Five superfoods for healthy dogs

Is your fur- baby eating these?

If you have been following me on Instagram, you know that our fur- baby Olive is keeping us on our toes. Here is a picture of our little Mowgli:

Now don’t get carried away by those cute eyes, there sure lies a naughty brat within ;)

But to ensure she only eats the best of everything and is getting all the nutrients she needs, I have been studying companion canine nutrition.

Let’s explore some superfoods that all pets must include.

• Kale: Kale is not only a deliciously crunchy leafy vegetable, but it is a fantastic source of vitamins A and K and offers a massive amount of antioxidants. Therefore, Kale helps cleanse your dog’s digestive system, and it also shields their body from potential damage caused by free radicals. Kale possesses many vitamins our body cannot make on its own, and hence it also boasts anti-inflammatory properties. Olive love to chew on Kale leaves every morning while I prepare her meals.

• Organic sprouted quinoa: Quinoa is a plant-based source of complete protein and easy to digest. Dogs, especially active ones, require adequate proteins in their diet, especially the proteins derived from high-quality sources. Sprouted quinoa is just that. Additionally, it has a significant amount of iron, which is excellent for brain function. I like to sprout quinoa and then cook it in the pressure cooker. This makes it easier to digest, but you can also directly use quinoa. Olive loves to switch between quinoa, brown rice and oats as her grain source through the week.

• Organic apple cider vinegar: As a pet owner, you already must know that there are many times when your pet isn’t feeling their best, but they are not severe enough to go to the vet. In such situations, allow your pet to enjoy the antibacterial properties and pH balancing acidity of apple cider vinegar instead of popping unnecessary pills. Apple cider vinegar is relaxing, soothing, and highly effective against infections, colds, and bad breath. Too much vinegar is bad though. I like to add no more than 1-2 tbsp spread through the week in Olive’s food.

• Kelp/ Nori sheets: As with most dogs, salt is a big no- no. So Olive’s food is mostly bland with nothing but a pinch of turmeric. But one great addition to your pets diet is just a little bit of kelp or nori sheets per week. This is a great way to get some iodine in, since they do not consume salt (Olive does not consume seafood either, so does not get iodine otherwise). Kelp also has some B vitamins, important for immune function. I like to sprinkle a little bit on her food 2-3 times a week. This is also the secret to her ever so shiny coat!

• Blueberries: Blueberries are full of fibre and antioxidants. They are a healthy addition to all breeds of dog’s. Veterinarians recommend using blueberries as a dog treat since it is the correct treat serving size. Blueberries are also surprisingly low in sugars and calories, making it a good frozen snack option for diabetic dogs. Olive loves a blueberry- yogurt frozen treat. Keeps her busy for a few minutes and gives us a breather from chasing her ;)

Conclusion

Our fur- babies gives us so much of their love. The least we can do is make their food exciting, tasty and nutritious. Add the above to your pup’s diet if you are not doing so already.

Trust this helps,

Roshni Sanghvi.