From kale to quinoa, there are many nutrient-packed selections that deserve a spot on your dog's food plate. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the healthiest foods for dogs, including the benefits of each food and how to feed them to your pup. Kale is a supercharged leafy green that contains a lot of vitamins, including A, E, and C. It can be beneficial for your pup's health, but if your dog has bladder stones or kidney disease, consult your vet before feeding him kale; it may be necessary to avoid it.
Carrots are crunchy and naturally sweet, and most dogs love them. They're packed with carotenoids, fiber, vitamins C and K (which help blood clot to help heal wounds), and potassium. They also have magnesium, manganese, most of the B vitamins, and phosphorus, which is needed for energy production, among other things. Low in calories and high in soluble fiber, pumpkin helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
It's low in sodium and exceptionally high in carotenoids, potassium and vitamin C; it also has some calcium and B vitamins. Canned organic puréed pumpkin can be found at grocery stores, but make sure it's pure and doesn't fill a pie; it shouldn't have added sugar or spices. Sweet potatoes are another tuberous tuber that are rich in beta-carotene and have 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. Sweet potatoes are also high in heart-healthy vitamin A and are packed with vitamin C to keep your dog's immune system strong.
Fatty fish such as herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel and anchovies are full of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can do wonders for your dog's skin, coat and brain; they can also inhibit the inflammatory processes that cause arthritic pain and other chronic canine conditions. If your dog has any of these conditions, ask your vet if fish oil in capsule form could also help. Quinoa seeds have several of the same benefits as the better-known “super flax seed”.
But unlike flaxseeds, you don't need to grind them to get the health benefits. You can simply sprinkle seeds on your dog's food. The nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and even proteins. They're also highly absorbent, meaning they can help hydrate the body. Yogurt contains active cultures known as probiotics (also known as healthy bacteria), which help keep bad bacteria away.
It can improve bowel function, contains several nutrients including protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, potassium, zinc and iodine. It is also a good source of other B vitamins such as riboflavin and pantothenic acid (necessary for enzymatic action and energy production). Bone broth provides enormous benefits for your dog. What exactly is bone broth? They are bones simmered for several days with apple cider vinegar.
This slowly breaks down all of these nutrients making them extremely bioavailable to the body. You can make your own bone broth or buy it at many specialty pet stores. Organ meat is a crucial component of the diet regardless of what you feed him - whether it's raw commercial foods or homemade food. Organs and glands are nutrient-dense including the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, brain stomach (gut) and heart. The liver and other viscera strengthen strength (they are also known as blood boosters).
In traditional Chinese medicine they are called blood tonics. Eggs are considered an inexhaustible source of nutrition. They have been called the most complete protein and are literally 100% bioavailable. And they're very easy to add to your dog's diet - for a large dog one egg a day is good and for smaller dogs maybe half an egg or you can go every other day whatever makes you feel comfortable. For omega-3 oils I recommend feeding small blue fish regularly - they are cleaner and offer an incredible source of omega-3 - stay away from farm-raised fish! Be sure to buy MCT oil that does not contain lauric acid - a general recommended daily dose is about 1 teaspoon for every 10 to 20 pounds of body weight - start slowly and work your way up to that. To feed fermented foods increase up to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day. Dogs unlike cats are not strict carnivores - while meat makes up the majority of their diet domestic dogs can also get nutrients from grains fruits and vegetables - these non-meat foods aren't just fillers but they can be a valuable source of essential vitamins minerals and fiber. The best dog foods contain high-quality versions of these ingredients that are appropriate for your dog's digestive system. For those pet owners who can't feed their dogs fish chicken is a perfectly healthy option - as with other human foods that can be served to dogs chicken should be served unseasoned - it is essential that no bones or chicken fat are served - boiled chicken bones pose a danger of suffocation as they can break and clog or even tear the trachea or digestive tract. Properly prepared chicken can offer the following health benefits: protein vitamins minerals fatty acids amino acids antioxidants. The best food to feed puppies is a high-quality commercial kibble designed for puppies - this ensures that all the nutrients your puppy needs for growth and development are present. If your dog produces firm healthy stools is active and fit and has a healthy appetite then dog food is probably working well. This new food has already made his intestines work perfectly and the hair on his back grows again. Although it's not exactly the opposite of kibble (“Every animal and every situation is different so don't let anyone embarrass you for the food you give your pet” he says) Finn likes the California company JustFoodForDogs which according to him “has an incredible team of veterinarians with multiple specialties” and “is doing a good job”.