As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry friend. That includes the food they’ll eat every day. However, a healthy diet for dogs can be pretty expensive, so most people turn to commercial dry dog food like kibble.
Kibble is convenient to store and put into dog bowls, but most brands don’t have enough nutrients the way wet or raw food does. How do you improve it, then?
Here are some ways to excite your pup every mealtime:
-
Goat Milk
Some kibble brands claim to have enough protein a dog needs to grow healthy, but you can’t always believe such claims. To ensure your pup gets proper nutrition, pour some raw goat milk into your dog bowl.
Goat milk is an excellent source of electrolytes, probiotics, and enzymes. The protein in the milk can strengthen your dog’s bones and muscles and serve as an energy source for them. It will also add a bit more flavor to their food.
Ensure that you use raw and not pasteurized milk from organically raised goats so your dog gets the maximum nutrients. Pair it with healthy, high-quality kibble you can find here, which offers a variety of other flavors to make mealtimes more fun.
-
Meat And Eggs
Dogs love meat just like their wild wolf ancestors. If you can’t find raw goat milk, chunks of raw or lightly cooked meat will suffice. They offer lots of protein and reduce the carbohydrate content of your dog’s food, primarily if they’ve grown overweight from a high-carb diet.
Eggs also make dog kibble more exciting and tastier. You can add it to the bowl raw or slightly scrambled and sprinkle in some eggshells. They’re perfectly safe for dogs and offer calcium for strong bones and teeth. Make sure the eggs are unseasoned and cooked without extra additives.
Whether you decide to put eggs or meat in your dog’s food bowl, remember to follow the 50-50 rule: 50% kibble and 50% whole, fresh food. This ensures your pup gets extra nutrition while still using the kibble you have.
-
Fruits And Vegetables
Like humans, dogs can do well with more greens in their diet. They’re natural omnivores and enjoy munching on some veggies from time to time. Older or overweight dogs will significantly benefit from the antioxidants fresh vegetables provide. Among the veggies that are great for a dog’s diet are:
- Carrots
- Peas
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Leafy greens
Grate, ground, or juice the raw vegetables to break down the cellulose before adding them to your dog’s meal. They’re low-calorie, so you don’t need to worry about adding too much to their food bowl.
Meanwhile, your furry friend may also enjoy a sweet fruity treat now and then. Most dogs can eat any fruit, while some might even like eating citrus like lemons and oranges, although these aren’t fruits recommended for them. However, your puppy will be safe munching on melons, apples, or bananas. Double-check which fruits dogs can eat before giving yours one, and don’t forget to toss away pits and seeds first.
-
Bone Broth
Bone broth is a healthy and delicious addition to dog kibble. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial for your pup. By including bone broth in your dog’s diet, you could help improve your furry friend’s fur and skin quality, digestion health, and joint health.
However, commercial bone broth or stock made for human consumption isn’t safe for dogs. You can buy broth created for pets or make one at home. All you need to do is:
- Fill a pot with chicken feet and beef marrow bones. You could even use discarded bones from your meals.
- Pour water in until the bones are completely covered. Add three to four tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- Cook the mixture for 24 hours on a slow cooker (12 hours if you’re cooking on a stove). Once done, strain the bones and let the broth cool.
When the bone broth’s cool enough, feel free to mix it with the kibble to give your dog a nutritious, delicious feast.
-
Yogurt
Another alternative to goat milk mentioned earlier is yogurt. It’s inexpensive, rich in probiotics, and delicious to eat. Make sure to buy low or non-fat plain yogurt. If your dog has digestive problems, some yogurt should help it out.
Mix in one spoonful of yogurt to your pup’s daily meals to improve the health of its digestive tract. In particular, yogurt with live, active cultures is the best to mix with your dog’s kibble.
-
Certain Leftovers
Some veterinarians may discourage dog owners from giving their pets leftover food, but it’s okay if you share healthy, limited portions with them. If you ate lightly seasoned meat and vegetables, you could include these in your dog’s meal. Avoid giving them fatty food that could result in a pup’s weight gain.
Remember to keep portions small no matter how healthy the leftovers are. Dogs can gain weight faster than humans, and the extra calories could lead to that. Yet before you share leftovers with your furry friend, check if it’s safe for canine consumption. Not all the extra Christmas or Thanksgiving food does well in a dog’s stomach.
Conclusion
Kibble doesn’t have to be bland for your dog. You could make it more exciting and healthier with a few toppings and additions any pup will love.
However, before introducing anything new to your pet, check with a vet first to ensure nothing will harm them. When your dog gets used to their improved food, you can give them a fancy meal every day.