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You can find some of the best foods for dog immunity on your own dinner plate! Let’s look at the foods that support your dog’s immune system and how they support whole-body health too.
Much of the immune system resides in the gut. That’s why it’s so important to feed your dog a healthy, high-quality diet. Whether you opt for commercial, homemade, or another type of diet, there are lots of foods that can benefit your dog—including many of the same ones that are good for you! Some of the best foods for dog immunity contain vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, and amino acids. Let’s look at what they are.
Organ Meats
Kidney, liver, heart, and other organ meats from animals are chock-full of many nutrients that support the immune system, including:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Copper
- Vitamin A
- Phosphorus
- Taurine
- Choline
- Manganese
What’s more, organ meats contain high-quality proteins and amino acids, they’re a source of healthy fats, and some are even a source of antioxidants.
Nuts and Seeds
Although you might not often consider feeding your dog nuts and seeds, they actually contain a wide variety of nutrients that support immune and whole-body health. For instance, they share many of the same minerals as organ meats and also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant.
Pumpkin and Sweet Potato
Many fruits and vegetables are good for dogs, but pumpkin and sweet potato are among the best foods for dog immunity because they’re prebiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible compounds, such as soluble fiber or complex carbohydrates, that serve as food for probiotics. As such, pumpkin and sweet potato help support gut health and the immune system.
Plain Greek Yogurt
While pumpkin and sweet potato are prebiotics, unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt and other fermented foods contain probiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Leafy Greens
Most dark leafy green vegetables are just as good for dogs as they are for humans. That includes spinach, kale, and broccoli, which contain folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.
Fish Oil
Fish is good for dogs because it contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. Beyond that, fish also contains vitamin D, a nutrient involved with regulating immune responses and helping to activate the white blood cells that fight infections.
Whole-Grain Rice
Whole-grain rice is an excellent source of fiber that supports digestive health. Moreover, it also contains selenium, which acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in the immune response.
Fruit
Fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries are safe for dogs and excellent sources of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, another antioxidant.
A Handful of the Best Foods for Dog Immunity in a Convenient 9-in-1 Supplement
Health + Vitality from Spirited Paw is a 9-in-1 daily supplement made with nutrient-rich, scientifically backed ingredients that provide whole-body support for:
- Immune system
- Joints & cartilage
- Bones
- Antioxidant system
- Eyes
- Skin & coat
- Energy metabolism
- Liver & gallbladder
- Cardiac health
An excellent source of vitamin D and taurine, the supplement is suitable for adults, seniors, working and performance dogs, and pups who are still growing.
Visit Spirited Paw to learn more!
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
