Superfoods for Supporting Healthy Pets
Many of the pet foods commonly sold in grocery and pet stores are full of additives and processed ingredients that are not always good for your animals. However, even when we go out of our way to purchase foods made with minimal ingredients and our pets’ optimal health in mind, we’re not necessarily doing the absolute best for our animal friends. In fact, we should be feeding our pets in a similar manner to the way we should feed ourselves - with the least amount of ingredients as possible.
One of the best reasons for eating superfoods is because they’re completely “whole” foods, meaning they only contain one ingredient. And while we consistently discuss the benefits of superfoods for humans, we tend to leave out another group that they benefit - our pets! In order to optimize your cat or dog’s health, next time you serve up these superfoods for yourself or your family, consider serving some to your furry friend as well. Remember to consult your pet’s veterinarian before introducing any new foods to their diet in order to ensure their complete safety
- Blueberries - Blueberries are filled with Vitamin C, flavonoids, and Vitamin K, which can help support cats’ and dogs’ immune systems and brains while reducing arthritis pain and the chance of cancer. Additionally, blueberries are low in calories and sugar, so they make a great addition to any pets’ diet. Feel free to mash them up or stir some blueberry powder into water before adding to your cat or dogs’ food to keep them fighting off free radicals and full of antioxidants.
- Sweet Potatoes - While sweet potatoes are not recommended for our cats’ diets, they can do wonders for our dogs. One of the best sources of Vitamin A, sweet potatoes help promote healthy skin, eyes, coat, nerves, and muscles in our pups. In fact, many experts recommend using freeze-dried sweet potatoes as treats! We promise, they’re just as delicious as the boxed ones, and your dog will love them just as much.
- Cranberries - While more studies are needed, some research has shown cranberries to be effective in supporting dogs with UTIs. We've heard from several customers who have added 1-2 teaspoons of our Freeze-Dried Cranberry Powder to their dog's meals, and have seen positive results in terms of the pH level found in urine. While we don't suggest replacing regular treatment, a powder supplement can certainly help support UTI issues!
- Pumpkins - Canned and cooked fresh pumpkin makes a great addition to your pet’s diet, providing urinary tract support and healthy digestion, including moving along your cat’s fur balls. Additionally, pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound that is thought to act against intestinal parasites, which can be a disaster for pets and pet owners. If you’re interested in adding pumpkin into your cat or dog’s diet, consider sprinkling a teaspoon per day of pumpkin seed protein onto their food, providing them with a plethora of nutrients.
- Salmon - Occasional cooked salmon for dogs and cats is a great addition to their diets, although it shouldn’t be eaten too often. Because salmon contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, it’s great for reducing inflammation and helping to keep pets’ coats shiny and healthy. However, raw salmon can be deadly for dogs, so be sure to do your research or speak to your vet before feeding any salmon to your pup.
- Coconut Oil - As you might have imagined, coconut oil is just as great for our pets as it is for us. Experts recommend introducing coconut oil in small amounts to your pet’s food or skin in order to help with issues such as allergies, dry skin, itchiness, and overall coat health. For cats with fur balls, dab some coconut oil on their paws to promote a healthy digestive system. Like anything else, start slow when giving your pet coconut oil, feeding them as little as ⅛ teaspoon every day to begin.
Always incorporate superfoods into your pet’s diet slowly, allowing them to adapt to the new food, and giving their bodies the opportunity to raise flags should your cat or dog be allergic to a new food.
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