15 Dog Nutrition Tips & Hacks to Boost Kibble
Are you a health-conscious dog owner looking to upgrade your dog’s kibble? If so, this article will discuss dog nutrition tips & hacks to boost your dog’s kibble.
There are tons of ways to upgrade kibble. With some supplement options but mostly whole food options, you will learn how to completely up the ante! The bonus with adding health-boosting kibble toppers is that your dog will still LOVE their food… the picky days are over! You can vary as much as you want depending on what your dog’s needs are (more below on the health benefits of each!).
However, note that if you add more whole-food kibble toppers, you must take out some kibble as all of these foods add to the total caloric intake. If not accounted for, you might be feeding your dog too much, especially with some of the calorie-dense options below like the freeze-dried raw meats.
This post is all about dog nutrition tips and hacks to boost the nutrition of kibble, specifically through whole food options.
#1: Water
Adding a source of hydration to your pup’s kibble quite possibly, might be the best thing you can do for them. The majority of dry dog food recipes are cooked in the extrusion process, which is an extremely high-heat process, so almost all water is evaporated. This leaves your beloved pup in a constant state of dehydration. Imagine having a diet consisting solely of dry crackers…
This can easily be solved by adding water directly into their bowl and letting it soak into the kibble. It will create softer kibble pellets for easy chewing and improved digestion.
Though the kibble will no longer be crunchy, let’s get rid of the notion that hard kibble helps with cleaning teeth… it’s just not true. A crunch factor might be nice for texture but can be added elsewhere. Hydration is important!
#2: Bone Broth
If you want to rehydrate your dog’s kibble with liquid gold, get your hands on some dog-safe bone broth. Dog-safe bone broth, like Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth for Dogs, usually consists solely of whole foods. Bone broth made for us humans often includes salt and seasonings like garlic, which should not be fed to your dog in large amounts.
However, a dog-safe bone broth can add valuable vitamins and minerals to your dog’s health. The benefits spam their whole body and all organs. From heart health, bone health, to joint health, bone broth has the vitamins and minerals for everything!
#3: Kefir, Goat’s Milk or Yogurt
These 3 all have one thing in common: they’re probiotics! The hero to all of your furry friends’ GI issues. Our personal favorite (and Jill’s favorite) is regular non-flavored kefir. Kefir and pasteurized goat’s milk are all great options, found in local grocery stores, that add probiotics to your dog’s meal. It can help to regulate their bowel movements and reduce diarrhea if common in your dog! It’s a great option to add when you know there might be some diarrhea coming, for example, when switching foods or trying new foods.
#4: Sardines
Adding canned sardines, which must be soaked in water, sounds a little gross but hear us out… It has so many good nutrients for your dog, especially with the high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to all parts of your dog’s body because of their anti-inflammatory function. However, they are truly amazing for skin and coat health.
Most dry dog foods on the market are advertised as ‘complete and balanced’, which means that the companies follow the guidelines and minimum nutrient requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). However, AAFCO does not have any minimum requirements for Omega-3 fatty acids, which we believe should not be true! Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to a thriving doggie, and therefore, we recommend adding an Omega-3 source to your dog’s diet. Whether it be sardines, other fish, or an omega-3 fish supplement like the Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement, an omega-3 source is a great way to boost your pup’s nutrition and health.
#5: Freeze-dried raw protein
The bulk of your dog’s kibble is and should be protein. An amazing topper and a great way to add the benefits of raw foods is by adding freeze-dried raw protein as a topper. You will be adding high-quality, easily digestible nutrients to their diet. More protein never hurts nobody & PLUS, your dog will LOVE this one… so much. Adding a food topper like the Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties can be a game changer for their protein intake, in terms of quality, quantity, and nutrient uptake.
#6: Raw or lightly steamed veggies
Adding varied vegetables can be a nutrient powerhouse for your pup. Though they do not have the enzymes to digest as much starch as we do, adding lightly steamed veggies (and certain raw veggies) to your pup’s meal can add lots of vitamins and fiber to their diet. Dark leafy greens are especially good for calcium, antioxidants, and fiber.
