5 Ways to Enrich Your Dog’s Kibble Diet
A kibble diet is the most convenient, long-lasting, easy-to-feed diet; however, it is not always to a high, or even sufficient, nutritional quality. Many types of kibble exist, from entry-level kibbles with lower quality ingredients including cereals such as maize and animal derivatives from various sources, to higher quality kibbles such as cold-pressed which retain a higher nutritional content than dry extruded (“traditional kibble”) due to its lower cooking temperatures. Although a dog can meet its bare nutritional demands through a kibble diet, there are various quick and cost effective ways to boost your dog’s kibble diet and improve their health.
Here’s 5 ways to boost your dog’s kibble diet without breaking the bank:
Freeze-dried Raw Toppers
Freeze-dried toppers, usually beef, lamb, or chicken, are minimally processed, biologically-appropriate, high quality animal protein sources that are convenient to feed as an addition to your dog’s kibble diet. They come in chunks that can be added to kibble or used in training, and as small pieces that can be sprinkled on top.
Nature’s Menu, Coya, and Wainwright’s are all great brands that make freeze-dried raw pieces.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are another way to improve your dog’s kibble; to get the highest nutritional benefit of vegetables, they should be lightly steamed or finely grated and blended or puréed. Raw, frozen carrots however, can be an effective addition to a dog’s diet for dental cleaning. Carrots, green beans, and bell peppers in all colours are all favourite vegetable additions.
Supplements are available that can provide the perfect blend of essential nutrients.
Canned/tinned Fish
Canned/tinned sardine and mackerel are both great sources of extra proteins. Sardines contain selenium, omega-3 fatty acid and CoQ10 which reduce inflammation, support the heart, joints, bones, eyes, and skin, and boosts the body’s immune system and metabolism. As well as omega-3 fatty acids, mackerel is packed with vitamin D aiding health, boosting the coat and skin, and supporting brain development. The joint support from sardines and mackerel is great for those prone to, or living with arthritis.
Yoghurt/kefir
Yoghurt is high in calcium and protein supporting bones and development, and acts as a probiotic which is good for the digestive system. Kefir is also high in probiotics which are effective in maintaining a healthy gut and balancing beneficial yeasts against destructive yeasts in the body. It is particularly beneficial in those taking antibiotics, which can kill the good bacteria in the stomach, as well as the bad. Kefir improves bone health through rich calcium and vitamin K2, which plays a major role in calcium metabolism; studies have shown reduced incidents of fractures, and improved bone density in those that supplement with it.
Bone Broth
Bone broth, both homemade or pre-made, is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin which are great for joint support; a particularly great addition if your dog’s breed is prone to arthritis. It is rich in collagen which also contributes to joint health and maintaining a healthy skin and coat. Liver detoxification is another benefit through the high concentrations of amino acids, such as glycerine, which remove toxins that can build up in a dog’s body. You can find bone broth in beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, venison, pork, and fish. Anco make a great powdered bone broth to be used as a sprinkled topper or made into broth to soak kibble in; Paleo Ridge make a great ready-made broth which can be used to soak kibble or added to slow-feeders or a bowl as a hydrating drink.
References
https://www.becopets.com/blogs/news/kibble-vs-raw-dog-food#:~:text=Kibble%20dog%20food%20has%20the,rice%20with%20different%20protein%20sources.
https://scrumbles.co.uk/blogs/dog/the-truth-about-cold-pressed-dog-food
https://www.allthebestpetcare.com/pet-nutrition/6-ways-to-improve-your-dogs-kibble/
https://www.bellaandduke.com/learn/dog-nutrition/can-dogs-eat-fish/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20dogs%20can%20eat%20mackerel,of%20dogs%20suffering%20from%20arthritis.
https://omaspride.com/blog/sardines-for-dogs#:~:text=Are%20sardines%20good%20for%20dogs,bones%2C%20eyes%2C%20and%20skin.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-yogurt/#:~:text=such%20as%20milk.-,Is%20Yogurt%20Good%20For%20Dogs%3F,sweeteners%2C%20both%20natural%20and%20artificial.
https://www.pettittandboo.co.uk/blogs/news/8-great-benefits-of-giving-your-dog-kefir
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/reasons-bone-broth-is-the-superfood-your-pup-needs/