Ancient Sheepdog

　　Like humans, dogs also rely on food as their foundation. Therefore, if you want your dog to be healthy and lively, as dog owners, we must pay great attention to their diet. Today, the editor shares with you a recipe that allows dogs to eat healthily and joyfully.
　　1. Tomato
　　The acidity of tomatoes promotes stomach juice secretion, helping digest proteins and more. Additionally, the abundant vitamin C helps bind cells together to produce collagen, strengthening blood vessels. Among minerals, potassium is the richest, which helps expel salt from the blood and therefore has a blood pressure-lowering effect.
　　2. Soybean
　　Many people know that soybeans contain plant hormones beneficial for women, but few realize soybeans are also excellent food for dogs. For instance, Japanese dogs that frequently eat soybean products have lower risks of prostate cancer than Western dogs. Soybeans also effectively improve bone loss in dogs. After age 6, dogs start losing bone mass, similar to menopausal women. Moreover, eating soybeans supplements lecithin, which has been shown to relate to short-term memory and learning abilities.
　　3. Pumpkin Seed
　　After 4 years old, most dogs develop prostate enlargement problems. An American study found that patients with enlarged prostates who took pumpkin seed extract reduced the frequency of urination and improved other symptoms. Pumpkin seeds are also the best source of vitamin E, which fights aging. You can find pumpkin seeds in regular supermarkets; some products mix various nuts and can be sprinkled on salads or eaten as snacks.
　　4. Carrot
　　Beta-carotene in carrots converts into vitamin A in the body, enhancing immune resistance and inhibiting reactive oxygen species that cause cell deterioration. Additionally, its rich potassium content lowers blood pressure, and its dietary fiber promotes intestinal health. Carrots are popular because beta-carotene helps prevent cancer.
　　5. Oyster
　　Seafood can enhance sexual function. Dog semen contains a large amount of zinc; a deficiency affects sperm count and quality. Among foods, oysters, shrimp, and crabs have the highest zinc content. Just one small oyster almost meets the daily zinc requirement (15 mg). Additionally, oysters, rich in glycogen or taurine, improve liver function and nourish and strengthen the body.
　　6. Whole Wheat Bread
　　Dogs sometimes cannot relieve stress, and vitamin B complex is very important to combat stress. This includes B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, etc., which maintain nervous system stability, increase energy metabolism, and help fight stress. Whole grains like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and germ rice are rich in vitamin B complex. Also, whole wheat bread is a complex carbohydrate that releases energy slowly, calming and relaxing dogs.
　　7. Water
　　Seventy-five percent of a dog's brain is water; dehydration first affects the brain. Lack of water causes fatigue and slower reactions in dogs.
　　If you replenish fluids with drinks or soup, you add extra calories that cause weight gain. Therefore, dogs should drink plenty of water between meals. For example, pour 500cc of water on the table and let your dog drink whenever possible, finishing before lunch. At least about 2000cc of water should be consumed daily.
　　8. Deep Sea Fish
　　Stress lowers the age risk for dogs to develop hyperlipidemia and stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids in deep-sea fish prevent blood clotting, reduce vascular contraction, and lower triglycerides, particularly benefiting heart and blood vessels. Fish rich in Omega-3 include mackerel, saury, grouper, and salmon. Alternate these fishes, but remember to feed fish at least twice a week as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA).
　　9. Green Tea
　　Green tea contains vitamin C, which black tea lacks. Vitamin C is essential for cold prevention and beautiful skin. Additionally, green tea is rich in glutamic acid to prevent aging, aspartic acid to enhance immunity, and amino acids that nourish and strengthen the body. It also has diuretic and stress-relieving effects, containing caffeine to stimulate and flavonoids that lower blood pressure.
　　The editor believes that a recipe should not be so limited. Dog lovers are welcome to supplement and add, striving to compile a comprehensive health recipe book for dogs.