Happy and Healthy: The Best Superfoods for Dogs
Some superfoods can be great for dogs. However, you need to know which ones are safe and which ones you should avoid.
We all want our four-legged friends to be as healthy as possible, which makes superfoods for dogs a great topic to explore. A healthy dog’s diet should include blends of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals. Combined, these give your pooch everything they need to look and feel their absolute best.
What Are Superfoods?
Before we dig into superfoods for dogs, it’s best to explore what they really are and how they can help optimize a diet.
Live it Up explains that superfoods are foods that have high-density nutritional value. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that keep humans and dogs healthy. These powerful foods can range from cruciferous vegetables and legumes to berries and yogurt.
And while we can eat many things dogs can’t, there are lots of superfoods we can enjoy with our furry friends.
Superfoods in a Healthy Canine Diet
The natural pet food market is booming, and it’s no surprise owners are delighted to discover all the benefits of superfoods for dogs. From a lower body weight to a healthier coat or regular digestion, there are many reasons why opting for natural pet food is a good idea.
All dogs are omnivores, which means they need both meat and vegetables to stay healthy. Even their cousins, wolves, will eat grains naturally in the wild. This means that lots of superfoods,like salmon, kale, and even eggs, are great for canines,.
When making decisions about your pet’s diet, it’s always best to consult with their vet first. They can help you find the best foods to support your dog’s immune system and other health concerns.
Do Superfoods Help Dogs?
The benefits of superfoods for dogs are numerous; as part of a healthy diet, they can help your pup’s digestive tract, maintain their energy levels, and help their cognitive function. Before you can choose the right foods for your dog’s diet, it’s important to understand how different types of superfoods influence their health.
For Coat and Skin Health
Your dog’s skin is highly sensitive and responsive to its diet. Just like people can suffer from skin problems from poor nutrition, dogs who don’t get enough vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids are likely to have a dull coat, dandruff, and even rashes.
Salmon is a great superfood for dogs that helps their immune system; it also hydrates and nourishes their fur and skin. Just make sure you go easy on the quantity, as it is possible to overdo omega-3 fatty acids. Talk to your vet about the exact quantity that’s right for your pup’s size.
For the Immune System
Kale is one of the leafy greens found in super greens powders for humans, but it’s also good for dogs in some cases. Kale is rich in vitamins C, K, and E, as well as antioxidants. These antioxidants have numerous potential health benefits, such as digestive and joint health.
However, take note: there are some risks for dogs from eating kale. It contains calcium oxalate, which can cause bladder stones, an especially common issue among small dogs. As part of a large dog’s diet, you may include some kale in moderation.
Another immune-supporting superfood for dogs is pumpkin. Raw pumpkin or pure pumpkin puree has special fiber that can aid digestion. But be careful—dogs can’t eat pumpkin pie filling, as it contains a lot of other ingredients that aren’t safe for them to consume, especially nutmeg. Plain canned pumpkin is completely fine, though!
To Support Mind-Body Wellness
There are a slew of other superfoods for dogs that assist with positive health all over. These include:
- Blueberries
- Sweet potato with skin removed
- Green beans
- Banana
- Parsley
- Cucumbers
- Baby carrots
Tips for Using Superfoods in Your Dog’s Diet
As part of any healthy diet, dogs should get their daily dose of vitamins and minerals. While most manufactured pet foods contain them as an additive, you can switch to natural pet food for a healthier experience.
You can also use superfoods as healthy snacks; dogs can be fed green beans chopped into small pieces, baby carrots, or pieces of apple. Apple slices, bananas, and blueberries are phenomenal sweet treats your pup may love. If you’re looking for low-calorie alternatives to regular dog treats, superfoods are a great option.
Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, however, we strongly suggest talking with their vet. If your dog has any allergies or takes medication, there could be some foods that are off-limits.
The vet can also give you a list of human foods dogs can eat that are healthy and packed with nutritional benefits. Talking to them is a great way to learn more about what makes a healthy canine diet.
Conclusion
And if you’re interested in learning more about superfoods, explore Live it Up’s website. They’re a great source of daily vitamins and nutrients for humans and an excellent resource to learn more about the power of superfoods.
