The Hokuō® Journal

You’ve probably heard that dandelion isn’t just a weed in the yard. It’s actually a powerhouse herb with some amazing benefits for your pets. At Hokuō®, we’ve taken this humble plant and turned it into a natural supplement that’s packed with goodness. In this blog, we’ll dive into the many benefits of dandelion extract and why this natural supplement is a great addition to your pet’s diet. Plus, we’ll share why Hokuō® Dandelion Extract Powder stands out from the rest and how easy it is to add it to your pet’s meals. Whether you have a dog or a cat, dandelion extract can be a valuable part of their daily routine. Keep reading to discover how this simple herb can make a big difference in your pet's health! Overview Why dandelion extract benefits pets? Rich in vitamins and nutrients Supports digestion and liver health Boosts immunity and promotes wellness Why choose Hokuō’s Dandelion Extract Powder? How to use Hokuō’s Dandelion Extract Powder Why dandelion extract benefits pets? Dandelion has long been known as a medicinal herb for humans, but did you know dandelion extract benefits your dog or cat as well? Let’s take a closer look at how this plant can support your pet's health. Rich in vitamins and nutrients One of the primary reasons dandelion extract benefits pets is its rich nutrient profile. It’s like a little nutritional superfood, packed with essential vitamins and minerals!  Here’s a breakdown of some key nutrients in dandelion for pets: Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene): vital for eye health, immune support and skin regeneration. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): supports immune health and has antioxidant properties to protect cells from damage. Vitamin K: crucial for blood clotting and bone health. B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate): these vitamins are essential for energy production, healthy brain function and overall vitality. Minerals like Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and Iron: these minerals are important for healthy bones, muscles, blood circulation and digestive health. With all these nutrients, dandelion extract for pets is a fantastic way to supplement their diet and support their long-term health. Photo by Marleen Meindersma for Hokuō® Supports digestion and liver health Dandelion extract benefits are especially notable when it comes to digestive and liver health. Here’s how dandelion helps your pet feel their best: Liver and kidney health: dandelion is known for its ability to support liver and kidney function. Its natural diuretic properties promote detoxification. This means that it’s helping your pet’s body flush out toxins and maintain healthy organ function. Whether your pet is dealing with digestive issues or just needs a boost to their liver health, dandelion can help. Urinary tract health: dandelion extract benefits a balanced urinary tract, reducing the risk of urinary issues. This is especially helpful for older pets or those prone to urinary tract discomfort. Incorporating dandelion extract for pets into your pet's diet can help ensure their liver, kidneys, and digestive system are functioning at their best. See Product Boosts immunity and promotes wellness As stated in more of our blog posts, a healthy immune system is key to your pet’s overall well-being! Luckily, dandelion extract benefits go a long way in supporting immunity: Rich in antioxidants: dandelion contains powerful antioxidants that help protect your pet’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. This protection supports a strong immune system and reduces inflammation, helping your pet stay active and healthy. Promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin: the vitamins and minerals found in dandelion extract contribute to a glossy coat and healthy skin. Whether your pet is a dog with thick fur or a cat with fine, delicate skin, dandelion can help keep them looking and feeling their best. Photo by Marleen Meindersma for Hokuō® Why choose Hokuō® Dandelion Extract Powder? There are plenty of healthy supplements for dogs and cats, but not all are created equal. Hokuō® Dandelion Extract Powder is carefully sourced to provide the best possible benefits for pets. It’s very important to us that we’re only using high-quality ingredients and a production process that keeps all the good stuff intact.Here’s what makes our powder special: Made from both the root and leaves: unlike some extracts that only use one part of the plant, this powder includes both. This makes sure pets get the full range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Sourced from trusted Spanish growers: grown in Spain and made from high-quality raw materials. This makes it safe to say it’s absolutely free from unnecessary additives and fillers. Easy to use and highly absorbable: a fine powder that blends easily into food. This texture also helps pets absorb the vitamins and minerals more effectively. This isn’t just another supplement. It’s a thoughtfully made, natural way to support your pet's health. Whether it’s for liver and kidney support, digestion, or overall wellness, this dandelion extract is a simple addition to their meals that can make a big difference. How to use Hokuō® Dandelion Extract Powder Adding dandelion for pets to their diet is super simple. Just sprinkle a small amount (following the packaging instructions) over their daily meals, and that’s it!It works with both wet and dry food, so there’s no need to change their routine.  For picky eaters, mixing it into something tasty, like a bit of wet food or bone broth, can make it even more appealing. No complicated steps, no mess. Just an easy way to give pets the dandelion extract benefits they need to stay happy and healthy. Small changes can have a big impact on a pet’s health. And adding natural supplements is one of the easiest ways to support their well-being. See the difference for yourself and help your pet feel their best with every meal! Photo by Marleen Meindersma for Hokuō® The Author: Marleen Meindersma Freelance blog writer for Hokuō®

