Dogs need to stay healthy and fit, just like humans do. While many owners prefer natural pet food and homemade treats, not all foods are equally good for their dogs. That’s where “superfoods” come in. These meals are packed with nutrients and have become really popular lately.

However, there is no strict definition of a superfood, but they’re usually full of lots of antioxidants, fiber, or other good stuff that helps keep you healthy and prevents diseases. These foods can make up for any nutrients your dog might be missing in its diet, or they can just be a tasty treat. And, this article will highlight the best eight superfoods you can add to your dog’s bowl.

Carrots

Carrots are healthy snacks for dogs. They are low in fat and calories and have lots of vitamins and fiber. But, like other treats, they have natural sugar. Too much sugar can make dogs gain weight and can damage their teeth.

Carrots also have lots of fiber. If dogs eat too much fiber too quickly, it can upset their stomachs.

If you want to give carrots to your dog, you should do it slowly. Start with a small piece and see how your dog reacts. Also, make sure your dog has plenty of water to drink.

An average-sized dog can have two or three baby carrots a day. Make sure to wash and peel the carrots first. Then, cut them into small pieces so your dog won’t choke.

Remember, treats like carrots should only make up a small part of your dog’s daily food. They should be less than 10% of what your dog eats in a day.

Chia Seeds

Dogs love chia seeds because they don’t have a strong taste or smell. And these little seeds are full of good things like omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for the brain, and antioxidants, which help keep dogs healthy.

Chia seeds are super healthy for dogs. Even though they’re tiny, they’re packed with lots of good stuff. They have fiber and important minerals that help dogs grow strong bones and keep their coat shiny. Dogs don’t need much, though. Just remember, they only need a little bit each day, like 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight each day is plenty.

Blueberries

Dogs love blueberries. You can give them raw, pureed, or frozen. They’re just the right sized superfood for most dogs, but for smaller breeds, you might need to cut them into smaller pieces. But don’t give them too many, or they might get a stomach ache or diarrhea.

Even though they’re small, blueberries have lots of good stuff in them. They also have Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and can help with inflammation and aging. Vitamin K is also in blueberries, and it helps with blood clotting. They also have antioxidants, which help prevent damage to cells and may even help prevent cancer.

Manganese is another good thing in blueberries. Dogs need manganese to make energy, metabolize protein and carbohydrates, and keep their bones and cartilage healthy. Blueberries also have fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps the colon healthy.

Finally, blueberries have copper, which helps the body absorb iron and makes the pigment that gives a dog’s skin and fur their color.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a trendy superfood for humans, and it’s also good for dogs. It can give them more energy, help with digestion, and make their skin healthier. You can mix it with their food, or you can apply it to their skin. And if they lick it off, it’s totally safe.

You can give coconut oil to your dog one or two times a day, with their meals. How much you give them depends on how big they are. For small dogs, start with just 1/4 teaspoon, and for big dogs, start with 1 tablespoon. After two weeks, if your dog is doing well with it, you can increase the dose to 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds they weigh.

Vegetables

Feeding vegetables to your dog is a good idea, but it’s important to avoid which ones aren’t good for their stomach. Like, you should never give your dog onions because they can be toxic to them.

Dogs can’t digest whole raw vegetables very well because they don’t chew their food enough. But if you cook or puree the vegetables, they become easier for dogs to digest. Some vegetables that are good for dogs when cooked or pureed include carrots, celery, different types of greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, asparagus, turnips, and parsnips.

Also, if your dog has arthritis or inflammation, it’s best to avoid vegetables from the nightshade family., like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, and goji berries.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a healthy snack for dogs. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals that dogs need to stay healthy. Also, cucumbers can even help with bad doggy breath and keep their bones, kidneys, and liver strong.

Plus, cucumbers are mostly water, so they’re low in calories. That means they’re a great hydrating snack that can help to lose weight.

Meats

If you want to give your dog some meat, make sure it’s safe and healthy for them. You can give them chicken, turkey, or lean beef and make them either ground or cut into small pieces so they will not choke.

It’s best to give the meat raw or lightly cooked. But never give them cooked bones because they can be dangerous for your dog.

Even though liver and other organ meats have good nutrients, do not offer your dog fresh or freeze-dried beef liver if they eat commercial dog food. That’s because most commercial foods already have a lot of copper in them, and too much copper can cause problems for your dog.

But you can still give your dog other organ meats, like heart and poultry gizzard, in small amounts. These meats are similar to regular muscle meat and are healthy for your dog. Just be careful not to give them too much at once, as it might upset their stomach.

Cooked Fish

Fish can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, easy for them to digest, which is helpful if your dog has a sensitive stomach.. It’s a good source of protein, which helps dogs build and repair muscles. Besides, it’s full of healthy nutrients including vitamins and minerals that can boost your dog’s immune system and keep their joints healthy.

Fish is a good option if your dog is trying to lose weight because it has low saturated fats. It’s also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and reduce inflammation.

But when you give your dog fish, make sure it’s cooked without any extra oil or seasoning. Canned sardines, jack mackerel, and pink salmon are good choices because they have lots of healthy fats and minerals.

Follow this while giving superfoods to your dog

  • When adding food to your dog’s diet, make sure it’s safe.
  • Use the right amount of commercial and fresh food. Some foods help your dog be extremely playful and you need to control them while walking. You should use the right dog accessories. And, an online resource, like Alpine Dog can help to find a good solution.
  • Introduce new foods slowly to avoid any problems.
  • Like with any treat, you should stick to the 10% rule. That means treats should only make up 10% or less of what your dog eats each day.

Avoid this while giving superfoods to your dog

  • Your dog might be allergic to some ingredients or could get sick from them. Check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods.
  • Don’t mix your dog’s medicine with other foods unless your vet says it’s okay.

Final Takes

If you want your dog to stay healthy and live a long life, choosing superfoods for their diet is a great way to ensure. What your dog eats plays a big role in its health and how long it lives.

Superfoods are filled with good stuff like vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. These things can help your dog stay strong, fight off diseases, and live longer. Now, while there are lots of superfoods you can choose for your furry friend, it’s best to stick to the most available ones.