Red wine grape marc
Red wine grape marc is a by-product of wine production, consisting of the skins, seeds and stems of the grapes. This pomace is often used as animal feed or fertilizer, but is it also suitable for dogs? In this article you will find out what red grape pomace is, what the advantages and disadvantages are for dogs and what you should look out for if you want to feed it to your dog.
What is red wine grape marc?
Red wine grape marc is what remains after the red grapes have been pressed. It still contains residues of juice, alcohol, sugar, acids and polyphenols, which are responsible for the color and taste of the wine. Polyphenols are secondary plant substances that can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Red wine grape marc is often dried or pelletized to make it more durable and used as animal feed or fertilizer. It can also be processed into vinegar or brandy.
What are the benefits of red grape marc for dogs?
Red grape marc can have several benefits for dogs, mainly due to its high polyphenol content. These can help to strengthen the immune system, slow down cell ageing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, red wine grape pomace can be a good source of fiber, which can aid digestion and increase satiety.
Some dog foods contain red grape pomace as an ingredient to provide these benefits. For example, Happy Dog Mini Toscana dry food contains 0.02% red wine grape marc. This food is especially suitable for small dogs up to 10 kg and also contains other Mediterranean herbs, duck and salmon.
What are the disadvantages of red grape marc for dogs?
Red grape marc can also have some disadvantages for dogs, mainly because of its grape origin. Grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure. The exact cause of this is not yet known, but it is thought to be related to hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels in the blood) or an allergic reaction.
It is therefore important that you do not feed or give your dog access to fresh or dried grapes or raisins. Although red grape pomace is not as dangerous as whole grapes, you should only feed it in very small quantities and under the supervision of your vet. Too much red grape pomace can lead to diarrhea, vomiting or symptoms of poisoning.
Red wine grape pomace is a by-product of wine production that can have some health benefits for dogs, but also carries some risks. If you want to feed your dog red wine grape pomace, you should stick to a high-quality dog food that contains only a small amount of red wine grape pomace.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