Apple cider vinegar or apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries to help the human body properly metabolise proteins, fats, and minerals. But what about this ingredient for dogs? Is it as beneficial as it is for humans? In this article we will explore the benefits for canine health that apple cider vinegar can provide.
Vinegar is a combination of acetic acid and water that is obtained through a two-step fermentation process. The US Food and Drug Administration requires vinegar to contain at least four percent acetic acid, but it can vary up to eight percent. Vinegar contains a significant amount of vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids, and polyphenolic compounds.
Applied studies
The FDA has stated that apple cider vinegar contains only trace amounts of vitamins and minerals except for potassium (11 grams per tablespoon). But despite not overflowing with essential nutrients, it is beneficial for the health of people and animals.
Glucose reduction
In 2010, the research journal Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism published a study showing that the anti-glycemic properties of vinegar reduce blood sugar levels that tend to rise after a meal in a healthy adult body. These results are consistent with a 2006 Japanese study that showed that eating vinegar with food prevents increases in blood sugar.
A 2005 study conducted by Arizona State University evaluated patients with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or no diabetes symptoms, while they ate an 87g carbohydrate breakfast right after drinking a glass of water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or a placebo. Consuming apple cider vinegar water was found to slow the rise in blood sugar in all three groups, by as much as 34%. Additionally, based on other rat or test tube studies, the researchers speculated that vinegar interferes with the absorption of carbohydrate-rich foods.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar
Those in favour of using apple cider vinegar in dog food claim that it is an excellent ingredient to maintain the acid-alkaline balance of the body, and also helps with digestive health, to fight allergies and even parasites such as fleas, ringworm, ticks, fungi and bacteria, skin problems and even bladder infections.
Better absorption
Apple cider vinegar aids digestion by increasing stomach acid levels, resulting in better absorption. Apple cider vinegar promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract of dogs.
Prevention of malignant viruses and bacteria
Vinegar contains antiseptic properties that help prevent the growth of harmful viruses and bacteria in the digestive tract. Plus, it doesn’t interfere with the body’s beneficial bacteria, the immune system’s first line of defense against harmful microbes.
Arthritis
This condition of chronic inflammation of the joints is a fairly common disease in both animals and humans, and one of its causes is believed to be the accumulation of toxic waste in the tissues, which subsequently causes irritation, something in which The addition of vinegar in canine petfood formulae may help. Several studies have shown that apple cider vinegar has a significant impact on pain caused by arthritis and that it also slows its progression.
Blood pressure
Potassium, the most highly concentrated nutrient in apple cider vinegar, is beneficial for both your heart and blood pressure, and helps prevent stroke.
Osteoporosis
The manganese, magnesium, silicon and calcium present in apple cider vinegar have a positive impact on the maintenance of bone mass, essential to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
Constipation
When we add fibre to the diet, such as the pectin in apple cider vinegar, we are helping the body to have regular and adequate bowel movements, which prevents the body from reabsorbing toxins and waste.
Cataract prevention
Apple cider vinegar is good for preventing the development of cataracts, since the beta-carotene it contains provides antioxidant properties that are very beneficial to fight free radicals, a molecule that causes alterations in the structure of the ocular lens.
Fatigue
Today we live exposed to higher levels of stress than in ancient times. And that, of course, affects animals as well. Stress causes the elimination of lactic acid, which can lead to fatigue and which, in turn, can be combated with the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar. The enzymes, as well as the potassium it contains, also help maintain energy and vitality.
Metabolism
Currently, a large percentage of pets do not get enough exercise which, together with poor quality food, regularly leads to overweight. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight contemplates an effective and efficient metabolism, and in this the malic acid and tartaric acid contained in apple cider vinegar help, since they balance the acid content and eliminate the harmful bacteria found in the digestive tract.
Muscles
Lactic acid in the muscles is the cause of muscle pain and stiffness. Apple cider vinegar can help break down acid crystals, making them easier to remove from the body. This is especially good for competition or training animals.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar can provide countless benefits to the health of canines, and it is a component that, adding it in small doses to petfood formulae, can significantly improve them. From the industry, we can promote studies and research to deepen our knowledge of its advantages to introduce it to more and more offers on the market.
