As dog lovers, we understand the importance of keeping dogs happy and healthy. One of the key components to a healthy dog is a healthy diet. Yet with so many options out there, where do you even begin? Enter superfoods: jampacked, nutritious foods with a diverse range of health benefits.
Health and fitness gurus have been touting the use of superfoods in human diets for years now. But what about superfoods for dogs? We’re here to help you on your superfood journey. Your dog’s palate is about to get way classier!
What Makes A Superfood “Super”?
We know how important it is to make informed decisions about your dog’s diet! After all, you know your dog best. With this in mind, what exactly are superfoods for dogs?
A “superfood” is a label used to describe a food or ingredient that contains a large amount of nutrients. These foods come with a plethora of potential health benefits when consumed. They’re naturally packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and fatty acids.
It’s important to note that many of today’s big-name dog food brands are heavily processed. This over-processing often depletes most of the food’s nutritional value.
This is where superfoods for dogs come in. Invest in your furry friend’s wellness with natural nutrition that they’ll love!
Dog-Friendly Superfoods
Of course, not everything that is good for people is pet friendly! While you’re seeking out superfoods, be sure to keep what’s best for your dog in mind. You’ll probably want to do your own research before purchasing and may even want to speak to your vet.
But to make it easier on you, we’ve compiled a list of superfoods that are generally considered safe for dogs to eat. Let’s get to it!
Carrots
Carrots contain a huge variety of nutrients for dogs and people alike, plus they’re cheap and easy to come by. Every part of the carrot is dog friendly, including the leafy greenery on top.
Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, a nutrient that boosts vision and may improve your dog’s coat. They’re also packed with vitamin A, which may even boost your dog’s immune system.
Preparation tips: Dogs can eat carrots raw, but you’ll want to chop them up into bite-sized pieces first. What if your dog is anti-vegetable? (we’ve all been there). Try pureeing carrots and mixing them into their food!
Blueberries
Blueberries are the most talked about dog’s superfood, and for good reason. There are several health benefits to eating blueberries. Plus, they’re sweet and easy to eat.
Blueberries are full of antioxidants, compounds that fight against cell damage in dogs. Antioxidants can also minimize the risk of cancerous growths. Also present in blueberries are high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K.
There’s also a high amount of fiber in blueberries, which may aid with digestive health. But proceed with caution: too many blueberries at once can lead to stomach troubles!
Preparation tips: Larger dogs can enjoy their blueberries whole. However, it’s safer to cut them into smaller pieces for petite pooches. You can also puree blueberries and mix them with other foods.
Dark, Leafy Greens
Turns out that “eating your greens” isn’t just applicable to humans! Your dog may benefit too.
Dark, leafy greens include vegetables such as kale or spinach. The antioxidants in these greens may help lower the risk of cancer. The high iron content in leafy greens is also known to promote vascular health in dogs.
Dark, leafy greens are also rich in the vitamin department. Vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K are all present in leafy greens. As if that wasn’t enough, your dog can get fiber from leafy greens, too!
Preparation tips: Kale doesn’t taste great raw, so you probably don’t want to force it. We recommend steaming dark, leafy greens and mixing them with dry or wet food.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a well-known superfood with natural flavoring that many dogs love! They are also excellent sources of iron and fiber, which can promote overall wellness.
Worried about bone health? Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A and C, which is known to help build strong bones and joints.
Preparation tips: Sweet potatoes can be difficult to prepare, since they’re tough for dogs to chew. We recommend serving sweet potatoes in the form of a treat to cut down on preparation time!
Here at Blue Ridge Naturals, we have a nutritious line of sweet potato products your pups will love. Our popular Sweet Potato Bones are tasty, and encourage healthy chewing habits. Our Sweet Potato Stix helps promote a healthy, happy lifestyle for your furry friends. And if you want to add more protein into the mix, try our Chicken Breast and Sweet Potato Fillets for Dogs. And what about fries? Can your dog eat sweet potato fries? Find out here!
Salmon
You may not automatically think of fish when thinking of healthy foods. But salmon is here to change any misconceptions.
Salmon is a nutrient-rich protein that’s known as a reliable source of both iron and calcium. But what really makes salmon stand out is its omega-3 content. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that may improve your dog’s immune system, skin, coat, and joint health.
Preparation tips: Cooking salmon for dogs can be a long, arduous process. From picking out a recipe to making sure you’re cooking with dog-approved ingredients! Cut out the extra prep time and serve up salmon as a savory treat, instead!
Does your dog have food allergies? Read The Ultimate Guide to Hypoallergenic Dog Treats
Here at Blue Ridge Naturals, we offer a variety of salmon products for your dog’s snacking pleasure! Our top-selling Salmon Jerky packs a flavorful, nutritious punch. We have to warn you: your dog will probably keep coming back for more. Need some help training your pup? Try our Salmon Topper-Trainer Treats for some bite-sized encouragement.
In conclusion, superfoods for dogs can be a rockstar addition to your pup’s everyday diet. Make sure to consult your veterinarian if you have any questions. Your furry friends will thank you!
Read more: Who Are Low Protein Dog Treats Good For?
