The Top Superfoods and their benefits for your dogs.

Superfoods.... what does that actually mean. A superfood is defined as a food that is rich antioxidants, fatty acids and/or fibre as is extremely beneficial to health. They are also nutrient-dense - providing high levels of one or more health supporting nutrients - including fibre, vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids and phytonutrients and antioxidants like vitamins A and E and beta-carotene.

Here is our list of our top 5 superfoods for dogs -

1. Eggs - Eggs contain virtually all the essential amino acids, minerals and nutrients your pets need, they also provide double the amount of choline as any other food. You could call eggs natures multivitamins! Eggs provide everything required for muscle growth and regeneration and also contain antioxidants. Eggs can actually be fed in different ways - they can be fed raw(if your dog allows) or you can lightly boil them, scramble them. Don't cook for too long though as this will reduce the potent of the nutrients and minerals.

2. Blueberries - most berries are superfoods, however blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants that slow damage to the cells in the body. Blueberries have been shown to help protect brain cells and memory function and also help reduce the risk of some cancers. They are high in fibre and lower in calories and sugars compared to other fruit. How to feed- you can do all sorts with these, you could chop them and add to their food oryou could blitz them with other fruits/yoghurts and freeze for a nice refreshing treat or food topper.

3. Bone Broth - bone broth is high in protein, contains anti-inflammatory amino acids, vitamins and minerals including calcium and magnesium. As bone broth is made from simmering animal bones etc it also contains collagen from cartilage and gelatin from the bone, which helps support gut and joint health. You can order your bone broth here

4. Dark, leafy greens - a study undertaken in 2005, showed that dogs who ate leafy greens reduced their risk of cancer by 90%! Dark, leafy veg are high in calcium, i ron, potassium, fibre and vitamins A, C and K. Kale and spinach are also rich in phytonutrients which gives them antioxidant and anti inflammatory qualities. Dark, leafy greens can be fed raw or you can steam/saute them.

5. Mushrooms - mushrooms contain gut-nourishing prebiotic fibres and immune busting beta-glucans. Some wild mushrooms however are dangerous to dogs so you should always feed mushrooms that you would eat yourself.

Science has proven again and again that mushrooms are brain building, cell protecting, nutritious immune modulating powerhouses that can actually benefit the whole body. How to feed - steam them for a few minutes and serve