We all want to know we are doing the best for our pets. That has become increasingly harder with the influx of information telling us what’s bad for our pets or what’s a “must-do” when it comes to dog food. Some of these are trends, some of them are true to our dog’s needs, and we are here to help you figure out what’s what. Much of health and wellness comes from what we put in our dog’s body, and since they can’t make the decisions for themselves, it’s important we know how to fill their bowls to make them feel their best.
Whether their bowl is full of dry food, gently cooked, raw, or homemade meals, we believe that building the bowl with nutrients is a simple way of boosting your dog’s health. With convenience and cost in mind, we have listed our favorite toppers that truly make a difference in pet’s vitality. Adding in a bit of fresh food or a small topper may not seem like much, but it can improve your dog’s quality of life, treat health conditions, & make mealtime more enjoyable!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Animals are made to get most of their hydration from food sources, so that’s always a great place to start. Good hydration supports nutrient absorption, which is crucial to your dog getting the most out of their meals. Even if your dog is consuming all of their vitamins & minerals, this doesn’t always mean their body is using them to the best of their ability. A great way to tell how your pet is absorbing their food is – of course – checking their poop. Small, formed waste indicates full nutrient absorption, which is our goal! Coat your dog food with bone broth for the easiest & yummiest extra hydration and watch them flourish.
Something’s Fishy
If we had to choose one nutrient to add to our pet’s bowl, it would be Omega 3’s. Most conventional diets aren’t high in Omega 3’s and definitely don’t come from a natural source. Fish oils with purity testing from Nordic Naturals or whole, oily fish such as sprat or sardines make a wonderful meal topper. We love to rotate fishy add-ins with other toppers to keep mealtime interesting, but you can always use fish daily if there is an inflammatory issue.
Nutrients…to the Max!
Extra nutrients help keep your dog in tip-top shape and the most potent natural source is organ meat. Organs are much more nutrient dense than the muscle meat your dog may be getting in their food. Even if they are fed raw food with organs, it is always great to rotate out which ones they get! With a rotation of kidney, liver, heart, gizzards, & lung in their bowl, you can support your dog’s immunity, heart, brain, skin, and many other bodily functions. Topping with organ meat is easier than ever, with raw packs or freeze-dried bags for quick use!
Keepin’ it Fresh
Two big boosts to your dog food – and their health! – are fiber & antioxidants. Naturally, they are found in fruits and vegetables so many times one topper can give you these two-in-one benefits! Antioxidants are key to cell health, which can prevent or assist in healing metabolic disorders. Fiber keeps the gut as healthy as possible, ensuring all nutrients are digested & utilized. One of our favorite ways to add them both in is with Green Juju! They make fresh or freeze-dried blends of produce that are high in fiber and antioxidants. This is a wonderful addition to the bowl everyday, but also for dogs being introduced to a new food or environment!
Gut Feeling
Health starts in the gut! Allergies, immunity, yeast buildup, & stress are all affected by gut health. With a good probiotic, nothing can stop your pup, and what better way to add them than with natural sources! Raw goat’s milk is a delicious & simple way to give your pup natural probiotics – and for an extra boost, try Boss Dog with added probiotics. Another great way to top for gut health is with fermented veggies from Green Juju. An easy way to use these toppers is to freeze them in trays & pop out as needed to add to your dog food bowl!
Whole Foods as Whole Healers
While toppers are wonderful for all dogs, if your pet is struggling with a health issue there are specific foods you can add to their bowl. For arthritic dogs, green lipped mussels are wonderful and can be given whole or in a freeze-dried powder. Elderly pets who may be suffering with their cognition, a full-spectrum CBD with MCT oil is perfect for their bowl. Dogs with sensitive tummies do great with a pumpkin topper – easiest served with a fiber-filled powder. Turmeric is a wonderful addition to dogs with liver issues & fish oil is perfect for those with kidney or heart diseases. Dog food can be medicine when we add what their bodies need!
Stay Balanced
Home cooked meals are everyone’s favorite – especially our pups’! While fresh food is always a good thing, it’s important to make sure your pet is getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. As our goal is always to make your life easier, we have two simple ways to balance out their bowls in – of course – a delicious way! Fera Organics provides a Whole Food Multivitamin powder with no synthetics, ensuring all of their vitamins & minerals are coming from whole food sources. If you’d like a mix-in that just requires you to add meat, Dr. Harvey’s has you covered!
You Have a Lucky Pup!
Whatever is in your dog’s bowl, we know you are filling it with love. Giving your pet the best boost in their bowl makes mealtime intentional and fun! Variety in proteins and toppers will keep your dog healthy & vibrant, keeping their interest in food alive. If you have any questions about your specific pet and what would be the best way to build their bowl, reach out to our team! We are always happy to help you find the paw-fect additions to boost your dog’s health by upgrading their dog food.
Happy Feeding!
