Proper nutrition is the secret to a happy, healthy pet. Like humans, dogs can benefit from a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional and wellness needs. Interestingly, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, stirring up meals for your canine, there are options as easy as opening a container and stirring directly into your puppy’s food bowl. Below are some of our favorite foods that you can integrate into your pup’s diet for a healthy lifestyle.
- Eggs
Eggs contain nutrients, protein, and vitamins A, D, E, and Complex B. Contrary to the popular belief, the cholesterol in eggs is good for you and your dog. The cholesterol in eggs promotes heart health while regulating brain and liver function. You can even give your dog one raw egg a day. Simply crack one open over their dish and mix into their food!
Many experts debate over serving raw food to pets. Some say there are risks, like salmonella, while others argue that dogs and cats can safely consume raw eggs, meat, and fish. However, if you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian.
- Bone Or Chicken Broth
The broth is an excellent source of nutrition and acts as a medical marvel. You can purchase stews, broths, and soups specially tailored for canines. Look for a good pet supplies company online that hosts a vast array of pet products. However, make sure you don’t serve the broth with the bones. Moreover, it’s easy to make, just simmer bones in water with apple cider vinegar, and voila! It’s ready.
The broth has a host of benefits for your pup, from relieving joint and muscle pain, boosting immunity, digestive health, and detoxing the liver.
- Yogurt
Yogurt gives your dog probiotics that can aid in their digestive health. Without a decent amount of probiotics in the stomach, dogs can be left vulnerable to digestive issues; diarrhea for one.
This dairy treat can be served to a sick dog twice a day for an upset stomach and diarrhea. It’s also a summer frozen favorite! Just be mindful of sweeteners, sticking to organic, plain yogurt is your best bet. Some brands may contain Xylitol, a harmful substance to your canine friend. So be mindful and read labels. Like eggs, you can easily incorporate yogurt into your dog’s diet as a treat or a meal.
- Pumpkin & Sweet Potato
A delicious superfood, pumpkin is packed with minerals, vitamins, and tons of fiber. Pumpkin skin also contains oils that can help maintain the urinary tract in canines while also regulating their digestive system with added benefits of acting as a natural dewormer, aiding in weight loss for overweight pups. Thanks to the ample amount of fiber, pumpkin thickens a “leaky” stool in sick dogs, elevating and reducing the chances of diarrhea. Even pumpkin seeds are suitable for your dog. You can choose between cooking the seeds and giving them to your pup as treats, or crushing the seeds up to sprinkle over their food. For small and medium breeds, measure about 1-2 tablespoons a day, large dogs can receive up to 5 tablespoons.
Sweet Potatoes also provide an ample supply of fiber, are low in fat, and have loads of minerals. They contain microbiome, healthy bacteria that can lower your dog’s chances of developing digestive issues and preventing diarrhea. Just be sure never to feed raw potatoes to your dog. Because potatoes belong to the nightshade family, they should be steamed or boiled first.
- Organic Chicken
Incorporating fresh, organic meat to your dog’s diet has been getting the green light from pet nutritionists for some time now. It is best to serve your dog deboned, cooked, unseasoned chicken. Cooked chicken bones, in particular, become dry and brittle, causing them to shatter. The small bones can create a potential choking hazard. Fresh, boneless chicken gives your dog energy, promotes healthy bones and immunity, Omega 6 fatty acids, and Vitamin B while maintaining the nervous system.
Final Thoughts
While many foods are safe to give to your pets, some suggest doing so in moderation. It’s crucial to purchase organic, safe products while always reading the labels mindfully. However, if you’re on the fence, talk to your veterinarian. One can also supplement their dog’s health with Multivitamins, Calcium Supplements, or if your dog is displaying signs of anxiety, insomnia, for other illnesses like pain- CBD capsules for pain. Overall, the foods on this list provide many health benefits to your canine, giving them an enriching, well-balanced diet.