Pets Natural Health Store

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Once organic “food” was just food 🍱

03/06/2026

🍎🥕 THE 10 BEST FRUITS & VEGETABLES TO SHARE WITH YOUR DOG 🫐🥦

While dogs are biologically designed to thrive on animal-based nutrition, certain fresh fruits & vegetables can provide excellent additional nutrients, antioxidants, fibre & phytonutrients when fed appropriately & in moderation.

The key is understanding that these foods should complement a species-appropriate diet - not replace it.

Here are 10 of my favourite fresh additions to share with dogs & why they can be beneficial:

🥦 1. BROCCOLI
Rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C & sulforaphane --- a powerful plant compound studied for its anti-inflammatory & detoxification-supportive effects.

Broccoli also supports gut health & beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract.

🥕 2. CARROT
Excellent for:
• beta carotene
• eye health
• immune support
• natural fibre

Raw carrots can also provide a satisfying crunch for some dogs while being far lower calorie than processed treats.

🫐 3. BLUEBERRIES
Tiny nutritional powerhouses packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress & cellular damage.

Blueberries are particularly supportive for:
• brain health
• ageing dogs
• immune function
• inflammation reduction

🍎 4. APPLE (WITHOUT SEEDS)
Apples provide:
• fibre
• vitamin C
• hydration
• natural plant antioxidants

The seeds should always be removed due to cyanogenic compounds.

🍉 5. WATERMELON (NO SEEDS OR RIND)
Fantastic for hydration during warmer weather.

Watermelon contains:
• potassium
• lycopene
• vitamin A
• vitamin C

Low calorie & refreshing for many dogs.

🥬 6. SPINACH
Contains iron, magnesium, folate & chlorophyll along with various antioxidants that support cellular health.

Like many leafy greens, spinach is best fed in moderation rather than excessively.

🎃 7. PUMPKIN
One of the best natural digestive supports.

Pumpkin is rich in soluble fibre & can help support healthy stools during both constipation & mild digestive upset.

Excellent for gut health.

🍓 8. STRAWBERRIES
Contain antioxidants, fibre & vitamin C.

They are also lower in sugar than many fruits, making them a reasonable occasional treat option when fed in moderation.

🥒 9. CUCUMBER
Low calorie, hydrating & gentle on the digestive system.

A great crunchy snack option, especially for dogs needing weight management.

🍌 10. BANANA
Provides:
• potassium
• magnesium
• vitamin B6
• natural energy

Best fed occasionally due to higher natural sugar content, but excellent as a training treat or enrichment addition.

A few important reminders ⚠️

🐾 Fruits & vegetables should only form a small portion of the diet
🐾 Animal proteins, organs & healthy fats should remain the nutritional foundation
🐾 Introduce new foods gradually
🐾 Always feed plain - no seasoning, sauces, garlic, onion or artificial sweeteners
🐾 Some foods are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado pits & macadamias

Fresh whole foods can provide wonderful nutritional enrichment when used thoughtfully. I always prefer real foods with genuine biological value over ultra-processed commercial treats loaded with starches, sugars, dyes & preservatives.

At Emerald Park Border Collies, I believe nutrition should nourish the body, support long-term health & work with canine biology ..... not against it. 🐾

- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.
www.emeraldparkbc.com

"Making life better
- one dog at a time!"

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

🐕🐕🐕

🌿 MILK THISTLE & “DETOXING”: WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE ACTUALLY SAY? 🐾

We live in a world filled with environmental chemicals.
Research has shown that both humans and animals are exposed daily to pollutants through:
• Air
• Water
• Plastics
• Pesticides
• Household chemicals
• Processed foods

This has led many pet owners to explore herbs and supplements that may help support health, especially liver health.

One herb that receives enormous attention is Milk Thistle.

But what is science … and what is marketing?

🧬 WHAT IS MILK THISTLE?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a medicinal herb used for thousands of years. Its active compounds are collectively called silymarin, with silibinin being one of the major bioactive components.

Researchers have studied silymarin extensively because it appears to have:
• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Liver-protective actions
• Cellular protective mechanisms

In veterinary medicine, milk thistle is most commonly discussed in relation to liver support.

