What food is good for dogs?

There are many foods that provide specific benefits for your dog’s health. We need to be thinking about food as the most important medicine to take every day.

One of the best things we can do for our furry friends is to ensure that they have a well-balanced diet and eat high-quality foods every day.

Dogs don’t have as many taste receptors as humans, which means they don’t have such a strong desire to enjoy different flavors as we do. In other words, most dogs will be perfectly happy eating more or less the same dog food every day. 

However, supplementing your dog’s diet with additional healthy foods can also be very beneficial - and fun for your dog too!

Before introducing any of the foods in our list of healthy dog treats, always make sure you consult a veterinarian first to ensure it’s appropriate for your dog’s individual needs.

Creating a balanced and healthy diet for dogs 

If you’re looking to give your dog the very best diet to promote healing and optimal health, check out our suggestions below.

Remember to introduce any new foods with your vet’s approval and slowly, to give your dog time to adjust to new flavors. This will help their digestive system to cope better with unusual foods too. 

1. Bone Broth

As with humans, bone broth can be very beneficial for gut health. It is made from animal bones and connective tissues, so it’s likely that your dog will really enjoy the taste.

It can be purchased or made at home, and enjoyed by both you and your pet (make sure you buy or make human-grade broth if you are planning on sharing with your dog!).

Bone broth is high in gelatin, which helps to strengthen and protect the joints. It also contains a wide range of essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Bone broth is said to help with poor digestion, weight problems, allergies, low immunity, and more.

2. Organ Meats

Organ meats are usually the internal organs of larger farm animals like cows and pigs. 

Some organs offer greater health benefits than others, so be wary of simply purchasing dog foods that claim to contain organ meats. They may contain lower quality meats that, whilst safe for consumption, will not be as rich in nutrients as others.

When it comes to which organs to feed your dog, the best meats are usually considered to be livers, hearts, and kidneys.

Stomach, pancreas, and lung meats also contain beneficial nutrients, though in lower quantities.

If you’d like to source and prepare organ meats for your dog yourself, simply visit your local butcher’s. They will be able to offer advice on which meats to purchase. 

Boiling the meat in water should be sufficient preparation before offering it to your dog (of course, you’ll need to wait until it has cooled down first).

3. Eggs

Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, and a range of vitamins. In general, they are completely safe for dogs to eat. 

However, a small number of dogs may be unable to eat eggs due to existing health conditions, so always consult a veterinarian first.

Eggs are not suitable as a meal replacement but can be used as an occasional snack or treat.

It’s recommended that you cook eggs before serving them to your dog. Your furry friend will be susceptible to many of the same diseases that humans can get when consuming raw eggs.

Always be aware of egg allergies and introduce it in very small amounts if you decide you would like to give your dog eggs as part of their diet.

4. Fruits and Vegetables

Dogs do not need fruits and vegetables in their diet, but supplementing their dog food with some fresh veggies can be a good way to give them some additional vitamins and minerals.

Apples can be a good source of vitamins A and C, and they are also rich in fiber. Just make sure you remove the core and any seeds before giving your dog pieces of apple to enjoy.

Carrots can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Younger dogs with strong jaws might enjoy the challenge of chewing on a raw carrot, but elderly dogs may prefer to eat steamed or boiled carrots. 

Sweet potatoes and white potatoes are a low-budget, healthy option for an unusual snack too. However, make sure you cook them first (either boiled or steamed). Potatoes are not safe for consumption unless cooked.

Many fruits are safe for dogs, but as they contain a lot of sugar your dog should only be given a very small amount to enjoy occasionally. 

Your dog’s diet should still be made up almost entirely of dog food. Whilst they are omnivores, they will thrive on a meat-based diet.

Some fruits and vegetables are NOT safe for dogs to eat. Check out this comprehensive list and always do your research before introducing a new fruit or vegetable.

We hope you’ve found this list of healthy snacks for dogs helpful. Remember to always check with your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet. 

Your dog may also benefit from a natural joint care or herbal anxiety relief supplement. You can find our popular dog health and wellbeing products here.