Dehydrated Apple Slices

Apple is a great low calorie treat to satisfy your pup's sweet tooth, that also provides many other benefits! It is packed full of vital nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, K, calcium, and phosphorous; as well as fibre that will help with digestion, and prevent constipation.  

Here at WilderPaw, we keep the skins on our apples as the peel contains lots of antioxidant polyphenols such as Quercetin that aid the immune system, and potentially prevent cancers, and reducing symptoms of joint disease.

We typically use the red variety (ex. Fuji, Red Delicious) apples for our treats, but we can also use green variety (ex. Granny Smith) upon request. Green variety apples have been shown to be a healthier option, as they are a little lower in sugars, and carbohydrates, but some dogs prefer the sweeter varieties.

The Nitty Gritty:

Vitamin A: Well known to be beneficial for skin, and vision health. Also supports cellular differentiation, which is a process that transforms cells into more specialized cells. Vitamin A also boosts the immune system by helping with the creation of the protective mucus that lines the lungs.

Vitamin C: This vitamin helps strengthen your immune system by increasing white blood cell activity to fight foreign bodies, or infection; as well as boosting levels of interferon, which is a natural antibody that helps fight viral infections, and cancerous growth. It is also a powerful antioxidant that will help collect and remove free radicals in your pup’s body that may cause illness, or disease.

Vitamin K: Critical for the production of coagulation proteins. Four of thirteen coagulation factors require Vitamin K to function properly. Without Vitamin K, even minor injuries can become fatal as the blood would not clot properly.

Calcium: We all know that calcium is vital for the proper development of bones, and teeth, but it also has many other functions. Such as, facilitating the contraction of all muscle cell types,  promoting wound healing through coagulation, and plays a role in biochemical, and physiological processes in the body.

Phosphorus: Works with Calcium to help maintain the integrity of your pup’s bones, and teeth. Phosphorus also forms phosphates by combining with other minerals which aids in the regulation of normal bodily functions; such as fusing with protein and lipids to form membranes in the body. It also helps with the structural framework of DNA, and RNA.

Quercetin: A safe flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antioxidant properties. It is often known as nature’s Benadryl as it can turn off the body’s histamine production which is what causes inflammation, redness, and irritation.