Ume

What is ume?

Ume belongs to the rose family and is closely related to the apricot. The fruits are green to yellow and have a diameter of around 3 to 4 cm. They never fully ripen on the tree, but fall partially green from the tree. They taste extremely sour and are inedible raw.

The ume fruits are traditionally dried in the sun and then pickled with salt. They are called umeboshi, which means "dried ume". Umeboshi are very durable and are used in Japanese cuisine as a condiment or garnish. They have a salty-sour taste and a red color, which is created by adding shiso leaves.

Another use of ume is to make umeshu, a fruit liqueur. For this, the fresh or dried ume fruits are mixed with sugar and alcohol and left to infuse for several months. Umeshu has a sweet and sour taste and an alcohol content of around 10 to 15 percent.

What are the benefits of ume for dogs?

Ume has many health benefits for dogs based on its ingredients and effects. Ume contains many vitamins, minerals, fruit acids and antioxidants that can strengthen the immune system, aid digestion, protect the liver and reduce inflammation.

Ume also has a strong alkalizing effect in the body, which means that it neutralizes excess acids in the blood and tissues. This can help to regulate the body's pH levels and prevent diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer.

Ume also has an antibacterial effect, which is particularly effective against harmful bacteria in the mouth and intestines. This can prevent bad breath, gingivitis, diarrhea or infections.

What are the disadvantages of Ume for dogs?

Ume also has some disadvantages for dogs due to its high salt and sugar content, as well as its alcohol content. Too much salt can increase blood pressure, disrupt fluid balance and lead to kidney problems. Too much sugar can increase blood sugar levels, lead to obesity and increase the risk of diabetes. Too much alcohol can lead to symptoms of intoxication such as vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath or unconsciousness.

Ume should therefore only be fed to dogs in small quantities and only occasionally. Care should also be taken to ensure that Ume does not contain any additives such as preservatives or colorants, which can also be harmful.

How can I feed Ume to my dog?

There are various ways in which you can feed Ume to your dog. One way is to crush a small amount of umeboshi and mix it into the food. This can improve the taste and stimulate digestion. Another option is to dilute some umeshu with water and offer it as drinking water. This can quench thirst and strengthen the immune system.

You can also buy ume fruits yourself and process them at home. To do this, you should wash the fruits thoroughly, remove the stones and cut them into small pieces. You can then sweeten them with a little honey or agave syrup and cover them with water in a glass jar. The jar should be kept in a cool, dark place and shaken regularly. After a few weeks, you can strain the pieces of ume and use them as a treat or as an addition to food. You can use the ume water as drinking water or as an addition to food.