8 minute read
Boost Your Dog’s Health With Super Foods
HEALTH & WELLNESS
WRITTEN BY JEANNE TAYLOR, Staff Writer
I first became aware of pet nutrition as a topic when I was in my 30s. Fast forward to now, an unstated number of years later, I have had three larger dogs live to a glorious 16 and 17 years old, and am now working on my second generation of seniors about to turn nine this month. Good nutrition is critical to longevity!
We ALL want to last as long as we can on this planet, I think - to be healthy and enjoy a fulfilling life. The same should hold true for our pets, and there are so many easy ways we can help them achieve this. They should not be subject to a decline or deterioration just because they hit “middle age” in dog years. Instead, our goal for them should be the same as our own: Live to the fullest and try to be our best selves in the process!
We know the obvious age-defying factors: good nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, emotional well-being. But did you know there are little things you can add to your pet’s daily routine to improve their longevity and reduce risks of diseases like cancer?
Enter: SUPER FOODS
Note that there are also toxic superfoods (and other foods) that should NEVER be given to your pets, so be sure to check with your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to ensure it is safe before feeding.
You don’t have to home cook for your dogs (I do, but it’s a personal choice).
You don’t have to buy the most expensive pet food on the shelf or order specially-prepared and personalized meals for your dogs, although these are options too. To each their own. Quality nutrition is always important, but you can supplement your dog’s food, regardless of the brand, and still see health benefits from small changes to what goes into their bodies. I certainly encourage all pet parents who feed kibble to research their food brands and make sure you are getting quality proteins and traceable ingredients, no or very limited fillers, no tumorgenic preservatives such as BHA or BHT, etc. The Oxford Dictionary defines a superfood as, “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.”
Just by adding nutrient-dense foods as meal toppers you can have a positive impact on your dog’s health! If your pet hasn’t been receiving healthier options throughout their lives, they may reject them at first, but keep trying. Use different approaches. Try issuing them as treats first, or training rewards. Get them excited about it! If you find they don’t enjoy fresh carrots, for example, maybe they’d prefer them lightly steamed. They may not like EVERY new food you put in front of them, but ultimately, any superfoods you can get into their diet are a plus.
Let’s go alphabetically and look at some of the more common superfoods that you may already have in your kitchen:
Apples
We’ve all heard it - an apple a day keeps the doctor away! While you don’t need to plant a private orchard for your pet, simply by regularly giving them a few pieces of crunchy apple as a snack or reward will provide numerous benefits including increasing their fiber intake, as well as antioxidant, antihistamine, and even anti-inflammatory support! Always scrub your produce or find organic apples – it’s best to core the apple and remove the seeds before chopping up this crunchy snack for your pup.
Blueberries
Blueberries – fruits that are red and blue are powerful antioxidants, which can slow cellular damage. They also contain anthocyanins (bearing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant traits). They can reduce cancer risk, and support healthy brain function. The same holds true for acai berries, blackberries, and strawberries, which also carry a high fiber content and are lower calorie content with less sugar than certain other fruits you may want to try.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is an excellent topper on its own, or when used in home cooking. It helps support joint health and dogs love the taste! There are several brands and flavors available so you can find one your pup loves and one that works for dogs with food and protein sensitivities. Watch the salt though!
Broccoli (and Cauliflower)
These tiny trees pack a wallop of an antioxidant punch – and good news: dogs love the crunch and most enjoy the taste too! It’s nutrientrich, high in fiber, supports immune and cardiac health, and has been shown to reduce inflammation. Raw or lightly steamed, adding cruciferous veggies to your pet’s diet is a great idea!
Carrots
We have heard about carrots since we were kids: “Eat your carrots, it’s good for your eyes!” Beta-carotene has been shown to offer immune
support, improve your dog’s coat and skin and of course, support their overall eye health. Most dogs love the crunch of a carrot too, which can be good for their dental health as well.
If your dog has a sensitive mouth (or not many teeth), but you still want them to receive the benefits of carrots, you can always boil and puree them to use as a topper. You don’t need to purchase organic carrots, but do be sure to wash and grate the skin before they hit the pan.
Eggs
Eggs are high-quality proteins that also offer skin and coat benefits, among others. Dogs’ bodies don’t create cholesterol in the same way humans do, so don’t worry too much about that. I have also never met a dog who wouldn’t eat scrambled eggs so that can be a great dietary addition for dogs with fewer teeth or sensitive mouths. It’s also a good option when your dog has a need for soft foods, as our pets sometimes do.
“Eat your greens!”
My goodness, I can hear my mother’s voice in my head! Almost 20 years ago there was a study by the National Institutes of Health showing dogs whose diets included dark, leafy greens had a reduced risk of cancer by 90%! NINETY PERCENT! Spinach is wonderful for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory traits, as is kale, although kale should be carefully portioned so that it’s not the highest content of a meal or topper. These greens are high in fiber and loaded with vitamins, iron, and calcium. Some dogs may not like kale, especially at the start as it can be bitter, so you may have to get creative with different ways to cook and feed it. Also, there are varying schools of thought about kale in a dog’s diet, so do your research and see if it’s a good fit for your pet’s individual needs and tolerances.
Melons of Varying Types
It’s summertime and who doesn’t love the fresh, hydrating taste of melons, whether through cantaloupes or watermelon? Melons are high in antioxidants and provide nutritional support through their vitamin content. They are high in fiber too – plus, have you ever watched a dog nosh on watermelon? The entertainment value alone is priceless! Always take care to remove the melon rind and seeds.
Pumpkin
Many pet parents feed canned pumpkin for digestive health and maintenance when their pet isn’t feeling their very best. But beyond the benefits during times of gastric distress, pumpkin as an orange vegetable is a provider of beta-carotene and is high in fiber. If you choose canned pumpkin, be sure you are getting just pumpkin and not pie filling as that is loaded with unnecessary sugars.
Sardines or Anchovies
These tiny fish are big on benefits, with hefty Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, both of which help skin and coat and support healthy brain function, as well as joints and mobility and heart health! All from a tiny fish! And if that’s not enough, know that they offer other health benefits too. Always read the labels and be sure you are purchasing the ones in water, not oil, with no added salt or unnecessary preservatives. Definitely offer these in moderation as a treat –even one per day can have benefits!
Yogurt
The ice cream of the dog world: yogurt! With its probiotic properties, yogurt is an excellent addition to your pet’s diet. It often has a higher protein percentage too and dogs typically love the taste and texture. Always skip the sweetened brands and pursue Greek or organic plain yogurt.
There are other superfoods to consider for your pets, so take some time and research what will work for your lifestyle, your feeding approach and your dogs’ overall health – and their palettes.
The bottom line is anything you can do to improve your pet’s innerworkings through simple dietary changes is a win. One apple won’t change the course of your dog’s health, but altering their daily intake to ensure they are receiving a variety of nutrient-rich additions, whether by toppers or snacks, will put your pet on the road to improved health.
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s diet. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or dietary condition. ■