Enhance Your Dog's Health and Strength: 5 Supplementary Foods to Boost Their Diet

As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to assess whether you're providing the best nutrition for your furry companion. Take a moment to reflect: What does your dog typically consume? If their diet solely consists of dog food, they may be missing out on vital nutrients essential for their overall health. This deficiency could manifest in various issues like excessive shedding, lackluster coats, rough fur, tear stains, and even digestive issues such as constipation.

Except for dog food, there are more choices to ensure your dog eats healthily and it doesn't have to cost much or be very troublesome. While commercial dog food may provide essential nutrients, adding certain ingredients to their meals can further enhance their health and strength. In this article, we'll explore five beneficial additions that can help boost your dog's vitality and longevity.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for dogs, just as they are for humans. These fatty acids help promote healthy skin, resulting in smoother, shinier fur, reducing inflammation, and supporting cognitive function in dogs. In other words, omega-3 can effectively extend a dog's lifespan to some extent. You can add fish oil, flaxseed oil, or salmon to your dog's food, all of which are rich in omega-3. While it may seem like just a few drops of oil, it can make a big difference for your dog. Consider adding a teaspoon of fish oil to their food a few times a week to reap the benefits.

2. Lean Protein

How important is protein? Put simply, during the growth stage, dogs require more protein to sustain body development, while adult dogs need protein to maintain muscle mass and overall health. Insufficient protein intake can weaken a dog's immune system, increasing the risk of illness. When selecting lean protein sources for your dog, chicken is the most common option. Inexpensive chicken breast typically costs around $2 per pound. Alternatively, turkey, lean beef, and other options are available. You can easily set aside a small portion while preparing meat for yourselves, boil it in water, and feed it to your dog to ensure they receive high-quality protein without excess fat.

3. Leafy Greens

Vegetables offer dogs more benefits than just providing vitamins. Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, collard greens, and broccoli are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy bowel movements in dogs. Spinach, in particular, is rich in iron ions, which help combat inflammation, cardiovascular issues, and cancer. However, it's essential to cook vegetables before feeding them to dogs, as uncooked fiber can be difficult for dogs to digest, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort. If your dog dislikes leafy greens, you can chop them finely, mix them with chicken breast, and then add them to their food.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics can promote a healthy gut microbiome in dogs and alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or constipation. If your dog frequently experiences loss of appetite or picky eating habits, you can opt for plain yogurt or kefir, preferably unsweetened. Alternatively, purchase probiotic powder specifically for dogs, which can be mixed with warm water. Feeding them 2 to 3 times a week after can effectively improve and maintain their gut health.

5. Superfoods

"Superfoods" are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can benefit your dog's health. Consider adding small amounts of superfoods like blueberries, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or chia seeds to their meals. These ingredients provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while supporting overall health and vitality. These superfoods are commonly consumed by humans as well. You just need to identify which ones are safe for pets to consume directly and ensure you give them the right amount. There's no need for you to go out of your way or buy more specialized dog food.

Also, it's better to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have underlying health conditions or dietary restrictions. With the right nutrition, your furry friend can enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life by your side. As responsible pet owners, we all want the best for our furry companions. Providing them with a balanced diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being.