Now here’s an article your fur-baby is going to LOVE!
Canine superfoods.
These superfoods not only contain large doses of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, protein, fibre or fatty acids for optimum health, your dog will go nuts for the taste, energy and (or) general feeling of wellbeing.
Honestly.
Because just like us, they love feeling good.
And as we know, feeling good starts on the inside.
So add some of these into your pooch’s diet to help fight disease, improve energy levels and be healthier on the inside and out … think glossy coat, bright eyes and vitality!
So what’s made it to my list?
- Eggs
- Pumpkin
- Tumeric
- Blueberries
- Coconut oil
- Kale
- Oily fish e.g. salmon, mackerel and sardines
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
And here’s why …
Eggs
Rich in protein, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins they are one of the ultimate superfoods. They help build strong bones and teeth, especially if you leave the shell on, and will aid digestion.
You can feed your dog raw or cooked egg.
If you’re following a raw food diet, make sure you include both the egg white and yolk.
The egg white contains large quantities of a compound called avidin which can create a biotin deficiency in dogs, but the yolk counteracts it by containing high levels of biotin.
And don’t leave out the eggshell itself as it’s packed full of calcium for strong bones and teeth. But if you’re concerned about bacterium such as salmonella, leave it out – the infected source of this type of bacteria is usually found in the shell.
If favouring cooked, stick with boiled rather than scrambled or fried to reduce fat from the butter or oil used.
Pumpkin
If you can get hold of this superfood outside of halloween, do! Low in calories, but high in:
- Vitamin A which helps with eyesight
- Zinc that improves their coat
- Oils that are found in the seeds support urinary health
- Fibre which can settle upset tummy’s
Just be careful to only feed your dog natural pumpkin, not any from a can that has added sugars or spices.
Tumeric
The active ingredient in tumeric is curcumin which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relief, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
If you have an older dog suffering from arthritis, add some tumeric paste (often referred to as ‘golden paste’) to his diet and both the pain and stiffness should decrease.
Whilst tumeric has multiple benefits, it can interact with some medication. So, as with any dietary changes, it is best to consult a canine nutritionist or your vet beforehand.
Blueberries
Packed full of antioxidants, blueberries will protect your dog’s heart from free radicals, his brain from degenerative diseases, and his urinary tract from infections.
But as with any food – super or otherwise – it works best in moderation. Excess blueberries can cause tummy upsets and, because of the amount of sugar, can encourage tooth decay.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil can help aid your dog’s digestion, improve her coat and prevent infection. Antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal … it’s a superfood alright!
Whilst it is a fat, it’s the good kind that can help metabolic function rather than hinder it.
Kale
Another source of high levels of antioxidant vitamins, kale can improve vision, fight against disease and aid digestion.
Raw kale can be difficult for dogs to digest, so lightly steam it first to reduce the risk of it affecting thyroid activity (which can slow down metabolism).
Oily fish e.g. salmon, mackerel and sardines
Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish have anti-inflammatory properties that may lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis in your furry friend.
Not only that, but omega-3 can help with skin conditions, allergies, and kidney function.
Mighty!
Garlic
A controversial one for the list because it’s from the same family as onions, which you shouldn’t feed your dog, but if fed correctly, garlic boasts a whole range of benefits such as:
- boosting immune system
- helping fight infection
- detoxing the liver
- can lower cholesterol
But .. do not feed garlic to puppies under 12 months, pregnant dogs or if your dog is on any kind of medication. If in doubt, always consult your holistic practitioner or vet.
Carrots
Great for your pooch’s teeth if chewed on whole, carrots are a superfood because they’re low in calories yet high in fibre and vitamins.
Rich in antioxidants, carrots will help improve eyesight whilst fighting free radicals.
The perfect all-round snack.
Sweet potatoes
Great for digestive health because they’re high in dietary fibre yet low in fat. They make a delicious sweet treat whilst still promoting healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs.
And there you have ten of my top canine superfoods.
But of course, if you are making a significant change to your dog’s diet, speak with your vet or canine nutritionist first, because superfood or not, each dog is different. A superfood for one dog, may not be for another.
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