Identifying The Best Super Foods for Dogs!

Introduction

The super foods for dogs will contain nutrient-packed vitamins and minerals and contain a minimum amount of calories that improves your dog’s overall health. You can even make treats using these super foods. By using these super foods you will help your dog to maintain good health.

However, before you start using the super foods we will share in a moment, you must run them by your vet first before using any of them. Your vet will inform you as to which super foods to avoid as they cause some health issues with your dog.

Also, you must introduce these super foods to your dog on a gradual basis and in proper portions.

Some of these super foods makes for great treat rewards when your pet does what you want.

Video – 22 Foods Dogs Should Avoid

This is a good video for dog owners to view because it explains the different types of foods your dog should avoid eating and the symptoms dogs will display when they have eaten one of them.

The Top Nine Super Foods

We will now share the top 9 super foods that will improve the health of your pet. You should also use some of them as treats.

• Kale
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Sweet Potatoes
• Fish
• Nori (Dried Seaweed)
• Chia Seeds
• Quinoa
• Blueberries

Kale

Kale is a supercharged leafy green and contains lots of vitamins that includes A, E and C. Kale is also a good source of antioxidants and helps the liver detoxify the dog’s body. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties. One concern: If your dog has bladder stones or kidney disease, ask your vet first before feeding your dog kale. Your vet may tell you that kale should be avoided.

Carrots

These crunchy and naturally sweet carrots are loved by most dogs. You should have no problem in using this as a healthy treat. The carrots are loaded with carotenoids, fiber, vitamins C and K (this aides in blood clotting to help wounds heal), and potassium. They contain magnesium, manganese, most of the B vitamins, and phosphorus. This is required for energy production.

Pumpkin

Don’t let this super food fool you. It is low in calories and high in soluble fiber, and pumpkin helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract. It is low in sodium and exceptionally high in carotenoids, potassium, and vitamin C; and contains some calcium and B vitamins. Look for canned organic pureed pumpkin at the grocery store. Be sure that it is pure and not a pie filling. When looking at the label be sure it contains no added sugar and spices, the only ingredient should be pumpkin.

Sweet Potatoes

Another nice super food that is easy to get at the local grocery store. This root veggie is rich in beta-carotene and boasts 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. This veggie is also super high in heart-healthy vitamin A and packed with vitamin C to help keep your pet’s immune system strong. This veggie also makes for a great treat. Be sure to peel off the skin first before giving this treat to your dog.

Fish

I don’t know of a dog that does not like fish and the ones to look for are the oily ones. Look for herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies that is bursting with Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s do wonders for your dog’s skin, coat and brain. It also can inhibit inflammatory processes that cause arthritic pain and other chronic canine conditions. If your dog should have any of these conditions, ask your vet if you can give your pet Omega-3 in a capsule form. Fish is also an excellent protein source, with many essential vitamins and minerals.

Nori (Dried Seaweed)

This super food may be difficult to find in your local grocery store as it is a Japanese staple. It is associated with sushi, nori is available in some supermarkets, especially those that stock Asian food items. It contains protein, galactans (a soluble fiber), vitamins C, E and all the B’s, and minerals including zinc and copper. It also contains some lesser-known sterols and chlorophyll, that helps regulate the metabolism. Nori may help in fat metabolism, immune function, and anti-tumor responses. When buying this product, look for low sodium nori to help keep your dog’s salt intake under control.

Chia Seeds

This grain has the same nutrition benefits as the well-known super-seed flax. With this grain you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits as with flax. This healthy grain can be sprinkled on your dog’s meals. The nutritional benefits of chia seeds are fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants, and protein. Another added benefit is they are very absorbent, which means they can help hydrate the body.

