Superfood Ingredients: Enhancing Pet Nutrition
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT - TECHNICAL POSITION PAPER
Leading with Technical Expertise - White Paper
Leah Lambrakis, Department of Technical Services
During a recent ideation session with a dynamic group of pet enthusiasts, we explored new food possibilities spanning a wide variety of ingredients, flavors, and textures. At one point, someone from the focus group asked: “what are superfoods for pets, and are they the same as ours”? What a great thought-provoking question!
Understanding Superfoods
The term "superfoods" has become a nutritional buzzword in the pursuit of optimal, healthier nutrition for both humans and pets. While there is no precise scientific definition, superfoods—also known as functional foods—are nutrient-dense foods that offer potential benefits for overall health and vitality. These foods contain valuable nutrients and compounds such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, which can enhance the diet beyond basic nutrition. In pet nutrition, superfoods are increasingly integrated into daily feeding regimens to promote overall health, wellness, and longevity.
The rise in degenerative diseases has spurred a growing interest in natural solutions, prompting more people to seek high-nutrient foods to enhance quality of life and promote better health (1). Not surprisingly, the growing interest in superfoods for pets is highly associated with the trends seen in human nutrition, with claims ranging from improved digestion, immune support, and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it is important to distinguish between hype versus scientifically proven benefits. Myths often arise from exaggerated claims about the elevated benefits of superfoods, while truths lie in well-supported and science-backed nutritional benefits that can complement a balanced diet.
Which Foods are Super?
In pet nutrition, these foods are commonly sourced from plants, though some animal-derived products such as certain fish and fish oils are also regarded as superfoods because of their rich omega-3 content. Let’s dive into several of the top superfoods that are super beneficial for our pets!
1. Blueberries – This fruit is top of mind in the superfood category. It’s packed full of antioxidants, specifically anthocyanin and Vitamin C, to support immune function, along with providing soluble fiber for improved digestive health (1,2).
2. Fish & Fish Oils – Sources like salmon provide high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health (3). Caution should be taken regarding potentially high levels of Vitamin D in fish sources, especially in dog foods.
3. Flaxseeds – This highly recognized superfood, known for its omega-3 fatty acid and balanced fiber content, has been sprinkled in both human and pet meals for many years. Flaxseed in its ground form is best for the optimal digestion and metabolism of its omega-3 acid potential (4).
4. Chia – As a very nice complement to flaxseeds, chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein (5). Chia seeds support healthy digestion, heart health, and skin and coat health.
5. Sweet Potatoes – This carbohydrate is not only high in gut-friendly fibers but is also high in nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium, calcium, and iron (6).
6. Pumpkin – The use of pumpkin in pet foods or as a supplement has increased, primarily as a source of soluble fiber to aid in stool quality and digestive health. Like sweet potatoes, this vegetable is also high in beta-carotene and potassium (7,8).
7. Spinach – The addition of spinach and other leafy greens provide rich sources of essential vitamins, iron, and antioxidants to any diet, including our pets (7,8). Moderation is important when including spinach in pet foods to prevent digestive upset or interactions with the absorption of other nutrients.
8. Eggs – While not commonly referred to as a superfood, the nutritional benefits of eggs certainly give them an honorary spot on our list! Eggs contain an abundance of essential amino acids, omega fatty acids, and vitamins required by cats and dogs, and are a strong compliment to the meals we offer our pets.
Providing a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients from complementary ingredient sources is essential for optimal pet health. While many superfoods are similar to those beneficial for humans, not all provide the same benefits to cats and dogs. For example, cats cannot convert beta-carotene found in plant-based foods into Vitamin A, but these foods still provide essential nutrients like antioxidants and fiber. As often stated in nutrition, balance is key!
What Should Pet Parents Look For?
When selecting pet foods with superfoods, pet parents should use a critical eye, opting for products with ingredients backed by scientific evidence and clear, transparent labeling. Seeking products that contain a combination of the following ingredients will elevate and enhance the pet food bowl:
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: Supports immune function and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Fish, flax, and chia seeds high in omega-3 fatty acids: Promotes healthy skin and coat, heart health, and reduces inflammation.
Fiber sources from vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates: Promotes overall gut health, aids in digestion, and improves stool quality.
High-quality protein sources from fish, poultry, and meat: Provides a balanced amino acid profile for optimal growth and maintenance.
Wet Pet Food as a Superfood Solution
Wet pet food presents a valuable opportunity for pet parents to integrate superfoods into their pet's diet, optimizing its high moisture content and nutrient-rich ingredients. As leaders in wet pet food formulation and manufacturing, we agree! Here are a few reasons to consider:
Hydration: Wet pet food has a high moisture content, keeping pets hydrated and benefiting those that require increased moisture intake (e.g., exercise or endurance training, kidney and urine pH considerations).
Palatability: Wet pet food is often preferred by pets for its appealing taste and texture, ensuring they consume their entire meal to realize the nutritional benefits.
Digestibility: Wet pet food formulations typically feature high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates designed for excellent digestibility.
Nutrient Density and Ingredient Variety: Wet pet foods are nutrient dense, containing concentrated proteins, fats, and essential nutrients and are often formulated using a variety of wholesome ingredients.
Proper research and understanding of the nutritional needs of pets are vital to make informed decisions about incorporating superfoods into their diets. That’s what we are here for at Simmons Pet Food! Superfoods can play a significant role in the world of pet nutrition, offering a natural way to enhance the health and wellness of the pets we love. By selecting pet foods that contain high-quality superfood ingredients, pet parents can ensure that their companions receive a well-rounded and nutritious diet.
Our Commitment – Leading with Technical Expertise – our technical experts are here to provide guidance and insights – do not hesitate to connect with us at Simmons Pet Food, petcomments@simfoods.com. We would love to hear from you and be part of your pet’s nutrition solution!
Literature Referenced
Proestos, C. (2018). Superfoods: Recent Data on their Role in the Prevention of Diseases. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science. Vol. 06, No. (3)576-593.
Silva, S., Costa, E. M., Veiga, M., Morais, R. M., Calhau, C., & Pintado, M. (2018). Health promoting properties of blueberries: a review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 60(2), 181–200.
Baritugo KA, Bakhsh A, Kim B, Park S,. (2023) Perspectives on functional foods for improvement of canine health and treatment of diseases. Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 109, 105744,
Panasevich MR, Daristotle L, Yamka RM, Frantz NZ. (2022) Dietary Ground Flaxseed Increases Serum Alpha-Linolenic Acid Concentrations in Adult Cats. Animals, 12(19):2543.
Motyka S., Skała E., Ekiert H., Szopa A. (2023). Health-Promoting Approaches of the Use of Chia Seeds. Journal of Functional Foods. 103:105480.
Laveriano-Santos EP, López-Yerena A, Jaime-Rodríguez C, González-Coria J, Lamuela-Raventós RM, Vallverdú-Queralt A, Romanyà J, Pérez M. (2022) Sweet Potato Is Not Simply an Abundant Food Crop: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and the Effects of Processing. Antioxidants (Basel). Aug 25;11(9):1648.
Whitney, EN, Rolfes SR; (2022) Functional Foods. In: Understanding Nutrition; 16th edition. Cengage Learning, Boston MA. Pp. 411-1415.
Tanprasertsuk J, Tate DE, Shmalberg J. (2022) Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). May;106(3):586-613