The Benefits of Incorporating Superfoods into Your Homemade Dog Treats

More and more pet parents are becoming concerned about providing their dogs with the healthiest diet possible. One way to boost the nutritional content of your dog's treats is by incorporating superfoods into homemade treats. 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 optimize their health and wellbeing. 

Start supercharging your pup's snacks with nutritional powerhouses that can support their health!

The Benefits of Superfoods for Dogs

There are many advantages to incorporating superfoods into your homemade dog treats.

Here are some of the top benefits:

• Provide a natural source of key nutrients - Superfoods like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are packed with important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more that support your dog’s health.

• Aid digestion - Some superfoods are high in fiber which can help regulate digestion and keep your dog regular. Fiber also helps them feel full.

• Boost immunity - Many superfoods contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog's immune system health and help them fight disease.

• Improve skin/coat health - Omega fatty acids in superfoods like salmon and flaxseed promote skin and coat health, reducing dryness and itchiness. 

• Support joint health - Superfoods like turmeric contain compounds that reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.

• Provide energy - Ingredients like rolled oats give dogs long-lasting energy so they can play all day.

• Aid in weight management - Low calorie superfoods like vegetables help dogs feel satisfied while consuming fewer calories.

• Improve cognitive function - Antioxidants in berries improve blood flow, which promotes brain health and cognitive function.

• Reduce allergies - Some superfoods contain properties that minimize reactions in dogs with food allergies. 

As you can see, adding a variety of superfoods to your homemade dog treats provides a wide range of health benefits beyond just basic nutrition. 

 

                   

 

 

The Top 10 Superfoods for Dogs

1. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a superfood staple perfect for dog treats. Make sure to use plain canned pumpkin with no added sugars or spices. Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber to regulate digestion. It also contains vitamin A, beta-carotene, and antioxidants that support eye health and immunity. The high water content helps keep your dog hydrated. Pumpkin is gentle on upset stomachs and can even help resolve diarrhea. This versatile veggie adds great flavor and nutrition to treats.

Try adding a scoop of pumpkin to a meatball or our cookie recipes. You can also freeze pumpkin in ice cube trays for quick homemade treats when your dog needs digestive care.  

 

2. Oats

Whole grain oats like old fashioned or steel cut oats provide an array of benefits for dogs. Oats are rich in B vitamins, iron, and dietary fiber. They also contain unique compounds called avenanthramides that have anti-inflammatory properties to help dogs with itchy skin. The fiber keeps dogs full and aids digestion. Oats deliver steady energy from complex carbs. They also help regulate blood sugar levels. 

Add cooked oatmeal to baking recipes or make simple oat drop treats. You can also use oat flour in place of other flours in treats. Start slowly mixing a few teaspoons into treats to avoid tummy upset from too much fiber.

 

3. Blueberries

These bite-sized berries deliver big nutrition. Blueberries rank high in antioxidants which boost immunity and fight disease. They’re packed with vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. The compounds in blueberries improve brain health and cognitive function in dogs. They’re also gentle on the digestive system. Dogs love the sweet taste too!

Use fresh or thawed frozen wild blueberries. Blueberry treat ideas include blueberry peanut butter cookies, frozen blueberry Greek yogurt bites, and blueberry apple muffins. Avoid added sugars. 

 

4. Sweet Potato

Another superfood veggie is sweet potato. Sweet potato contains antioxidants, vitamins A and C, iron, and dietary fiber. It’s an anti-inflammatory food that helps muscles recover after exercise. The fiber and complex carbs also keep dogs feeling full. And dogs love the mildly sweet flavor!
Whip up sweet potato fries, wrap strips in chicken, or add mashed sweet potato to treats. You can also freeze sweet potato puree in ice cube trays. For picky eaters, try baking and pureeing with bone broth or kefir.

 

5. Salmon

Salmon is a superfood protein source packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids support skin/coat, joint, heart, and brain health in dogs. Salmon is also loaded with vitamins and minerals. Look for wild-caught salmon whenever possible. Canned salmon works well for making treats. 

Salmon treats your pup will love include DIY jerky and salmon croquettes. Never feed raw salmon at home due to the risk of parasites. Cook thoroughly to 145°F. Check with your vet before feeding if your dog has gout or kidney disease.

