If you’re already giving your dog treats and bones as special rewards, that’s great! But what do you feed them otherwise? A lot of people overlook this question because they don’t have time to cook every meal for their four-legged friend. However, just like with humans, some foods are better than others when it comes to your dog’s health, both in the short term and in the long run. For example, you may have heard that chocolate can be deadly to dogs and preventative medicine could damage their liver.
1) Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a great food for dogs during the wintertime. It’s high in fiber, which helps with digestion, and it contains vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy skin. Butternut squash is another great option. It has similar health benefits as pumpkin, but it’s also delicious!
2) Eggs
Eggs are a nutritious, inexpensive source of high quality protein. They’re also a great way of boosting your dog’s intake of vitamins A, D, E, and K. The omega 3 fatty acids in eggs can help keep joints healthy while the choline in eggs has been shown to improve brain function. Eggs are a versatile food that can be used as an ingredient in many different dishes – especially those with animal protein like chicken or beef – or they can be eaten raw by your dog.
3) Salmon
Salmon is a great choice for your dog’s diet because it’s high in omega 3 fatty acids. The best sources of omega 3 fatty acids are salmon, flaxseed oil, walnuts, trout, sardines, herring and shrimp. Omega 3s help reduce inflammation and are important for healthy joints. Salmon also contains vitamin B-6 which helps convert food into energy.
4) Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes, or yams as they are sometimes called, are an excellent source of fiber and beta carotene. They contain a good amount of vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, potassium and magnesium. The skin is also edible for dogs which provides them with additional fiber. In addition to all of this, sweet potatoes are low in calories which makes them a healthy food for your pup.
5) Blueberries
Adding blueberries to your dog’s diet can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Blueberries are also high in antioxidants, which can help fight cancer, so it’s a win for both you and your pup!
Blueberries are also high in antioxidants, which can help fight cancer.
6) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a great addition to your dog’s diet if they’re suffering from itchy skin, ear infections, or gas. Mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water in their food can help regulate their digestive system and clear up any stomach upset. Plus, the acidity of the vinegar helps break down plaque buildup on teeth.
7) Chicken liver
Most people know that a dog’s diet needs to contain protein, but they might not be aware of how important it is. Protein is the main building block of muscle, cartilage, skin, hair, fingernails and other body tissues. Dogs need 20% protein in their diet – just like humans do. Chicken liver contains more than 25% protein. It’s also rich in vitamin A, which helps maintain a healthy immune system.
8) Yogurt
Studies have shown that yogurt is full of probiotics, which can be beneficial for both humans and pets. Yogurt contains plenty of protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and zinc. It also helps with the absorption of iron from plant sources like fruits or vegetables. Yogurt is also a delicious treat for your pup on a warm day.
9) Broccoli
Broccoli is a superfood for us humans, but it’s also great for our canine pals. Broccoli is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. It’s also loaded with vitamin K, which helps regulate blood clotting and maintains strong bones. Broccoli has fiber too, so it can help keep your pup regular.
10) Spinach
Spinach is a fantastic food for your dog. This leafy green is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Spinach is also high in fiber which can help with digestion. Plus, spinach contains iron which will help your dog stay energized all day long.