We all know what it’s like to have those big, brown eyes looking up at us from under the kitchen table. It’s easy to want to give our furry friends a piece of what we’re eating, but “people food” often gets a bad name in the veterinary world. Your kitchen, on the other hand, is full of foods that are very good for you. There are “superfoods” that are whole, nutrient-dense foods that can boost your dog’s immune system, make their coat shinier, and give them more energy. These are different from the processed kibble and store-bought biscuits.
Giving your dog superfoods isn’t a way to replace their balanced diet, it’s a way to make it better. You are giving them antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in the form that is easiest for their bodies to use by adding these 15 kitchen staples to their routine.

1. Blueberries: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

Blueberries might be the best superfood for both people and dogs. They are full of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and oxidative stress. Blueberries are especially good for older dogs because they help their brains work better.
• How to serve: As a low-calorie training treat, fresh or frozen.

2. Pumpkin: The Savior of the Digestive System

Pureed pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling, is great for a dog’s digestive system. It has a lot of soluble fiber, which helps keep your dog’s bowel movements regular, whether they are constipated or have diarrhea. It also has a lot of potassium and vitamin A.
• How to serve: Put a tablespoon in their regular meal.

3. Coconut oil: The expert for skin and coat

Coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easy to digest and give you energy quickly. It is well-known for getting rid of skin problems like eczema and making the coat look shiny and healthy.
• How to use: Add a small teaspoon to their food or rub it on their dry paw pads.

4. Carrots: Nature’s way to clean teeth

Dogs can clean their teeth by chewing on raw carrots, which is a great way to do it. Carrots are a good source of fiber and beta-carotene, which turns into Vitamin A and helps keep your eyes healthy. Also, they have very little fat, which makes them great for dogs who are trying to lose weight.
• How to serve: Raw, cold carrot sticks are great for puppies who are teething.

5. Steamed Broccoli:

The Fiber King Broccoli is full of vitamins, such as C and K. It also has a lot of fiber, which keeps your dog from getting hungry. But moderation is important because broccoli has isothiocyanates, which can irritate the stomach in very large amounts.
• How to serve: Cut into bite-sized pieces and lightly steamed to make it easier to digest.

6. Sweet Potatoes: The Complicated Carb

Sweet potatoes are the answer if your dog needs more energy but doesn’t want to crash from sugar. They have a lot of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They are better for you than white potatoes because they have a lower glycemic index.
• How to serve: Make “chewy jerky” by drying thin slices, or mash them into a puree.

7. Eggs: The Whole Protein

Eggs are one of the best sources of amino acids. They are easy to digest and have lutein in them, which is good for your eyes. Even the shells, when dried and ground up, are a great way to get more calcium.
• How to serve: scrambled or hard-boiled, with no butter or salt.

8. Spinach: The Iron Source

Spinach has a lot of iron, calcium, and vitamin K in it. It helps protect against heart disease and inflammation. It has oxalates in it, so you shouldn’t give it to dogs with a history of kidney stones too often.
• How to serve: Chop them up very small and let them wilt in their food bowl.

9. Salmon: The Source of Omega-3

You should never give a dog raw salmon because it could have parasites, but cooked salmon is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are important for the brains of puppies and for lowering joint pain in older dogs.
• How to serve: Flaked, cooked salmon with the skin on, or a drizzle of salmon oil.

10. Greek Yogurt: The Probiotic Punch

If your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, plain Greek yogurt is a great treat. It has a lot of calcium and protein, but the live active cultures in it are what make it really good for you. They act as probiotics and make the gut microbiome stronger.
• How to serve: Put a scoop on top of kibble or freeze it in an ice cube tray for a summer snack.

11. Apples: The Crunchy Vitamin C

Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. There are phytonutrients in the skin that are good for your health in general. Just make sure to take out the core and seeds, since the seeds have small amounts of cyanide in them.
• How to serve: Cut into thin slices and serve as a cool, crunchy snack.

12. Green Beans: A Tool for Losing Weight

Green beans are a good choice for dogs that need to lose a few pounds because they are filling but low in calories. They have iron and vitamins in them and make a satisfying “crunch.”
• How to serve: fresh, steamed, or canned (make sure they are the “no salt added” kind).

13. Turmeric: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. A lot of people use it to help dogs with arthritis or joint pain. It should be mixed with a healthy fat, like coconut oil, for the best absorption.
• How to serve: Make a “Golden Paste” and add a little bit to their food.

14. Bananas: The Power of Potassium

Bananas have a lot of potassium, vitamins, biotin, and copper. They have a lot of sugar, so they shouldn’t be a regular part of your dog’s diet. Instead, they should be a special treat. But they are great for active dogs who need a quick energy boost.
• How to serve: Mash it up and put it in a chew toy, or freeze it to make it creamy.

15. Chia Seeds: The Little Powerhouse

Don’t be fooled by how big they are. Chia seeds are full of calcium, fiber, and Omega-3s. They can hold ten times their weight in water, which can also help keep your dog hydrated. You don’t have to grind them up to digest them like you do with flaxseeds.
• How to serve: Put a few soaked chia seeds on top of their wet food.