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Pet Food and the Immune System

The health of the immune system determines how well the body deals with factors that contribute to health issues.  The healthier the immune system, the better equipped the pet and its body is to fend off illnesses and infections and maintain overall health and well-being. Many people don’t realize that 70% of the immune system is located in the intestines thus what we feed our pets has a direct impact on immune system function. 

The immune system detects a wide variety of factors (including viruses, parasites, cancer, injuries, or other illnesses) and distinguishes them from their own healthy tissue.  

Ways to support and strengthen the immune system:

  • Diet is the foundation for a healthy immune system.  A balanced diet rich in biologically appropriate food, with essential vitamins and minerals, is the first step in improving overall health.  Fresh whole foods are naturally rich in essential vitamins and minerals, plus with antioxidants and a variety of other nutrients that are only found in fresh food and that support a healthy immune system.
  • Fresh clean water is essential.  Filtered water is best if the water source is not pure. 
  • Regular exercise contributes to protection against health issues by managing weight, strengthening the heart, muscles and bones, and improving circulation.
  • Good hygiene reduces susceptibility to pathogens on the skin and in the fur.  Regular bathing with a natural shampoo removes external bacteria, yeast, pollen and other allergens and keeps the skin and coat healthy.
  • Adequate sleep is as important for them as it is for us.  Unless they are athletes trained to work for long periods without rest, nap times gives our pets’ immune system an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. 
  • Keep their environment as clean as possible and minimize physical stressors to the extent possible.  The less your pet is stressed, the more they can fight off factors that might lead to health issues.

“You are what you eat” applies as much to our pets as it does to ourselves. Pets do not have any magic ability to convert low quality highly processed ingredients into higher quality nutrients that promote a healthier immune system.  A healthy diet rich in natural essential nutrients is the foundation for a healthy immune system and a longer healthier life.