If you or anyone you know has a dog, then this is a must-read list of the best food to feed your canine. There are so many commercial dog food products out there and as you may have guessed, a lot of them are really not that healthy for your beloved pooch. They use questionable “meat parts” and usually contain cheap filler. Definitely not healthy. So what is healthy for your dog? Well here is a list of the healthiest foods you can give your dog that will ensure them a long lasting and happy life!

Tuna and Salmon

High in omega 3 fatty acids, fish is not just great for us humans, but is excellent for our dogs as well. Keeps their coat shiny and healthy, while providing the insides with a lot of vitamins and protein! It supports their immune system as well. Cooked salmon is a favorite for dogs and even salmon oil added to their food is a plus.

Lean Meat

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You get good protein, amino acids, B vitamins and as a result – more energy! Very beneficial.

Lean beef, pork and thick chicken are great choices.

Liver

Can be used for training or as a meal replacement. Great source of B Vitamins, Vitamin A and Vitamin K, and iron.

You can cook or bake it, and some pet stores have it in freeze-dry form.

Important: No more than 1g of fresh liver/Kg body weight a day should be given to your dog as too much can actually be toxic.

Oatmeal

Yes, oatmeal is good as it’s rich in fiber and perfect for older dogs who have irregular bowel movements. Cook it, cool it, and serve. Oatmeal is a good wheat substitute as well, if your dog is allergic to wheat.

Sweet Potatoes

Slice them up, then dehydrate them before feeding to your dog. Excellent source of the following:  Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and manganese.

Eggs

A great addition to a dog’s diet as they provide a strong protein boost.

Parsley

Dogs get a good boost of the following from parsley: beta-carotene, potassium and calcium. It actually can improve bad doggy breath as well!

Just add a few tablespoons of chopped parsley to provide extra flavor.

Pears

Get rid of the cores and the seeds, and then they can have pears.

Cheese & Cottage Cheese

Go for low or reduced fat as regular cheese is indeed high in fat. Cheese provides both protein and calcium. You should see if your dog is lactose intolerant before giving them cheese though.

Greek Yogurt & Kefir

High in calcium and protein, yogurts also have active bacteria which are good for the dogs digestive system. Don’t get yogurts which have added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Popcorn

Contains potassium and bone-building minerals, such as the following: Calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

Make popcorn without butter or salt so it’s healthy for your dog, and for you too!

Flax Seed (Oil or Milled)

Great source for omega-3 fatty acids. Again, this is great for the coat, and skin, of the dog.

Flax oil is considered a better source of omega-3 acids. Store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an airtight dark container to maintain the healthy benefits that this can provide for your pooch.

Peas

Great source of the following: Potassium, phosphorous and Vitamin B. Frozen or thawed, peas are a great addition to your doggy diet.

Broccoli

While a great vitamin-rich food, make sure it’s only 10% or less of your dog’s diet as gastrointestinal irritation could occur if they eat too much of it.

Baby Carrots

A simple and quick go-to snack for dogs. Baby carrots have high levels of the following: fiber and beta-carotene. They also help out your doggies teeth!

Green Beans

The “no added salt” green beans provide a healthy snack for dogs.

Seaweed Nori

This is a dried edible seaweed.  It is rich in the following: protein, fiber, Vitamin C, E, all forms of B Vitamins, and minerals like copper and zinc. Your dog’s metabolism becomes regulated with the sterols and chlorophyll it contains.

Apple Slices

Great source of Vitamin A and C, and fiber too! They actually help to clean the dog’s teeth too. Take out any seeds and get rid of the core, as there’s a choking risk otherwise.

Fruit Salad

Cantaloupe, apples, bananas, watermelon, strawberries and blueberries can all be used to make the ultimate healthy and dog friendly fruit salad.

Coconut and Coconut oil

Not just humans benefit from this, but dogs too!

Lauric acid in the coconut produces monoglyceride monolaurin in dogs which in turn will destroy pathogenic bacteria, as well as different forms of viruses! Coconut also contains albumin, which is a water-soluble protein.

Choosing the right food for your dog is absolutely critical in ensuring a long and healthy life for your pooch! Your dog will not only last longer, but will feel better, have more energy, and be sick much less. While spending a little more money on the food your dog eats may not be too tempting to do, it will for sure pay off in the long run as you will avoid those huge vet bills as your dog will be much more healthy and happy!

Share this with all of your dog loving friends and family!

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