Superfoods for Dogs
If you’re expecting the superfoods for dogs to give your pet super powers, you’re going to be extremely disappointed. Feeding your dog a superfood is going to give it about as much of a chance to fly as tying Superman’s red cape around its neck.
What superfoods can do for your dog can do is to give it the vitamins and nutrients it needs to live a longer, heathier life. Furthermore, when it can be hard to know what ingredients in store-bought pet food might be poor for your dog’s health, a superfood-rich diet can help circumvent some of these issues. And while that’s not quite as good as super powers, you’ll definitely appreciate having a vibrant, happy petwell into its adulthood!
Finding Healthy Foods for Your Dog
Superfoods are going to be foods that are packed with important vitamins and nutrients. A superfood will start in its natural state, rather than having undergone some sort of processing.
Some dogs will eat these superfoods with little encouragement from you. But – just as with humans – some dogs won’t like the taste of these foods. If you find this problem occurring with your dog, adding them to the dog’s regular food can still provide the benefits. Or consider giving the superfoods as a reward away from meal time, and your dog may be more inclined to eat the natural food.
Benefits of Superfoods
Each type of superfood listed in the accompanying infographic provides slightly different benefits for your dog. As with any type of food, don’t overdo it. Feed your dog any superfoods in moderation or as a treat, and the dog is more likely to be willing to eat them for a long time. The benefits of some superfoods include the following.
- Carrots and sweet potatoes. Vitamins A, C, and K can contribute to heathier coats, eyes, and teeth in your dog. Many dogs like large carrots or sweet potatoes, treating them almost like a bone, gnawing on the carrot for several minutes. (Just be prepared for the possibility of a bit of a mess from some tiny chunks of the food the dog doesn’t eat.) Try freezing a carrot or sweet potato, and you may find that your dog likes them even more.
- Fish oil. If your dog seems to have problems with its skin or fur, consider adding fish oil to the dog’s diet. A dog with allergies also can benefit from fish oil, which primarily consists of salmon. The fatty acids in salmon will help your dog overcome some of these allergy-related problems and maintain a healthy coat.
- Kale and spinach. Adding these leafy greens to your dog’s diet will provide the benefits of vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron, which can help the dog’s anti-inflammatory system. Some dog owners will cook the kale or spinach and mix it into the dog’s regular food. Or if you’re handy in the kitchen, consider baking dog treats that contain spinach or kale.
Good for People, Too!
As shown in the accompanying infographic, the seven best superfoods for your dog have earned that title because they have plenty of nutritional benefits. In fact, the foods on this list are beneficial for both humans and dogs. So consider adding them to your diet too, and you may feel as healthy as your dog!
