Seasonal Superfoods to Boost Your Dog's Nutrition This Christmas

With the cold winter weather approaching, and Christmas just around the corner, the change in season brings many delicious and nutritious foods that are perfect for making wholesome meals.

And while you might have heard about superfoods for humans, what exactly is it that makes food 'super' for our dogs?

Ahead of the festive season, we've spoken to the team of nutrition experts at tails.com, on the benefits of adding 'superfoods' to your dog's diet this winter and beyond, as well as how you can introduce them gradually so your four-legged friend gets the most out of meal times.

What are 'superfoods' and what are the benefits of adding them to your dog's diet?

While there is no scientific definition of what a 'superfood' is, the term typically refers to those that are packed full of good nutrients and minerals, and have high nutritional density. To put it simply, they are there to support a dog's general health. 

Whilst a lot of pets will enjoy diets that consist mainly of tailor-made wet or dry food recipes to suit their needs, adding a few superfoods in moderation can have many benefits to your dog's health. This can include providing them with more energy throughout the day, maintaining joint, kidney, and liver health, as well as boosting immune systems, and providing shiny and healthy coats. 

What superfoods can I feed my dog this time of year?

1. Cranberries

As the festive season approaches, one particular food stocked in your cupboards that can be added to your dog's diet for a nutrient boost is cranberries.

Dogs can safely consume fresh or dried cranberries in small quantities and they are a tasty, low-calorie snack that can be added as a topper to your dog's meals during the Christmas festivities. 

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C, E, K, which will naturally support your dog's immune system. They also contain proanthocyanidins, which can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
 

2. Carrots

Carrots are another commonly sourced superfood you can count on to be around during the winter season, and make a tasty and healthy treat for dogs. You can steam/boil them and serve them mashed or cut them into carrot sticks and feed them raw depending on what your dog prefers (crunchy raw sticks make a great option for teething puppies).

Not only that but carrots are also full of vitamins and minerals including  A, C, K, and potassium, which can support overall health and the immune system in particular. The root vegetables are also high in Beta-carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A that acts as an antioxidant.
 

3. Sweet Potatoes

Though they might not be your go-to option for a Christmas dinner, if you're looking for a nutritious and filling superfood option, then look no further than sweet potatoes. You can boil or bake them before mashing or chopping them up to add to your dog's dinner.

Loaded with vitamins and minerals including A, C, B6, beta-carotene and potassium that helps promote eye and heart health alongside a healthy immune system, sweet potatoes are also low in fat, making them great for dogs with dietary restrictions. They are also a great source of fibre to help regulate canine bowel movements.
 

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are the perfect sweet treat for your dog this winter and can be enjoyed fresh or even frozen as a treat, or a tasty topper for their dinner.

Known to contain antioxidants that protect your dog's cells from harmful molecules known as free radicals, blueberries are a great food to support your dog's immune system. Alongside being rich in vitamins C and K, blueberries also contain manganese, a trace element which contributes to bone and joint health, neurological function, and reproductive health.
 

5. Apples

With the weather getting colder, there's nothing like a warming apple pie for dinner, so why not let your four-legged friend join in on the classic winter flavour by adding some sweet and delicious apples to their diet? 

Simply remove the seeds and core (as they can upset your dog's stomach when consumed), and chop the rest of the apple up into bite-sized chunks or slices to give to your dog.

The nutritious snack is full of fibre to aid your dog's digestion and to help regulate canine bowel movements. They are also rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. Apples are also good for oral health in dogs, as chewing on slices of apple may help to clean dogs' teeth.
 

What do you need to consider when introducing superfoods to your dog's diet?
 

- Make sure you do it gradually

When you introduce superfoods to your dog's diet, you must do it gradually and in small servings, as certain foods may not agree with your dog's stomach. If you notice that your four-legged friend begins to experience any kind of symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting as a result of the new food, stop feeding it to your dog immediately and contact your vet.
 

- Consider that not all foods are safe for dogs to eat

If you want to introduce superfoods to your dog's diet, you also need to consider that while they might have the same benefits, not all foods are safe for them to eat. Foods to avoid can include (but are not limited to) garlic, dark chocolate, chives, avocado, and certain types of nuts as they can be extremely harmful to dogs if consumed in large amounts. 
 

- Make sure to treat your dog in moderation

As well as introducing superfoods to your dog's diet gradually, you also need to make sure that you treat them in moderation alongside their regular balanced diet, as the could be a concern as well as the additional calories which could cause weight gain. Do consult with your vet first if your dog is diabetic, on a special diet or overweight.