Foods to Help Fight Bacterial Infections

10 Foods to Help Fight Bacterial Infections in Your Pet

Posted By Ayda Hornak on May 2023

There are many easy-to-access foods that can help fight bacterial infections in your pet. As responsible pet owners, it's important and easy to take proactive steps to ensure your pet's health and well-being.

One of the most important factors in maintaining good health is building a strong defence against harmful bacteria.

How to Fight Harmful Bacteria Easily

Bacteria can cause a variety of health issues in pets. Ranging from mild infections to more serious diseases that can have long-lasting effects on their health. Boost your pet's immune system by providing them with the right foods and supplements. This will help them build a strong defence against harmful bacteria and maintain optimal health.

PetWell THRVE supplement is formulated to support your pet's immune system and overall well-being, using all-natural, human-grade ingredients to boost their health while building a strong defence against harmful bacteria.

PetWell THRIVE Immune Support Supplement and Treats for Cats and Dogs

10 Foods That Help Prevent and Fight Bacterial Infections in Pets

Coconut Oil

Contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. Coconut oil provides a source of medium-chain fatty acids, which can also help improve a pet's skin and coat health, boost their immune system, and promote healthy digestion.

Garlic

Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties that can help protect a pet against harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It can also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Contrary to popular belief, it is not harmful to pets.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin which has been found to have antibacterial properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antibacterial and anti- effects. It also supports joint and brain health. Read more on the benefits of Turmeric

Apple cider vinegar

Can help to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is known to have antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial effects. It contains several compounds, including rosmarinic acid and eugenol, that have been shown to have antibacterial activity against a variety of germs and bacteria. Also used for its calming and soothing effects. Read more on the benefits of Lemon Balm

Lemon-Balm-for-dogs- Foods to Help Fight Bacterial Infections in Your Pet by PetWell

Ginger

Ginger contains gingerol, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Also help improve a pet's digestion and reduce nausea. Read more on the benefits of Ginger

Blueberries

Full of antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and fight off harmful bacteria. Read more on the benefits of Blueberries

Oregano

Oregano contains carvacrol, which has antibacterial and antiviral effects. It also helps protect your pet against parasites and improve their digestive health.

Cinnamon

Contains antimicrobial properties that can help fight off harmful bacteria. It's also an anti-inflammatory and can help improve your pet's blood sugar levels and brain function.

Fermented foods

Examples of fermented foods for pets include kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. They contain beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics. They can help improve a pet's gut health, boost their immune system, and protect against harmful bacteria and parasites in the body.

Why is a Strong Immune System Important?

A strong immune system can fight off bacterial infections by recognising and eliminating harmful bacteria. The immune system is the body's defence mechanism against infections. And a healthy immune system can help prevent and fight off infections in pets and humans.

There are several ways to boost your pet's immune system by providing:

a balanced and nutritious diet
ensuring that they get enough exercise and rest
reducing stress
providing supplements and alternative therapies that support immune health.

Supplements that may help boost a pet's immune system will include probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and foods like lemon balm, ginger, turmeric and bone broth, just to mention a few. All these ingredients are available in PetWell supplement range.

PetWell Pet Supplements for dogs and. Cats

However, it's important to note that while a strong immune system can help prevent and fight off bacterial infections, it's not a foolproof defence. In some cases, even pets with strong immune systems can become sick. Additionally, some bacterial infections may require medical treatment such as antibiotics to fully eliminate the infection.

A strong immune system helps pets to:

Resist infections by recognising and eliminating harmful pathogens before they can cause damage to the body.
Recover from illness more quickly from illnesses by recognising and eliminating germs that may cause further harm.
Reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, by recognising and eliminating abnormal cells before they develop into tumours.
Improve overall health and well-being: with more energy, improved appetite, and a stronger sense of well-being.

What are the Health Risks of Bacteria for Pets?

Sick-dog- Foods to Help Fight Bacterial Infections in Your Pet by PetWell

Bacteria cause a wide range of health issues for both dogs and cats, including:

Gastrointestinal issues: Bacterial infections such as salmonella and E. coli cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections of the urinary tract can cause frequent urination, straining to urinate, and blood in the urine.
Skin infections: Bacterial infections of the skin can cause redness, swelling, and itching.
Respiratory infections: Bacterial infections such as kennel cough and pneumonia cause coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
Ear infections: Bacterial infections of the ears can cause head shaking, ear scratching, and discharge from the ears.

Bacterial infections can sometimes lead to more serious health issues, especially if left untreated. For example, a severe bacterial infection can lead to sepsis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. It's important to recognise the signs and symptoms of bacterial infections in pets and seek veterinary care promptly if you suspect that your pet may be infected.

Some bacterial infections may require medical treatment such as antibiotics to fully eliminate the infection

Recommended Dosages of Bacteria-Fighting Foods

It's important to note that the safe dosages of these foods may vary depending on your pet's individual health needs, age, and weight. It's always best to consult with a veterinarian or a pet naturopath or a pet nutritionist. This will ensure your pet's unique requirements are considered before adding any new foods or supplements to your pet's diet.

General Dosage Guidelines for Foods that Help Fight Bacterial Infections

Here are some general guidelines for safe dosages of the ten foods listed above, based on a 5kg body weight:

Coconut oil: 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon per day.
Garlic: 1/8 of a clove to 1/4 of a clove per day.
Turmeric: 1/16 of a teaspoon to 1/8 of a teaspoon per day.
Apple cider vinegar: 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon per day.
Lemon Balm: 10-20 mg per day.
Ginger: 1/16 of a teaspoon to 1/8 of a teaspoon per day.
Blueberries: 1-2 blueberries per day.
Oregano: 1/16 of a teaspoon to 1/8 of a teaspoon per day.
Cinnamon: 1/16 of a teaspoon to 1/8 of a teaspoon per day.
Fermented foods: 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon per day.

Remember that these are general guidelines and that individual pets may require different dosages based on their specific health needs. Always start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage over time while monitoring your pet's reaction. If you notice any adverse effects, stop using the food or supplement immediately and consult with a veterinarian or a pet naturopath or pet nutritionist.

One of the safest ways to manage dosages is to provide supplements that have been professionally developed by a pet naturopath or nutritionist.

These experts are trained to understand the unique nutritional needs of pets and can help recommend supplements that are safe, effective, and tailored to reach optimal health goals.

The safest way to provide supplements is by using one that has been professionally developed by a pet naturopath or nutritionist

In Summary

While the above-mentioned foods help fight bacterial infections, it's important to note that they should be used as part of a balanced and complete diet with many more whole foods.

A robust immune system helps pets resist diseases and stay healthy by protecting against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. However, a strong immune system alone is not enough to prevent or treat some serious bacterial infections, and veterinary care and appropriate treatment are also important factors in ensuring a pet's health.

The Science Behind It

Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.

Coconut oil

"Effects of dietary coconut oil as a medium-chain fatty acid source on performance, carcass composition, and serum lipids in male broilers." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142288/)
"Effects of dietary coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of women presenting abdominal obesity." (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19437058/)