We know how important diet is for us, it affects every aspect of our bodies and our mental health. A balanced diet is just as important for dogs too! We love our dogs, they are a part of the family and I’m sure you want them to have the very best nutrition they can have. Some processed dog foods and dog treats share the same problems as processed human foods, though, sometimes including more filler ingredients than necessary nutrients. We are very mindful when it comes to what we eat and put into our bodies, it should be no different for man’s best friend! We are able to take multivitamins and supplements to ensure we are consuming the essential elements our body systems need for disease prevention and optimal health. The same type of things can help our dogs achieve longevity and vitality if we know what the best nutrients for our dogs are.
A couple of ways in which we can get some key nutrients into our dogs, along with their balanced diet, is with plant-based dog treats. Plant-based dog treats which use non-animal protein nutrition have proven to be healthier in many aspects of the holistic health of our pets. The list of benefits of plant-based dog treats go on and on; from better digestion, to better blood circulation, to a stronger immune system and improved back-end performance. So how do you know which natural dog treats to choose I hear you ask? Well, it’s very similar to the way we pick our vitamins and supplements! You want to look out for clear labelling, with transparent ingredients that state clearly what is in the natural dog treats you have selected.
"Jump & Run" Plant Based Dog Treats with Carrots, Coconut Oil and Turmeric 100g
The best news of all is that exercise, fresh air, and a nutrient-rich diet can dramatically boost your pups’ vitality, reduce premature ageing, lower inflammation, and boost their internal immune responses. Along with plant-based dog treats as a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, here are some of the fruits and vegetables your dog can enjoy and how they can help keep them active for as long as possible.
Vegetables
- Pumpkin— rich in fibre for healthy digestive functioning
- Spinach— source of antioxidants, beta carotene, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K, and is also a digestive stimulant.
- Sweet potatoes— rich in dietary fibre, potassium, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, as well as low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium
Your favourite four-legged friend can also have broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, green beans, peas, and more. Offering them a vegetable-based dog treat will cover all!
Fruits
- Apples— rich in fibre, flavonoids, phytonutrients, potassium, and vitamin C
- Blackberries— source of anthocyanins, antioxidants, folate acid, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin C
- Blueberries— source of dietary fibre, manganese, minerals, vitamin C, and vitamin K
- Cherries — rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants, fibre, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin C
- Cranberries— source of copper, fibre (insoluble and soluble), manganese, minerals, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K1
- Pears— rich in dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C
- Strawberries— source of antioxidants, fibre, folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C
Dogs can also have apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pineapple, raspberries, and watermelon. Again, select a natural dog treat that uses fruits in the ingredients.
It is never too late (or too soon!) to start your dog on the appropriate dosages of health-boosting supplements or to add safe, plant-based dog treats, natural dog treats and or vegetable-based dog treats to his or her diet! To learn more about how you can improve your dog’s nutritional health why not check out some great options…
