The 9 Cheapest Superfoods for Dogs You Can Buy at Any Grocery Store

Every dog owner knows that look – the one where their furry friend stares longingly at their dinner plate with eyes that could melt ice. The good news is that many human foods can actually benefit dogs, and some of the best options are hiding in plain sight at the local grocery store.

Dog owners can find affordable, nutritious superfoods for their pets without breaking the bank or making special trips to expensive pet stores. From crunchy vegetables that double as natural toothbrushes to creamy treats that make tails wag, these everyday grocery items pack serious nutritional punch. The best part is that most of these dog-friendly superfoods cost less than fancy kibble and offer more health benefits than many commercial treats.

1) Carrots (the original doggy crunch sticks)

Carrots are nature’s dental chews that won’t break the bank. These orange sticks cost about $1 per bag at most grocery stores.

Dogs love the satisfying crunch carrots make. It’s like bubble wrap for their teeth, but way more nutritious.

Raw carrots help clean dogs’ teeth as they chew. The rough texture scrapes away plaque naturally. No fancy dental treats needed when Mother Nature already invented the perfect toothbrush.

Carrots pack beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A. This keeps dogs’ eyes sharp and their coats shiny. They also contain fiber to help with digestion.

Baby carrots work great for small dogs. Big dogs can handle full-size carrots like nature intended. Just wash them first unless the dog enjoys a little dirt seasoning.

Some dogs think carrots are the best thing since squeaky toys. Others need convincing that vegetables can be fun. Try cutting them into fun shapes or freezing them for teething puppies.

Cooked carrots work too, but raw ones provide the best tooth-cleaning action. Plus, cooking vegetables takes effort that most dog parents would rather spend on belly rubs.

2) Peanut Butter (Nutty Buddy’s favorite)

Most dogs go crazy for peanut butter. It’s like doggy crack in a jar.

This sticky treat packs protein and healthy fats. Dogs need both to stay strong and shiny.

Peanut butter costs about $3 per jar at any store. One jar lasts weeks since dogs only need small amounts.

The key is buying the right kind. Plain peanut butter works best. Skip anything with xylitol – it’s toxic to dogs.

Natural peanut butter is the safest choice. It has fewer weird ingredients that might upset doggy tummies.

Dogs love it spread on toys or mixed into their food. Some owners freeze it in puzzle toys to keep pups busy.

A tablespoon gives big dogs a protein boost. Small dogs need just a teaspoon to avoid chunky bellies.

Peanut butter makes pill time easier too. Dogs will swallow anything wrapped in this nutty goodness.

Just watch the calories. Peanut butter is tasty but dense. Too much turns fit dogs into chunky sausages.

3) Plain Pumpkin (dog’s secret weapon for digestion)

Plain pumpkin is like a magic orange fix for dog tummies. This cheap superfood costs under two dollars at most stores.

Pumpkin helps dogs who can’t poop and dogs who poop too much. It works both ways because of the fiber inside.

The fiber soaks up extra water when dogs have loose stools. It also adds bulk when dogs are backed up.

Dogs think pumpkin tastes great. Most pups gobble it up without any fuss.

Buy plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has spices that can make dogs sick.

Give small dogs one teaspoon per meal. Big dogs can have up to four tablespoons.

Fresh pumpkin works too, but canned is easier. Just open the can and scoop it out.

Pumpkin also has vitamins that help keep dogs healthy. It’s orange power in a can.

4) Green Beans (the veggie that won’t judge)

Green beans are like that friend who never asks questions. They just show up and do their job without any drama.

Dogs can eat green beans raw, cooked, or frozen. They don’t care about fancy preparation. Just wash them and serve.

These crunchy veggies are packed with vitamins A, C, and K. They also have fiber to help with digestion. Your dog’s stomach will thank you later.

Green beans are super low in calories. This makes them perfect for chunky dogs who need to lose a few pounds. No judgment here.

Fresh green beans cost about $2 per pound at most stores. Frozen ones are even cheaper. Your wallet won’t hate you.

Some dogs think green beans are nature’s potato chips. The crunch factor is real. Others eat them because their humans said so.

Cut green beans into small pieces for little dogs. Big dogs can handle whole beans like champions. Either way works fine.

Green beans won’t turn your dog into a vegetarian overnight. They’re just a healthy snack that happens to grow in the ground.

5) Bananas (nature’s yellow chew toy)

Bananas are like nature’s candy that happens to be good for dogs. They come in their own wrapper and cost less than a dollar per pound.

