The term superfood is defined as “a food that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fibre, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to the health.”
Superfoods are known to be extremely beneficial for humans but can they boost your dog’s health, too? Absolutely YES!
Some of the same ingredients in your diet can be of significant importance to dogs’ health as well.
Keep reading for a list of delicious healthy superfoods for your dog, find out their nutritional benefits, and learn tips on how to feed them to your pup.
Feeding kibbles? No problem, you can certainly add these yummy and great foods to your dog’s diet for a boost (make sure to introduce them slowly).
#1 Berries
Full of fibre, vitamins and antioxidants, and a source of polyphenols, berries are a healthy addition to most dogs’ diets. Don’t be deceived by their size, berries are true nutritional bombs 🙂
Recommended:
blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries.
Feeding tips:
plain as a treat, or mixed with meals. Alternately, puree them with some goat or sheep yoghurt for a lovely summer smoothie.
#2 Fatty Fish
Oily fish are extremely nutritious. They offer your dog a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids essential for a healthy heart, strong immune system, shiny coat and healthy skin. Good news for sensitive dogs too! Even if your dog is intolerant to other foods, it’s unlikely they’ll have a reaction to fish.
Recommended:
salmon, sardines, herrings and trout.
Feeding tips:
follow cooking instructions, without adding any salt or other fats, do not overcook. Serve as a separate meal or as part of your dog normal food.
#3 Eggs
Eggs are a very good source of inexpensive, high-quality protein. They are rich sources of antioxidants, selenium, vitamin D, B2, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper.
Feeding tips:
– Raw Diet, feed raw with or without shells.
– Cooked / Commercial Diet, shorter cooking times have been shown to retain more nutrients, make sure to not boil eggs for more than 10mins.
#4 Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are an important part of a dog’s healthy diet. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre but low in calories. Feeding a diet that incorporates some leafy greens can offer numerous health benefits to your dog, including reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and mental decline.
Recommended:
kale and spinach.
Feeding tips:
– Raw Diet, leafy greens should be finely chopped for better digestibility. A food processor works great for this.
– Cooked / Commercial diet, preferably steamed to retain more nutrients.
#5 Goat or Sheep kefir
Kefir is a healthy, fermented food. This great food will help your dog boosting the immune system, aiding digestive problems, improving bone health and may even fight cancer.
Recommend:
goat and sheep milk kefir are more digestible and tolerable than cow’s milk, even for dogs with digestive issues.
Feeding tips:
feed as a snack or pour over meals.
#6 Herbs and Spices
Herbs and Spices were used way earlier for their health benefits than for their culinary value.
Nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants, some herbs and spices are an important addition to your dog’s diet.
Recommended:
basil, coriander, mint, oregano, thyme, parsley and turmeric and ceylon cinnamon.
Feeding tips:
chop finely and sprinkle over meals.
One Last Thing…
Wherever possible choose always organic ingredients.
And remember, less is better… Do not overfeed.
Check with your veterinarian or canine nutritionist before adding any of these foods to your dog’s diet, every dog’s needs are different and they may not agree with certain foods.
Your Dog Deserves His Best Life…
NATURALISTIC HOUND
A Healthy Outside Starts From The Inside!
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