As dog owners, we are constantly seeking new ways to boost our pet’s health and keep them as healthy as possible. There are so many ways to naturally boost your dog’s health and, in this blog, I’m going to list our top ten favourites. From blueberries to oily fish, we have got you covered!
Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants, low in calories and full of nutrients, blueberries really are one of the most beneficial additions to your dog’s bowl. Known for their ability to support digestion and the immune system and packed with vitamin C, K and fibre. They are widely available and are easy to feed. Pop a few in your dogs next meal and see how they like them! They are also fantastic for reducing inflammation in the body, supporting brain function and slowing age related decline in dogs. Delicious and nutritious for both dog and owner!
1) Eggs: Eggs are commonly referred to as a superfood for our pets as they are high in protein and are packed with various vitamins and minerals including, Magnesium, Vitamins A,D,E,B12, iron, selenium and many more. They are a fantastic way of supporting your dog’s skin and coat health, metabolism and immune function. They are easily digested for most dogs and are super versatile! You can scramble them (with no milk or oil) boil them, feed them uncooked and are a great addition to an enrichment activity on a lick mat. If your dog has chicken allergies why not try a different protein such as duck eggs or our personal favourite quail eggs? Quail eggs are perfect for smaller dogs too! Eggs are also great for muscle repair and growth due to them containing all the essential amino acids needed and being a complete protein source.
1) Fish: Fish is an incredible food addition for dogs and is one of the most beneficial proteins you can feed your dog. Packed with essential omega 3 fatty acids, low in saturated fat, easily digestible and a great lean protein, if you’re not adding fish then I highly recommend giving it a try! Fish is also great for joint health, immune health, thyroid function and helps support strong, healthy bones. Here is a breakdown of the best fish you can feed your dogs.
Green lipped mussels ( technically not a fish but they are incredible for your dogs and are exceptionally good for your dogs joint health)
Salmon
Sardines
Herring
Mackerel
Anchovies
These are just a few of my personal favourites that I regularly feed my dogs. I choose to feed these as they are low in mercury, full of healthy fats and are easily digestible. If you are feeding any of these fish from a tin, then remember to only purchase ones in water and not in oil or tomato sauce and especially not in brine. Remember to avoid fish high in mercury such as tuna, swordfish and never feed smoked fish.
1) Bone both: Bone broth is a daily staple in our house, and our dogs love it. Often referred to as a nutrient powerhouse, bone broth is rich in collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin which are super beneficial for healthy joints and mobility. Bone broth is also great for gut health, immune support, skin and coat health and is easily digestible and a great way to keep your dogs hydrated. Bone broth is super easy to make at home, and it is widely available to buy premade for your pups. If you are buying premade ensure it is for dogs.
1) Spinach: Spinach is packed with Vitamins A,C,K and is an incredible source of iron and antioxidants. Spinach is a nutrient dense vegetable and is a great addition to your dog’s bowl in moderation. Help your dog fight inflammation and oxidative stress by adding this vitamin rich vegetable to your dog’s diet. Spinach is best served lightly steamed as this helps with nutrient absorption. This applies to all veggies! The best part, dogs don’t need lots of this superfood for them to acquire the benefits of it! It is fantastic for bone, heart and overall health.
1) Pumpkin: Where do I begin? Pumpkin is one of the most beneficial additions to your dog’s bowl due to its incredible ability to help your dog when they are in digestive discomfort. Known for firming up your dogs’ stools due to it being so rich in soluble fibre, pumpkin really is a superfood you should always have to hand. Pumpkin can ease both constipation and diarrhoea and acts as a prebiotic for optimal gut support. Pumpkin is low in calories and packed with nutrients. Pumpkin is widely available in various forms. You can feed tinned pumpkin puree (as long as there’s nothing added) Fresh pumpkin, or pumpkin powder. Pumpkin powder is the most convenient as you can sprinkle it over your dog’s food or rehydrate it back into puree.
1) Turmeric: Natures joint supplement! Turmeric is an incredible superfood for your dog’s health. Turmeric contains curcumin, curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and is amazing for dogs suffering with arthritis. It helps reduce and fight inflammation and it is incredible for joint health. Turmeric also acts as a natural pain relief for dogs, it comprehends cancer fighting properties, supports digestion, immune health, brain health and so much more. Curcumin is tricky to absorb so works well when paired with black pepper and coconut oil or another healthy fatty oil. Turmeric is also not suitable for every dog so please ensure you research this prior to adding to your dog’s bowl.
1) Raspberries: Raspberries are considered a superfood for your pets due to the incredible number of vitamins and antioxidants that they contain. Raspberries are rich in fibre, low in sugar and a great source of vitamin C. Raspberries are packed with vitamin K and B which help support bone health, metabolism and help give your dog a well needed energy boost! Raspberries are a great food to add to your senior dog’s bowl as they can help reduce joint pain, arthritis and age-related decline.
1) Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a powerhouse of various vitamins and minerals for your dogs and are an excellent addition to their diet. Mushrooms can offer several health benefits for our furry friends including supporting the immune system and fighting off infections. Mushrooms can also have anti-inflammatory effects on our dogs. There are so many types of mushrooms you can feed your dog but some of our personal favourites are:
Reishi
Tukey Tail
Chaga
Shiitake
Maitake
Cordyceps
Lions’ mane
Every mushroom has a different benefit for your dog’s, so I highly recommend researching each individual type of mushroom and what they are good for. The benefits range from supporting healthy joints to helping fight cancer and tumour growth! They are super rich in vitamins and minerals and are fantastic for targeted health concerns as well as overall health. When feeding mushrooms please ensure you research the type of mushroom to ensure they are safe for them to consume.
1) Seeds: Last but certainly not least! Certain Seeds are incredible for your dog’s health. They are rich in healthy fats and vitamins and minerals that are great for your pup’s overall health and wellbeing as well as skin and coat health, digestive health and help to boost their immune systems! Some of our favourite seeds to feed are
Pumpkin seeds: A perfect seed to add to your dogs natural de worming routine, these super seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin which can help to paralyse worms and assist in their expulsion from the body. Pumpkin seeds should be crushed to release the compound effectively
Hemp seeds: Hemp seeds are packed with essential nutrients that can significantly benefit your dog's health. They are rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and skin and joint health. They are also a great way to naturally reduce inflammation in the body. Hemp seeds are also a complete protein source and contain all 9 essential amino acids.
Chia seeds: These tiny little super seeds are an incredible addition to your dog’s bowl due to the high fibre, protein, healthy fats and various vitamins and mineral content. Chia seeds can help promote healthy digestion and reducing inflammation in the body as well as supporting your dog’s overall vitality. Chia seeds should be soaked in water prior to feeding as this makes them more digestible and they should be fed in moderation like all foods.
Flax seeds: Flax seeds are an excellent source of various micronutrients and are super rich in fibre, omega 3 and protein. These vitamin B1 rich seeds are a perfect addition to your dog’s bowl. Flax seeds must be fed in moderation due to their high fibre content as feeding too many of them can cause digestive upset.
If your dog has any health problems or issues, please research the recommended superfoods prior to adding them to your dog’s bowl.
References:
8 Super Seeds to Add to Your Dog’s Diet · Kinship
5 Seeds You Can Safely Add to Your Dog's Food (And Why!)
15 Superfoods For Dogs (From Right in Your Kitchen)