Transform your dog’s kibble meals with simple, nutritious additions like fresh vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. Discover how creative tweaks can enhance flavor, improve digestion, and strengthen your furry friend’s immune system, ensuring happier and healthier mealtimes.
Kibble food is increasingly popular because of its convenience and ability to provide enough basic nutrients for dogs. However, the processing often causes the kilns to lose some of their nutritional value, and their flavor can also become bland, unappealing to picky eaters.
Things like fish oil to improve her coat, a little shredded chicken breast, or vegetables like steamed carrots and mashed pumpkin helped Luna eat more deliciously.
Not only that, adding fresh food also brings many health benefits. For example, green vegetables and tubers rich in fiber help Luna’s digestive system work more smoothly. I have also noticed that Luna has been sick less often since she started this diet, probably due to her improved immune system.
My advice is to try to observe your pet’s taste and needs. Every dog has their own preferences, so sometimes even a small change in diet can make a big difference.
The Importance of Adding Food to Your Dog’s Kibble
A little creativity in your dog’s meals can make a big difference. Whether it’s a little cooked chicken, a spoonful of pumpkin or even some bone broth, these small additions will add both flavor and nutrition. Fresh proteins, like lean meat, give your dog the energy they need to stay active, while vegetables and fruits provide fiber and vitamins to help keep their digestive system healthy. Healthy fats, like those from fish oils, can do wonders for their coat and skin.
More than just nutrition, adding fresh food makes mealtimes more desirable. Seeing your dog eager to eat again, wagging his tail at the smell of new food is priceless. It’s a simple, loving way to spice up their diet and keep them happy, healthy and looking forward to every meal.
List of safe and healthy daily supplements
1) Fruit
Like vegetables, a variety of fruits can be incorporated into your dog’s daily diet. However, you should be aware that some fruits may not be good for them.
The more colorful the better! Just like humans, eating fresh fruits and vegetables will help boost your dog’s immune system and benefit their health.
Recommended dosage: Veterinarian Billinghurst suggests that about 10% of your dog’s diet should be pureed vegetables (and a small portion of that can be fruit).
2) Bone broth
Crafted from chicken, beef, or fish bones, bone broth is a nourishing elixir that can transform your dog’s mealtime experience. By blending a splash of bone or chicken broth into their kibble, you’re not just enhancing the flavor but also enriching their bowl with essential nutrients. It’s a simple yet impactful way to show extra care for your furry friend!
3) Eggs
Few foods rival the nutritional punch of eggs. Packed with high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and a wide array of vitamins, eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition for your dog. They make a fantastic addition to your pet’s diet, providing essential nutrients to support overall health. Thanks to their digestibility and mild flavor, eggs are a well-tolerated and versatile treat for most dogs.
4) Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, packed with fiber that supports healthy digestion and helps soothe an upset stomach. Many dogs love its naturally sweet flavor, making it an easy and enjoyable treat. Pumpkin has gained popularity as a dietary supplement for good reason—its high fiber content is excellent for regulating digestion.
A small spoonful of plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains harmful spices), steamed green beans, or steamed squash can be a wholesome, nutrient-rich boost to your pup’s meals.
5) Carrots & Broccoli
Carrots are another healthy vegetable that can be mixed with dry dog food. They are a good source of carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins … Carrots, cooked or not- dogs new to raw food usually love carrots, and it’s easy to add them. Some dogs love Broccoli, others hate it, but it’s a great source.
6) Vegetables
Vegetables aren’t just for humans; our four-legged pals can enjoy them too! Adding fresh veggies to your dog’s kibble.
Vegetables can be given raw (great for the teeth) or cooked. While perhaps not the most palatable offering, some dogs will enjoy the different tastes.
My dogs love vegetables, so I give them carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas as their food. They also get squash, both winter and summer.
7) Goat’s milk
Raw goat’s milk is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, thanks to its naturally occurring probiotics. These probiotics help support gut health and digestion in an easily absorbable form, making it an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
In addition to milk, protein-rich cheeses made from goat’s milk, like cottage cheese or ricotta, can be a delicious and nutritious treat. Packed with extra protein, they’re a hit with dogs and offer a tasty way to give them a healthy boost. Just remember to serve these in moderation!
8) Meat
Most dogs are total meat lovers, and nothing makes them happier than seeing a few juicy pieces of meat added to their bowl. At my house, lamb, beef, chicken, or turkey are the go-to choices—sometimes even game meat if I’m feeling fancy. It’s such a simple way to keep meals exciting and full of protein.
