Homemade probiotic fruity water is an easy, natural way to boost your pet’s health, offering digestive support, enhanced immunity, and more. By opting for probiotic-rich foods over pills, you're ensuring a gentler, more nutrient-dense way to maintain your pet's gut health.
Recipe for Probiotic Fruity Water
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon raw honey - use only raw and natural.
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the mother) - this helps keep the bad bacterias from multiplying in the initial 24hrs of fermentation.
- 1 ripe banana (you can add the fruit of your choice or mixed fruits for variety)
- 3-4 cups water - fill until your glass jar is 4/5th full.
- 1 probiotic capsule (for the first fermentation)
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: Mix cut fruits, honey, ACV in a clean glass jar.
- Add the Probiotic Capsule: Open a probiotic capsule and mix its contents into the blend to act as a fermentation starter.
- Fermentation: Add water and cover with a water weight to keep the fruits submerged in water and prevent molding. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and cover loosely with a cloth or non-airtight lid. Place in a cupboard at room temperature for 3 days to ferment.
- Taste and Adjust: After 3 days, check for a tangy flavor. If needed, ferment for another day to reduce sweetness.
- Strain and Store: Ready for consumption. The fruits are also probiotic rich so you can consume them. Keep some of the water as fermentation starter for next batch - it gets better and richer as we keep re using. Store the probiotic fruity water in the fridge.
Tip: For subsequent batches, you can use a small amount of the previously made probiotic water instead of the probiotic capsule.
How Much and How Often to Serve Probiotic Fruity Water to Pets
Probiotic fruity water can be a great addition to your pet's diet, providing health benefits like improved digestion, immunity, and skin health.
Serving Suggestions:
- Small dogs: 1-2 tablespoons daily
- Medium dogs: 2-4 tablespoons daily
- Large dogs: ¼ cup daily
You can mix it with their regular water or food. Start with small amounts for your pet's digestive system to get used to new bacterias.
Benefits of Probiotic Fruity Water for Pets
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Supports Digestive Health: Probiotics introduce good bacteria to your pet's gut, helping improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
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Boosts Immune System: A balanced gut microbiome strengthens the immune system, helping to ward off infections and inflammation.
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Promotes Skin and Coat Health: The vitamins and antioxidants in banana and honey contribute to a healthier coat and skin.
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Balances pH Levels: Apple cider vinegar helps balance your pet's pH levels, which can be beneficial for digestion and urinary health.
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Natural Energy Boost: The natural sugars in honey and banana offer a mild energy boost, making it an excellent supplement for pets needing extra vitality.
Why Probiotics from Food Are Better Than Pills for Pets
While probiotic pills can be beneficial in certain cases, getting probiotics from whole foods is generally more effective and comes with added perks:
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Better Absorption: Probiotic-rich foods are often easier to absorb due to the presence of natural fibers and enzymes that enhance digestion.
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Balanced Nutrition: Whole foods provide not just probiotics but also vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.
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Gentler on the Stomach: Fermented foods are naturally balanced and less concentrated than pills, which makes them easier on sensitive stomachs.
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Wider Variety of Strains: Probiotic foods often contain a broader range of beneficial bacteria strains, which is key to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
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More Enjoyable for Pets: Pets may resist taking pills, but probiotic fruity water is a treat they’ll love. This makes it easier to consistently offer probiotics in a fun, delicious way.
Common Mistakes and Precautions
To ensure your pet gets the best benefits from probiotic fruity water, keep these common mistakes and precautions in mind:
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Over-Fermenting: If left to ferment too long, the water can become overly acidic, which may upset your pet’s stomach. Always taste it after 3 days to ensure the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.
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Using Poor Quality Ingredients: Avoid using artificial honey or ACV without the mother, as these won't provide the same health benefits. Stick to raw honey and organic ACV with the mother for the best results.
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Introducing Too Quickly: If your pet has never had probiotics before, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase the serving size. This helps avoid any digestive upset while their body adjusts.
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Storing Improperly: Once fermented, always store the probiotic water in the fridge to slow down the fermentation process and preserve its beneficial properties.
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Monitoring Your Pet: If you notice any signs of discomfort or an adverse reaction, such as diarrhea or bloating, discontinue use and consult your vet.
