The convenience and ease on the wallet of kibble feeding are contributing reasons to the mass pool of dry food feeders. However, many owners are constantly looking for ways to compensate for the lack of nutritional value of most commercial kibble brands. We’re here to help - here are five simple ways to enhance your dog’s kibble:
Fresh vegetables
Most digestive enzymes are inactivated due to the high heat and pressure during processing of the kibble. This means that your dog will benefit from the addition of digestive enzymes, especially when consuming recipes with higher amounts of carbohydrates. Veggies low in carbohydrate like broccoli, spinach, and carrots are good options to consider. Add them raw or lightly steamed, but finely grated or grounded as dogs do not have the ability to break down cellulose.
Bone broth
If you notice your dog downing his water bowl after a meal, it’s because kibble have a very low moisture content (as low as 10%!). This causes his body to rehydrate the food internally with moisturestolenfrom its own tissues. Furthermore, increased water intake after a meal will cause the kibble to expand more which could possibly lead to bloating; exerting unnecessary stress on the organs. To avoid this, pre-moisten dry food with warm water orWholesome Paw’s bone broth (Bone Broth Dr has great options too!) to keep your dog satiated for longer and promote a healthier digestive system. Mixing a broth with kibble also replenishes the amino acids that were obliterated during the heating process of kibble production.
Golden paste
Commonly lauded asthe golden paste, this mighty blend of superfoods turmeric and coconut oil, and a dash of black pepper is a potent supplementation to kibbles. Most of what's lacking in nutritional value in kibbles is compensated through the addition of this paste! Some of the many benefits include: the ability to kill cancer cells, prevents the formation of cataracts, anti-inflammatory, and boosts the immune system! Add some ofThe Bakery Golden Turmeric Paste for an extra boost of a little bit of everything!
Omega-3 fatty acids
With inflated claims from many dry food brands promising a well-balanced diet, theimportance of omega-3 fatty acids is commonly overlooked. Most commercial brands have an imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which can prove to be detrimental for your dog’s health. The only way to tilt the balance is to add that missing bit of omega-3 back into the dry food. This can be done through a pump or two ofZeal’s Hoki Fish Oil, or simply adding fish high in O-3 fatty acids - sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are great choices.
Eggs
When in doubt, pop an egg in - raw or cooked. Eggs are an incredible source of protein, vitamin and minerals, and fat. In fact, an egg is a complete food source on its own - even the shell has its own set of benefits! The whites are better served cooked for easy digestion, while the yolks are best raw to reap the most nutrition. Grind the shells up into a powder form for calcium - but if you don’t have the time, you can turn to Barkery’s eggshell powder for some. Limit the addition of eggs to 1-2 times weekly as too many can cause gas due to the richness of eggs.
KIM LEE
Kim is an avid dog lover, serial guac and chips eater, and thrill seeker - all in one body. Currently chillin’ with her dogs.