We have all heard the benefits of eating so-called ‘superfoods’, but did you know that some of these foods can also give a super-boost to our pet’s wellbeing? Foods such as oily fish, eggs and even broccoli are all safe for dogs and cats to eat in moderation, with benefits ranging from healthier, glossier coats to improved digestion and increased energy and vitality.
We all know cats love fish, but did you know that it is also a superfood for dogs? Apart from being an excellent source of lean protein, it’s also brimming with that good stuff – omega-3 fatty acids that we hear so much about. What’s so good about them? Omega-3s help improve skin complaints, allergies, sore joints and can even help with behaviour and general intelligence. Not bad hey?
Oily fish such as sardines and salmon are thought be the best option for both dogs and cats because they are packed with superfood goodness, but with lower levels of mercury. You can try raw or cooked fish from known sources (be careful of bones) added to your pet’s diet a couple of times a week or as a treat.
This superfood for humans is also considered to provide a great health boost to dogs (small doses are also thought to be beneficial to cats – just take care not to overfeed due it’s higher sugar content). This tuberous root vegetable is full of potent antioxidants, which tackle free radicals in the body to aid with healing and disease prevention. They are also a great source of vitamins and dietary fibre which improves digestion. Cook some up and add it to your dog’s dinner every now and then – they’ll probably love the taste!
Unless you’ve been hit on the head by a falling one, you’ll know that coconuts are a pretty big deal right now. Coconut oil in particular has exploded as a super product to use for just about everything – from a nutritional booster to treating skin complaints, and pets have not escaped this trend either.
According to Wellness Mamma “Coconut oil is over 90% saturated fat and has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It can help aid pets’ digestion, improve their coats, help prevent infection and more.”
Add a small amount of raw coconut oil to your pet’s food, use it to cook up freshly prepared pet meals or even apply it dry or itchy spots on your dog’s skin.
How times have changed for the humble egg – once considered too high cholesterol to enjoy everyday, eggs are now a superfood, brimming with protein, vitamins and minerals. Pets can also benefit from the odd bit of egg in their diet. For cats it’s recommended to stick to yolks only, but pooches are well equipped to handle the bacteria in raw food, so salmonella shouldn’t be an issue – however if you are worried you can cook them. Either way, eggs are a great way to give your pooch an injection of superfood goodness promote a lovely glossy coat. And always remember to buy ethical, free range eggs where possible.
If you haven’t already upped your own Broccoli intake – what are you waiting for? This green super vegetable is packed with disease fighting antioxidants and can have great health benefits dogs too. While protein should form the basis of your dog’s diet, as omnivores (like humans) plant matter is also considered to be evolutionary appropriate for dogs so you can offer it raw or cooked as part of your dog’s weekly meals. As carnivores, cats have little or no need for vegetables, however a little bit of steamed broccoli mixed in with their food now and then won’t not do any harm – if they like the taste of course!
Remember that while these superfoods can provide a complimentary boost to your pet’s diet, they should never replace their regular intake of quality food, and should always be introduced very gradually to avoid any stomach upsets. If you have any doubts about whether your pet should try any of these foods, please always check with your vet or holistic pet health advisor.
Have you tried adding of these superfoods to your pet’s diet or do you know of others you would recommend? Tell us in the comments below!