bones and helping with conditions such as arthritis.
These are powerful supplements, so correct dosage is important. There is sufficient to be effective, but not so much as to overload the system.
Vet nutritionist comment:
"MSM and glucosamine help dogs with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine has a protective function on joint cartilage. Dogs with ruptured knee ligaments that were treated with glucosamine had less swelling of the joint cartilage (Conrozier 1998)."
The extra nutritional items in our 'Seniors or Special Needs' formula are: nutritional yeast, ashwagandha, brown rice protein, barley grass powder, CoQ10, and vitamin E.
Each item has been chosen and formulated to assist with aging in senior dogs, but this is also a lovely mix for stressed dogs, or to alternate with the other HHD formulas for general wellness in all dogs.
Vet nutritionist comment about the challenges aging dogs face, and their need for extra dietary care:
"Changes that are evident in aging dogs are: increased dental problems, musculo-skeletal system, loss of skin elasticity, loss of lean body mass, bone mass and arthritis. A weakened immune system contributes to increased risk for development of infections, diseases and turours. Behavioural changes and development of cognitive dysfunction syndrome are common.
[also, fyi] The term 'geriatric' applies to small dogs at 11.5 years, medium dog at 10 years, large dog 9 years, and giant breed dogs at 7.5 years of age."