Home Dog Food & Nutrition 19 Superfood Snacks for Dogs

19 Superfood Snacks for Dogs [Infographic]

Last Updated: Nov 16, 2023

We know the value of consuming vegetables and fruits.

Packed with nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they're a big part of maintaining our health.

Some are better than others, however, and those are often referred to as “superfoods.”

You're probably familiar with broccoli, but did you know there are many superfoods for dogs that are safe, nutritious, and recommended to be included as occasional treats?

Some of the fruits and vegetables have been scientifically researched, and studies found a number of health benefits in canines.

Some of those foods may even prevent arthritis and increase lifespan in dogs, research shows.

However, many pet owners are only familiar with a few well-known superfoods for dogs, leaving out a large percentage of other delicious snacks that could improve our dogs' health and lives.

Here's a list of 19 foods you can let your pooch to snack on occasionally and in moderation.

ALSO SEE: 16 Healthy Human Foods for Dogs That You Haven’t Thought Of

Like this infographic? Spread the word! Share it on your site:

Please include attribution to topdogtips.org with this graphic.<a href="https://topdogtips.org/superfood-snacks-for-dogs/"><img src="https://topdogtips.org/img/Superfoods-for-Dogs.jpg" alt="19 Superfood Snacks for Dogs" border="0" /></a>

19 Superfoods Safe for Dogs
(and what you must know about them)

Carrots

It contains: Phytonutrients, Vitamin A, C, and K, beta carotene
It helps: Heart, eyes, teeth, lungs
Known benefits: Lowers risk of heart disease, improves eyesight, keeps teeth clean
Warnings: Completely safe in moderate amount

Blueberries

It contains: Antioxidants, fiber
It helps: Digestion, blood sugar, heart and brain
Known benefits: One of the best healthy dog treats, repair cell damage, blood sugar control
Warnings: Too many fed in a short time frame can cause digestive issues

Broccoli

It contains: Fiber, Vitamin C
It helps: Digestion, eyes, inflammations, skin, heart
Known benefits: Improves overall health, aids digestion and detoxification processes, cancer-fighting properties, skin damage repair
Warnings: Safe only in very low amounts (less than 10% RDA)

Spinach

It contains: Iron, fiber, Vitamin K and A, flavonoids, carotenoids
It helps: Bones, heart, inflammations, immune system
Known benefits: Cancer prevention
Warnings: Safe when washed and cooked

Fish (Oil)

It contains: Omega 3, Omega 6, Vitamin E and D, DHA, and EPA
It helps: Skin, coat, inflammations, brain, bones
Known benefits: Adds shine to the dog’s coat, reduces itching and scratching, reduces inflammation and helps with arthritis, improves brain and bone health
Warnings: Completely safe in moderate (suggested) amounts

Kale

It contains: Calcium, iron, Vitamin A, C, and K
It helps: Liver, inflammation
Known benefits: A great treat to boost overall health
Warnings: Safe only in extremely small amounts (less than 5% RDA)

Sweet Potatoes

It contains: Manganese, Vitamin A, C, beta carotene, antioxidants
It helps: Coat, immune system, digestion
Known benefits: A healthy source of carbohydrates that’s gentle on the dog’s digestive system
Warnings: Safe in moderate amounts when boiled or steamed

Dried Kelp

It contains: Minerals, iodine, antioxidants
It helps: Thyroid problems, digestion, allergies, general health
Known benefits: It mostly helps with maintaining a healthy glandular system, controlling allergies and fleas
Warnings: Safe in small amounts

Beets

It contains: Potassium, manganese, fiber, Vitamin C
It helps: Immune system
Known benefits: Helps maintain a healthy immune system
Warnings: Safe in small amounts, cooked or raw

Yogurt

It contains: Probiotics, protein
It helps: Digestion, overall health
Known benefits: Probiotics in yogurt can improve a dog’s gut microbiota, which positively affects digestion and overall health
Warnings: Large quantities will cause digestion problems

Watercress

It contains: Vitamins K and C, Phytonutrients
It helps: Immune system
Known benefits: Enhances food taste for homemade dog meals and helps with a healthy immune system
Warnings: Safe in small amounts

Pumpkin

It contains: Vitamin B6, thiamine, iron, folate, niacin, fiber
It helps: Digestion and satiety
Known benefits: It stimulates proper digestive processes in dogs and helps with weight loss
Warnings: Safe in small amounts

Whole eggs

It contains: Protein, Vitamin A and B12, riboflavin, iron, fatty acids
It helps: Highly nutritious, overall health
Known benefits: Improves the overall health in dogs, helps with muscle recovery and metabolic processes
Warnings: Completely safe in small amounts and when fed whole eggs

Lentils

It contains: Folate, magnesium
It helps: Heart, digestion
Known benefits: Improves digestive processes and heart health
Warnings: Safe when cooked and in small amounts

Chia

It contains: Fiber, Omega 3, calcium, antioxidants, and protein
It helps: Overall health, better hydration
Known benefits: Increases water intake and retention which keeps the dog properly hydrated and for longer
Warnings: Safe in very small amounts

Bananas

It contains: Amino acids, Vitamin C, potassium
It helps: energy
Known benefits: increases the dog’s energy through natural sugars
Warnings: none

Turkey

It contains: amino acids and proteins
It helps: overall health
Known benefits: it strengthens the muscles
Warnings: it must be skinless, boneless and unseasoned

Quinoa

It contains: fiber and protein
It helps: digestion
Known benefits: improves overall health and helps with digestive processes
Warnings: none

Raw Local Honey

It contains: pollen
It helps: allergies
Known benefits: it prevents allergic reactions to pollen during allergy season
Warnings: none

19 Superfoods Safe for Dogs (and what you must know about them)