Kibble? Fresh? Frozen? Which do you feed your pups?
By: Chef Justine
Date: September 12, 2024
At puppops, we believe you can boost nutrition and wellness with frozen treats regardless of your approach at meal time. And we’ve worked with veterinary nutritionists to choose the healthiest whole foods for your dogs in each and every wellness treat we make. When it comes to choosing a few of the best whole, nutritious foods, there are many powerful superfoods that can significantly support their health.
Here’s a roundup of some of our top picks you can add to your dog’s meals for tangible benefits.
Blueberries
These antioxidant-packed berries are great for your dog’s immune system. They contain vitamins C and fiber, which help support cell repair and reduce the risk of cancer. Plus, their low-calorie profile makes them an excellent snack for any size dog. You can offer them fresh or frozen for a cool treat in warmer months. Blueberries are found in both Red Fish, Blue Fish and SQUIRREL!
Carrots
Carrots provide a hefty dose of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, essential for healthy vision and skin. They’re also great for dental health, as they encourage chewing and can help reduce plaque buildup. Offering them raw, cooked, or even pureed makes for an easy and versatile addition to your dog’s diet. Carrots are in our Chicken Soup puppops.
Broccoli
A cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, which are vital for immune function and bone health. It also contains fiber for digestion and sulforaphane, a compound studied for its anticancer properties. Serve broccoli in moderation and cook it first to reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is known for its high fiber content, which can be helpful for both diarrhea and constipation. It also provides beta-carotene and essential vitamins like A and C to support immune and skin health. Canned or cooked pumpkin (without any spices) is ideal for dogs; a tablespoon or two mixed into their meal can do wonders for digestive health. Pumpkin is the base of our tum-tum pops.
Sweet Potatoes
Another beta-carotene powerhouse, sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They’re a great, low-glycemic source of carbs, providing sustained energy without spiking blood sugar. Serve them cooked and in moderate portions as a side or mashed into treats.
Oily Fish (like Salmon and Anchovies)
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, provide essential nutrients for a shiny coat, joint support, and cognitive health. Look for wild-caught options or try high-quality fish oil supplements for convenience. Just be sure to serve fish without any added salt or seasoning. Salmon adds a protein boost to Red Fish, Blue Fish and white anchovies pack in the omegas in One Fish, Two Fish.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can offer. They’re packed with protein, essential fatty acids, and amino acids, plus they’re a fantastic source of lutein for eye health. Serve them cooked without salt or seasoning, and limit them to one egg daily for larger dogs or a quarter of an egg for small breeds. Both egg shell and egg white powder is in our Puppops Wellness Blend found in Chicken Soup.
Turmeric
This golden spice contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound that may support joint health and combat inflammation. To increase its bioavailability, combine turmeric with a small amount of black pepper and coconut oil. Serve in small quantities as a meal addition. Turmeric is a key ingredient in both our Busy Bee and Chicken Soup pops.
Coconut
Both coconut meat and coconut oil have unique benefits for dogs. Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil supports skin and coat health, can improve digestion, and offers immune-boosting properties. Just be sure to avoid the shell and feed coconut in moderation. We love coconut here at Puppops! MCT oil and powder are in our Red Fish, Blue Fish and One Fish, Two Fish recipes, respectively, while organic lite coconut milk is the creamy base in Busy Bee.
Watermelon
This hydrating treat is great for warm days, as it’s mostly water and low in calories. Watermelon contains antioxidants and nutrients like vitamins A, B6, and C, which support hydration, heart health, and immune function. Remember to remove seeds and rind before offering it to your dog.
These doggo superfoods can add immense value to your dog’s diet, providing a spectrum of nutrients that go beyond the basics of commercial dog food. As with any dietary change, start slowly and watch for any adverse reactions. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for guidance on portion sizes and compatibility with your dog’s specific health needs.
Remember, puppops are packed with superfoods and can be served as a delicious frozen treat or broken up in your dog’s meals as a nutrition boosting topper. There’s really no wrong way to eat a puppop. :)
Finally, if you’re still reading all the way down here…you’re definitely a doggo nutrition nerd like us so please check out our Ingredient Doggopedia for an even deeper understanding of how each of our human-grade ingredients can improve your pup’s longevity and health. Sources: Canine Journal Just Food For Dogs Top Dog Tips
Completely dog obsessed, Chef Justine Kelly, brings over 25 years of experience in the culinary world to every wellness recipe at Puppops, Inc., so your fur babies can eat like family (because they are.) Her career includes co-founding renowned meal kit company, Sunbasket, and as the Executive Chef at San Francisco's James Beard Award-winning restaurant, The Slanted Door. Her pup, River, is her second favorite daughter.
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