Superfoods for dogs: boost your pet's health
My dog is only 8 years old and yet for some time I have noticed that she is no longer so agile. Sometimes she limps slightly when she gets up from her nap or comes back from a walk… I also noticed that she no longer stretches with as much flexibility. I feel it on restraint. So I consulted my veterinarian and the sanction fell: osteoarthritis!
He told me about several types of treatment and first recommended that I try some phyto solutions and bet on superfoods to try to relieve her a little.
The opportunity for me to share some practical information on superfoods for dogs. Superfoods have magical powers such as fighting certain diseases in dogs but also on humans and/or preventing their appearance. They are beneficial to health thanks to their high nutritional value and low caloric value. They are excellent additions to the daily diet for your pet; provided you know how to use them.
Besides, before going further in your reading, I want to inform you that this article is only an informative article. Whatever you choose to give your dog, the first resource person to consult is your veterinarian. Only he can validate or advise against the product chosen for your animal. Sometimes, by wanting to do well, we do worse than better. Don't play sorcerer's apprentice with your dog.
Let's discover superfoods for dogs! Fruits, vegetables, vegetable or animal oils, spices... there is something for everyone!
A healthy dog is a well-fed dog
Before choosing a super food to boost your dog's health, the first good reflex to have is to check the quality of his bowl and therefore his kibble! His good health depends above all on what is on his plate.
Are you sure that the kibbles you give your dog are suitable for your animal, its age, its state of health, its level of daily energy expenditure… Discuss this with your veterinarian. He will certainly make a complete assessment of your animal before advising you on your dog's diet. And then you can buy dog food online suitable for your dog.
There are dozens of brands of dog food: it's not always easy to find your way around. Between kibbles for athletic dogs, hypoallergenic kibbles for those who have weight problems, gluten-free, insect-based, for dogs on a diet, for neutered dogs, for Labradors, for German shepherds, for puppies, for senior dogs … Better to ask for advice!
If you take a closer look at the composition labels on your dog's kibble packet, you will see that it may already have superfoods in it if you have opted for special kibble.
It's just like us humans. There's no secret, good health requires a balanced diet and regular physical activity. I do not teach you anything ! Our dogs are the best at making us look unhappy when we go to the table to beg for a little piece of bread, a few pieces of this or that… As for us, snacking in dogs is very bad for their health. It's the best way to get an overweight dog… Stick to kibble and watch his ration closely for your pet's well-being and health.
Superfoods for my dog
As the saying goes: prevention is better than cure. And for that, there are superfoods for your dog. These food supplements are the perfect alternative to test if your dog suffers from a pathology before taking conventional medication; with the express agreement of your veterinarian, W'ouf course. Do not replace a treatment prescribed by your veterinarian with a pinch of zinzin or a few thingies in the hope of curing your animal.
I'll start with the superfoods I've done some recent research for; those that can relieve osteoarthritis in dogs.
- Superfoods against osteoarthritis in dogs
I searched for foods with natural anti-inflammatory properties and quickly came across turmeric. The turmeric that we put in our small dishes to spice them up a little has poorly known properties. However, it seems to be an effective anti-inflammatory in relieving osteoarthritis in dogs (and humans for that matter). Consult your veterinarian to assess the right dosage for your dog. It is not a question here of sprinkling your bowl to give it taste.
- Superfoods to fill up on vitamins
The first superfood on this list is orange and long. Usually, it is rather given to horses or donkeys but it is excellent for our dogs! And it's not Musher who will say the opposite! Every evening, she brings me her Kong hoping that I slip her a carrot to fill up on antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. It is also an anti-inflammatory food that helps your dog to keep his immune system in shape. If your dog likes carrots, go for it, it's allowed!
And if, of course, your dog likes fruit, these are obviously superfoods perfect for replenishing vitamins. Be careful, however, not to give it in large quantities because they contain a lot of sugars.
- Superfoods to strengthen your dog's immune defenses
In this category, we find the same food supplements as for us humans. To strengthen your dog's immune defenses, brewer's yeast seems to be an excellent dietary supplement with many other benefits. It is a natural probiotic. Spirulina is also often cited as a superfood for dogs.
- Superfoods for healthy skin and shiny hair
Once or twice a year, my dog does a salmon oil cure. For a few weeks, I add a few milliliters of oil to his kibble every day. The effect is almost immediate on the coat side. Their high omega 3 content is also ideal for dogs with osteoarthritis. Flaxseed oil or flax seeds can have the same effect on your dog's coat. Flaxseeds are very rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as fiber.
As you will have understood, taking care of your dog and his health goes through his diet and the quality/quantity of his croquettes, but also through food supplements which can be perfect allies for the well-being of your dog on a daily basis. Superfoods for dogs can also prevent, relieve or cure some canine pathologies. But be careful, I advise you to seek the advice of your veterinarian before adding anything to your dog's bowl! Don't gamble with his health.
I hope this article has helped you discover new information to take care of your dog. I wish you both beautiful moments of complicity and tenderness and all in great shape!