Dry dog food or kibble is the most popular choice among doggie parents today. Perhaps this is because it is the most affordable and convenient option to feed your canine. Whether you can afford to buy your pet the highest quality kibble or not even close, there are several simple additions that you can make to your dog’s dry food that will boost its nutritional value.
1. A Cooked Egg
Packed full of nutrients, a cooked egg makes a perfect addition to your dog’s kibble. However, it is important not to feed your dog a raw egg, as the risk for salmonella poisoning is too great. You can scramble it up, or boil it and chop it up for them. Full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, an egg even holds nutritive value in its shell. Feeding your dog ½ of an egg if they are small or a whole egg for dogs weighing 20 to 40 pounds is recommended by Whole Dog Journal.
2. Muscle and Organ Meats
Feeding your dog a bit of chicken, turkey, or lean beef in with their dry food makes a healthful addition. Just be sure to cut the meat up into small enough pieces so that your dog won’t choke on them. You can choose to serve the meat raw or lightly cooked. Feeding your dog liver or other organ meats will help fortify your dog’s diet with a fresh source of protein.
3. Canned Sardines or Pink Salmon
Any opportunity that you have to add beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet is a good thing.
No need to overdo it though. You only need to add a couple of sardines to give your dog a serious boost of beneficial fatty acids and trace minerals. The same goes for pink salmon. A little bit of this nutritious fish goes a long way.
4. Canned Pumpkin
Just in time for the holidays, adding some canned pumpkin to your dog’s food helps give his digestion a boost. However, it is important to note that it must be the unsweetened variety that contains no sugar and no spices. A pumpkin pie mix will NOT do. If your dog has been having diarrhea and constipation, a teaspoon of canned pumpkin may help remedy the situation.
5. Cooked or Pureed Veggies
When it comes to giving your dog vegetables, be sure to leave out the condiments and spices. Never give your dog onions as they are toxic to dogs. Dogs can eat carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, zucchini, and asparagus.
The reason you need to cook or puree vegetables is that dogs don’t chew their food enough to break them down for proper digestion.
Final Thought
Keep in mind that when you add foods to your dog’s kibble, you are also adding extra calories. Speak to your veterinarian about the right portion size for your dog and which food additions your dog might benefit the most from eating.