Sweet Potato: a Superfood For Dogs

Many “people foods” are bad for dogs, but many others can be extremely beneficial. While foods like chocolate, cheese, and alcohol wreak havoc on their digestive systems, sweet potatoes can improve your pet’s health.

Sweet potatoes can aid digestion because they are high in fiber. Fiber affects the stomach and intestines by changing the way that nutrients and chemicals are absorbed into the blood stream. Foods that are high in fiber, like sweet potatoes, increase the amount of vitamins and minerals that can be properly digested and used in the body.

In addition to fiber, many other important components make up sweet potatoes. Vitamins B6, C, Manganese, Potassium, and Iron are all contained in sweet potatoes. Benefits of these vitamins and minerals include increased metabolism, strengthening of the immune system, helping blood clot, and increased bone mass.

Sweet potatoes are also a source of amino acids and antioxidants. Amino acids are important for maintaining healthy, strong muscles and decreasing the amount of fatty tissue in the liver and the pancreas. Antioxidants are vital for healing, fighting the effects of aging, and for the prevention of cancer. Sweet potatoes are even classified as an anti-diabetic: they help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower the insulin resistance in dogs and humans alike.

While it is true that sweet potatoes are good for many reasons, remember that they are a starch, and therefore can result in weight gain. Even though sweet potatoes seem like the super food, try to avoid the all-sweet potato diet. Also, the skin of the sweet potato can grow a type of mold that can be dangerous to ingest. Avoid using the skin of the sweet potato.

If you are looking for a tasty sweet potato treat for your dog, look no further than Shania Bakes’s “Gotti’s Sweetie Potato Moons”, which are chock full of organic sweet potatoes.

• http://blog.sitstay.com/benefits-of-sweet-potato-
• http://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/2013/11/sweet-benefits-of-sweet-potato-for-dogs/
• http://www.keepthetailwagging.com/6-benefits-of-sweet-potatos-for-dogs-samsyams/
• http://www.rawtothebones.com/benefits-raw-dog-food-diet-potato/
• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/vitamins-and-what-they-do.html

All About The Bakes

Shania Bakes is a small business dedicated to the production of cat and dog treats made solely from the goodness of organic ingredients. In addition to our tasty alternatives to processed pet food, we also offer gift bags and baskets, including Shania Bakes treats, natural Rufflestiltskin pet toys, and other pet items.

All of our products are completely organic; the only exception are the treats containing bacon or other meat products. Our treats are labelled if they contain non-organic meat. If your pet has an allergy or a sensitivity to certain foods, we can accommodate. We can also modify the treat thickness or size. Feel free to ask: every batch of treats is baked fresh.

During the holiday season, we offer specific bags and baskets. In addition, it is always an option to build custom baskets. On our site we keep on inventory so you can create your own basket. Our bags and baskets are a great way to celebrate a new pet adoption, a pet birthday, and even give as a holiday present for your pet. The price starts at $10, not including shipping. These bags and baskets include special, all-natural dog and cat toys made by Rufflestiltskin, out of recycled natural materials.

You can purchase treats and gifts online through etsy.com, by email to shaniabakes@gmail.com, via Private Message on our Facebook page, or by calling 516-847-5012. Our products are also available at select local vendor fairs. To find out more, make sure to like, follow, and favorite our pages!

We deliver to most parts of mid- to western- Suffolk and eastern Nassau, with an extended delivery area during the holidays. If you live in these areas, delivery is free. Ask us if you are on the Free Delivery map. We ship a 2-day Priority all over the United States for a small fee. This fee is determined by product and quantity ordered. There are discounts for multiple item purchases, and shipping to Long Island and the Five Boroughs is discounted. Just ask us!

Subscribe to Shania Bakes Recurring order Plan (SB ROP) for yummy organic treats delivered right to your door without you even having to remember to order. These are available monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly; plus, there is a $2 discount off of the regular price of the treats with every order.

Our product can be ordered for delivery at any time. We usually need one or two business days to get the items baked fresh, created, and shipped, although special inventory items require a longer order and ship time. Over the holidays, however, we accept special orders for our “Holiday Special," and we will  ship the weekend before the holiday or the day before. If the item needed sooner, ask and we will accommodate the date change. We recommend ordering and paying for your purchases far in advance of the delivery/ship date as possible to ensure we have enough in our inventory to cover your order.

