America’s most popular dog food is dry kibble, prized for its convenience and affordability, accounting for over 60% of all dog food sales. However, dry dog food is not without its limitations. The good news is that you can significantly enhance your dog’s dry diet by incorporating simple additions of cooked or raw foods. Mary Straus, a long-time pet-food researcher and owner of DogAware.com, emphasizes that kibble particularly benefits from enhancement due to its highly processed nature and high carbohydrate content, necessary for the extrusion process. Adding healthy things to dog food can dramatically improve your canine companion’s overall well-being and satisfaction.
Straus suggests prioritizing animal-source foods like eggs, meat, or dairy over plant foods such as grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables. Most dry foods are already rich in carbohydrates, which dogs do not nutritionally require. In contrast, animal protein plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, central nervous system, wound healing, lean muscle development, and maintaining healthy skin and coat. It’s crucial to remember that while these additions are beneficial, they should only comprise a small portion of your dog’s total caloric intake to avoid nutritional imbalances. Specifically, limit these additions to a maximum of 25% of the total calories fed daily to prevent disrupting the ideal calcium-phosphorus ratio or adding excessive calories. For information on the caloric content of your dog’s food, check the label, and for additions, fdc.nal.usda.gov is a valuable resource.
Beneficial Foods to Add to Your Dog’s Dry Kibble
Replacing more than 25% of the calories from a commercial diet with fresh foods, treats, and chews risks seriously unbalancing the overall diet, unless careful consideration is given to balancing the added portion. Here are some guidelines for improving your dog’s health while adding enjoyment and variety to their meals.
1. Eggs
Eggs are among the healthiest and easiest additions you can make to your dog’s diet. They can be fed raw or lightly prepared, such as scrambled, soft-boiled, or hard-boiled. Whole raw eggs are generally acceptable, as the yolks contain sufficient biotin to counteract what raw egg whites might destroy; however, cooking the whites makes them more digestible. A dog weighing 40 pounds or more can typically handle a whole egg. For dogs between 20 to 40 pounds, half an egg (or a whole egg every other day) is recommended, with proportionately less for smaller breeds.
2. Muscle Meat (including Heart) and Organ Meats
You can add any type of muscle meat, such as chicken, turkey, or lean beef, either ground or in small, choke-proof chunks. These can be served raw or lightly cooked, but always remember: never feed cooked bones. While organ meats, like liver, offer beneficial nutrients, Mary Straus no longer recommends feeding fresh or freeze-dried beef liver to kibble-fed dogs. This is primarily because most commercial dog foods are already high in copper, and excessive copper in the diet can lead to serious conditions like copper storage disease. For other organ meats, introduce small amounts. Organ meats such as heart and poultry gizzard are nutritionally similar to muscle meats and can be fed in larger quantities, though some dogs might experience digestive upset if too much is consumed at once. It’s essential to understand what food is good for dogs with pancreatitis if your dog has specific health concerns.
3. Fish
Canned sardines (preferably packed in water), jack mackerel, and pink salmon are excellent additions to your dog’s diet, offering beneficial fatty acids and trace minerals. A single small sardine, weighing less than half an ounce, can provide 100 to 150 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. A general recommendation is to provide 3 to 10 mg of EPA/DHA per pound of body weight daily. It is crucial to avoid feeding raw salmon or trout from the Pacific Northwest (ranging from California to Alaska), as these fish may carry a parasite that can be fatal to dogs. This warning also extends to other saltwater fish that spawn in freshwater, such as smelt, sturgeon, shad, and striped bass.
4. Yogurt and Kefir
Fermented dairy products, whether homemade or commercially produced with added probiotics and free of sugar or xylitol, can be highly beneficial for resolving digestive issues. Whole-milk yogurt or kefir is suitable unless your dog requires a low-fat diet. These probiotics contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall digestive health.
5. Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese
Most dogs find cottage cheese and ricotta highly palatable. If these protein-rich cheeses are made from grass-fed cattle, especially A2 milk or goat’s milk, they are often more easily digested. These dairy options provide a good source of protein and can be a delightful treat for your dog. For more information on dealing with digestive issues, you might find it helpful to learn about home remedies for dog vomiting and upset stomach.
A bowl of healthy dog food with various fresh additions like vegetables, eggs, and meat
6. Canned Pumpkin (Not Pumpkin Pie Mix)
Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix, which contains spices and sugar) is a traditional and effective remedy for both diarrhea and constipation, making it an excellent all-purpose digestive aid. Feed small amounts, such as 1 teaspoon of plain canned or pureed cooked pumpkin per 10 pounds of body weight, once or twice daily. This simple addition can significantly aid in regulating your dog’s digestive system.
7. Cooked or Pureed Vegetables
Dogs typically don’t chew their food enough to break down the cell walls of raw vegetables, meaning whole raw vegetables offer limited nutritional value. However, vegetables pureed in a food processor, juicer, or blender become much more digestible. Cooked vegetables can also be digested without needing to be pureed. Recommended cooked or pureed vegetables include carrots, celery, all types of greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, asparagus, turnips, and parsnips. Due to their toxicity to dogs, onions are strictly not recommended. Furthermore, if your dog exhibits any symptoms of arthritis or inflammation, it’s best to avoid plants from the nightshade family, which includes potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, and goji berries. Choosing the right supplements can also improve your dog’s breath, especially if you’re looking for what is the best dog treat for bad breath.
8. Fruit
Most dogs enjoy fresh, ripe fruits like bananas, apples, melons, pears, and blueberries. However, certain fruits should be avoided or fed in strict moderation. Avocados, for instance, are very high in fat and calories, so they should be limited. Grapes, raisins, and fruit seeds and pits are also potentially hazardous and must be avoided. The primary concern with fruit is its sugar content, which is why offering small rather than large amounts is always a good practice. Always ensure fruits are given as occasional treats and not as a major part of the diet. For specific breed nutritional needs, understanding something like the best dog food for adult golden retrievers can be highly beneficial.
9. Raw Green Tripe
While you might find bleached white honeycomb tripe at your local supermarket, this part of a cow’s stomach offers limited nutritional value to your dog. Dogs greatly prefer and benefit more from green tripe, which is untreated, greenish-brown in color, and, to humans, smells quite terrible. Raw green tripe from grass-fed cattle comes highly recommended for its nutritional benefits. While some raw feeders base entire meals on green tripe, if you feed a dry diet, this addition should be limited to a maximum of 25% or less of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.
10. Recreational Bones
For many dogs, a raw bone after dinner is an ideal treat. It can help clean teeth, prevent gum disease, and provide satisfying chewing pleasure and jaw exercise. However, bones can also pose risks, such as causing broken teeth, especially if their size and shape allow dogs to crunch down on them with their molars. Marrow bones, in particular, carry a higher risk. Knuckle bones may be safer due to their shape, especially for large dogs and aggressive chewers. Additionally, bone shards can cause serious internal issues if swallowed. For the safest experience, always feed only raw, fresh bones and remove them once the attached tissues have been eaten and before the bone dries out. Cooked or dry bones are prone to splintering and are not recommended. If you’re concerned about digestive health and parasites, understanding can worms in dogs cause bloody diarrhea is also important.
In conclusion, enhancing your dog’s dry kibble diet with these healthy additions can significantly contribute to their overall health, vitality, and enjoyment of mealtime. While these fresh foods offer numerous benefits, it is crucial to introduce them thoughtfully and in moderation, ensuring they do not exceed 25% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. This approach helps maintain a balanced diet and prevents potential nutritional imbalances. Always prioritize your dog’s specific dietary needs and consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice. By carefully selecting and preparing these wholesome additions, you can provide your beloved companion with a richer, more nutritious, and satisfying diet.