When I have a little extra time, I’ll cook the meat or shred it to make it easier for them to eat. Meat’s natural fat content makes it super satisfying, and let’s be honest, the way they wag their tails when they smell it is priceless!
On busy days, I mix things up with some canned fish, carrots, or sweet potatoes—whatever’s handy in the kitchen. A little coconut oil is my secret weapon for extra shine in their coats. And turkey? I always grab a few on sale to freeze for later—it’s a lifesaver for quick, wholesome meals they absolutely love.
9) Apple
Apples are a fantastic, healthy treat to mix into your dog’s dry food. Packed with carbohydrates, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like A and C, they provide a natural energy boost. The fiber in apples, especially in the skin, can help support your dog’s digestion, but remember to remove the core and seeds—they’re not safe for dogs.
In my experience, most dogs love the crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor of apples. I sometimes chop up a few slices as a quick snack or mix them with their regular meals for variety. Blueberries are another great option for adding a fruity twist to their diet.
As for nuts and seeds, it’s best to tread carefully. Some can be toxic, and even those that aren’t may upset your dog’s stomach. When in doubt, it’s always safer to stick with proven favorites like apples and berries!
10) Peanut butter
Peanut butter isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s a fun and nutritious way to elevate your dog’s dry food. A spoonful spread over their kibble can make meals much more exciting while adding a good boost of protein and healthy fats. Plus, most dogs absolutely love the rich, nutty flavor!
That said, you need to be careful when choosing peanut butter. Always check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, a highly toxic artificial sweetener for dogs. Opt for natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients and no added sugar for the healthiest option.
At my house, a dollop of peanut butter is also a go-to for sneaking in medications—it’s like a magic trick that keeps everyone happy!
11) Raw eggs
Raw eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition for dogs—rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. I often crack one over my dog’s kibble as a treat, and if I have time, I’ll crush the shell for extra calcium. It’s such a simple, natural way to boost their meals. Just be sure the eggs are fresh and start with small amounts to see how your pup likes it. Luna, my dog, always licks the bowl clean when there’s an egg involved!
12) Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a fantastic supplement for dogs, packed with medium-chain fatty acids that can do wonders for their health. I’ve noticed my dog Luna’s coat becomes super shiny and soft whenever I add a small spoonful to her meals. It’s also rich in lauric acid, which helps fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
That said, coconut oil should be used as a supplement, not a standalone food source. I usually mix it with her kibble or veggies for an extra boost of nutrition—and she absolutely loves the taste!
13) Green beans
Green beans are a simple yet nutritious addition to your dog’s meals. They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and provide a small amount of protein, making them perfect for a healthy boost. Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, along with manganese, they’re packed with benefits.
At home, I like to steam or boil green beans for Luna—she loves the soft texture. If I’m in a hurry, I’ll toss in a few raw for some crunch. Pairing them with other healthy options like spinach or blueberries makes for a nutrient-packed meal your dog will enjoy!
14) Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins like A and C, and minerals like potassium. Plus, they’re great for digestion and give your dog a nice energy boost.
For Luna, I usually steam or bake them until they’re soft, then mash a bit into her kibble. She loves the natural sweetness, and I feel good knowing it’s healthy. It’s such an easy way to mix up her meals and keep her tail wagging!
15) Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet. It’s packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, which help support gut health and digestion. For picky eaters, a dollop of Greek yogurt on their kibble can make mealtime more exciting and nutritious.
At home, I mix a spoonful into Luna’s bowl occasionally—she loves the creamy texture, and I love knowing it’s doing her good. Just make sure it’s plain, unsweetened, and free of any additives or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs. Simple, healthy, and satisfying!
16) Offal
Whether you go with raw or lightly cooked meat, just be sure to cut it into small pieces so your dog can chew it easily and safely. Muscle meats like chicken, turkey, or lean beef are always great options, and heart meat is a hidden gem—super nutritious and packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
I like to toss a little organ meat, like heart or liver, into Luna’s bowl now and then. She absolutely loves the flavor, and I feel good knowing it’s so good for her. Just keep portions in check, especially with liver—it’s powerful stuff and a little goes a long way!
Mixing fresh foods into kibble has been a game-changer for me and Luna. A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt adds probiotics and creaminess that she loves, and sometimes I toss in steamed carrots or green beans for a bit of crunch.
Cracking a raw egg over her kibble is another favorite—it’s simple, nutritious, and always gets her excited. I also add a teaspoon of coconut oil now and then to keep her coat shiny and her skin healthy.
The key is balance. Kibble provides the essentials, so I use these extras as little boosts, not replacements. Seeing Luna wag her tail and dive into her bowl makes it all worth it!