Aside from the many baskets and donations Shania Bakes has made throughout the year to animal rescues, schools and other charitable organizations, we also offer the option to “Buy a Bag” for a local rescue. For just $5 (our cost), an extra-large bag of Shania Bakes treats will be delivered to the rescue of your choice. In addition, we update a special Pinterest board once a week: a board featuring dogs and cats available for adoption and/or foster.

Above all, Shania Bakes is about our pets. Our journey began with Junior, who was diagnosed with canine epilepsy at the age of four. While looking for a way to help him, we started to make him his own special food made from organic ingredients. Before long, friends showed their interest, and soon we started Shania Bakes. Our mission is to give delicious alternatives to processed pet foods, exchanging unhealthy sugars and preservatives with all-organic foods.

Food For Thought: 5 Reasons to Go Organic

"Shania Bakes" was created after Junior, our now 6-year-old pit bull and "Shania Bakes Quality Control Expert", was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of four. Having never known dogs could have human illnesses like epilepsy, we began researching to learn why dogs get epilepsy and how we could help Junior. After learning about the hidden risks in many commercial dog foods and treats, we began creating organic recipes and baking Junior his own special treats. Our friends became interested as well, and we decided to create "Shania Bakes" and share our tasty organic dog treats with everyone.

Despite the many studies and science articles showing that organic foods are healthier than non-organic foods, many pet owners are still reluctant to switch from processed foods to organic. So here are some compelling reasons to go organic for your dog. 

1. Longevity

We all know that our dogs can only be with us for a short time, an average of 15 years. Eating organic food can increase a dog’s life span by several years, not to mention giving them more time with less risk of diseases as they age.

2. Reduces Health Risks

The more organic food is included in dogs’ diets, the more natural vitamins and minerals are introduced into their bodies. These nutrients boost their immune systems and help keep them healthy. But inside regular, processed dog foods, there are plenty of things that can make your dog sick. Have you ever looked at the ingredients list on the back of your dog’s food bag? One of the first ingredients on that list is meat by-product, which is a colloquialism for any part of the animal leftovers that are not meant for human consumption: the entrails, the internal organs, the skin, sometimes even leftover meat that has been spoiled. If you wouldn’t or shouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it to your pets?

3. Better Taste

Several studies have been done on humans comparing organic food and processed food to see which tastes better. The conclusion was that organic food does, in fact, have a better taste. The same applies to dog food. Instead of giving your dog kibble that’s scrapped together, jammed full of preservatives and artificial flavors, why not give them something made with fresh, flavorful ingredients?

4.  Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Since organic food has no fillers, artificial ingredients, or preservatives, it contains more nutritional value than processed food. And because organic food is more nutrient-dense, dogs don’t need to eat as much to get the proteins and vitamins they need. This leads to a much lower chance of your dog becoming obese.

5. Fewer Digestive Issues

Organic food is free of most of the chemicals that can lead to gas, diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting. With those chemicals gone, dogs are less likely to have such disorders. Organic food is also much more easily digested than its processed counterparts. For example, corn syrup is used to sweeten most dog food. Most people recognize corn syrup as a danger, and they are right. Too much of this sweetener over a period of time can cause diabetes, obesity, and hyperactivity, even in dogs.

Switching to organic foods is a big step towards keeping your furry companion at his peak. For healthier, more tasty meals and, potentially, a longer, healthier life for your dog, make that switch now. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/natural-organic-dog-food.html#Known_Effects_of_Ignoring_Natural

http://madpets.blogspot.com/2011/02/guest-post-top-5-reasons-to-feed-your.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MadAboutPets+%28Mad+About+Pets%29

http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-living/organic-living/the-top-five-benefits-of-natural-organic-pet-food-for-your-dog.html

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/animal-by-products/

Shania Bakes' New "Thanksgiving in a Bag" or "Giving Thanks Doggie Basket" treats made with all-organic ingredients such as turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberries! A great addition to your dog's holiday feast.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/shaniabakes