What Can I Add to My Dogs Kibble? 12 Items that Can Boost Their Diet
|
|
|
Time to read 6 min
Hey there, fellow dog lovers! We all want the best for our furry friends, especially when it comes to their diet. While kibble is a convenient and balanced option, sometimes it’s fun to add a little extra flavor and nutrition to their meals. So, if you’re wondering, “What can I add to my dog’s kibble to make it even better?” then you’ve come to the right place!
Dry kibble is designed to be a complete and balanced meal for dogs, but adding small, healthy extras can make mealtime more exciting while supporting overall nutrition. When done correctly, everyday kibble add-ins can improve flavor, texture, hydration, and variety without throwing off your dog’s diet.
The key is moderation. Kibble should remain the foundation of your dog’s meals, with add-ins making up a small portion of daily calories.
Get ready to discover 12 fantastic additions that will have your pup drooling for more. Let’s dive right in!
Healthy Things You Can Add to Your Dog’s Kibble Every Day
1. Healthy Oils: The Liquid Gold
A small drizzle of olive oil, fish oil, or flaxseed oil can support skin, coat, and joint health. A little goes a long way.
Just like homemade dog food, olive oil is the liquid gold for your dog’s kibble! It adds a rich taste and boosts the nutritional value with its omega-3 fatty acids, just like the fatty acids found in fresh food and raw meat. Plus, it’s great for dogs with dry skin or a dull coat, similar to how fatty acids contribute to skin and coat health. So go ahead and add a splash of olive oil to their bowl—it’ll make their meal shine!
2. Natural Peanut Butter
Not only is peanut butter a delicious treat, but it can also be a fantastic addition to dry dog food. Spread a spoonful of natural peanut butter over the kibble, or mix it, just like you would with human food. Just be sure to check the ingredients and avoid any artificial sweeteners like xylitol, as they can be harmful to dogs. It’s a fun way to incorporate human food into your dog’s meal and create some added excitement. Get ready for some serious lip-smacking and tail-wagging action!
3. Fresh Veggies: The Crunchy Goodness
Vegetables aren’t just for humans; our four-legged pals can enjoy them too! Adding fresh veggies to your dog’s kibble is a fantastic way to introduce more vitamins and minerals into their diet. Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are paw-some options. Steam or lightly cook them before mixing them with the kibble for that perfect crunch. It’s like a veggie party in every bite!
4. Cooked Meat: The Protein Powerhouse
Nothing gets a dog’s nose twitching like the aroma of cooked meat! Plain, cooked chicken, turkey, or beef can add extra protein and boost palatability. Always serve meat fully cooked, unseasoned, and without bones or excess fat.
5. Plain yogurt or cottage cheese
These dairy options provide protein and calcium and may support gut health. Choose plain, unsweetened varieties and avoid if your dog is lactose sensitive. Packed with protein and calcium, it’s a fantastic addition to their kibble. The creamy texture will have them licking their bowl clean in no time. It’s like a smooth and velvety treat that takes their meal to a whole new level of yum!
6. Plain pumpkin: The digestive hero
When it comes to digestive health, pumpkin is a true hero. Not only is it packed with beneficial nutrients for dogs like fiber, but it also helps regulate your dog’s digestion. Mix in some cooked or canned pumpkin with the kibble, and your pup’s tummy will thank you. It’s like a gentle hug for their digestive system!
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Coat Booster
We all want our dogs to have luscious and shiny coats, right? That’s where omega-3 fatty acids come to the rescue! Sprinkle a little fish oil or flaxseed oil on their kibble to give their coat that extra glow. Their fur will be so luxurious that other dogs will be begging for their grooming secrets!
8. Wholesome grains
If you’re looking to add some wholesome grains to your dog’s diet, quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice are healthy choices. It’s a great source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, keeping your pup energized and their digestion in tip-top shape. Just cook it up and mix it with their kibble for a meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.
9. Wet Food Toppers: The Flavor Explosion
For those times when you want to spoil your furry friend, a dollop of wet or fresh food is the perfect solution. Choose a high-quality fresh frozen or canned food that complements their kibble’s nutritional profile. The different textures and flavors will make their taste buds dance with joy. It’s like adding a burst of flavor to their mealtime routine!
10. Dog-Safe Herbs: The Flavorful Twist
Herbs are not just for humans; dogs can benefit from them too! Adding dog-safe herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano to their kibble can provide a burst of flavor and some additional health benefits. Just be sure to check which herbs are safe for your specific pup, as some may not agree with certain breeds. Spice up their meal and watch them chow down with gusto!
11. Eggs
Eggs are an egg-cellent addition to your dog’s kibble! They are a complete source of protein and contain essential amino acids that support muscle growth and repair. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin D, and selenium. Serve them cooked, scrambled, or boiled, and watch your pup gobble them up with delight!
12. Fresh Fruit
Who can resist the juicy goodness of fresh fruit? Well, neither can our canine companions! If you’re looking to incorporate superfoods for dogs into your furry friend’s diet, treat your furry friend to some bite-sized pieces of dog-friendly fruits like apples, blueberries, bananas, or watermelon. These fruits are not only delicious but also provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to boost their overall health.
Tips for Adding Toppers Safely
Keep additions limited
Extras should generally make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories to avoid unbalancing their diet.
Introduce new foods slowly
Add one new ingredient at a time and watch for signs of digestive upset such as gas, vomiting, or loose stools.
Avoid unsafe foods
Never add onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol-containing products, or heavily seasoned foods.
Consider your dog’s needs
Dogs with allergies, medical conditions, or special dietary needs may require specific guidance from a veterinarian.
FAQ
Is it safe to add human food to dog food daily?
Yes, many human foods are safe for dogs when prepared properly and fed in moderation. Foods should always be plain, fully cooked, and free from seasoning or harmful ingredients.
Will adding toppers to kibble make my dog a picky eater?
Some dogs may begin to expect toppers if they are added frequently. Rotating add-ins and keeping portions small can help prevent picky eating habits.
Can adding food to kibble cause weight gain?
It can if portions are too large. Keeping add-ins under about 10 percent of daily calories helps prevent unwanted weight gain.
What should I never add to my dog’s kibble?
Avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, and anything containing xylitol.
How do I know if I’m adding too much to my dog’s food?
If your dog gains weight, leaves kibble behind, or has digestive issues, it may be a sign that add-ins need to be reduced.
Enhance Your Pup’s Diet With BARK
So there you have it—12 tail-wagging awesome additions to take your dog’s kibble to the next level. Whether it’s a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of peanut butter, or a mix of fresh veggies, these additions will have your pup begging for mealtime.
Now that you know about some tasty additions, it’s time to find the perfect dog food for your pup. This is where BARK comes in.
At Bark, we understand that there are an immense amount of reputable dog food brands. However, if you need a place to start, BARK food may be perfect for you. We offer healthy food for dogs made by nutritionists and delivered straight to your door. Now go ahead and make your dog’s taste buds jump for joy!
