If you want to be the best possible pet owner, you need to treat your dog like you’d treat your own children – and this involves putting a lot of work into taking care of them.
Diet is such an essential thing when thinking about the care and health of your dog. Of course, choosing what to give your pet is a serious matter that needs careful consideration. The foods your doggy eats greatly impact its overall well-being, including mental health. Thus, it is necessary to provide your pet with the healthiest meals.
Read below to learn about the healthy foods you should feed your dog.
Healthy Foods To Include In Your Dog’s Diet
A healthy diet is just as important for dogs as for humans. Including nutrient-dense foods in your dog’s diet can help maintain its health and well-being. Here are some healthy foods to include in your dog’s meals:
Carrots
Carrots are tasty, easy to prepare, and overall great for your dog’s health, Not only are they filled with lots of vitamins, they are filled with fiber and calcium! You can play around with different serving options – from boiling and steaming them, to giving your dog raw carrots, perfect for strengthening their teeth! Carrots are cheap and tasty, what more can you ask for!
Fish
Cooked fish is extremely healthy and beneficial, containing a lot of protein crucial in helping your dog stay healthy and in shape! An omega-3 fatty acid is good both for humans and animals, and can be found in fish like tuna and salmon! It helps keep your dog’s skin, bones, and fur healthy, while also boosting their immune system! As long as you prepare the fish accordingly, and get rid of any hidden bones – it can be a great addition to your dog’s diet! A little bit more work, but it’s all worth it!
Yogurt
A lot of owners seem to believe that dairy products are bad for their dogs – but if they are given in small quantities, it’s totally fine and actually really beneficial! Milk, cheese, and above all else yogurt is completely safe for dogs – but you should pay attention when feeding dairy to your dogs, as they might be lactose intolerant! If you notice that their stomach gets upset after consuming a bit of dairy, stop giving it to them!
Broccoli
If you have the time, boiling or steaming a bit of broccoli for your dog is a great way to add a bit of diversity to their diet! Since broccoli is just one of those foods that are not good to be consumed raw, you can simply boil them in a bit of water for a couple of minutes, just like you would when making a broccoli salad for yourself! It’s a good way for your dog to intake a bunch of healthy vitamins and proteins!
Cucumber
If your dog is slightly on the heavier side, you want to be extremely careful with what kind of foods you serve him, keeping a good balance is key – you don’t want to starve him, but you don’t want to contribute to the weight. Cutting out dry treats might be a good idea, by replacing them with something healthy like cucumbers, you can treat your dog without doing any damage in the meantime. As cucumbers are a light food that’s on the low-calorie side, they work best as an alternative to treats. They are also great when served a bit cold, so your dog can enjoy a bit of cooling down during summer heat!
Apples
A great thing about apples is that they are affordable, healthy, and nutritious. Again, another great alternative for treats, perfect for senior dogs who have a sweet tooth – apples can work wonders because they have a sweeter taste, but are low in calories, protein, and fat. The fiber works great in helping to better their digestion, perfect for dogs who often have stomach problems! But like any other fruit, you shouldn’t overdo it, otherwise, it can actually upset the dog’s stomach, reversing all the good you thought you were doing! Moderation is key, remember that!
Blueberries
Did you know that even though they’re small, berries are actually really good for your furry friend? Out of all the berries out there, blueberries are like the superstar. They’re packed with antioxidants that help protect your dog’s cells and keep them healthy. Plus, they’re great for your dog’s urinary tract health, just like cranberries.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. They’re great for dogs and can boost their immune system, improve their skin and coat, support their joints and intestinal health, and regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, they can even help your pup feel fuller longer, which is great for weight-loss programs! To feed chia seeds to your dog, just soak them in water for about 30-90 minutes and mix them in with their food. Or, if your pup eats fresh, moist food, you can just sprinkle the seeds on top.
Eggs
Did you know that cooked eggs are a safe and nutritious food option for dogs? Eggs are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your pup’s health. Some people even believe that eggs can help alleviate nausea in dogs, although there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Just make sure you don’t give your dog raw eggs, as they can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella that can spread from your pet to you and other humans in the household. So, stick to feeding your furry friend cooked eggs to keep everyone healthy and happy.
Watermelon
If you’re thinking of giving watermelon to your dog, make sure you remove the seeds and rind first, as they could pose a choking hazard and potentially cause digestive issues for your furry friend. But don’t worry, the fruit of the watermelon is perfectly safe and healthy for dogs to eat! It’s a low-calorie snack that’s full of nutrients like vitamin A and C, making it a great option for your pup’s diet.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is similar to other orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots in that it contains beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is beneficial for immune health, eye health, and can help improve your dog’s skin and coat. Additionally, pumpkin has high amounts of soluble fiber which can help relieve diarrhea and constipation. This seasonal treat is also abundant in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, and iron.
At the end of the day, raw food is always way healthier than feeding your dog with strictly dry dog food! Mixing it up from time to time can be a great idea, especially when adding foods that are generally good!
Choose Healthy for Your Dog
Which is the best dog food available? For the best health outcomes in canines, it’s recommended to choose fresh and organic ingredients and avoid processed commercial kibble that contains additives, synthetic minerals, or chemicals.