5 Foods to Help Boost Your Dog’s Diet
Considering what to feed your dog or anyone in your care isn’t something to take lightly. Besides mental health and physical exercise, diet is among the biggest contributors to well-being. Feeding your dog healthy foods is crucial. The eating habits we incorporate into our loved ones’ diets, including our pets, can mean the difference between a healthy life and programming them for failure.
So if you’re considering healthier food options for your dog apart from their recommended canine food, this article isn’t something you should miss. So let’s discuss the human foods that are safe and healthy for your furry companion.
Healthy Pet-Friendly Foods
If you’re planning to start feeding your pet human food, start with small amounts, then gradually add as their tolerance increases. Keep in mind that human foods supplements should only be 25% percent of your pet’s diet to keep everything balanced. Below are five human foods you can start feeding your pet as treats or snacks.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt has active cultures called probiotics, which keep bad bacteria away. It helps improve gut function and contains nutrients like phosphorus, iodine, potassium, protein, zinc, and calcium. Moreover, it’s a good source of pantothenic acid and riboflavin, which is responsible for energy production, cellular functions, and enzyme action.
Yogurt is an excellent calcium source and can help dogs with arthritis symptoms. Although they might benefit more from veterinary acupuncture treatment as it’s often used for alleviating pain and improving joint range of motion.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is among the healthiest human food for dogs. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, fiber, and beta-carotene. Moreover, it also promotes a healthy digestive tract. Canned and fresh pumpkins are perfect dog treats as long as they’re plain with no added seasonings or sweeteners. Even with healthy food like pumpkin, sometimes it’s still inevitable for dogs to show signs of illnesses.
So when that happens, be proactive in taking them to a nearby Bedford Hills vet facility to determine their condition and start their treatment immediately.
3. Sweet potatoes
These tuberous root veggies rich in beta-carotene contain 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. Moreover, sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C to strengthen your pet’s immune system and high in vitamin A to keep their heart healthy. However, remember that nutritious foods aren’t meant to substitute their preventative care.
It’s still important to be up-to-date on their preventative care and vaccinations to prevent prevalent pet diseases and give them the best shot for a healthier life. You may check it out on the web to see the common vet diagnostic services.
4. Sardines
Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid that contains sulfur, is getting popular lately. This explains why many fur parents are looking for ways to add taurine to their dog’s diet, and sardines are an excellent and readily available choice. Sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for good health.
Since they are short-lived fish, they don’t have enough time to accumulate toxins in their body and don’t eat larger, older fishes that have time to do so. This makes sardines a relatively clean and better choice.
5. Eggs
Feeding scrambled eggs to your pet is a great way to boost their diet’s protein. Moreover, eggs are high in protein and a great source of easily digestible selenium and riboflavin. Refrain from feeding raw eggs to your pet to prevent salmonella. You may also consider poached or boiled eggs, but remember not to put any seasoning.