A superfood is a natural, nutritionally dense food packed with an array of health benefits that both you and your dog can share.  Whether you feed your pup store bought dog food or home cooked meals, a balanced diet that includes superfoods is a healthy addition to any dog's diet.

Have you ever thought that our little fur friends don't live long enough?  I think about this all the time.  Considering the average lifespan of a human vs. the average lifespan of a Dog, a person can have 4 or 5 pets in their lifetime.  If you, as a dog lover, have had more than one pet and loved each one just as much as the other, you have probably wished they did have a longer life.  That's why it's important to keep our fur friends healthy to encourage as long of a life with them as possible.

There are many obvious things that we will do to maintain a healthy lifestyle for our pup such as, annual visits to the veterinarian, basic grooming, maintaining heartworm medication, exercise and a healthy diet.  As each one is as important as the other, there are additional things one can do to improve their dog's health.

Related Post: The Best Dog Food For A Long and Healthy Life

Here are 14 Amazing Superfoods For Your Dog.

1.  Apples

Apples, without the seeds, are full of fiber that help clean your dog's teeth and help freshen their breath.

2.  Carrots

Carrots are a low calorie Food that contain beta carotene, fiber, vitamins A, C and K.  This veggie can help improve eyesight because of the beta carotene, keep teeth clean and lower the risk of heart disease.

3.  Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants.  They are high in heart healthy vitamin A and contain vitamin C for a strong immune system.

4.  Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a low calorie food full of fiber, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids that not only helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract but supports a healthy immune system and skin.  Organic canned pureed pumpkin can be found at food stores but make sure it is the pure pumpkin and not pie filling. This is the pumpkin that I give my dachshund, Rocket.

5.  Bananas

Bananas contain amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins C and B6, manganese, and potassium.  Due to the sugar content however, bananas should be given as a treat in moderation.  In addition, they should be cut into smaller pieces as they can create a blockage if eaten in large pieces.

6.  Fish

Fish that contain fish oil such as salmon, herring and sardines contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.  It's the fatty acids that are beneficial to your dog's skin and coat and limits inflammation that can cause arthritic pain.  In addition, salmon has been known to benefit dogs with allergies.  Fish oil is available in capsule form as well.  If your dog suffers from itchy skin, arthritis or other chronic conditions, your dog may benefit from fish oil.  This is a highly rated pure salmon oil that you can easily mix into your dog's food.

7.  Eggs

Eggs are full of amino acids which are the body's building blocks.  They are nutrient-rich that benefit the eyes, brain and heart and are one of the best sources of highly digestible protein.  While there hasn't been any indication that raw eggs transmit major illnesses to dogs such as salmonella bacteria, serving them raw eggs may cause health problems.  It's better to serve them cooked eggs rather than take a chance with raw.

8.  Kelp

Kelp is great for skin allergies as it helps reduce itching and inflammation.  It contains protein and amino acids that help tissue repair and is a great source of calcium, vitamin A, folic acid and iodine which improves energy, the immune system and may stimulate weight loss.  Here is a brand of Kelp that I highly recommend.

9. Kale and Spinach

Kale and Spinach are leafy vegetables rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, K and iron.  They are both an anti-inflammatory, and kale contains antioxidants that helps the liver detoxify the body.  If your pet has kidney disease or bladder stones, kale should be avoided.

10. Blueberries

Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants known to boost cognitive functions and contain vitamins C and E, manganese, and fiber.

11.  Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics or active cultures that help keep friendly bacteria alive and well which can be good for your dog's digestive system.  In fact, it is said that Greek yogurt contains more of the beneficial probiotics which not only helps the gut but fights yeast infections that can help dogs with ear infections and skin conditions.  Yogurt is also high in calcium and protein.  Plain yogurt that is free of sweeteners and additives are what you should be feeding your dog.

12.  Turkey

Turkey, a lean white meat, is a highly digestible protein source for dogs that provides potassium and essential amino acids.  In addition, turkey may provide an alternative for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to chicken or beef.

13.  Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable high in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, calcium and is low in fat.  It aids in digestion and detoxification, boasts cancer-fighting powers, supports eye and heart health and helps repair skin damage.  One word of caution, broccoli contains isothiocyanate which can cause gastric irritation.  More than 25 percent may be toxic.

14.  Quinoa

Quinoa known as a grain is actually a seed from the spinach family.  It is a complete protein high in fiber.  It is rich in iron and antioxidants and provides all eight essential amino acids.  Quinoa is a true superfood.

Depending on your dog's preferences, adding Superfoods may take some experimentation.  The basic options would be to add some to their regular diet or give it to them as a treat. Another way to add superfoods to their diet is to use them in a homemade recipe for dog treats. This recipe for Mouthwatering Watermelon Dog Treats includes yogurt and most dogs can't resist it!

It's important, as with any new foods, to introduce these superfoods gradually and in small portions so their system acclimates to the new food.  Once introduced, it's best to feed these foods in moderation.  And, as always, if your dog has any health or dietary issues, it's important to check with your veterinarian before introducing these foods.

Whatever method you choose to feed your dog superfoods, you will be adding many health benefits.  Introduce them to your pooch and they will more than likely enjoy eating them for a long time.

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