Keeping a lovely pet, especially a dog, is one of the most beautiful experiences you would ever have if you are a cynophile. In this context, it becomes your first duty to bring everything possible for your furry friend like the best healthy food that will be highly nutritious as well.
You will have to avoid bringing food that will not be suitable for the taste of your pet according to its breed. This becomes also important to get food for your lovely dog that will be suitable as per the weather conditions in which it will be going to grow. There are several other important points that you will have to keep in mind while keeping a dog with you.
As responsible pet owners, one of our primary concerns is ensuring the health and well-being of your pet. Just like humans, dogs also require a balanced and nutritious diet to thrive. While commercial dog food is widely available, incorporating healthy, natural foods into your dog’s diet can provide them with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Here in this blog, you will explore the 15 best healthy foods for your dog, enriching their meals and supporting their overall health. So, let’s dive right in and discover some fantastic options that will have your dog licking their chops!
15 best healthy food options for your dog
1. Good Quality Meat:
What can be more delicious and attractive for dogs than lean meat it should always be the priority of owners of dogs to bring good quality meat that will be totally healthy and will not be harmful to the gut health of your dog.
When preparing any kind of meat, whether it’s beef, chicken or turkey, try to cook it thoroughly and never ever think to add any kind of seasoning. First of all, dogs do not like seasonings like salt, and secondly, some seasonings might be unhealthy and harmful for dogs.
The meat is always delicious and tasty for dogs without adding any seasoning, they love to enjoy their meat in a natural taste. If it is going to be your first time keeping a puppy with you, it will only be possible to know what kind of flavours or meat it like the most by experimenting with different methods and meats.
2. Fresh Fish:
It has been observed in different experiments and observations that most the breeds of the dogs like to eat different fish meat. It is not just about the taste but is also an essential food that can keep your pet healthy and thriving.
Fish, like salmon and sardines, are not only a great source of protein but also contain omega-3 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat, skin, and joint function. Just be cautious of fish bones and ensure the fish is fully cooked.
3. Eggs:
It is always one of the best options to service your dog with eggs as they like to eat them a lot. Dogs might not like it sometimes, but usually, it has been observed from various past studies that it is a healthy and a favourite snack for dogs.
Eggs are packed with nutrients, including protein and essential amino acids. Moreover, eggs can benefit your dog’s skin and coat. Serve them scrambled or boiled. Make sure to do not to overcook the eggs as dogs do not like totally cooked things.
4. Vegetables:
It is a fact that dogs are omnivores and they really do not need or like to eat fruits and vegetables but in case of providing your pet with a pack of healthy nutrients, it will be better to choose dog foods that would be containing fresh vegetables and fruits.
Including a variety of vegetables in your dog’s diet can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are excellent options. Ensure to cook them thoroughly to improve digestibility.
5. Fruits:
Same to vegetables, fruits are not a good choice for dogs as they really do not like them at all. The same is the case with vegetables, it would be a suitable approach to choose dog-eating foods that would be containing the ingredients like healthy and fresh fruits to keep your dog active and thriving.
Fruits are a fantastic source of vitamins and antioxidants for your pooch. Blueberries, apples, and bananas are dog-friendly choices that can also be used as tasty training treats. Remove any seeds or pits before offering them to your dog.
6. Pumpkin:
Whether dogs like to eat pumpkin or not, it is a highly healthy addition to their diet. Pumpkin has got the vitamins like A, C, and E that can boost your dog’s nutrition. Pumpkins have got a high portion of potassium and iron which makes your dog healthier and stronger.
Not only is pumpkin delicious, but it’s also beneficial for your dog’s digestive system. It can alleviate constipation or diarrhea. Serve it plain or consider mixing it with your dog’s regular food.
7. Yoghurt:
Yoghurt is not beneficial for the gut health of humans only but it can help dogs as well. The overall digestive system becomes stronger and it increases the metabolism in dogs which will improve the immunity. This way, your dogs will become stronger and healthier enough to avoid any allergies and viral infections.
Yoghurt is a probiotic powerhouse that can promote healthy gut flora in your dog. However, make sure to choose plain, unsweetened yoghurt without any artificial sweeteners, as these can be toxic to dogs.
8. Peanut Butter:
Peanut butter has got several health benefits for pets, including dogs. This is not only a delicious addition for dogs but is a healthy tool. But the most important thing to notice is not to choose a brand that adds “xylitol” in their peanut butter as this is toxic for dogs and even may be fatal for them.
Most dogs love the taste of peanut butter, which can be used as an occasional treat or a filling for puzzle toys. Be sure to choose a natural peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
9. Coconut Oil:
It will be better to add small amounts of coconut oil to the diet of your dogs. This addition will not only improve the overall health of your pet but will also make the gut health better. This oil can also be beneficial for the skin when applied thoroughly and gently.
Adding a small amount of coconut oil to your dog’s diet can provide them with numerous health benefits as it is one of the most beneficial dog-eating food. It can improve their coat, promote digestion, and even aid in weight management. Moderation is key, as too much can lead to digestive upset.
10. Quinoa:
It contains low calories and would be a wonderful choice for the owners of pets to add to the diet of their dogs that have weak stomachs or are overweight.
Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to grains and provides a good source of protein, fibre, and essential nutrients for your dog. Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and serve it in small amounts mixed with other foods.
11. Oatmeal:
Cooked plain oatmeal is a gentle and easily digestible grain option for dogs. It can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs or allergies. It will not be a prudent decision to add any kind of sweeteners to the oatmeal as artificial flavours are not a good choice for dogs because they do not like them at all.
12. Lush Vegetables:
Vegetables with green and attractive leaves, such as spinach and kale, are another excellent addition to your dog’s diet. Rich in vitamins A and C, these veggies can boost their immune system and contribute to overall health.
It will not be a prudent step towards adding large portions of green vegetables to the routine diet of dogs. It will be better to make a proper weekly chart in which you must feed these vegetables in small portions to your dogs.
13. Curd Cheese:
Do not feed your dogs curd cheese in large quantities but in small quantities. Adding this cheese will not only be a great option to provide healthy proteins to your dog but it has got many other benefits like it is a low-fat diet. Dogs also like the smell of curd cheese and if you use it as a topping on different dog foods, they will love to eat whatever the food will be.
14. Broth:
You can add broth to your dog’s diet but it should be free from any seasoning or artificial flavours. It is a great nutritious option for your lovely puppy to keep it fresh and healthy during summer.
15. Turmeric:
Same as in humans, turmeric is one of the healthy options for dogs as well. This natural antibiotic has got numerous benefits including its anti-inflammatory properties. It will be better to consult a vet before adding this natural nutrition-rich option to your dog’s diet.
Conclusion:
There are several healthy food and nutrition options that you can choose for a better and healthy life for your lovely puppy. As discussed in this blog, you can use this list of healthy foods to keep your pup fresh, healthy, active, and thriving. It is always a good approach to maintain best healthy food options as supplements that should be given in adequate portions throughout the week for your dog’s better life.