Chew Test The Healthiest Foods for Dogs Is Already in Your Kitchen
We all want our furry friends to go grow up healthy and strong. The best food for dogs is essential for that growth. Unfortunately, we tend to forget the food in our fridge or pantry when it comes to dog food. We’re forced to focus on the packaged products with cute dogs on the label with endless ads. Most human foods are good food for dogs that is already a part of many healthy homemade dog food regimens. Some can be fed to your pooch daily, while others less often. Let’s see what we can cook up for our pooch!
The Best Foods for Dogs You Can Find in Your Home
Carrots – Most dogs love carrots because of their crunchy texture and naturally sweet taste. They also contain goodies like carotenoids, fiber, vitamins C and K, and potassium. These nutritious veggies are also great for your dog’s eyesight and overall health. Just peel and cut them into bite-size chunks to prevent choking; the raw option is extra crunchy, while the cooked options are gentler on your dog’s teeth. Carrots are always an excellent topping for your homemade dog food.
Yogurt (non-sweetened) – This is loaded with healthy bacteria known as probiotics. They help keep harmful bacteria at bay and could improve intestinal functions. In addition, yogurt contains plenty of nutrients from its fermentation processes. Protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and potassium, to name a few. They’re also great at supporting immune functions. Finally, avoid any yogurt containing xylitol, as it is an artificial sweetener that is very poisonous to dogs. The best way to do this is to get a non-sweetened version; an organic option is the best when looking for good food for dogs.
Rice – These little semi-aquatic grass seeds are packed with carbohydrates and have been known to assist with alleviating upset stomach symptoms. The starch in rice can help make your dog feel full for a longer duration, thus curbing their appetite and aiding in weight management. Daily consumption is acceptable if it is not the dominant part of your dog’s diet, as rice doesn’t contain cholesterol or sodium. Provide your dog with plenty of water after every meal, including rice.
Apples – This classic healthy fruit is loaded with vitamins A and C. It also has high fiber and antioxidants to aid your dog’s overall health and digestive system. Make sure to remove the core and seeds before feeding apples to your dogs. Leave the skin on for extra fiber, or remove them for a lighter digestive toll.
Chicken (skinless) – A lead source of protein, Vitamin B, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Never give your dogs raw chicken; our furry friends will get sick from Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria. Also, make sure to debone your chicken, as chicken bones are brittle and can fracture when your dog chews on them, which will have a high chance of damaging its digestive tract. Finally, you should remove the skins as they contain almost all of the fat on the chicken, making it a prime choice when it comes to good food for dogs.
Green Peas – Gluten-free with lots of fiber, green peas are high in nutrients and are one of the best food for dogs. Any dog with a sensitive stomach will enjoy these green veggie treats. Green peas have many vitamins, such as A, B1, B6, C, and K. They are also high in carbohydrates, giving your dog energy for all its fun activities throughout the day. Cooked with steam or puree, your dogs will enjoy chowing down on these tasty legumes with ease. Green peas are genuinely one of the healthiest food for dogs.
Pumpkin – This Halloween favorite has edible skin, flesh, and fiber. The flesh helps with your dog’s urinary tract, while the fiber assists with digestive regulation. Not to mention that it also has an excellent-tasting sweetness. Boiled or steamed, you can give this to your dogs in cubes or big slices. Make sure to remove the seeds and the skin is cooked through. A puree is also an excellent option for older dogs with difficulty chewing, making it a fantastic addition to your homemade dog food recipe.
Organ Meats Are Also the Best Food for Dogs
Organ meat is crucial for your dog’s diet because it is nutrient-dense and often neglected as one of the healthiest food for dogs. These organs and glands include the liver, heart, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, and stomach (tripe). Livers are known to be blood builders and can be found in many dog supplements. In the wild, carnivorous animals prioritize organs when feeding as they are higher in value and fewer of them than muscle meat. Include these in your homemade dog food for the most nutrient-packed meal your dogs will thank you for:
Liver – Source of vitamins A and B, also a great source of iron, folate, zinc, and amino acid.
Kidney – Source of Vitamin A, and B12, also a great source of riboflavin and iron.
Heart – Source of CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant and immune system booster. Also a great source of vitamin B12 and amino acids and is an excellent source of collagen.
Adrenal Glands – These are excellent sources of Vitamin C.
Tripe (green, not bleached) – Source of digestive enzymes, probiotics, and also a good source of selenium and vitamin B12
