Dogs With Skin Allergies ...

Do you feel helpless watching your dog scratch like crazy?

Main Causes are:

1)  The wrong diet
2)  Fleas
3)  Chemical shampoos, detergents
4)  Fertilizers, pesticide sprays
5)  Household sprays, perfumes etc
6)  A weak immune system (usually due to poor diet)

What is Natural For a Dog to Eat?

• Raw meaty bones (NEVER COOKED)
• Raw chicken, lamb, turkey (preferably less beef)
• Fish eg mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon
• Chopped veges (except those listed below under "Foods to Avoid") or frozen veges
• Raw free range eggs - 1 egg three times a week
• Chicken and turkey necks

What about Water?

There should be at least 2 separate "wide" bowls of fresh water available every day.
Water bowls can collect dirt, bugs, mould and bacteria which is harmful to your dog.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

• Chocolate & sugar = greater risk of cancer in dogs.
• Grains eg wheat, bread, pasta (major causes of skin eruptions)
• Canned, processed dog food, treats and dry biscuits
• Rolled dog meat (up to 60% grains).
• Yeast eg breads/biscuits/cake
• Dairy (anything from a cow)
• Broccoli, turnips, onions, cabbage, potatoes, spinach, cucumbers (hard to digest)
• Cooked bones (splinter through the intestinal wall)
• No microwaved foods
• Food wrapped in aluminium foil.

Why Shouldn't I Feed my Dog Canned or Processed Foods?

Because the meat they use here would shock you! They use the following:

• Pet animals from clinics and shelters that have been euthanized (killed!)
• Road kill animals, zoo animals
• Diseased or disabled animals
• Hair, feathers, beaks and hooves of other animals (including horses & birds)
• Carcasses that contain high levels of drugs and pesticides 
• Also, full of yeasts, grains and carbohydrates that contribute to obese dogs.

Are you turned off yet?  This material is then cooked and as the grease rises to the top, it is removed, along with the liquid. This leaves only the meat and bone meal.
In other words, this type of food is lacking the necessary "live" nutrients essential to good health & skin.

Useful Supplements to Improve a Dogs Immune System & Skin

• Flaxseed oil
• Fish oils
• Spirulina powder
• Kelp powder
• Vitamin C powder

Avoid pharmaceutical drugs. Dogs with skin problems or allergies generally don't respond well to drugs such as antihistamines, cortisone, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
They loose interest in their food, mope around and feel nausea.
These are only a temporary fix, they don't address the cause of the allergies or skin problem

NB:  Also, vaccinations (which are NOT compulsory) may cause and also lead to immune problems as well as skin rashes and allergies.

For more information or for a consult visit www.lindaparker.com.au

Artichoke Hearts & Peas!

Artichokes are one of my favourite vegetables.
They are excellent for regenerating the liver.
They purify the blood helping to remove toxins.
Artichokes also help lower the "bad" fats and are an amazing cleanser for all skin conditions.

Peas....everyone loves them! What can I say. They're easy to cook and taste wonderful.

Peas are full of goodness. A high source of protein and potassium but also Vit A, phosphorus, B2, B1, B6, manganese and also heaps of fibre.

Serves 5-6 people
Preparation Time: 40 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

6 Artichoke Hearts
500g fresh or frozen peas
1-2 cups of water
1/4 cup olive oil (cold pressed)
8 spring onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup dill, finely chopped
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Salt & Pepper as desired

Method

• Wash the artichokes. Cut off the stem and peal off all the outside leaves until you find the heart inside.
• Shell and wash the peas if fresh.
• In a large saucepan, gently saute the spring onions in the oil until soft but not brown.
• Add the peas, salt, pepper and 1 cup of water.
• Cover and simmer for 20 mins or until the peas are half tender.
• Add the artichoke hearts and dill and simmer for about 15 mins more, or until the peas and artichoke hearts are tender and the sauce is reduced.
• Remove from the heat and sprinkle with lemon juice. Shake the pan to blend the lemon juice all over.
• Add more sea salt & pepper as needed.
• Serve hot or cold.

Greek Lentil Soup "Faki Soupa"

Lentils are high in iron, protein and fibre.

They fill you up and give you energy.

Great for an entree or main course.

Serves 6 people
Preparation Time: 10 - 15 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins - 40 mins

Ingredients

800g tinned lentils (washed)
2 litres of water
1 1/2 cups of pureed fresh or canned tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil (cold pressed)
2 small onions finely chopped
5 whole cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of vinegar
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon of oregano
Salt and pepper as desired

Method

• Wash the lentils well.
• Saute the onions in the oil in a large cooking pot.
• Add the water and all the ingredients except the lentils.
• Bring to the boil.
• Add the lentils, cover and simmar for about 30-40 mins until the liquid has reduced to the desired consistency.
• If you need to add more water do so.
• When ready, remove the whole garlic cloves and bay leaves.

* Serve hot and enjoy with fresh bread.

(If you make extra, freeze for another night)