Feeding your dog a dry food diet is a convenient and popular choice, accounting for over 60% of dog food sales. However, the highly processed nature of kibble means it often benefits greatly from enhancements. By incorporating simple additions of cooked or raw foods, you can significantly improve your dog’s overall health and enjoyment of their meals. This approach focuses on adding nutrient-dense animal-source foods, which dogs require, rather than more carbohydrates, which are often already abundant in dry food.
Mary Straus, a respected pet-food researcher and owner of DogAware.com, emphasizes that these additions should form a smaller portion of your dog’s diet. To avoid unbalancing the nutrition or excessively increasing calorie intake, it’s recommended that these fresh additions constitute no more than 25% of your dog’s total daily calories. Calorie information for both commercial diets and food additions can be found on product labels and the USDA’s FoodData Central website (fdc.nal.usda.gov).
What to Add to Your Dog’s Food
When considering additions to your dog’s diet, the key is to introduce variety and essential nutrients without disrupting the carefully balanced commercial food they consume. Animal-source foods are particularly beneficial as they support vital bodily functions, including the immune and central nervous systems, wound healing, muscle maintenance, and skin and coat health.
1. Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition and can be fed raw, lightly scrambled, soft-boiled, or hard-boiled. The yolk contains biotin, which counteracts any enzyme in raw egg whites that might deplete this nutrient. For dogs weighing 40 pounds or more, a whole egg daily is suitable. For those between 20-40 pounds, half an egg, or a whole egg every other day, is a good starting point, with smaller dogs requiring proportionately less.
2. Muscle Meat and Organ Meats
Adding lean meats like chicken, turkey, or beef, either ground or in small chunks, can be served raw or lightly cooked. Always avoid feeding cooked bones, as they can splinter. While organ meats are nutrient-rich, it’s advisable to limit beef liver due to the high copper content often found in commercial foods, which can lead to copper storage disease. Other organ meats, like heart and gizzards, are nutritionally similar to muscle meat and can be fed in larger quantities, though introducing them slowly is recommended to prevent digestive upset. You can find more information on balancing these additions at healthy things to add to dog food.
3. Fish
Canned sardines (in water), jack mackerel, and pink salmon are excellent sources of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and trace minerals. A small sardine can provide a significant amount of these fatty acids, and a daily intake of 3-10 mg of EPA/DHA per pound of body weight is recommended. However, it’s crucial to avoid feeding raw salmon or trout from the Pacific Northwest, as they can harbor a fatal parasite. Other fish that spawn in fresh water, such as smelt, sturgeon, shad, and striped bass, should also be avoided if fed raw.
4. Yogurt and Kefir
Fermented dairy products like plain, unsweetened yogurt and kefir, especially those with added probiotics, can aid in digestive health. Opt for whole-milk versions unless your dog is on a low-fat diet. Ensure these products are free from xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
5. Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese
Many dogs enjoy cottage cheese and ricotta. If these cheeses are made from milk from grass-fed cattle, particularly A2 milk or goat’s milk, they are easily digestible and a good source of protein.
6. Canned Pumpkin
Pureed or canned pumpkin (not pie mix) is a versatile digestive aid that can help with both diarrhea and constipation. A general guideline is to feed 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, once or twice daily.
7. Cooked or Pureed Vegetables
Whole raw vegetables are poorly digested by dogs due to their inability to break down cell walls effectively. Pureeing or cooking vegetables significantly improves their digestibility and nutrient absorption. Recommended options include carrots, celery, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, asparagus, turnips, and parsnips. Onions are toxic to dogs and should be avoided, as should nightshade family plants (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) if your dog has inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
8. Fruit
Fruits like bananas, apples, melons, pears, and blueberries can be a healthy treat. However, avocados are very high in fat and calories and should be fed in moderation. Grapes, raisins, and fruit seeds and pits are toxic and must be avoided. Due to their sugar content, fruits should be offered in small quantities.
9. Raw Green Tripe
Unlike bleached honeycomb tripe found in supermarkets, raw green tripe (untreated and greenish-brown) is highly nutritious and palatable for dogs. It’s particularly recommended from grass-fed cattle. If feeding a dry diet, limit green tripe to no more than 25% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
10. Recreational Bones
Raw, fresh bones can provide dental benefits, prevent gum disease, and offer mental stimulation. However, bones can pose risks, including broken teeth, especially if large enough to be crushed between the molars. Marrow bones and bone shards can be particularly hazardous. Knuckle bones are generally safer. Always supervise your dog with bones and remove them once the meat is consumed, before they dry out. Never feed cooked or dried bones. For a comprehensive understanding of safe feeding practices, consider resources like best freeze dried raw dog food for alternative raw options.
Conclusion: A Healthier Bowl for Your Canine Companion
Enhancing your dog’s dry food diet with carefully selected fresh additions can lead to significant improvements in their health and well-being. By understanding the nutritional needs of your dog and adhering to recommended portion sizes, you can create a more balanced, palatable, and beneficial diet. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have specific concerns about your dog’s dietary needs or health conditions, especially when considering significant changes or additions to their food.
