Short Supply Chain Superfoods for Dogs and Cats: Truth and Benefits
The health of pets also depends on what goes into their bowl. That’s why it is important to understand the properties of natural, high-quality foods.
In this context, attention is shifting towards specific ingredients, often referred to as superfoods, which can bring significant benefits to pet health.
But what does “short supply chain superfood” really mean, and what are the concrete advantages for dogs and cats?
Let’s clarify, by analyzing the properties of some short supply chain foods found in Naxos products—such as citrus fruits, pomegranate, prickly pear, olive oil, and carob—and their positive impact on our pets’ diet.
What are short supply chain superfoods?
The concept of superfood refers to foods that, thanks to their particularly rich nutritional profile, provide greater benefits compared to other foods. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds.
The term short supply chain, on the other hand, indicates a production and distribution system that minimizes the steps between producer and consumer.
This translates into greater freshness, traceability, and often a lower environmental impact.
Short supply chain superfoods for pets therefore combine the nutritional advantages of high-quality foods with the guarantee of origin and sustainability.
Choosing short supply chain foods also means supporting local economies. It also allows for greater control over ingredient quality. The benefits of this choice are numerous—for both our pets’ health and the environment. In the case of Naxos foods, nearly all the ingredients come from Sicilian farmers and fields, located near the company’s production site in Alcamo, Sicily.
Superfoods are renowned for their exceptional nutritional properties, and when included in pet food, they provide an extraordinary opportunity to enhance our animals’ well-being. Using short supply chain ingredients further amplifies these benefits, ensuring not only optimal nutrition but also an ethical and sustainable approach.
The 3 benefits of short supply chain superfoods in pet food
Adding local superfoods to pet food brings numerous advantages:
- Maximum freshness and better nutrient preservation: short supply chain ingredients travel less, preserving their nutritional properties—such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—that would otherwise degrade over time and distance. This results in richer, more beneficial food for your pet.
- Support for the local economy: choosing short supply chain products means supporting local farmers and suppliers, helping to build a stronger and more resilient community.
- Environmental sustainability: shorter transport distances reduce the environmental impact associated with CO₂ emissions. A small choice that makes a real difference for the planet.
Citrus fruits, pomegranate, and prickly pear: a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants
Among the short supply chain ingredients of Sicilian origin used in Naxos recipes are:
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, which are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system of dogs and cats. They are also rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that regulates intestinal transit and improves nutrient absorption.
- Pomegranate: a natural source of polyphenols with antioxidant properties, it supports overall well-being and helps maintain optimal health. In particular, it provides benefits for skin and coat health in our four-legged friends.
- Prickly pear, a typical fruit of Mediterranean regions, is an excellent source of fiber that promotes intestinal regularity and helps maintain a balanced weight. It is also rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C and B), minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium), and antioxidants, which contribute to a strong immune system and overall health.
Including these typical Sicilian superfoods in our pets’ diet contributes to their well-being and helps ensure a long and healthy life.
Olive oil and carob: healthy fats and a digestive boost
Extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular health and for keeping the coat of dogs and cats shiny. In Naxos products, it is added in small amounts as a booster in combination with other superfoods.
Carob, a typical product of the Mediterranean area, promotes healthy digestion by supporting intestinal motility and helps protect the digestive tract.
The use of these short supply chain functional ingredients can enrich our pets’ diet and ensure the longest and healthiest life possible. Feed your pet with the best nature has to offer, grown just around the corner. By choosing Naxos pet food, you make an act of love both for your four-legged companion and for our planet.
