By Amy Tokic
Kibble is a super convenient way to feed your dog, but a few small upgrades can go a long way for their health and overall wellbeing. With just a handful of simple add-ins, you can turn everyday meals into something more balanced and nourishing. Here are six easy ways to boost your dog’s kibble — including one that doesn’t cost a thing.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a popular supplement for a reason — it’s packed with essential fatty acids that offer tons of benefits for your dog. It can help boost coat shine, reduce inflammation and even support brain health. The best part? It’s an easy upgrade. Just drizzle a small amount over your dog’s kibble and let them enjoy the perks.
Pureed Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a simple, natural way to support your dog’s digestion. It’s high in fiber and can be surprisingly helpful if your pup deals with either diarrhea or constipation. Just add a spoonful of plain, cooked pumpkin to their kibble to help keep things running smoothly. As a bonus, most dogs love the taste — so it feels more like a treat than a supplement.
Bone Broth
Bone broth isn’t just for people — it’s a great add-on for your dog’s meals, too. It’s packed with nutrients, helps keep your pup hydrated and supports gut health. You can make your own at home using dog-safe recipes, or grab a pre-made version from a trusted brand. Either way, it’s a simple, tasty upgrade your dog will go crazy for.
Plain Yogurt/Kefir
Fermented dairy products can be an easy way to give your dog’s meals a healthy boost — especially if they’re homemade or have added probiotics. Whole-milk yogurt or kefir works well (unless your dog needs a low-fat diet). Just make sure whatever you choose doesn’t contain xylitol — that one’s a big no-no for dogs.
Cooked/Pureed Veggies
When it comes to giving your pupper a daily nutrition boost, the old advice to “eat your vegetables” definitely applies. Dogs can enjoy plenty of veggie options — like cucumbers, broccoli, celery, zucchini, carrots, turnips, brussels sprouts, asparagus and more straight from the garden.
That said, dogs don’t chew the way we do, so raw veggies can be hard for them to break down. To help your pup get all that good nutrition, it’s best to cook, purée, juice, or blend the vegetables before serving.
Before adding anything new, always double-check that it’s dog-safe (a quick Google search usually does the trick). Some veggies — like onions, chives, and shallots — can be harmful, and it’s also best to skip nightshades such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant.
Eggs
Eggs are a protein powerhouse — and one of the easiest ways to level up your dog’s kibble. Just like us, dogs can enjoy eggs scrambled, soft-boiled, or hard-boiled. You can even crack a raw egg right into their bowl (shell and all) for an extra boost of protein and nutrients like calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D and selenium.
Thinking outside the dog food box is a great way to help your pup live their healthiest life and make sure they’re getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. Whether you feed dry kibble or canned food, commercial dog food is designed to meet your dog’s nutritional needs at every age and stage.
That said, if you want to give your dog’s meals a little extra oomph — both in texture and nutrition — adding a few healthy food toppers is an easy and effective way to do it.
