Winter.
Cold. Gray. Icy.
It’s the time of year we turn to foods that warm.
So does your dog.
If you are adding fresh or home cooked foods to your dog’s kibble, these great grocery store finds are wonderful for your dog’s health during winter.
They are warming, immune boosting, virus preventing foods.
As always, know your dog. Even though these should be safe, some might cause an allergy response in your dog. If you know your dog won’t tolerate any one of these, don’t feed it.
Let’s jump in:
Brussels Sprouts (steamed is best)
Carrots
Garlic – ok in small amounts, but if you don’t feel comfortable
feeding it, don’t.
Parsley
Pumpkin
Sweet Potato
Winter squash
Cayenne (not too much!)
Chamomile
Dill
Fennel
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Turmeric
Fermented foods
Apple Cider Vinegar
Flax Seed
Cheese – not too much, full fat
Cottage Cheese – not too much, full fat
kefir – not too much, full fat, cultured
Sour Cream – not too much, full fat, cultured
Yogurt – not too much, full fat, cultured
Honey – raw and local if you can – small amounts
Oats
Quinoa
Coconut oil – not too much
Dairy. Keep to a minimum, especially if unfermented. Dairy can cause an upset stomach, which might mean your dog not making it outside to potty. No one wants that mess. Especially in the middle of the night, when you can’t see, and you step in it. Eww. That said, my dogs do tolerate dairy well. I’m happy to report we have had no accidents.
Grains. I added in the two listed just in case you are cooking toppers for your kibble, or maybe even cooking homemade dog food. They are okay. Just keep an eye on your dog’s coat, eyes, skin to make sure they don’t get dull or itchy. If they do, ditch the grains. Potatoes could also cause this. I have one dog who doesn’t do well with potatoes of any kind.
Herbs. Keep it simple. Add as you would to flavor your own food. No need to go overboard with them, but do add one or two. They are awesome for fighting germs and boosting the immune system.
Garlic. Controversial. The latest is that in small amounts it’s fine. Why try it? Garlic gets rid of parasites and is an immune system booster.
If you can, go for a rainbow of colors and choose organic. I know it’s not always possible. We do our best with what we have to work with. 🙂
Cook (not the dairy) and mash them, or puree fresh raw. It’s your choice. Personally, I cook them in winter to help with warming. I choose one or two – like parsley – to puree and add raw for enzymes and unaltered vitamins and minerals. Why mash or puree? Your dog’s digestive system doesn’t break down veggie cell walls very well. Give your dog every advantage you can, right?
You can also add sardines (in water or olive oil) or mackerel for a little omega 3 boost.
Why not add some of these to your diet as well?
Put That Pep Back In Your Dog’s Step,
Jennifer
P.S. What’s your take? Garlic or no garlic? Let us know in the comments.
