Tips and Tricks

Top 8 best natural dog foods for pets for glowing skin

Homemade dog food doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be quite easy and economical. Here are our tips for the best homemade natural dog foods recipes.

All living things require nutrients from the food they eat in order to survive. Nutrients are vital because they provide energy for all living things to grow, reproduce, and fight diseases. The nutritional requirements of all living organisms differ based on their biological makeup.

A dog is an omnivore, so their diet should comprise both meat and plant material. Contrary to popular belief, an all-meat diet does not provide all the nutritional needs for a dog. A balanced diet for a dog includes certain amounts of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, and water. Each nutrient plays an integral part in your furry friend’s diet and the amount differs depending on their age. Therefore, a puppies’ diet requires more amino acids than older dogs to aid in development, strengthen immunity, and prevent digestive issues.

Benefits of natural dog food

Natural dog foods or fresh dog food contains organically sourced ingredients have not been over-processed. This means that there is nothing added and only contains meat, grains, poultry, and dairy products that are free from pesticides and fertilizers. Some packaged dog foods are difficult for dogs to digest because of the process to ensure that it has a longer shelf life. Many processed dog foods contain animal by-products, fillers, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, which are unhealthy and do not meet certain standards for your dog nutrition.

Here are five benefits of natural food for dogs:

1. Brighter eyes

Dog food that contains carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, and other colorful and leafy vegetables is important for eye health.

2. More energy

Fresh food is easier to digest and absorb, which means more energy for longer walks, to chase squirrels and play catch.

3. Proper weight management

Over-processed dog food contain fillers such wheat, rice, corn, etc. which contribute to weight gain. Too much carbohydrates and a lack of exercise will result in fatter dogs.

4. Longer life

Raw dog good or organic dog food promotes a longer and happier life. A number of commercial dog foods are packed with synthetic ingredients that can shorten a dog’s natural life.

5. Healthier and shinier skin/coats

One major benefit of an all natural dog food diet is shinier, healthier and soft hair/fur. Over-processed dog foods sometimes lack healthy fats and

oils that give dogs’ moisturized and glossier hair and skin. A diet rich in fats such as Omega-3, Omega-6 and Linoleic acid will give your dog healthy skin and hair/fur and prevent dryness, itching, shedding and other skin issues.

8 Natural foods for shinier, healthier hair

Not only is itchy, flaky skin a nuisance for your canine pal, but it can be a burden to you as well. No one wants dog hair or pieces of dried skin all over their furniture. Bathing and brushing regularly aren’t the only ways of keeping your pooch’s fur healthy. The following eight natural foods will have your pet’s hair looking and feeling lustrous:

1. Eggs

Eggs are packed with protein and lutein, which keeps the skin moisturized and promotes tissue repair in the event of damage. Eggs also contain biotin, which prevents hair loss and skin irritation.

2. Salmon

Cooked salmon is a great source of Omega-3 which promotes healthy skin and prevents inflammation.

3. Beef

Beef contains calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins, folic acid, biotin, and many more nutrients that promote healthy skin and beautiful hair.

4. Chia seeds

Incorporating chia seeds in your pup’s diet promotes a healthy and glowing coat because they contain magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants.

5. Sardines

Sardines are a great source of Omega-3s and fish oil, which promotes healthier and shinier fur.

6. Coconut

Raw, unsweetened coconuts are chock full of saturated fats that provide energy and reduces skin issues such as fungus and inflammation.

7. Almonds

It can be hard for some dogs to digest whole almonds, especially tiny ones like Chihuahuas. Almonds are high in fat and promote healthy skin and hair when ground into a powder and used in dog food.

8. Cranberries

Cranberries are a vitamin C powerhouse that promotes skin healthy by improving their elasticity.

While there are many supplements on the market that promote healthier skin and hair for dogs, nothing compares to natural or raw dog food. However, before changing your dog’s diet, it is best to check with their vet to identify allergies and which food is best for your dog’s nutrition.