Amy Thompson
Feeding your dog healthy, nutrient-packed superfoods is an easy way to give him some extra health benefits. These affordable and accessible ingredients can make a big difference in your dog's health, helping him thrive without breaking the bank on expensive dog food.
While these foods are most effective when paired with a whole, fresh food diet, even dogs on processed kibble can see improvements from incorporating these powerful ingredients.
Adding these superfoods to your dog’s meals can support everything from digestion to joint health, to your dog's skin and coat health. They'll also help prevent common issues that often lead to expensive veterinary visits.
So whether you're already feeding your dog a natural diet or are just starting to explore healthier options, the superfoods below are a simple, effective way to promote long-term health.
1. Kefir
Kefir, especially when made from goat’s milk, is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet for promoting a healthy gut and boosting immune function. Unlike yogurt, kefir contains a wider variety of beneficial bacteria and yeasts that help regulate the digestive system and can even manage yeast overgrowth, such as Candida. This makes it particularly useful for dogs with digestive sensitivities or a history of gastrointestinal issues.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, kefir can also combat harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
For dosing, small dogs can start with a teaspoon, while larger breeds can enjoy up to three tablespoons per day.
With its wide-ranging benefits, kefir is a gut-friendly superfood that not only aids digestion but also helps prevent allergies and supports overall health.
2. Oils
Healthy fats, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are key to supporting a healthy inflammatory response and supporting your dog’s heart, joints, and skin. Omega-3s are essential amino acids known for their ability to promote a normal inflammatory response, which may help support conditions like allergies, joint disease, and heart issues. A daily dose of omega-3 even supports eye health.
However, fish oil, a common source of omega-3s, can turn rancid quickly, so it’s important to consider alternatives like fresh sardines or plant-based oils.
For dogs on a beef-based diet, try supplementing with hempseed or walnut oil, while flaxseed or chia oil pairs well with poultry-based meals. Regularly rotating oils can help ensure balanced nutrition, and adding MCT oil to the mix provides additional benefits like improved brain function and energy levels.
A teaspoon of the right oil can go a long way in keeping your dog’s coat shiny, joints flexible, and heart strong.
3. Raw Bones
Raw bones are an excellent natural tool for maintaining your dog’s dental health while also offering joint support. Chewing on raw bones helps to naturally clean teeth, preventing tartar buildup and promoting fresh breath.
Additionally, raw bones provide essential nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are important for joint health, especially as your dog ages.
When dogs chew on raw bones, the scraping action helps remove plaque, and the mechanical action of chewing strengthens their gums. The bones also release joint-protecting compounds, while the act of chewing stimulates saliva production, aiding in digestion and keeping your dog’s mouth clean.
By incorporating raw bones into your pup's diet, you’re also supporting detoxification, as the nutrients can help cleanse the liver.
Feed your dog raw meaty bones a few times a week, ensuring they are appropriately sized for your dog’s breed, and always supervise to prevent choking hazards.
Bonus: Bone Broth For Joint And Gut Health
Bone broth is another nutrient-dense addition to your dog’s diet, known for its benefits to joint health, liver detoxification, and gut support.
Loaded with glucosamine, chondroitin, and gelatin, bone broth helps maintain healthy joints and mobility ... while also healing the gut lining to prevent leaky gut, which can cause digestive irritation and allergies.
Bone broth contains gelatin, a key compound that helps seal and protect the gut lining, promoting better digestion. It’s also rich in glycine, an amino acid that aids in detoxifying the liver, which is crucial given the toxins dogs are exposed to through their environment and food.
To make bone broth at home, simply simmer raw bones with joints and connective tissue in water for 24-48 hours, adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to extract the nutrients.
You can serve bone broth as a meal topper or a standalone treat a few times a week to support your dog’s overall health.
FAQ
What foods are superfoods for dogs? Superfoods for dogs include wholesome options like raw bones, kefir, and chia seeds, all of which provide essential fatty acids, promote a healthy digestive tract, and support your dog’s immune system. These nutrient-packed foods offer a range of benefits, from joint support to improved digestion and immune health.
What is the healthiest thing to feed your dog? The healthiest thing to feed your dog is a balanced diet made up of raw or whole foods, rich in essential fatty acids and high-quality proteins. Incorporating foods like raw bones, chia seeds, and vegetables like sweet potatoes or giving your dog kale will provide important nutritional benefits.
What can I add to my dog's food every day? Adding canned organic pureed pumpkin or a small amount of chia seeds to your dog’s food every day can improve digestion and provide essential fatty acids. These ingredients support a healthy digestive tract and may offer anti-inflammatory properties, making them great daily additions to your dog's meals.
What are the 10 best vegetables to feed a dog? The 10 best vegetables to feed a dog include sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, carrots, green beans, spinach, zucchini, peas, pumpkin, and bell peppers. These vegetables offer a variety of nutritional benefits, such as supporting bone health, promoting a healthy immune system, and regulating blood sugar. Incorporating these wholesome foods into your dog’s diet will help maintain good health and provide essential nutrients.
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