It’s no secret some commercial dog foods can be missing nutrients key to your dog’s health and happiness.

So often dog owners add ‘extras’ to their dogs meal to give them a big health boost.

With so much information out there, it’s hard to know what foods are best.

But just as important – which foods to avoid.

Today we’ve put together this post to give you some new ideas you can use to improve the nutrition in your dog’s diet. Some of them might surprise you!

So let’s dive into the top ten foods that are fantastic for upgrading your dog’s nutrition.

Fish

Fish can be an important part of your dog’s diet because they contain Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are super important for keeping your dog’s skin, coat and brain healthy.  

And they’re really easy to get into their diet because they’re found in oily fish that is common on supermarket shelves.

Try adding oily fish, like salmon, mackerel and anchovies. These are the highest in Omega-3.

These fish can also be used for anti-inflammatory purposes and can help conditions like arthritis and similar joint problems.

Adding fish to your dog’s diet also gives them a reliable source of protein.

As a bonus, they are also super tasty and most dogs will love eating them. Plus, they’re easily digested by dogs of all ages.

Carrots

Carrots make a great treat for dogs, and they have loads of amazing benefits too.

Not only are they fun to eat, they are packed with goodness like carotenoids (a type of antioxidant), fiber and vitamins. Some of these include vitamin C and K (needed for blood clotting) and potassium. 

An antioxidant called beta-carotene, also found in carrots, helps dogs to produce vitamin A. This is used to develop their eyesight.

Carrots also contain most of the B vitamins, which is required for energy production.

And they can help your dog’s teeth too. Because they’re so crunchy and can help with plaque and debris.

Blueberries

Blueberries are packed full of antioxidants and are great for overall health. 

That’s because antioxidants help cleanse any bugs from the body and can reduce the risk of serious diseases by boosting the immune system.

They can also help soothe anxiety (see our earlier post) because anxiety in dogs can be linked to a low antioxidant intake.

Relatively low in calories, they make an excellent treat.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are very powerful and offer lots of benefits for overall health. This includes fiber, calcium, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids.

As mentioned above, antioxidants are great for overall health.

And calcium is an ingredient brilliant for helping keep teeth and bones strong.

They can also help to hydrate your dog because they are highly absorbent and will soak up liquids easily.

To feed them, first soak in water or sprinkle straight onto your dog’s meal.

Eggs

Eggs can be a superb addition to any dog’s diet.

They are an excellent protein source, and really easy for your dog to digest. This also makes them perfect for dogs with upset stomachs or digestive problems.

Eggs also provide a source of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

The benefits of eggs can be seen in your dog’s skin and coat.

Feed eggs to your dog hard boiled or scrambled – you can even use them as a topper for your dog’s usual food.

Just keep in mind that each egg contains around 75 calories, so make sure you factor this into their daily calorie allowance.

Yoghurt

Packed full of probiotics, yoghurt is a great food to help with your dog’s gut health.

This can lead to a healthier immune system. 

Yoghurt is also a great source of protein – especially Greek-style yoghurt. Just make sure to choose plain or natural flavour to avoid added sugars. And feed in small amounts as some dogs might struggle to digest large amounts of yoghurt on their food.

Sweet Potato

We mentioned that blueberries are high in antioxidants… but sweet potatoes top even them, with 150% greater quantity.

They are also high in vitamin A, which is good for heart health, and vitamin C to boost your dog’s immune system.

Kale

Kale is a leafy green vegetable with tonnes of benefits.

It contains high amounts of vitamins, including vitamins A, E and C.  

It is a good source of antioxidants and helps the liver rid the body of harmful toxins.

Kale also has anti-inflammatory properties. So it can help if your dog suffers from painful or stiff joints.

However, it is important to bear in mind that some pets can’t eat Kale due to certain medical conditions. So check with your vet before feeding.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is usually associated with Jack-O-Lanterns and Halloween. But it’s also brilliant for dogs.

This is because it’s low in calories but high in lots of the good stuff that benefits your dog’s health.

The good stuff includes carotenoids (antioxidants) and potassium.

Potassium is an important electrolyte that keeps your dog’s internal systems running smoothly and helps to maintain their energy levels.

Vitamins C, B and calcium are other great benefits your dog can get from pumpkin.

You can serve pumpkin cooked and added to your dog’s food. Or even puree it for a different texture that can also be frozen.

Seaweed

You usually find edible seaweed at a sushi restaurant. But did you know that it can also be of benefit to your dog?

It contains protein, vitamins C, E and B and some useful minerals like copper and zinc too.

Seaweed can help with weight management and the immune system. Some early studies have also shown that it helps prevent tumors later in life.

Final Thoughts…

There are lots of ways to supplement your dog’s diet.

And as each dog is different, it’s often down to preference and taste.

Whichever works for you, all of these foods have the potential to really benefit your dog.

And a combination of them is even better for overall dog health..

You could add these ingredients to your dog’s daily meals, or even use them as training rewards.

But however you choose to feed, all of them will provide a good amount of extra nutrients and minerals.

So your dog can be its happiest, healthiest self.

References

www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/superfoods-in-your-kitchen-15-healthy-treats-for-dogs/

thebark.com/content/10-super-foods-you-and-your-dog

tails.com/blog/2021/01/02/10-unlikely-superfoods-for-dogs/

www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/three-super-foods-that-will-make-any-dog-healthier/