 

5. Peanut Butter!

All-natural peanut butter is a nutritious treat ingredient when fed in moderation. Look for brands with just peanuts and salt. Peanut butter contains protein, healthy fats, niacin, vitamin E and antioxidants. It can help maintain a healthy weight, build muscle, and keep dogs satisfied. However, avoid regular consumption in dogs prone to pancreatitis.

Keep recipes to 10% or less peanut butter. Mix with yogurt, pumpkin, oats or make cookies. Always supervise dogs when eating peanut butter to prevent choking.

 

6. Cranberries

These tart red berries offer a wealth of benefits for dogs. Cranberries are loaded with vitamins C, K, and E, plus manganese. They help prevent urinary tract infections by blocking E. coli bacteria. Their antioxidants also support immunity, dental health, and heart health. Dried cranberries add chewy texture and flavor to treats.

Use dried or fresh cranberries in cookie recipes. You can also mix dried cranberries into your dog's bone broth. Start with a small amount until you see how they digest the tart flavor. Avoid added sugar varieties.

 

8. Turmeric

This colorful spice is gaining popularity as a superfood for dogs. Turmeric contains the potent antioxidant curcumin which reduces inflammation and arthritis pain. It also boosts cognitive function and protects the nervous system. Note that black pepper helps maximize curcumin absorption.

Add a dash of turmeric to chicken and rice or make Golden Paste by cooking turmeric with coconut oil and black pepper. You can freeze the paste in our treat molds. Turmeric works well baked into treats like turmeric donuts or crackers. Reduce spices for puppies.

 

9. Green Beans 

Here's a low calorie superfood veggie to fill up dogs. Green beans provide vitamin K, silicon, fiber and carotenoids like lutein. The fiber aids digestion while making dogs feel satisfied. Their crunchy texture also helps clean teeth and freshen doggie breath!

You can bake healthy “fries”, mix with broth, or add to tiny casserole treats for Thanksgiving. Frozen green beans also make a great hydrating summer treat. Well-cooked beans are safe for dogs in moderation.

 

10. Yogurt

Lastly, yogurt is a superfood treat ingredient that supports digestion and immunity. Plain nonfat and low fat yogurt provide probiotics for gut and immune health. It must contain live active cultures though. Yogurt is also a source of protein and calcium for strong bones and muscles.

Add a dollop of yogurt when making treats like banana bites or pumpkin muffins. You can freeze yogurt inside Kongs too. For a quick snack, simply drizzle small amounts of yogurt over your dog's kibble to boost nutrition. Avoid sugary flavors. If your canine is lactose intolerant be sure to use lactose free yogurt in their homemade treats.

Tips for Adding Superfoods to Homemade Dog Treats

Now that you know the top 10 superfoods for dogs.

Here are some tips for successfully incorporating them into homemade treats:

• Introduce new foods slowly - Start with small amounts of each new ingredient to avoid tummy upset
• Adjust texture as needed - Puree or liquefy foods to reduce choking hazards 
• Dice ingredients small - Cut foods into tiny pieces to make chewing and digesting easier
• Avoid excessive spices - Accent savory foods with small amounts of herbs and garlic/onion powder
• Check for allergies - If your dog has food allergies, double check ingredients are safe
• Use caution with fat - Limit high-fat ingredients to avoid pancreatitis
• Don't overdo the treats - Superfood treats should only make up 10% of your dog's total daily calories  
• Consult your vet - Check with your vet before feeding any new food, especially for dogs with health conditions

Superfood Homemade Dog Treat Recipes Your Dog Will Love and you can always find more superfood vet inspired recipes here.

Here is one drool-worthy homemade treat recipe packed with some of the superfood ingredients we just covered!

Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Crisps

These apple-packed crisps blend cranberry antioxidants with cinnamon spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and shredded  
• 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon  
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients until well combined.
3. Drop tablespoon amounts of mixture onto baking sheet, spacing apart. Gently press down on each with fingers to flatten slightly.  
4. Bake for 14-16 minutes until lightly browned around edges.  
5. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Makes 1-2 dozen crisps.

Conclusion

Focus on picking ingredients that target your dog's unique needs. When adding superfoods to treats, remember to gradually introduce new ingredients and adjust textures as needed for your dog. Choose recipes that feature a variety of superfoods like pumpkin, oats, blueberries, sweet potato, yogurt, and more. With so many healthy, tasty options to choose from, your dog is sure to go wild for these supercharged homemade goodies!