However, note that you can only give so much of spinach, kale, or broccoli daily. Always measure out the vegetables beforehand and only give them in the small amounts recommended.
#7: Pumpkin Puree
Pure pumpkin puree, with no other ingredients, is a great source of fiber. If your dog is having diarrhea, pumpkin puree is wonderful for stopping it. It can also help with constipation. It does everything in terms of GI issues!
However, be warned that too much can also cause the opposite, so plan accordingly how much you will give them daily. A healthy dose can do wonders for your pup with a sensitive stomach.
#8: Fruits
Everyone talks about how good fruits are for our health, but the same benefits apply to your pup. Berries, apples, watermelons, and mangoes are only some of the amazing fruits dogs can eat. Fruits offer a multitude of antioxidants and vitamins, but also hydration (remember, because kibble is VERY dehydrating). Adding fruits, but especially berries, to their kibble can be a game changer for both their taste buds and their health.
#9: Eggs
You should give your dog eggs every week. Depending on the amount that they should be getting, they are an amazing superfood that is both accessible and easy to add. Whether it is raw, scrambled, or boiled, they are basically a dog’s multivitamin!
You should only give your dog raw eggs if they are not prone to GI issues and can handle fighting off bacteria. Good practice is always getting organic pasture-raised eggs if given raw. When in doubt, always cook the eggs if you do not know if raw eggs are safe for your specific dog’s lifestyle, life stage, and health issues.
#10: Spirulina
Spirulina is good for both us and our dogs! They are great for their immune health and can be easily sprinkled on their kibble. However, always choose a high-quality brand, because there have been studies about how there are other byproducts in big brands. Also always monitor for any GI issues, as this can occur in some dogs.
#11: Glucosamine
Glucosamine is widely known as the ingredient needed for joint health. Joint health is important for all dogs, especially as they get older and for large dogs. Glucosamine joint supplements are a great preventative measure to give throughout their life for happy and healthy joints. Some of our favorites are the Myos Muscle & joint powder, which is rich in glucosamine but also chondroitin and green lipid mussels (GLM). These are all ingredients that help with joint health.
Adding whole-food green lipid mussels is also a great way to add glucosamine to their diet without supplements or powders. Both of these options are there to help with joint health and can be a great addition to your dog’s kibble.
Learn more about the importance of joint supplements for large dogs here!
#12: Chia seeds
Chia seeds, in small portions, can be a great source of omega-3, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. As they are a superfood for us, they can also be a superfood for your furry friend! Make sure to always soak them in water before giving it to them.
#13: Baby food
In a pinch and need something to boost their kibble? You can always add baby food or apple sauce as a topper. Depending on the food, as dogs cannot eat certain foods, baby food can add loads of nutrients that you do not have on standby.
#14: High-Quality Kibble
Another unexpected great kibble topper is better-quality kibble! If your dog likes a certain brand of kibble already, taking some of their kibble out and adding another high-quality kibble can be a great way to boost their meal. For example, in the past, we have done Jill’s normal kibble + Open Farm Front Range Grain-Free RawMix, which adds freeze-dried raw food bits, as well as higher quality, better ingredient kibble bits covered in bone broth. Not only does she get the benefits of freeze-dried raw, but also bone broth, and more high-quality protein per scoop.
#15: Dog Gravy Recipe
Last but not least, a great kibble topper is to add dog gravy on top of their kibble. This is similar to the bone broth, as it is a 2-ingredient recipe with bone broth and tapioca flour. It is a great way to add nutrients while giving your dog something they will LOVE to eat! For the smart picky eaters who like to pick and choose what they eat, this coats everything and nothing is left behind. Click here for the full recipe from Rover!
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are endless ways to make your dog’s kibble healthier and more fun for them. It never gets boring, as you can always alternate between all of them throughout the week.
Feeding your dog dry dog food has many benefits for both you and your dog. Adding kibble toppers like the 15 above is an easy and simple way to make it even more nutritious for them! Give these a try and let me know which ones are your dog’s favorites in the comments 🙂
