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Whether you are supplementing your dogs diet with whole foods or a high-quality freeze-dried food, replacing 25% of their food or completely transitioning – here are 8 Fridge Friendly Foods that you can add to their diet today!
Fruits
Apples & Blueberries
Apples are rich in Vitamin C as well as a host of other unique antioxidant and botanical compounds such as flavonoids. Apples provide soluble and insoluble fiber, some vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium and boron. They help reduce internal heat, moisten dryness (especially good for the lungs) and are very healing to the liver and gallbladder.
Feeding Tip: Chop up & serve! Just make sure to remove any seeds before feeding
Blueberries are a source of powerful antioxidants that help support health and vitality. They help reduce the risk of illness, destroy free radicals (which are responsible for cell damage that can lead to diseases like cancer & heart disease). Additionally, blueberries are especially beneficial for older dogs as they increase and improve cognitive function.
Feeding Tip: Try feeding them frozen, adding to their meal or feed as a treat! Be mindful that when giving your pup blueberries, it can turn their poop very, VERY dark…so use sparingly!
Leafy Greens
Kale & Spinach
Kale is one of the most nutrient dense dog-friendly vegetables. It is loaded with tons of vitamins and minerals that support your dog’s health and wellbeing. Kale contains high levels of vitamin A (supports eye and skin health), vitamin C (improves immune system function), and vitamin K (helps blood clotting and healing). It also contains loads of calcium to support bone health and potassium for heart health!
Spinach is another leafy green powerhouse. It contains a ton of vitamin A for clear eyes and healthy skin & vitamin C to bolster the immune system. Spinach also contains a sufficient amount of iron that improves energy!
Feeding tip: it is easier for dogs to digest leafy greens if they are lightly steamed, but if you don’t have time feeding them raw is fine!
Super Foods
Broccoli & Chia Seed
Broccoli is high in vitamin C, calcium, and soluble fiber, and also contains multiple nutrients, making broccoli a “super food” perfect for supporting health and wellness. Broccoli has high levels of vitamin K (for blood support), vitamin C (for immunity), vitamin E (for a healthy skin and coat), and vitamin B6 (supports brain and nervous system function). Broccoli also has chromium which helps dogs regulate their blood sugar and manage their weight!
Feeding tip: lightly steam broccoli before giving to your dog.
Chia this little powerhouse has 3 times the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids as salmon! Omega-3 is important to balance out Omega-6 fatty acids and promotes healthy: Cells, Immune system, skin and coat, joints, brain development and maintenance, eye development and maintenance, and growth. Additionally, chia can absorb 10 times its own weight in water and generates a gel which can be consumed. The gel slows the conversion of carbohydrates into sugars and by doing this, chia supports normal insulin function and sensitivity, blood sugar regulation and glucose tolerance. (BONUS – slowing down digestion allows for the full absorption of nutrients which means dogs feel satiated longer). Chia also contains more calcium than whole milk, more iron than raw spinach and more magnesium than broccoli. Yeah, this little, tiny non-allergenic seed has got it all going on.
Feeding tip: We recommend feeding 1/8tsp for every 10lbs. Just sprinkle on top of their food!
Breath Fresheners (No more puppy breath!!)
Celery & Parsley
Celery is very low in fat and cholesterol and is an excellent source of fiber; vitamins A, C, and K; folate; potassium; and manganese. This crunchy veggie also might freshen up your dog’s breath! #score
Parsley is an herb that serves as a dietary source of antioxidants, chlorophyll, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. It’s nutritive and rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins (A, C, B1, B2, and K). In addition, it also contains trace minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. I think most people know that parsley can freshen a dog’s breath and can treat canine halitosis (bad breath).
Feeding tip: Perfectly fine to feed either raw!
We recommend replacing 25% of your dog’s diet with a combination of a few of these foods – no dog wants to eat a bowl of parsley (well, ok some MIGHT…). Add a few fruits, some superfoods & maybe a sprinkle of chia seed! Bone Appetit!
If you haven’t already, head over to www.thewholefoodtruth.com to take the 30 Day Whole Food Pledge now! You’ll get tips, tricks, info from our sponsors, industry articles & all the tools you need to help your dog have their happiest, healthiest, most tail waggin’ year ever.
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Kelsey Adams is the Marketing Director & a blog contributor for Side by Side. She is a crazy overprotective first time dogmom & passionate about anything health and wellness related. In her free time, you can find her running or training for her next race.... or binging Netflix #balance. She also enjoys playing with her pup Charlie & traveling with her L.L.P (Legendary Life Partner) Connor. |
