Top Superfoods You Should Add to Your Dog's Diet
David E. Her
BestDealsPlus Reviews Editor
Feeding your dog well is not only about calories. Dogs need nutrition that supports growth, energy, immunity, and long-term health. Superfoods—nutrient-dense whole foods—can boost your dog's diet whether you feed kibble, fresh food, or raw. Here are the top superfoods every dog owner should know about.
What Are Superfoods for Dogs?
Superfoods are whole foods packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. They provide concentrated nutrition that supports specific health functions like immunity, digestion, joint health, and cognitive function.
While dogs don't need superfoods to survive, adding them to your dog's diet can enhance overall health and help prevent chronic conditions. Most superfoods are safe, affordable, and easy to incorporate into any feeding routine.
🐟 1. Salmon & Sardines
Fatty fish are the gold standard for omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats reduce inflammation, support brain health, and create a shiny, healthy coat.
Benefits:
- • Reduces joint inflammation
- • Supports cognitive function
- • Improves skin and coat
- • Boosts immune system
How to Serve:
- • Canned sardines in water (no salt)
- • Cooked salmon (no bones)
- • Fish oil supplements
- • 1–2 times per week
🥕 2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a digestive powerhouse. Its high fiber content helps regulate digestion, whether your dog has diarrhea or constipation. It's also low in calories and rich in vitamins.
Benefits:
- • Regulates digestive system
- • Supports weight management
- • Rich in vitamin A and fiber
- • Helps with anal gland issues
How to Serve:
- • Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- • 1–4 tablespoons based on size
- • Mix into regular food
- • Can be frozen as treats
🫐 3. Blueberries
Blueberries are antioxidant superstars. They protect cells from damage, support brain health, and may help prevent cancer. Dogs love their sweet taste, making them perfect training treats.
Benefits:
- • High in antioxidants
- • Supports cognitive health
- • Low calorie treat option
- • Contains vitamin C and K
How to Serve:
- • Fresh or frozen
- • As training treats
- • Mixed into food
- • Small handful daily is safe
🥬 4. Kale & Spinach
Leafy greens provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support overall health. They're especially rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and calcium.
Benefits:
- • Packed with vitamins and minerals
- • Supports eye health
- • Aids digestion with fiber
- • Anti-inflammatory properties
How to Serve:
- • Lightly steamed or blanched
- • Chopped finely
- • Small amounts (avoid excess)
- • Avoid if dog has kidney issues
🥚 5. Eggs
Eggs are one of the most complete protein sources available. They contain all essential amino acids plus vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Many dog food brands include eggs for good reason.
Benefits:
- • Complete protein source
- • Contains biotin for coat health
- • Rich in vitamins A, B12, and D
- • Supports muscle development
How to Serve:
- • Scrambled or hard-boiled (no oil/salt)
- • Raw eggs are controversial
- • 1 egg per day for medium dogs
- • Include the shell for calcium
🍠 6. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense carbohydrate that provides sustained energy. They're rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins that support eye health and immunity.
Benefits:
- • Excellent fiber source
- • Supports healthy digestion
- • Rich in beta-carotene
- • Good for diabetic dogs (low GI)
How to Serve:
- • Cooked and mashed
- • Dehydrated as treats
- • Never raw (hard to digest)
- • Remove skin for easier digestion
🥥 7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide quick energy and support cognitive function. It's also beneficial for skin and coat when used topically or ingested.
Benefits:
- • Supports brain function
- • Improves skin and coat
- • Natural antibacterial properties
- • Aids nutrient absorption
How to Serve:
- • Start with small amounts
- • 1 tsp per 10 lbs body weight
- • Mix into food
- • Use virgin, unrefined
🍎 8. Apples
Apples are a crunchy, low-calorie treat rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. They help clean teeth naturally and freshen breath.
Benefits:
- • Natural teeth cleaner
- • High in fiber and vitamins
- • Low calorie snack
- • Freshens breath
How to Serve:
- • Remove seeds and core (toxic)
- • Slice into bite-sized pieces
- • Fresh or frozen
- • Great training treat
🦴 9. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a healing superfood rich in collagen, glucosamine, and amino acids. It supports joint health, gut healing, and hydration while being incredibly palatable.
Benefits:
- • Supports joint health
- • Heals leaky gut
- • Hydrates picky eaters
- • Rich in collagen
How to Serve:
- • Homemade or store-bought (no onion/garlic)
- • Pour over kibble
- • Freeze in ice cube trays
- • Great for senior dogs
🥦 10. Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with vitamins, fiber, and cancer-fighting compounds. It's one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can give your dog in moderation.
Benefits:
- • Contains sulforaphane (anti-cancer)
- • High in vitamin C and K
- • Supports immune system
- • Good source of fiber
How to Serve:
- • Steamed or raw in small pieces
- • Keep under 10% of diet
- • Too much causes gas
- • Florets and stems are safe
Foods to Avoid
While many human foods are safe, some are toxic to dogs. Never feed:
- ✗Grapes and raisins
- ✗Onions and garlic
- ✗Chocolate
- ✗Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- ✗Avocado
- ✗Macadamia nuts
- ✗Alcohol
- ✗Caffeine
How to Add Superfoods to Your Dog's Diet
- 1.Start Slowly – Introduce one new food at a time to monitor reactions
- 2.Keep Portions Small – Treats and toppers should be less than 10% of daily calories
- 3.Prepare Properly – Cook vegetables for easier digestion, remove seeds and pits
- 4.Watch for Allergies – Monitor for itching, digestive upset, or behavioral changes
- 5.Consult Your Vet – Especially for dogs with health conditions
Conclusion
Superfoods offer a simple, affordable way to enhance your dog's nutrition. From omega-rich fish to fiber-packed pumpkin, these whole foods provide targeted benefits that support long-term health.
Whether you use them as meal toppers, training treats, or occasional snacks, adding superfoods to your dog's diet shows you care about more than just filling their bowl. Start with one or two foods from this list and watch your dog thrive.