Dogs love the sweet taste and soft texture. The natural sugars give them quick energy for playtime.

These yellow fruits pack potassium for healthy muscles. They also have vitamin B6 and vitamin C to keep dogs feeling their best.

The best part is how easy bananas are to serve. Just peel and slice into bite-sized pieces. No cooking or fancy prep work needed.

Some dogs even enjoy the banana peel as a chewy snack. Just make sure to wash it first and remove any stickers.

Frozen banana slices make great summer treats. They turn into doggy popsicles that help cool down hot pups.

Keep portions small since bananas have natural sugars. A few slices are perfect for most dogs. Big dogs can handle half a banana while small dogs should stick to just a few pieces.

6) Oatmeal (the breakfast of champions, canine edition)

Plain oatmeal makes dogs feel like they’re getting a fancy breakfast when really it’s just mushy cereal. Dogs don’t know the difference between expensive kibble and oatmeal that costs under two dollars.

This fiber-packed grain helps keep dogs regular. Their digestive systems work better with oatmeal in their diet.

Oatmeal gives dogs energy that lasts all day. It’s like putting premium fuel in their furry engines without the premium price tag.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs love oatmeal because it’s gentle and easy to digest. It won’t upset their bellies like some other foods might.

Pet owners can buy a big container of plain oats for less than three dollars at most grocery stores. That same container will last weeks or even months.

The key is buying plain oats without sugar or flavoring. Dogs don’t need maple syrup or cinnamon to enjoy their breakfast. They’re happy with the boring version that humans usually avoid.

Cook the oats in water and let them cool before serving. Dogs think they’re getting gourmet food when it’s really just breakfast cereal.

7) Sweet Potatoes (because dogs deserve dessert)

Sweet potatoes are like nature’s candy for dogs. They taste sweet and dogs love them just as much as kids love cake.

These orange vegetables cost less than two dollars per pound at most stores. They last for weeks when stored in a cool, dry place.

Sweet potatoes have lots of good stuff for dogs. They contain vitamin A, which helps dogs see better in the dark. They also have fiber to help dogs poop regularly.

Dogs can eat sweet potatoes cooked or raw. Most dogs prefer them cooked because they’re softer and sweeter.

To prepare them, wash the sweet potato and cut it into small pieces. Bake them in the oven or boil them in water. Never add butter, salt, or sugar.

Sweet potatoes make great training treats. Cut them into tiny cubes after cooking. Dogs will do tricks all day for these orange treats.

Some dogs might get an upset stomach if they eat too many sweet potatoes. Start with small amounts to see how their belly handles it.

8) Eggs (poached perfection, no bubbles)

Eggs are like nature’s protein bombs for dogs. They pack all the good stuff into one neat little package.

Raw eggs can be risky because of bacteria. Cooked eggs are much safer for furry friends.

Poached eggs work great for dogs. The gentle cooking method keeps all the nutrients intact without adding extra fats.

Skip the bubbling boil when making them. A gentle simmer does the trick without turning the egg into rubber.

Dogs don’t care if the egg looks Instagram-perfect. They just want that tasty protein boost.

One egg gives a dog plenty of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. It’s like a multivitamin that actually tastes good.

The yolk contains most of the nutrients. Don’t toss it out thinking it’s unhealthy.

Eggs cost less than fancy dog treats. A dozen eggs can provide many meals worth of extra nutrition.

Most dogs gobble up eggs faster than kids eat candy. It’s one of those rare foods that’s both healthy and delicious.

9) Cottage Cheese (the creamy canine delight)

Cottage cheese is like the humble hero of the dairy aisle. Most dogs go crazy for its creamy texture and mild taste.

This white, chunky treat packs a serious protein punch. One cup contains about 25 grams of protein to help build strong muscles.

The calcium in cottage cheese keeps dog bones and teeth healthy. It also provides probiotics that help with digestion.

Dogs with upset stomachs often feel better after eating small amounts of cottage cheese. Vets sometimes recommend it for dogs recovering from illness.

Low-fat cottage cheese works best for most dogs. The regular kind might be too rich and cause stomach problems.

Start with just a spoonful mixed into regular dog food. Some dogs might get gassy if they eat too much at once.

Cottage cheese costs less than most dog treats at the store. A large container can last for several servings and stays fresh in the fridge for days.

Skip cottage cheese with added flavors or herbs. Plain varieties are safest for furry friends.