Keeping your furry friend healthy and happy is every pet parent’s priority, and a balanced diet plays a key role. But did you know that even the best dog food can sometimes leave nutritional gaps? That’s where multivitamin gummies for dogs come in! These tasty, nutrient-packed treats make it easy (and fun!) to supplement your dog’s diet with essential vitamins and minerals. In this blog, we’ll explore why multivitamins for dogs are important and provide you with a simple, DIY recipe that your dog will love! Overview Why multivitamins for dogs? Key vitamins in Dandelion & Sea Buckthorn A stronger immune system = a healthier dog Healthy skin, a shiny coat and happy joints Better digestion & natural detox Small changes, big benefits DIY Multivitamin gummies recipe for dogs Homemade dog vitamins for picky eaters? Why multivitamins for dogs? We all want our dogs to live long, happy, and healthy lives. A balanced diet is the foundation of good health, but even high-quality dog food can lack essential vitamins and minerals. That’s where multivitamins for dogs come in! Every dog has different needs. Some are energetic adventurers, while others prefer cozy naps. No matter their lifestyle, the right nutrients help support immune function, digestion, skin and coat health, and joint mobility.  Natural dog supplements, like dandelion extract for dogs and sea buckthorn for pets, provide targeted support to help fill nutritional gaps and keep your dog thriving. Let’s dive a little deeper into the specific benefits of these powerful ingredients below! Photo by Marleen Meindersma for Hokuō® Key vitamins in Dandelion & Sea Buckthorn Nature provides powerful nutrients that support your dog’s health. These two superfoods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants: Dandelion:Supports liver and kidney function, digestion and overall wellness. It’s rich in: Vitamins A, C, and K: crucial for immune health, vision, and cell repair. B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate): essential for energy production, brain function, and skin health. Magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron: key minerals for strong bones, muscle function, and healthy blood circulation. Sea buckthorn: Packed with omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7, 9) to promote healthy skin, a shiny coat and overall health. It also contains: Vitamins A, C, E, and K: vital for skin, immune support, and reducing inflammation. B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate): important for energy, metabolism, and healthy growth. Phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and selenium: minerals that boost immunity, promote cell growth, and help reduce inflammation. Antioxidants (Flavonoids, Carotenoids, Phytosterols): support overall wellness and immune function. By incorporating these natural ingredients into your dog's foodbowl, homemade dog vitamins or healthy dog treats, you’re giving your dog the extra support they need. And all without artificial additives or fillers! See Product See Product A stronger immune system = a healthier dog A strong immune system is crucial for your pet’s health. It helps to keep your dog happy and active. With the right balance of nutrients, your pet can stay active, alert, and full of life! Just like humans, dogs need antioxidants to fight off illness and reduce inflammation. Vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene (for example found in sea buckthorn for pets) help protect against free radicals and keep your dog’s immune system strong.  Moreover, if your dog tends to get sick easily or struggles with allergies, adding natural dog supplements rich in antioxidants can be a game changer. It’s a simple yet effective way to help them stay resilient and healthy. Healthy skin, a shiny coat and happy joints We all love to see our dogs with shiny fur and bright, happy eyes. A healthy coat isn’t just about looking good. It’s also a reflection of what’s happening inside. Omega fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A (all found in sea buckthorn for pets) help keep your dog’s skin hydrated, reduce itching, and support a glossy, healthy coat. And let’s not forget their joints! Whether your dog loves running around or prefers a cozy nap, joint health is essential. Ingredients like dandelion extract for dogs provide calcium and magnesium, which help maintain strong bones and mobility. Omega-3s also play a key role in reducing inflammation, making them perfect for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues. Photo by Marleen Meindersma for Hokuō® Better digestion & natural detox A healthy gut means better digestion, more energy, and overall wellness. If your dog experiences bloating, gas, or irregular digestion, they might benefit from natural digestive support. Dandelion extract for dogs is known for promoting liver detoxification and supporting kidney health, while fiber-rich