The Benefits of Incorporating Superfoods into Your Homemade Dog’s Treats

As a dog owner, you want to provide your furry friend with the very best care and nutrition possible. One great way to boost your dog's health is by incorporating superfoods into homemade treats and meals. Superfoods are foods that are extra nutritious and provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. By adding small amounts of superfoods to your dog's diet, you can help prevent disease, strengthen their immune system, improve skin and coat health, and increase their energy levels. 

Foods like blueberries, salmon, sweet potato, peanut butter, pumpkin, turmeric, flaxseed, and kale deliver essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, and protein. These nutrients boost immunity, joint health, digestion, skin and coat, eyesight, brain function, and more.

 

Whipping up nutritious homemade treats with superfood ingredients is a great way to monitor exactly what goes into your dog’s diet. Your pup will love the delicious flavors and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re providing the very best nutrition possible. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before making significant diet changes. With just a little preparation, you can easily incorporate these top superfoods into your dog’s daily routine for improved health and happiness.

 

              

 

Making your own homemade dog treats gives you control over the ingredients so you can avoid unhealthy preservatives and fillers like the store bought treats. It also allows you to customize treats to your dog's particular nutritional needs. Whipping up a batch of superfood dog treats is easy, budget-friendly, and your pup will love the taste. Read on to learn about the top 10 superfoods to incorporate into homemade treats and the benefits they provide.

 

Blueberries

 

These tiny fruits pack a big nutritional punch. Blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins that protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. They are also rich in vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. For dogs, blueberries can help strengthen the immune system, improve cognition, and reduce age-related issues like loss of vision or hearing. Add a few fresh or frozen blueberries to your dog’s treats to provide a burst of nutrition and flavor.

 

Salmon

 

Salmon is a superfood powerhouse, loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. Omega-3s support skin and coat health, joint mobility, brain function, eye development, and a healthy immune response. Be sure to look for canned wild salmon and add a tablespoon or two when making salmon and sweet potato treats. The fishy flavor and scent will drive your dog wild.

 

Sweet Potato

 

This vibrant orange potato contains an impressive amount of nutrients including vitamins A, B6, and C, manganese, copper, fiber, and antioxidants. The high fiber content helps regulate digestion while the beta-carotene converts to vitamin A to promote eye and skin health. Sweet potato is also gentle on sensitive stomachs. Steam or bake sweet potato and add it to treats to boost nutrition and provide a tasty, starchy element.

 

Peanut Butter

 

Skip the commercial peanut butter and opt for the natural stuff when making doggie treats. Look for brands with just peanuts and salt in the ingredient list. Peanut butter adds flavor that your friend will love and protein. It also provides resveratrol, an antioxidant that is good for the heart. Check with your vet first if your dog has allergies or is prone to pancreatitis. Use peanut butter in moderation.

 

Pumpkin

 

Whether fresh or canned, pumpkin provides a wide array of nutrients including vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. The high fiber content helps dogs feel satisfied and aids digestive regularity. Pumpkin also contains an enzyme called papain which aids in digestion. Add a spoonful of pureed pumpkin to treats to take advantage of these healthy benefits. The subtle sweet flavor blends nicely with peanut butter or bananas.

 

Turmeric

 

This vivid golden spice is renowned for its incredible healing properties. The active compound, curcumin, contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Turmeric helps reduce joint pain, ease arthritis, boost immunity, and maintain cognitive function. Look for ground turmeric root and incorporate it into baked or dehydrated treats. The earthy, mildly spicy flavor complements chicken or veggie recipes.

 

Flaxseed

 

Tiny flaxseeds deliver outstanding nutrition in a petite package. They are loaded with fiber, manganese, and omega-3 fatty acids that help control inflammation, blood sugar levels, skin irritation, and mobility issues. Always grind flaxseed before adding it to dog treats or food to ensure proper nutrient absorption. Flaxseed has a mild, nutty taste that pairs well with whole grains or apples.

 

Kale

 

Kale deserves its superfood status, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, and valuable minerals like calcium and potassium. These nutrients strengthen immunity, bone health, vision, and brain function. They also help reduce the risk of cancer. Add fresh chopped kale or a spoonful of powdered kale to boost the nutrition in any doggie treat recipe.

 

Carrots

 

Crunchy, sweet carrots make a healthy treat thanks to their high levels of vitamin A, biotin, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients support eye health, nerve function, digestive regularity, and glucose regulation. Carrots also help clean your dog’s teeth when crunched. Grate or finely chop fresh carrots and add them to homemade treat dough or muffins. 

 

Eggs

 

Eggs provide the perfect combination of protein and fat to create delicious and nutritious treats for dogs. They contain essential fatty acids for skin and coat health plus important minerals like iron, selenium, and zinc. Try adding beaten egg to homemade biscuit or cookie dough. Bake bite-sized egg treats for training rewards. Even the shells can be dried, crushed and added to treats for extra calcium.

 

Now that you know the top 10 superfoods for dogs, it’s easy to start incorporating them into homemade treats. Try out some of the following delicious and nutritious treat recipes and your furry friend likes these you can find more of our superfood recipes here:

 

Sweet Potato and Blueberry Biscuits

 

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1⁄2 cup blueberries
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, blueberries, egg, coconut oil, flour, and cinnamon.
3. Knead the dough until it forms a stiff, non-sticky ball. If too wet, add additional flour one tablespoon at a time.
4. Roll dough out to 1⁄2 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using a biscuit cutter or knife.
5. Arrange biscuits on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned. Cool before serving.

 

The sweet potato gives these biscuits an energy boost with fiber, vitamin A, and manganese. Blueberries provide immune-boosting antioxidants along with vitamin C and fiber. Whole wheat flour adds B vitamins, minerals, and extra protein.

 

Chicken, Carrot, and Kale Treats

 

Ingredients: 

• 1⁄2 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1⁄2 cup chopped kale
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil

 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground chicken until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. In a food processor, pulse the cooked chicken, carrots, kale, egg, oat flour and olive oil until fully incorporated.
4. Scoop tablespoon sized portions onto the baking sheet. Flatten and shape into squares or rounds.
5. Bake treats for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned. Allow to cool before serving.

 

Chicken provides lean protein while carrots and kale pack in vitamins A, C, and K. Oat flour adds extra fiber. Your dog will devour these tasty, nutrition-packed treats.

 

Turmeric and Sweet Potato Biscuits

 

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 egg
• 1⁄4 cup plain yogurt 
• 1⁄4 cup coconut flour
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1⁄2 tsp ground ginger

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato, egg, yogurt, coconut flour, coconut oil, turmeric, and ginger. Mix well.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Roll out to 1⁄2 inch thickness.
4. Cut out shapes using a biscuit cutter or knife. Transfer to the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Allow the treats to cool before serving.

 

The anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric combine deliciously with the natural sweetness of sweet potato. Coconut flour adds fiber and healthy fats while yogurt provides probiotics for digestive health.

 

Conclusion

 

As you can see, it’s easy and fun to whip up nutritious homemade treats that your dog will love. Focus on high-quality ingredients and always check with your veterinarian before significantly changing your dog’s diet. Make treats in small batches and store any uneaten leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. By incorporating superfoods into your homemade dog treats, you can provide natural nutrition that will keep your dog healthy, happy, and by your side for years to come.