10 Superfoods You and Your Dog Should Be Eating

Are you trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but don’t know where to begin? Today, much of what we are led to believe is “healthy” could not be further from the truth. Clever marketing can often make it hard to see the truth behind the labels. One thing that is clear is that our bodies were not designed to thrive off of processed, man-made foods and it’s evident by the amount of diet related diseases we see today.

The good news is that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. It’s really quite simple, eat more of what gives you life. Nothing beats what fresh fruits and vegetables foods bring to the table nutritionally. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, and phytochemicals which help fight disease. 


It’s easy to say that eating more fruits and vegetables is a great way to improve your overall health, but did you know that it could benefit your dog just as much? We’ve often thought of dog food and “people food” as being mutually exclusive, but what if they’re really not? Giving your dog some fresh variety in their diet can actually have the same benefits as you would receive, such as: 

• Weight loss

• Reduced the risk of Cancer/Fights Cancer

• Reduced risk of Diabetes

• Reduced blood pressure

• Reduced risk of heart attack

• Aids in digestion

• Improves eyesight

• Reduces bone loss

• Improves memory

• Improves skin and hair

• Allergy relief

• Balanced body alkalinity

  
  
  

  
  Whether you’re looking to make a complete diet change or just make a few adjustments, here are a few foods you don’t want to miss — and your pets shouldn’t either.  Here are 10 foods to start with: 

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which helps promote healthy muscle growth and vision. They are also a great source of potassium, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin b6 and fiber.  They can aid in weight loss, lower blood pressure and improve skin and hair!

Carrots

Carrots, like sweet potatoes, are also rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which helps your skin. Because they’re low in fat and high in fiber they are also great for weight loss. Bonus: They also will naturally clean your dog’s teeth!

Broccoli
Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family which includes cauliflower, kale, cabbage, collard greens, brussel sprouts and a few others. Broccoli is considered a superfood because it is full of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, Calcium and even protein! Eating higher amounts of cruciferous vegetables has also been known to fight or reduce the risk of cancer.

Apples
Apples are loaded with antioxidants, flavonoids, fiber and vitamins. They help with digestion and are great for weight loss as they are not too high in calories. They can help protect against asthma, cancer, diabetes, bone loss and more. (Avoid feeding the core or seeds to dogs)


Kale
Did you know that per calorie, kale has more iron than beef does? This is one of the many reasons kale is at the top of many superfood lists. It’s also packed with antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium. Because it’s filled with fiber and sulphur it’s great for detoxifying!

Cauliflower
Cauliflower has been known to kill cancer cells, promote heart health and act as an anti-inflammatory. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals essential to a healthy diet such as vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and more.On top of all that, it’s also a source of protein!

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are usually only thought about in the fall, but did you know that pumpkins are loaded with goodness for you and your dog? Pumpkins are packed with alpha and beta carotenoids which improves vision and can reverse skin damage. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Fiber and Potassium. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of protein, high in omega 3, and magnesium!


Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. They promote heart health, lower cholesterol and they also help to kill cancer cells. Not to mention, they’re delicious!

Bananas
Bananas can be used to combat depression because they contain both tryptophan and vitamin B6 which work together to produce serotonin – the brain neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy. Eating bananas can also help with muscle cramps, blood stabilization, and white blood cell production.


Strawberries
Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, making them an excellent immune system booster. Vitamin C has also been known to help prevent and fight cancer. As an added bonus, they can even fight inflammation and improve digestion!

Adding fruits and vegetables to your diets should be easy. You can feed them to your dog as a treat or you can incorporate it into your current feeding routine.

Whether you feed them raw or cooked is a personal preference, but the less altered from it’s original state to more nutritional benefits you’ll receive from it. If it’s for your pets, do not use oils or seasonings and always make sure to feed in bite size portions to avoid choking. As with all diet changes, start out slow to figure out what works best for you or your pets. Be patient and have fun with it. You and your dog both will see the benefits if you provide the consistency.

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