ingredients like sea buckthorn can aid digestion. When dogs get the right nutrients, their bodies can process food more efficiently, leading to better nutrient absorption and improved energy levels. This means a happier, more active dog with fewer tummy troubles! Small changes, big benefits The best part about adding multivitamins to your dog’s routine? It’s incredibly easy! Whether you choose homemade dog vitamins, healthy dog treats, or simple natural dog supplements, even small additions can make a big difference in their well-being. Giving your dog the right nutrition is one of the best ways to show love and care. With a little extra support from multivitamins for dogs, you’re helping them live their best, healthiest life! DIY Multivitamin gummies recipe for dogs And what better way to make supplements enjoyable than by turning them into tasty, homemade gummies? Not only are they packed with essential nutrients, but they’re also a fun and delicious way to treat your dog. Plus, they’re easy and fun to make at home with just a few simple ingredients! Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Setting time: 2-3 hours Servings: approximately 20 gummies (depending on the size of your mold) Ingredients: 1 tsp Hokuō® Dandelion Extract Powder 2 tbsp freeze-dried Hokuō® Sea Buckthorn Powder (blended with liquid for best results) 3 tbsp beef gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian option) 1 cup water or low-sodium bone broth (for added flavor) Optional: 1 tsp honey (omit for dogs with dietary restrictions) See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product See Product Instructions: Heat the water or bone broth over low heat in a small saucepan until warm. Gradually sprinkle in the beef gelatin (or agar-agar), whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Whisk until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the Hokuō® Dandelion Extract Powder and freeze-dried Hokuō® Sea Buckthorn Powder. Optional: add honey for a hint of sweetness (if your dog’s diet allows). Pour the mixture into your silicone mold. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours (until the gummies are fully set). Pop the gummies out of the molds and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Once your homemade dog vitamins are ready, your dog will have a delicious, nutrient-packed treat to enjoy! These healthy dog treats are more than just a fun snack. They make supplementing easy, especially for dogs who might turn their noses up at powders or pills. Homemade dog vitamins for picky eaters? If you’ve ever struggled to sneak powdered supplements into your dog’s meals, you know the struggle is real. That’s why these gummies are a game-changer! Pleasant texture: most dogs love the chewy texture of gummies, making them less likely to turn their noses up. Convenient dosing: no more messy powders! With gummies, you know your dog is getting the right amount of nutrients in each bite. Customizable flavor: use low-sodium bone broth for a savory twist or water for a milder option, so your dog always enjoys their vitamins. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ve created a healthy dog treat full of multivitamins for dogs that supports their well-being. No stress, no mess, just tail wags and happy licks. So why not give it a try? Your dog will love it, and you’ll love knowing they’re getting the best care possible! The Author: Marleen Meindersma Freelance blog writer for Hokuō®

A Guide to Fresh Ingredients in Your Dog's Food.- Written by Ann-Kristin Meyer, Owner of HundeFoderNørden Overview Processed Food and Lifestyle Diseases What is Processed Food Similarities Between Humans and Dogs in Nutrition How to Include Fresh Ingredients in Your Dog's Diet Recommended Ingredient Distribution How Much Fresh Food Should Be Included Processed Food and Lifestyle Diseases In the human world, there is no longer any doubt: A high intake of heavily processed food and a simultaneous avoidance of fresh, unprocessed foods in the diet are linked to an increased incidence of various lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, and depression . In recent years, something has also started to happen in the field of dog nutrition research. More and more studies suggest that fresh, unprocessed food has a positive effect on a dog’s health and well-being, whereas heavily processed food appears to negatively affect a dog's health. What is Processed Food? Heavily processed food, or as it’s called in English, "ultra-processed food," is defined as dishes containing ingredients that you wouldn’t normally use in a regular kitchen. These include preservatives, flavor enhancers, colorants, sweeteners, and emulsifiers . These substances are added to heavily processed food to mimic the quality and sensory experience of minimally processed food. This is the definition of heavily processed FOOD. However, many of the additives mentioned in the definition can also be found in heavily processed dog food . And the vast majority of dog food available on supermarket shelves, pet stores, or veterinary clinics is heavily processed food. The Effect of Processed Food on Gut Microbiota Many different nutrition studies in the human field suggest that heavily processed food negatively affects the gut microbiota . The gut microbiota is the total amount of microorganisms living in the human gut. These include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but bacteria make up the largest amount , and they are also the most studied among