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I am a strong believer that we are made of what we put into our bodies. Our dogs should not be any different. Add these 6 healthy foods to your dog's diet today to add nutritious benefits that may add years to your dog's life.
As a first time pet-parent, I was unaware of the quality of all the different types of dog foods and treats available. When I first got Teddy, I simply continued feeding him what he was already eating and when the vet said it was okay I did not think much about it. Not until I started doing research did I notice a recall on the brand of food he was eating at that time. I knew I didn’t want to feed my dog ingredients that I couldn’t even pronounce. That is when I started learning more about raw-fed diets for dogs.
I understand the idea of feeding your dog a raw diet is overwhelming. Instead start with a few nutritious foods added to their meals now. Some foods that we eat daily are nutrient-dense and serve the same benefits for our dogs. I am a strong believer that we are made of what we put into our bodies.
Below you will find 6 healthy foods to add to your dog’s diet today and their benefits.
Berries
Strawberries and blueberries have great health benefits because they are low in calories but nutrient dense. They have high levels of antioxidants and a phytochemical compound called polyphenol. Both are known to help fight harmful free radicals that could damage your healthy cells. In fact, here is a study that shows by adding antioxidants to your dog’s diet can help reduce the effects of brain aging.
Other nutrient benefits include high levels of vitamin C and K, which promote a stronger immune system. Lastly, berries are rich in fiber which helps maintain digestive health.
Simply add a few berries to your dog’s meal or make these delicious blueberry dog cookies that your dog will drool over!
Turmeric
Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, a natural antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory benefits. In fact, according to studies the right dose of curcumin may be a more effective anti-inflammatory treatment than aspirin and ibuprofen. Read more about the benefits of curcumin here.
Unfortunately, turmeric has low bioavailability meaning not much of it is easily absorbed by the body. Adding it to a healthy oil like coconut oil can increase the absorption significantly.
You can make a turmeric paste by adding coconut oil, black pepper, and water to turmeric or use Kin + Kind Raw Golden Paste, which has all organic ingredients. In the photo below, I made frozen treats from goat milk and Kin + King Raw Golden Paste.
Pumpkin
We all know to use pumpkin when our dogs get an upset stomach. That’s because it’s loaded with fiber which adds bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water. Fiber also acts like a prebiotic, which stimulates the activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Since pumpkin is nutrient-rich it may be beneficial to add to your dog’s diet daily.
When purchasing canned pumpkin, make sure it is not pie filling and only start with a small quantity.
Coconut
Coconut oil has many benefits from alleviating skin conditions to aiding in motility in dogs with joint issues. It has high amounts of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which has shown to promote better cognitive function in dogs according to this study.
It’s best to use organic, cold-pressed human-grade coconut oil. Here’s our recipe for Frozen Coconut and Berries.
Single Ingredient Air Dried Treats or Chews
Whether you feed your dog a raw diet or not, adding single ingredient air dried treats or chews will benefit your dog greatly. Think turkey feet, beef trachea or liver, green lipped muscles, beaver tail and much more! They may look weird or gross but I promise they are full of nutrition for your dog.
My two favorite small businesses that I love to get air dried treats and chews are Si’s Pet Pantry and Real Dog Box. Both companies have treats and chews that are minimally processed with no additives or preservatives and sourced from local farms.
When you order a bag of Whole Georgia Shrimp from Si’s Pet Pantry, you will get a bag of treats with only one ingredient: shrimp. Be aware, they will come with their heads and tails and your dog will love them! They also have exotic animals like Alpaca and Ostrich!
When ordering from Real Dog Box, use our special referral link and you will get a free bag of treats!
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