Bee pollen does not only benefit bees. This supplement can help your dog’s health.
Bee pollen, which is not honey, is a product that bees produce and it’s often misunderstood. This nutrient-dense supplement is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. It’s great for humans as well as their canine companions. It contains 35% protein, 50% carbohydrates and one of the best nutritional profiles anywhere. It is also rich in cobalt and niacin. Here’s a closer look at honey pollen and the benefits it can provide for your dog.
From where did it come?
Worker bees collect bee pollen and mix it with nectar, bee saliva and other ingredients. This “blend” is then packed by worker bees into a granule, which sticks to their back legs. It’s then taken to the hive to be used for colony feeding.
The quality and type of pollen can vary depending on where it is produced, what the plant source is (fruit or forage), and how it is received. It is not unusual for pesticides or heavy metals to affect the quality of pollen. So it is important to find out where your source is. Toxin-free honey pollen is the best option. It’s usually found in desert areas.
The benefits
There are many health benefits to bee pollen. The bee pollen contains flavanol and resveratrol, which are anti-oxidants. These, along with vitamins A and B, C, E, help prevent infections and strengthen the body’s ability of overcoming or preventing inflammation.
Bee Pollen contains many fatty acids. The most important fatty acids are essential fatty acids. Approximately 70% are Omega-3 (Alpha-linolenic Acid) and 5% Omega-6, which are necessary for the growth of dogs. The remainder is made up of saturated and monounsaturated fats.
Nearly twelve major enzymes, as well as several thousand minor enzymes and other co-enzymes found in bee pollen, assist with food digestion and absorption. They also regulate the immune system.
Here are some key reasons for adding bee pollen in your dog’s diet
Here are some additional reasons to consider adding bee-pollen to your dog’s daily food:
- It is hepatoprotective. It protects and encourages healthy livers, and aids in healing damaged livers. It is a great option for dogs that need detox.
- It increases muscle mass.
- It increases metabolism.
- Allergy protection: Bee pollen is a natural antihistamine. It can reduce allergic symptoms and allergic reactions if taken on a regular basis.
- It is anti-microbial, antifungal, and antiviral.
- Increases blood flow to the nervous systems, which can help relieve anxiety and stress.
- It also contains trans-cinnamic, which is a natural antibacterial.
- It’s alkaline: Bee pollen balances the body’s pH, promoting healthy urinary tract.
- It also contains the plant pigment, rutin. This provides cardiovascular support. It strengthens blood vessels, capillaries and lymphatic vessels.
- It contains more amino acids per gram than beef, fish, or eggs.
- Honey pollen, which is part of a daily food regimen, can increase the skin’s moisture and speed up wound healing.
- It can support and improve digestion through anti-microbial properties, which rid the GI tract from invading pathogens.
Honey pollen can also be added to dogs’ food daily. For a 50-pound dog, 1 teaspoon is daily. To ensure that he isn’t sensitive, start with 1/3 of the recommended dose and increase gradually. You can ask your local pet food store about organic bee-pollen, or you can find it online.