the gut's inhabitants. Although the gut microbiota doesn’t resemble the classic organs in our body, such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen, it behaves in a similar manner and can therefore be classified as an organ – a highly advanced one at that ! Foto: Rozanne Willems for Hokuō® Similarities Between Humans and Dogs in Nutrition Just like humans, more and more dogs are suffering from the above-mentioned lifestyle diseases . And just like us, many dogs consume a large portion of their daily diet in the form of heavily processed food . Many dogs are even fed exclusively with heavily processed food. Observing the same trends in dogs as in humans is not surprising. Different studies show that the way a dog’s gut microbiota responds to nutritional factors is comparable to the response seen in humans. Benefits of Fresh Ingredients Although many still claim that there are no studies indicating that fresh, minimally processed food, such as BARF (raw food) or homemade meals, is healthier for dogs than heavily processed food , this is simply not true. Particularly in recent years, several peer-reviewed studies have been published concluding that minimally processed food has a health-promoting effect, while heavily processed food has a detrimental effect on health. How to Include Fresh Ingredients in Your Dog's Diet The ingredients that should be included in your dog’s fresh food are meat, offal, meaty bones, eggs, fatty fish, vegetables, and possibly berries. Meat should ideally be muscle meat, as it has a very high protein quality. It can be given raw or cooked, e.g., boiled in a pot with some water. If the meat is cooked, it’s a good idea to include the cooking water in the feeding portion, as some nutrients leach into the water during cooking. "Remember, a little is better than nothing, so even small steps can make a big difference in your dog's health.” Recommended Ingredient Distribution The distribution of the individual ingredient groups is as follows: Two parts meat Two parts meaty bones One part offal One part fish One part egg Additionally, a little vegetable and possibly berries It is not necessary to include all ingredients every day. For example, you can give meat on two days of the week, meaty bones on another two days, and offal, fish, and eggs on each of the remaining days. Vegetables can be added as a topping every other day . Foto: Rozanne Willems for Hokuō® Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now How Much Fresh Food Should Be Included? Research suggests that about 20-25% fresh food is required to have a health-promoting effect. To ensure that the dog does not experience an energy deficit (calorie deficit), it’s important to know how much energy (calories) the dog consumes in the form of industrially produced food . This can be determined by measuring the dog’s daily ration and checking the packaging or the manufacturer’s website for calorie content. Summary By following the above guidelines and varying the ingredients well, the risk of nutrient deficiencies is very low, even if you replace 30-40% of the dog's processed food with fresh ingredients. Remember, a little is better than nothing, so even small steps can make a big difference in your dog's health. Sources: Coelho et al. 2018: Similarity of the dog and human gut microbiomes in gene content and response to diet Hemida et al. 2020: Puppyhood diet as a factor in the development of owner-reported allergy/atopy skin signs in adult dogs in Finland Hemida et al. 2021: Early Life Modifiable Exposures and Their Association with Owner Reported Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Adult Dogs Hemida et al. 2023: Early life programming by diet can play a role in risk reduction of otitis in dogs Jaffey et al. 2022: Effects of a whole food diet on immune function and inflammatory phenotype in healthy dogs: A randomized, open-labeled, cross-over clinical trial Kim et al. 2017: Differences in the gut microbiota of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) fed a natural diet or a commercial feed revealed by the Illumina MiSeq platform Leverett et al. 2022: Fresh Food Consumption Increases Microbiome Diversity and Promotes Changes in Bacteria Composition on the Skin of Pet Dogs Compared to Dry Foods Raghavan et al. 2005: Evaluation of the effect of dietary vegetable consumption on reducing risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in ScottishTerriers Sandri et al. 2017: Raw meat based diet influences faecal microbiome and end products of fermentation in healthy dogs Sinkko et al. 2023: Distinct healthy and atopic canine gut microbiota is influenced by diet and antibiotics Vuori et al. 2023: The effect of puppyhood and adolescent diet on the incidence of chronic enteropathy in dogs later in life The Author: Ann-Kristin Meyer MSc in Animal Science from the University of Copenhagen , specializing in canine nutrition, Owner of HundeFoderNørden 

Hjerte er en favorit hos selv de mest kræsne katte og hunde – men vidste du, at det også er en af de mest komplette animalske kilder til aminosyrer og taurin? I denne artikel dykker vi ned i næringsværdien, fordelene ved hjerte i foderet, og hvorfor det kan være et bedre supplement end lever.

Bone broth er mere end bare en varm suppe. Det er en naturlig kilde til kollagen, glukosamin og vigtige aminosyrer, som kan styrke både led, fordøjelse og hud hos din hund eller kat. I denne artikel forklarer HundefoderNørden, hvorfor flere bruger bone broth som fast del af foderet.