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Superfoods are foods that are rich in nutrients and provide good health benefits, all while keeping the calorie count low. Incorporating these into your dog’s diet helps fight disease, boosts energy, and supports their overall well-being. We’ve put together this list of superfoods for dogs that will not only tickle your pup’s taste buds but also do wonders for their health.
Selecting the right dog superfoods from your kitchen can be both fun and nutritious. Here are 15 of our favorite doggy superfoods.
When discussing superfoods for dogs, blueberries are one of the healthy picks that top the list. They're packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can aid in reducing the effects of aging in canines. Blueberry is also known for its ability to boost a dog's immune system and enhance brain health. The best way to serve them is fresh and washed. Sprinkling a few blueberries over your dog's regular meal or serving it as a treat is a delightful and nutritious addition.
Bone broth is considered a doggy superfood, given its rich mineral content and benefits for joint health. It's packed with amino acids and collagen, which is great for digestive health. To prepare, simmer animal bones in water for around 12 to 24 hours. Once done, you can serve this superfood for dogs cooled, either as a liquid treat or poured over their regular food. If you don't want to prep it yourself, here are a few ready-made options that are great for dogs:
Broccoli is a top canine superfood thanks to its high vitamin content and cancer-fighting properties. It's an excellent source of vitamins K and C, which promote healthy bones and a robust immune system. When preparing broccoli for your dog, steam it until it becomes soft — it’s totally fine if it’s still slightly crunchy. It's best served chopped into bite-sized pieces, either alone or mixed with their regular meals.
Carrots are a natural dog superfood with numerous health benefits. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, protecting your pup's vision and dental health. It's best to serve them raw and finely chopped or lightly steamed. Carrots can be a crunchy treat on their own or added to your pup’s regular meals.
Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which contribute to a healthy coat, skin, and digestion. When serving, either mill them finely or soak them in water first, turning them into a gel-like consistency. They can be mixed into their regular food and this will make it easier for your dog to digest.
Coconut, in its various forms, is an excellent superfood for dogs. It helps improve skin conditions and can even reduce stinky dog breath. Both coconut oil and shredded coconut are great for dogs. It can be served as a treat on its own or drizzled over your pup’s meal in moderation.
Cranberries are known as healthy dog superfoods because of their benefits for urinary tract health. They're also a great source of vitamins C, E, and K. That said, only serve cranberries to dogs in moderation and avoid sweetened cranberries. Make sure to serve them dried, cooked, or in small amounts as a juice mixed with their water.
Kale is another vegetable in the lineup of superfoods for dogs, with rich amounts of vitamins A, K, and C. It also helps to detoxify the liver and has anti-inflammatory properties. When serving kale to dogs, it's best to steam or boil it lightly and mix it with their regular food. While it is safe for dogs to eat raw kale, it can cause excess gas for those with sensitive stomachs, so it's best to cook it first.
Lean chicken or turkey is one of the most popular superfoods for dogs on this list. High in protein and low in fat, they help your pup build lean muscle mass and maintain a healthy weight. It's best served cooked without any added fats or seasoning. Chopped or shredded meat can be mixed with any other canine superfood for a hearty meal. Here are some ready-to-buy chicken and turkey snacks your pup will love:
Pumpkin is known as a dog superfood, especially for its digestive benefits. It's rich in fiber and vitamins, so it's excellent for both diarrhea and constipation. When serving pumpkin, make sure it's pure and without any added sugars or spices. A tablespoon or two can be mixed into your pup’s regular food. If you want to include some pumpkin seeds, make sure you de-shell the seeds first and only offer them in moderation. It’s recommended that pups consume no more than one pumpkin seed per 10 lbs of their body weight.
Quinoa stands out among superfoods for dogs thanks to its high protein and amino acid content. It's also a good source of magnesium and iron. Just make sure it's well-cooked and rinsed thoroughly to remove any bitter saponins. It can be mixed with veggies and lean meats for a wholesome meal.
Salmon, when appropriately sourced and prepared, can be a superb doggy superfood. It's a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Check that the salmon is thoroughly cooked and free from bones before serving. It can be flaked and mixed into their meals or given as an occasional treat. Check out these salmon snacks you can serve your pup:
Spinach is among the nutrient-rich superfoods for dogs. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it promotes cardiovascular health and strengthens immunity. When serving spinach, it's best lightly steamed and finely chopped. Introduce it gradually to check that your dog tolerates it well.
Sweet potatoes are not just tasty but also rank high as a canine superfood. They're a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health. Serving them boiled or steamed and mashed is ideal. They can be given as a side dish or mixed with other foods.
Turmeric is increasingly recognized as a superfood for dogs due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids in joint health and can reduce symptoms of arthritis. When introducing turmeric, mix it with a pinch of black pepper and some healthy fat for better absorption. A small amount can be added to your dog’s meals or made into a paste for easy ingestion.
While some superfoods can be amazing for humans, they won’t be suitable for your dog’s diet. Here are five foods that might be healthy picks for humans but are harmful for dogs:
A balanced diet leads to a vibrant, energetic, and healthier life for your pup. Offering them some of these superfoods for dogs can make a remarkable difference. While you're focusing on their diet, let Barkbus be there for their grooming needs. Ready to pamper your pup? Book a grooming session with Barkbus today.
