Puy lenses

What are Puy lentils?

Puy lentils (French: Lentille Verte du Puy) are a subspecies of green lentils, characterized by their green-blue marbling and small size. They have been cultivated for at least 2000 years in Auvergne, where they grow in ideal climatic conditions. The lentils are grown without fertilizer or irrigation and are therefore of high ecological quality. Puy lentils are the only lentils that have a protected designation of origin (AOC), which means that they can only be called this under certain cultivation and processing conditions.

What are the benefits of Puy lentils for dogs?

Puy lentils are rich in vegetable protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They can therefore be a good source of these nutrients for dogs, especially when combined with meat or other animal products. Puy lentils can have the following benefits for dogs:

• They can aid digestion as they support the intestinal flora and regulate bowel movements.
• They can strengthen the immune system as they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• They can protect the cardiovascular system as they can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• They can control weight as they are filling and low in fat.
• They can build muscle as they provide essential amino acids that are important for muscle building.

What are the disadvantages of Puy lentils for dogs?

Although Puy lentils are generally well tolerated by dogs, they can also have some disadvantages or risks. Puy lentils can have the following disadvantages for dogs:

• They can cause bloating as they contain hard-to-digest carbohydrates that are fermented by bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to gas and discomfort.
• They can trigger allergies as they contain potential allergens such as lectins or phytates, which can irritate the immune system. This can lead to skin rashes, itching or breathing difficulties.
• They can inhibit the absorption of minerals as they contain phytates, which bind to minerals such as iron or zinc and can reduce their availability. This can lead to deficiency symptoms.
• They can impair thyroid function as they contain goitrogens, which can inhibit the formation of thyroid hormones. This can lead to hypothyroidism.

How to prepare Puy lentils for dogs?

To reap the benefits of Puy lentils for dogs and minimize the disadvantages, there are a few points to keep in mind when preparing them. Here are some tips:

• Only use high-quality Puy lentils from controlled cultivation and without additives. Look for the AOC seal, which guarantees the origin and quality of the lentils.
• Wash the Puy lentils thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and stones. Sort them as necessary to remove damaged or discolored lenses.
• Soak the Puy lentils in water for a few hours or overnight before cooking to shorten the cooking time and improve digestibility. The soaking water should then be poured away.
• Cook the Puy lentils in fresh water without salt or spices until they are soft but still firm to the bite. The cooking time is around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how long they have been soaking. The cooking water should then be poured away.
• Mix the Puy lentils with other ingredients that are suitable for dogs, such as meat, vegetables, rice or quinoa. Make sure your dog has a balanced and varied diet.
• Only feed your dog small amounts of Puy lentils to avoid overdosing. The recommended amount depends on your dog's size, age and activity level. As a rule of thumb, Puy lentils should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calorie intake.