🧠 THE LIVER: THE BODY’S CHEMICAL PROCESSING CENTRE

The liver is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body.

It plays critical roles in:
• Metabolising drugs
• Processing waste products
• Regulating nutrients
• Supporting immune function
• Breaking down environmental compounds

However, contrary to many internet claims, the liver does NOT simply become “clogged with toxins”.

Healthy dogs already possess sophisticated detoxification systems involving:
• The liver
• Kidneys
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Immune system
• Skin and lungs

The body is constantly processing and eliminating compounds through highly complex biochemical pathways.

That said, environmental exposure science itself IS very real. Modern animals are exposed to far more synthetic compounds than at any other point in evolutionary history.

🧪 WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SHOW?

Studies suggest silymarin may help:
• Reduce oxidative stress
• Stabilise liver cell membranes
• Support liver tissue regeneration
• Modulate inflammation

Because of this, veterinarians sometimes use milk thistle as supportive care in dogs experiencing:
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Certain toxin exposures
• Medication-related liver stress
• Chronic liver disease

Supportive care is the key phrase here.

Milk thistle is not a magical “cleanser”.
It is a herb that may support normal liver function under some circumstances.

⚡ WHAT ABOUT CANCER CLAIMS?

This is where online information often becomes exaggerated.

Laboratory studies have shown that silibinin can affect cancer cells under experimental conditions. Researchers have observed:
• Reduced tumour cell proliferation
• Increased programmed cell death (apoptosis)
• Changes in inflammatory signalling

But laboratory findings do NOT automatically translate into proven cancer treatments in living dogs.

At present, there is insufficient evidence to claim milk thistle prevents or cures cancer in dogs.

Science is rarely that simple.

🧪 WHAT ABOUT ALLERGIES?

Another common claim is that allergies are caused by a “dirty liver”.

Current veterinary immunology does not support this explanation.

Allergies are complex immune-mediated conditions involving:
• Genetics
• Immune system dysregulation
• Skin barrier function
• Environmental exposures
• Microbiome interactions

Histamine release primarily involves immune cells such as mast cells, not because the liver is “overloaded”.

Could reducing oxidative stress and inflammation indirectly support some dogs?
Possibly.

But milk thistle should not be viewed as a cure for allergies.

🐾 IS IT SAFE?

Milk thistle appears relatively safe for many dogs when appropriately used, although side effects can occur:
• Diarrhoea
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Gas
• Allergic reactions in sensitive animals

It may also interact with medications because the liver processes many drugs.

Always speak with your veterinarian before adding supplements, especially if your dog:
• Has liver disease
• Is on medication
• Has cancer
• Is pregnant
• Has chronic illness

🌱 THE BIGGER PICTURE

No supplement replaces:
• Proper nutrition
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Stress reduction
• Preventative veterinary care
• Emotional wellbeing

Herbs can sometimes support health.
But no herb can compensate for poor overall management.

Milk thistle may have value as part of evidence-informed supportive care, particularly involving liver support, but it is not a miracle detoxifier or cure-all.

As dog owners, one of the most important things we can do is stay curious, question bold claims, and follow evidence over marketing.

Science matters.
So does critical thinking. 🖤

- Donna Williams,
Emerald Park Border Collies.
www.emeraldparkbc.com

"Making life better
- one dog at a time!"

25/05/2026

23/05/2026

🥕🥑🍅🍎🍊🍰
Bridgetown River Park Markets Sunday 23rd 8 am – 12pm
Come down, great range of stalls, fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, honey, food, homemade, jams & pickles, Mandy’s beautiful beanies.
Great news for Pet lover’s, Locally Processed, Smith & Co Pet Food available from Pets Natural Health Store 🐕🐈‍⬛🐓🐴
Beef & Roo mince $8 kg. Beef & Roo Vege. mince $9 kg.
Single-protein minced meat with no additives or fillers. Ideal as a base for raw feeders or dogs with sensitivities. Vegetables are home-grown and spray-free

21/05/2026

Meanwhile in Australia 🇦🇺