A whole and balanced diet is a fantastic way to keep your dog healthy and happy on a daily basis. It may not be enough to pick the dog food on the shelf that claims to be the best for your pup. Adding extra nutrition to your dog’s food bowl is a great way to ensure they are getting everything they need.

You can add extra vitamins and nutrients to your dog’s diet by supplementing different foods from your kitchen, as well as through nutritional food toppers. Not all food is beneficial to your dog, so it’s good to know what is best to give them. Read below to learn about some of the most nutritious add-ins for your dog’s diet.

Meat

Raw or slightly cooked meat should make up a large part of any dog’s diet. It’s best to choose lean meats with 10% fat or less to avoid feeding your dog too much fat. Darker poultry meats are better than breasts, and the skin should always be removed before it’s given to your pet.

Fish is an excellent way to add Vitamin D naturally to their diet. Pink salmon, mackerel, and sardines that are canned with water are all good choices for dogs. Fish should be supplemented in small amounts, and bones should be taken out of any fish you cook yourself.

Organ meat is another great option to add some nutritional value to your dog’s food. Chicken and beef liver are both wonderful additions to their diet. It’s recommended that you only add in about an ounce of organ meat for every pound of other meats. Small amounts every day or so is the best way to go about giving it to them.

Fruits

Naturally occurring antioxidants and vitamins are present in many fruits that can help keep your dog healthy throughout their life. It may sound weird to feed your dog fruit, but it’s actually incredibly good for them. You want to be careful about what fruits you supplement their diet with. Things like grapes and raisins can be toxic for them.

Some fruits that make good candidates for your dog’s diet are: Apples, Bananas, Melons, and Berries. With these fruits in their food, your dog’s body will be well-equipped to fight off inflammatory diseases like arthritis. The antioxidants present in fruits are also wonderful for your dog’s brain function.

Vegetables

Along the same lines, vegetables are an important part of any dog’s diet. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores and they can benefit greatly from the inclusion of vegetables in their food. You can puree them or cook them and cut them down to size.

Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, and green beans are some great options to add to your dog’s diet. These vegetables contain important vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B. They also provide a source of fiber and manganese for your pooch. If your dog is not a fan of vegetables, consider supplementing with these vitamins.

If your dog is having trouble gaining weight, vegetables heavy in starch can help them put on a few pounds. Potatoes and squash contain a lot of carbs that will help your smaller dog gain that much needed weight. You must cook these vegetables before giving them to your dog so they can be easily digested.

You want to avoid feeding your dog vegetables in large quantities. A lot of leafy greens can lead to an uptick in gas and stomach issues. While whole raw vegetables such as broccoli stalks, carrots, and zucchini can make good substitutes for chewing treats, you should watch for potential choking hazards during consumption.

Water

One last tip to do the most for your dog’s diet. Invest in a water filter and use it to fill your dog’s water bowl. Tap water may contain harmful chemicals depending on where you live that you don’t want to offer up to your pup.

Water is an essential part of any dog’s diet. Using filtered water ensures that your dog is getting the best water possible without any added toxins that could deteriorate their health over time. If your dog’s whole diet is important to you, this is a small but crucial detail that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Krill Oil

As a supplement, krill oil is a fantastic source of antioxidants and omega-3s that support your dog’s health. Giving your dog krill oil is a great way to improve the health of their skin and coat, reducing hair loss and keeping them looking shiny and soft.

Because of the omega-3s present in krill oil, it’s fantastic for your dog’s joints. The antioxidants it contains aid in many things from digestive health to brain function. The addition of a krill oil supplement in your dog’s daily diet could show wonderful effects on their health after even a short period of time.

Will Corrente is a career entrepreneur and trusted authority and expert in the dog care industry. Will has over 15 years of experience as the owner and operator of Very Important Paws Dog Resort in West Palm Beach, FL. Copyright 2020 k9vitatherapy.com