6 Healthy Plant-Based Additions to Enhance Your Pup’s Diet!

As busy dog parents, you probably buy your dog’s commercial food from a store out of convenience, which is completely okay. However, did you know that you can help reverse your dog’s nutritional deficiencies and boost their overall health? Even if you can’t make homemade dog food every day, adding healthy plant-based foods can enhance the quality of store-bought meals, making them more nutritious and exciting for your furry friend. Adding nutritious plant-based ingredients not only makes mealtime more enjoyable for your dog but can also Support their long-term health and vitality. Remember to introduce new foods gradually and always research to ensure they are safe for dogs. Here are some excellent choices to consider:”

Adding one, two, or more of the following foods (or other dog-approved foods) to your dog’s commercial dog food, wet or dry. Simply subtract 1/4 to 1/2 of the amount of dog food from the bowl and replace it with jazz-up foods, then mix together. If your dog is not used to any of these foods, it is recommended that you start them with a smaller amount, as they can be choking hazards, so make sure to chop up all fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces.

1. Carrots — Raw or lightly steamed carrots add a juicy crunch to any dog food. They are high in vitamin C for good eyesight and are excellent for maintaining healthy oral hygiene as they clean teeth and gums and freshen breath.

2. Sweet Potatoes — Does your doggie need a little weight control? Sweet potatoes help with weight management by stabilizing appetite and they are full of vitamin B6 for heart health. For proper digestion, all potatoes must be cooked fully.

3. Bananas — High in potassium, fiber, and magnesium, bananas aid in muscle function and maintaining a healthy bowel.

4. Olive Oil & Coconut Oil — Add a small spoonful of one of these flavorful oils to dog food for shiny fur and soft skin. Olive oil also helps with the digestibility of commercial dog food and coconut oil helps to prevent disease and is good for bone health.

5. Flaxseeds — Ground flaxseeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for a dog’s skin and coat. Flaxseeds also provide extra fiber when added to a dog’s diet.

6. Nutritional Yeast — Love nutritional yeast? Well, get your dog in on the fun, too! Jazz up your dog’s food by sprinkling nutritional yeast over it, and watch them eat it all away! Be sure to check that the nutritional yeast you’re buying is fortified with vitamin B12, as many brands do not contain this vitamin.

While a dog may like one of the foods above, they may not care too much for another, so have fun, and play around with small amounts of food at a time. Desired result? To feed your dog more fruits, vegetables, and other fresh foods to keep them healthy both inside and out!