So you've experienced the many wonderful benefits of adding superfoods to your diet. You've considered your own, your partner's, and your children's health; you've already passed the good news on to extended family and friends; and you've become an advocate for superfoods to just about anyone and everyone you meet—at your yoga class, the coffee shop, and the grocery store. We get it, you're excited!

But, before you start stopping random strangers in the street to highlight the beneficial changes you've seen in your health and well-being, have you thought about another category of possible superfood recipients a little closer to home? What about your four legged friends?

Yes! A few choice dietary additions could be helpful for them, too! Once you have realized the benefits of superfoods for yourself, it's only natural to want to share those benefits with your pets. The good news is that, just as superfoods can be great for your health, they can also be useful for your beloved pets. It's just a case of knowing which ones, as your personal nutritional needs are much different than your cat's or dog's, and some superfoods can actually be toxic to them.

Cats are typically much pickier eaters than dogs and have more sensitive stomachs, so it’s usually easier to boost doggie kibble with superfoods than cat chow. These are some delicious superfoods that are suitable for dogs, but check with your veterinarian before switching up your pet’s diet. 

Spirulina

It might surprise you that that spirulina is dog friendly and often recommended for dogs! Pets can definitely reap the benefits of this nutritious superfood and our Sari Foods Organic Spirulina is a totally natural, low sodium variety that provides your pooch with healthy doses of protein, B vitamins, folate, iron, and chlorophyll. An occasional meal boosted with this deep green seaweed can free up more energy for your dog's vitality and assimilation of nutrients. 

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter isn't only a delicious treat for us, but our dogs love it, too! Filling a Kong with peanut butter not only provides hours of entertainment and mental stimulation but healthy protein, heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Just make sure you choose a raw, unsalted variety.

Carrots

Carrots are wholesome treats for your dog. They offer a low calorie treat alternative that's especially great during training, as all those doggie rewards can add up and lead to a little weight gain. Carrots are also great teeth cleaners and they're high in fiber and heart-friendly beta carotene/vitamin A.

Goji Berries

Who'd have thought? But pups go mad for these chewy, tasty berries that offer vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B2, iron, selenium, and other antioxidants. You can either give them as is instead of processed treats or rehydrate them in water to make them more digestible.

Pumpkin 

Pumpkin is also a nutritious food for dogs. It's no secret that this treat is a favorite among our canine friends but did you know that it is a good source of fiber as well as beta-carotene/vitamin A? Fiber can help with common digestive issues in dogs.

Nutritional Yeast

Giving your pets Sari Foods Non-Fortified Nutritional Yeast is a surefire way to get them to eat healthily. Cats and dogs both love it! So if your pet is resistant to your healthy eating efforts, entice them with a sprinkling of nutritional yeast. Exactly as with human diets, it can be added to just about anything to enhance the flavor, and in your pet's diet it can increase their protein intake and provide essential B vitamins. Choose our non-fortified option to make sure that your beloved companion isn't receiving any synthetic additives that could be potentially harmful.

Whether you wish to provide an all natural doggie diet or just give your pet pooch a healthy, nutritious snack or treat option, so many superfoods can benefit our beloved canine friends to support their overall health. However, keep in mind that there are a few to stay away from: chocolate/cacao, yeast dough, garlic, avocado, macadamia nuts, onions, raisins/grapes, and walnuts can all be toxic to our pets.

Before giving your dog any people food, do your research to make sure it’s safe and consult your veterinarian with any questions you may have. Remember to make any dietary changes gradually and with small amounts and if your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian.