Home > Blog > Everything Dog > So Fresh and So Real: Dogs DO know what’s good (for them)

Photo by @tucker_the_bluey

Dogs appreciate real food as much as you do, perhaps even more so. Think about how many tricks you’ve managed to teach your dog and then gotten her to perform over and over again, simply because you’re the keeper of her most coveted resource.

Some folks may protest. Dogs will eat anything, even poop! True. They aren’t shy about sniffing out little nuggets to snack on, but those snack packs are chockfull of leftover nutrients that fuel your dog. It’s really not such an offensive act if you can hurdle the concept of eating “processed” food.

What dogs need is real, whole foods. Good food that properly nourishes them. And if people can get the nutrients we need without piles of synthetic vitamins and minerals (looking at you kibble), then obviously dogs can too.

Feeding real, healthy foods is as simple as grabbing carrots from the fridge. You don’t even have to cut them up (but if you have the time boiled veggies are better for digestion). Or take the banana from the fruit bowl, though I do suggest peeling that one. You know what you’re feeding your dog, that it’s actually good for her, and you definitely know your food loving pooch will thank you.

Still not convinced? These pups know good food when they smell it! (And if you are sure about real food for dogs, just enjoy the adorable dogs in these photos.)

Who said eggs were for breakfast. These guys love them any time of day! Packed with protein, iron, and nutrients like lutein, the benefits of an egg really are hard to beat.

“Cooked or raw, we’re not picky!”

@coop_and_capo

“If you please, leave the shell too. I live for that extra crunch.”

Fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries and watermelon are low in fat and calories and just happen to be full of essential nutrients like potassium, vitamins A and C, plus dietary fiber. (Three cheers for regularity!)

“Oh. Gosh. It’s juicy AND tasty? More please.”

@bernermurphstagram

“I’m just going to savor this.”

@buttswirlss

“For a bigger fella, I really do prefer my snacks bite-sized.”

@mister_paddington

“So... how long do I have to wait exactly?”

@stinkythepoodle

As a child you were, at one time or another, scolded for not eating your vegetables and for good reason. Veggies like carrots, broccoli and green beans are high in proteins, calcium, vitamins and minerals. And like fruit, they’re low in calories, which frankly dogs couldn’t give two toots about, but is something for people to consider. You don’t have to tell these dogs twice. They can’t wait to eat their veggies.

“Cucumber for a cutie? Aww, you shouldn’t have.”

“What? Do I have something in my teeth?”

@springerbrothers

“Ooh, room service! And what beautiful plating.”

@rolfthedane

While peanut butter isn’t a must like fruits and vegetables, it’s still filled with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s just reallllly cute watching dogs eat peanut butter. Before you dish out this sweet (or jar for this lucky fella), be sure to check the ingredient deck for Xylitol. If it’s present, it’s a no-go for your doggy dog.

“Can I getta refill?”

@fitzandfinn

But what dogs love the MOST is meat. Chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, the list goes on. They’ll pose for the camera, sit pretty, jump for joy, as long as they can get their paws on that meaty goodness.

“Just in the neck of time, mom!”

@buttersthelab

“Look at camera, not at food, look at camera, not at delicious food...”

@tucker_the_bluey

"You think she’ll say go?... Maybe it’s a countdown...”

@springerbrothers

“Yum, yum, yum... this bowl is de-lish!”

@babyhowardbulldog

And trust us when we say, cats want in on the good stuff too.

@ragdoll.baby

These dogs (and cats) clearly know what’s good for them and it’s an easy decision for you because you’d make the same healthy choices for yourself. Keep it fresh, keep it real. It’s really that simple.

What kinds of healthy, whole foods does your pup or kitty enjoy most? Share in the comments below.

Our recipes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients much like the foods we mentioned above.

Using whole foods we are able to craft recipes that not only taste good but are good for your dogs too. 

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About the Author

Kayla is the Content Writer for The Simple Food Project. She has a cat named Professor Cat-Faced Meowmers, who goes by Kitty, and a goof of a dog, named Duck. She stays busy biking trails, losing at board games, and searching for the next best craft beer.

800-451-5267

info@simplefoodproject.com

1823 Executive Drive
Oconomowoc, WI 53066

The Simple Food Project
1823 Executive Drive
Oconomowoc, WI 53066

800-451-5267