Top 4 Super Foods for Pets

One question we often get asked is, “Can I feed this super food to my pet?”

Most super foods can play an important role in supporting our furry friends’ health and vitality in the same way they are beneficial to our own well-being.

But before we delve into how they can help, let’s address one that cannot be given: cacao. It contains two bioactive methylxanthines called theobromine and caffeine, which, while perfectly safe for humans and even beneficial, can be life-threatening for dogs if ingested.

We always recommend checking with your vet before giving any supplements to your pet.

Which super foods are best for my pet?

Ashwangandha

“We used to have a cat, Vince, who became depressed when we got a new puppy. So depressed, in fact, that the vet suggested antidepressants! But instead of resorting to pharmaceuticals, we gave him Ashwagandha.”

This incredible herb is excellent for relieving stress and anxiety in both dogs and cats.

The situation doesn’t need to be as severe as Vince’s; Ashwagandha can be used for a pet that experiences anxiety during car rides, during thunderstorms, or for general anxiety.

Studies have found that 15mg/kg body weight is the sweet spot for dosage.

Simply open the capsules and add them to their meal:

For pets under 11kg: 125-250mg per day
For pets between 12-22kg: 250-500mg per day
For pets over 22kg: 500-1000mg per day

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail, the much-loved functional mushroom that’s rich in polysaccharopeptides and beta-glucans, is great for your pet’s health as it is for yours, improving gut health and overall well-being.

Studies have shown that for dogs, the optimal dosage for general maintenance is:

For a 4.5kg dog: 225 mg a day
For a dog up to 13.6kg: 680 mg a day
For dogs 27.2kg: 1,360 mg a day

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil, and its beneficial Omega 3 and 6 fats, are just as important for your pet’s health as yours! It helps to maintain your pet’s skin and coat and is particularly great for dogs with skin conditions.

Research on hemp oil shows that the best dosage for dogs is as follows:

For dogs less than 5kg, adding 1ml to their food once per day

For dogs 5kg – 10kg, it’s 1.5ml
For dogs 10kg – 20kg, it’s 2ml
For dogs 20kg and over, it’s 3ml

Spirulina

Spirulina is another incredible super food for pets, and is a healthy protein source containing omega 3 and 6 as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, E, K1, K2, minerals, and antioxidants, including beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin.

Adding spirulina to your pet’s diet can help promote detoxification and support overall vitality, as well as providing a natural energy source.

For small dogs, 500mg per day or one capsule opened up and sprinkled on their food; for large dogs, 1mg or two capsules sprinkled on their food daily.

Don’t forget…

A few other things to note: super foods for pets, as with humans, should complement a balanced and species-appropriate diet tailored to their needs.

Make sure you choose a pure super food, like all the Forest Superfood ones; fillers can have adverse effects on your dog’s health.

Adding superfoods to your dog’s diet can play an important role in increasing overall nutrition and health in our canine friends, helping them feel their best self too!