As more people are embracing healthier eating and increasing awareness of what they’re putting on their plates and in their dogs’ bowls, the term “superfood” is seemingly everywhere – So what makes food “super” for dogs? In short, superfoods deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. And as research shows, there’s quite a few superfoods for humans that are safe and healthy for dogs, too.

Superfoods contain various nutrients such as:

• Antioxidants – protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in preventing heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

• Healthy Fats – improves the cardiovascular system. May also help prevent heart disease.

• Fiber – improves digestion function and may help to prevent diabetes and digestive disorders.

• Vitamins – convert food into energy and are essential for normal growth and nutrition.

• Phytochemicals – have numerous immune health benefits and may help to prevent cancer from forming.

Each superfood has different variations and amounts of these nutrients. The “super” food picks below will help your dog’s body prevent disease, boost energy, and maintain good health overall. The below can make great additions to your dog’s diet, whether given as a tasty snack, dry food topper, or in a home-cooked meal. Just keep your dog’s tummy sensitives in mind and introduce these foods gradually and in proper portions (and check with your vet first if your dog has any dietary or health issues).

10 Superfoods for Dogs

1. Blueberries

There are many reasons this superfood berry is an amazing snack year-round. The deep blue color comes from anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants. Blueberries also supply vitamins C and K, manganese, and fiber. Though your dog will be begging for more of these tasty berries, it’s best to give them small amounts since too many can adversely affect canine (and human) bowel movements.

* If you have a senior dog, you should highly consider adding them to your pup’s diet – They can slow down aging and memory loss!

2. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is low in calories, high in soluble fiber, and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. It’s also exceptionally high in carotenoids, potassium, and vitamin C; with calcium and B vitamins. To add to your pup’s food or give it as a treat, canned organic pureed pumpkin is the easiest way to go – it can be found at grocery stores, but be sure that it is pure and not a pie filling (it should have no sugar or spices added).

3. Kale

This supercharged leafy green contains loads of vitamins, including A, E, and C. Kale is a good source of antioxidants and aids with liver function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

* If your dog has bladder stones or kidney disease, ask your vet before feeding your dog kale; it may need to be avoided.

4. Sweet Potatoes

These super root veggies are rich in beta-carotene and boast 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. Sweet potatoes are also super high in heart-healthy vitamin A, provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps improve digestive system function, and are packed with vitamin C to keep your dog’s immune system strong.

5. Fish

Oily fishes like herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can do wonders for your dog’s skin, coat and brain; and can also inhibit inflammatory processes that cause arthritic pain and other chronic canine conditions. Fish are also an excellent protein source, with many essential vitamins and minerals.

6. Carrots

A great snack with many benefits, this crunchy and naturally sweet superfood is loved by most dogs. Carrots are loaded with carotenoids, fiber, vitamins C and K (which aids in wounds healing process), as well as potassium. They also have magnesium, manganese, most of the B vitamins, and phosphorus, which enhances energy production.

7. Nori (dried seaweed)

Nori offers many benefits for not only you, but your pup too – It has protein, galactans (a soluble fiber), vitamins C, E and all the Bs, and minerals such as zinc and copper. Nori may also aid in fat metabolism, immune function, and anti-tumor responses.

* When shopping nori for your dog, be sure to buy low sodium to keep your dog’s salt intake leveled.

8. Chia seeds

The seeds of this traditional grain have several of the same benefits as the well-known “super seed” flax. Unlike flax seed, you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits – You can simply sprinkle chia onto your dog’s meals. The nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants, and even protein.

* Chia seeds are highly absorbent, which means they can help hydrate the body!

9. Quinoa

Commonly considered a grain, this complete protein supplies all eight of the essential amino acids and is a good source of fiber, folate, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and many phytochemicals. One of the few vegetable sources of complete proteins, quinoa is a potent antioxidant and helps reduce the risk of diabetes.

10. Yogurt

Yogurt contains active cultures known as probiotics (aka, healthy bacteria), which help reduce bad bacteria. Topping off your dog’s food with plain, Greek yogurt may help improve gut function, and add a number of nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, potassium, zinc, and iodine to their diet. It is also a fair source of other B vitamins, such as riboflavin and pantothenic acid (required for enzyme action and energy production, as well as other cellular functions.