Quinoa

This is usually considered a grain, but quinoa is actually a seed related to spinach. It is a complete protein as it has all eight of the essential amino acids and is a good source of fiber, folate, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and many phytochemicals. It is one of the few vegetable sources of complete proteins, and quinoa is a potent antioxidant and helps to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Blueberries

Blueberries are loaded with phytochemicals, and are great treat for your dog year round. You can buy fresh or frozen. The anthocyanidins causes the deep blue color which contains potent antioxidants. Blueberries also supply vitamins C and E, manganese, and fiber. You can give these to your dog every day but in limited quantities. It is best to serve them as a treat and be sure to factor them into your dog’s daily calorie count. The recommended serving of blueberries is 8 to 10 a day. Serving your dog more than that can adversely affect canine bowel movements.

Toxic Foods That Dogs Should Avoid

As we shared the top super foods for dogs, the following is a list of foods are toxic for dogs and should be avoided at all costs.

1. Garlic: This is toxic for dogs because of a compound called thiosulfate as your dog cannot digest this and it builds up in their bloodstream causing their blood cells to rupture. Be careful in sharing foods dipped in a garlic sauce like steak and sharing a piece of meat with your dog. Signs of any illness are not immediate and can occur up to a few days later.
2. Chocolate: As enticing as this candy is to humans and the smell of it to dogs, it is poisonous and should not be given to dogs. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which is extremely toxic to dogs which they cannot digest. Eating chocolate can result in diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and internal bleeding seizures and death. Keep all types of chocolate away from your dog.
3. Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are good for humans, but dogs have different metabolisms so macadamia nuts contains a toxin that will irritate their stomachs causing nausea, diarrhea, severe weakness, and temporary paralysis. It also can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system that results in weakness, swollen limbs and panting.
4. Corn on the Cob: This food could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog. The corn is digested by your dog, the cob can cause blockage in your dog’s intestine.
5. Avocado: This is another poisonous food for dogs. The avocado plant contains a substance called persin which is safe for humans but toxic for dogs. It can cause fluid to accumulate in the dogs’ lungs and chest making it difficult to breathe. Be careful of the pits, if any should fall on the floor, your dog could chew on them and prove toxic.
6. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener): The humans desire for diet drinks, low-fat foods and diet, and sugar-free products are laced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol. This causes an insulin release in our bodies. However, if your dog should digest any one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. It can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, liver damage, vomiting, weakness, difficulty moving, and seizures. Contact your vet immediately if your dog has ingested one of these foods.
7. Alcohol: Alcohol has a high impact on dogs even if given to them in small doses. The drink leads to intoxication, but it can lead to sickness, diarrhea and even central nervous system damage. Avoid giving your dog any alcohol and be sure to communicate this to all family members. Even small amounts can be lethal. Main signaling signs are vomiting, poor breathing, and terrible muscle coordination.
8. Cooked Bones: Giving your dog a raw uncooked bone to chew on it is ok. However, you must avoid giving your pet any cooked bones at all cost. These can easily splinter and in large quantities can cause constipation and at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal. Dog owners you have been warned.
9. Grapes and Raisins: While grapes and raisins are a food humans like to eat, it contains an active ingredient that causes a toxin which is unknown. However, if eaten by a dog it can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure which is fatal. Other alarming signs are excessive thirst and little to no pee.
10. Yeast: It can cause alcohol poisoning as the yeast will ferment in their bowels twisting their intestines. It will get absorbed in the bloodstream and produce ethanol. The side effects are bloating, extreme pain, and discomfort.
11. Caffeine: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even some soft drinks are a not for dogs. Since they contain caffeine which can speed up your pet’s heart rate and lead to unusual heart rhythm. Some of the main signs are lung failure, seizures, unusual thirst, restlessness, poor bladder control, vomiting, diarrhea and death. This is fatal to dogs even if they only have a few sips.
12. Rhubarb: This is a perennial vegetable that can be roasted, saute stew, and pureed. It is sweet and is found in lots of foods. However, it contains oxalic acid which can cause kidney failure in dogs. Main warning signs are extreme drooling, diarrhea, vomiting tremors, blood in the urine, and extreme thirst.
