Dogs are among the sweetest creatures on Earth — no -dog-lover can deny this. We all hope to give our dogs the best care and nutrition possible. From fancy supplements to superfoods, we do all we can to make sure our pups stay as healthy as possible. Fortunately, animal nutritionists and veterinarians have been determined to find the best foods for our paw buddies.
One of their greatest discoveries is a group of foods loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and compounds beneficial for all canines. The great news is that these foods aren’t hard to find!
What Are the Best Superfoods for Dogs?
The best superfoods for your dog depend on their nutritional needs. Generally, the ideal food should contain rich amounts of nutrients and compounds that can boost your dog’s health. Superfoods with potential therapeutic effects are amazing options for all dogs. Furry friends with underlying medical conditions can reap even more benefits from nutritious superfoods!
A Brief History of Superfoods
The term “superfood” was first coined in the early 20th century when the company called United Fruit Company used it in their marketing campaign for bananas. The company advertised the advantages of eating bananas on a regular basis. The popularity of the term “superfood” surged further when scientists and nutritionists used it in their publications about the health benefits of bananas.
With researchers touting the fruit as a remedy for diabetes and celiac disease, it’s no wonder people considered it “super!” Soon, people were using the term to describe several types of food. Marketers made great use of the word during the 21st century to boost sales in the food industry.
What Are Superfoods?
Superfoods are a special group of foods that contain a high concentration of desirable nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, and fiber. These compounds are all beneficial to your dog’s wellbeing. Foods that promote health and wellness while preventing diseases are labeled power foods or superfoods. For the best superfoods look for organic options for your canine.
Why Add Superfoods to Your Dog’s Diet?
Superfoods provide several health benefits to your dog. Here are a few of them:
- Encourage a healthier digestive system
- Maintain a beautiful and stunning coat
- Strengthen the immune system
- Help fight disease
- Boost energy
- Soothe inflammation
- Prolong the lifespan of your best buddies!
5 Best Superfoods for Dogs
To give you a good start, here’s a list of the five best superfoods to feed your dogs.
- Blueberries
Aside from the exquisitely sweet flavor of blueberry, the fruit contains several beneficial compounds. Studies show that it has high levels of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Blueberries promote a well-functioning urinary tract, repair cell damage, improve brain functions, and control blood sugar levels. Some findings also reveal its potential to prevent some illnesses.
However amazing these berries may be, remember to only give your dog blueberries in moderation. Feeding them too many blueberries can cause digestive problems. It is highly advisable to give these fruits as a treat. Moreover, you may want to serve them crushed to prevent the risk of choking.
- Turmeric
It may surprise many people, but this well-loved spice is actually good for your dog! It contains a compound called curcumin which has outstanding health benefits. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-bacteria, and anti-fungal properties. These qualities help soothe the digestive system, which can make turmeric helpful in treating inflammatory bowel disease.
The spice may also play a role in preventing diabetes. What’s more, turmeric is a potential substitute for steroids. Dogs that suffer from joint issues and allergies require steroids to relieve the pain and stiffness. The curcumin in turmeric may reduce swelling in joints and improve your pet’s mobility.
The only thing you have to remember is to refrain from feeding turmeric directly to your dogs. It is better to mix it with your dog’s food.
- Fish Oil
Fish oil is another great addition to your dog’s diet. It contains rich reserves of omega-3 fatty acids that promote beautiful skin and coat. Moreover, many studies have found that this compound can improve your dog’s brain functions. There are also reports of fish oil relieving pain. Aside from fatty acids, fish oil is also a rich source of proteins and vitamins.
As with any new supplement, be sure to consult with your vet or nutritionist before giving it to your dog.
- Hemp Seed Oil
Don’t fret — hemp seed oil doesn’t contain any psychoactive components. In other words, it won’t get your dog high. Instead, hemp seed oil benefits your dog in various ways.
Hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids that strengthen your dog’s anti-inflammatory response. This in turn helps prevent inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Plus, it can make their coat healthy and shiny!. If your dog is a little picky, you can start by feeding them little amounts or mixing it with their food.
- Eggs
The egg is an extremely nutritious food not only for humans but for dogs too. You can serve them scrambled or hard-boiled. Either way, this food is packed with vitamins (A, D, E, and K), amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals. These nutrients make the teeth and bones stronger. They also make your dog’s coat and skin shine like a million bucks.
But always remember to give eggs to your dogs in moderation — too many eggs can lead to weight gain.
Related Article: Flaxseed for Dogs - Benefits & Uses Explained
Providing a Daily Dose of Superfoods for Dogs
This information may be thrilling, but let’s put the brake on for a second. These foods are indeed highly nutritious and beneficial for your paw friends. But, your dog should not consume some of these foods on a daily basis. Remember that moderation is always the key.
Key Macro-Nutrients
For dogs to be healthy, they need to have a constant supply of water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Fighting Malnutrition
Dogs who face the risk of malnutrition can develop more serious medical conditions like kidney failure, heart disease, and pancreatitis. There are many ways to prevent this from happening to your dogs. The most effective method is to monitor your dog’s diet and ensure they get all the nutrients they need. You can consult with a pet nutritionist or vet if you need guidance.
Oils and Fatty Acids
More dog owners are starting to recognize the importance of oils and fatty acids in canine nutrition. Recent findings show that these options, like CBD oil, deliver outstanding benefits to your dog’s system. Fatty acids are known to boost energy, aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve skin and coat health.
Therefore, veterinarians and animal nutritionists consider fatty acids an essential component of a dog’s regular diet.
Conclusion
To keep your dog healthy and energetic, you must feed them highly nutritious foods. Organic options in general provide more nutrients and less harmful ingredients in comparison to non-organic. You should try supplementing your pet's daily meals with incredibly nutritious superfoods that are safe to eat.
They contain rich reservoirs of vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, and proteins that will prolong your dog’s life.