The importance of strengthening your pup’s immune system and fighting off illness and disease is a subject that I touch upon frequently. I not only want to arm myself with the knowledge of what foods and supplements are most beneficial for my dogs, I want to share that information with every pet owner who wants to listen.
Whole food supplements are more advantageous for your dog than synthetic as whole food contain valuable plants and herbs rather than a blend of imitation ingredients and are especially beneficial for dogs fed a commercial diet. As most of the nutrients in commercial foods are cooked out of the kibble by over-processing, it’s important to enhance your dog’s dinner with some added nutrition. While some of the synthetic brands may provide nourishment for your pet initially, most benefits of these supplements diminish or disappear after a few months. Naturally occurring vitamins and minerals provide a superior nutrition that cannot be replicated by synthetics. Whole food vitamins retain components in their natural state and offer greater health benefits. Providing vitamins and minerals to your pet the natural way is a far healthier and tastier method than giving your pet a synthetic version. When purchasing whole food supplements, make sure all ingredients are listed on the package and which vitamins and minerals are being provided.
For an added boost, here are the top vitamin-rich whole foods that you can provide to your pooch:
Beets: Betaine, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6
Carrots: A, Beta-carotene
Blueberries: Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Sweet Potato: Vitamin A, Beta-carotene
Fish: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D
Broccoli: Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Beta-carotene
Spinach: Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin K
Red Peppers: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Folate
Eggs: Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
Chicken: B Vitamins