13. Leeks & Onions: These foods affects your dog’s red blood cells causing server anemia. It can take several days before any symptoms show up.
14. Salt: Dog can die from too much salt. 2.2 teaspoons of salt per pound or 4 grams per kilogram of body weight can be fatal for dogs. The main symptoms are depression, tremors followed by diarrhea, vomiting, fever and seizures.
15. Citrus Oil: Even though this is good for humans, it is bad news for dogs. This oil can lead to liver failure. Be careful with essential oils too as dogs can lick it off and cause him some health issues.
16. Dairy: Dogs are lactose intolerant. Therefore keep milk, cheese, ice cream, or any other dairy product are off limits for dogs. If accidentally taken, they might not be fatal, but might lead to diarrhea, stomach pain, pancreatitis, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. In some cases, you dog could be hospitalized.
17. Cat Food: Cat food and dog good are quite different. Each has different dietary needs. Dogs are omnivores and can eat a more varied diet of meats, vegetables and fruits. Some main symptoms are gastrointestinal upset, sickness, and diarrhea.
18. Bacon: Feeding your dog bacon can prove to be very harmful to him. Bacon is high in fat and salt and the main health risk associated with bacon is pancreatitis. It is a disorder caused by the inflammation of the pancreas. It is very painful and requires serious treatment by the vet. Symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.
19. Tobacco: Dogs usually don’t like tobacco. However, nicotine poisoning is not uncommon in dogs. If you are a smoker and keep your cigarettes everywhere, your dog might become curious and chew on some of them. Signs of nicotine poisoning are restlessness, stomach upset, abnormal heart rate, convulsions, diarrhea, dilated pupils, drooling, incoordination, paralysis and tremors. He must have treatment within the next 3 to 4 hours for a good chance of recovery. Otherwise, it will be lethal.
20. Nutmeg: This spice contains myristacin a naturally occurring compound that can cause hallucinations and seizures in dogs. Baked goods do not pose a threat. Be sure your dog does not chew directly on the spice container or packets which would prove toxic for him.
21. Peaches: The pits of the peaches contains amygdalin a cyanogenic glucoside if your dog should chew on them. The Magdalene releases cyanide into the bloodstream. Little dogs could choke on the pits. Be sure to toss them into the trash. Giving your dog the peach flesh is ok.
22. Mustard: Mustard is not lethal in small quantities, but it can cause serious stomach unrest in dogs. Vets often use mustard to induce vomiting in dogs. Mustard is quite toxic for your pet if consumed in large amounts. The same goes for mustard seeds.
23. Fat Trimmings: Do not give your dog any of the fat that you have trimmed off meat. They might like it, but it is not good for them raw. Fat can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. In some dogs it can lead to blood infections. If at all possible, don’t feed your dog off your plate. Give him healthy dog food.
24. Mushrooms: You should avoid feeding your dog mushrooms. There are a small fraction that are known to be poisonous to dogs, and those can be deadly. However, the trick is to know which variety are safe. If you are wrong, it will be deadly. So, avoid feeding your dog any mushrooms.
25. Moldy Food: Most dog parents toss out moldy food. However, dogs have curious noses and may locate something you tossed into the garbage. Mold produces a toxin aflatoxin, which can cause liver failure. If your dog should eat mold, here are some signs he may show; tremors, seizures, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, lack of coordination, and death. Be sure your garbage can is fully and securely covered so your dog will not have access into it.

Conclusion

As a good dog owner, you will want to feed your dog healthy dog food and reward him with a treat when he does something good. This is just natural.

We had to alert you about some foods that are good for dogs, and these are known as super foods. Feeding your dog some of these foods are extremely good for his health. We also shared information about foods that can be fatal to their health and should be avoided.

Before starting to feed your dog any of these super foods, be sure check with your veterinarian first so he can let you know if any of them should not be used because of an underlying health issue.

We highly recommend that you do not feed your dog table scraps as they might not be healthy for them and not meet their daily nutritional caloric needs. Table scraps may contain some spices, salt, and liquids or a combination of them, that dogs may have difficulty in digesting and in some cases cause serious health issues.

Stick with feeding your dog only the most healthy dog food. Foods that contain no added fillers. Look for dog food with meat listed as the first ingredient on the label.

If you should suspect that your dog has eaten something poisonous, always contact your veterinarian, as early detection can mean the difference between life and death.

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