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As a devoted pet owner, I find nutrition to be my main focus for Laila’s overall health and wellness. The best dog food toppers will add variety and a boost of nutrition to your dog’s diet. Toppers are meant to enhance the taste and texture of your dog’s food, especially if feeding kibble. Why not make it something your dog will really enjoy?
Laila is on a fresh diet, and I constantly change what goes into her bowl. I love to see her get excited to try new foods. These additions to her meals provide variety and a dose of beneficial nutrients. Adding these foods will make your dog’s daily meals more enticing. So what are my five best dog food toppers?
- Raw Goat’s Milk
- Bone Broth
- Raw Whole Eggs
- Sardines
- Whole Raw Chicken Feet
Raw Goat’s Milk
Raw goat’s milk is one of my favorite toppers. It has many health benefits, and Laila thinks it’s delicious. Like cow’s milk, it is a great source of calcium, but it’s easier on the digestive system. Because it is loaded with probiotics, goat’s milk aids in healthy digestion and can help relieve allergies.
Keeping your dog’s gut microbiome in check is essential for their immune system. Making sure to balance the good and bad bacteria will ensure proper nutrient absorption.
Try adding raw goat milk to your dog’s food one tablespoon at a time. My girl weighs 55lbs and gets about 1/4 cup in one of her daily meals. Our favorite is Green Ju Ju. It has a nice thick, creamy consistency.
If you are just starting to add variety to your dog’s food, it’s a good idea to introduce new foods gradually and monitor your pet’s response to adjust as needed. And remember goat’s milk is high in fat. Be sure to adjust the amount of food you give to keep those calories in check.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is an easy way to add vitamins and minerals to your dog’s diet. You throw a few ingredients into the crockpot and let it cook slowly all day. Add several bones and herbs into the crockpot and cover with water. Adding a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar will help draw the nutrients out of the bones and into the broth.
You can also purchase premade bone broth, please make sure it’s bone broth for dogs; that way, there’s no risk of onions in the broth. Remember, onions are toxic for dogs.
Bone broth is the perfect addition for improving gut health. It helps soothe the GI tract and reduces inflammation in the gut. A healthy gut is everything when it comes to our overall health. It’s perfect for dogs with leaky gut syndrome and other GI issues.
Slow cooking bones draws out the collagen and gelatin into the broth. Bones and their connective tissues provide key nutrition for your dog’s healthy joints. And I’ve never met a dog that didn’t like it. If you feed kibble, bone broth will add much needed moisture and flavor for your dog.
Whole Raw Eggs
Whole raw eggs are a healthy addition to your dog’s food. They are a natural source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids play a critical role in healthy body function.
Dogs are even able to eat the shells. They contain calcium and other minerals. So, if your dog enjoys the shells, feed the shells. They provide a little texture and make the meal interesting.
Eggs are a complete food source… I mean, that’s where baby chickens live and grow until they’re ready for the world. Eggs are loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Riboflavin
- Iron
- Selenium
- Fatty acids
Use eggs from pasture-raised chickens when possible. Eggs are more nutrient-dense when chickens eat what they’re meant to eat, like grasses and bugs. Crack one on top of your dog’s meal a few days a week and let them enjoy the variety.
Sardines
Our dogs also need a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are important for a healthy heart. They help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. Healthy fats are essential for brain health and cognitive function.
I like sardines because they’re a great source of omega-3s, they’re caught in the wild, and they cost less than other options. It’s easy to just add a few to one of Laila’s meals. And she loves them! Our dogs appreciate some variety in their meals, just like we do.
You can rotate with other fish like wild-caught salmon and mackerel. Pay attention to where the fish came from, and avoid feeding farmed fish. Use sardines packed in water with no salt added.
Whole Raw Chicken Feet
Now these are Laila’s favorite! She would put chicken feet at the top of her best dog food toppers list. Raw chicken feet are a fun way to supplement your dog’s meals. They provide a list of benefits such as cleaning the teeth and supporting healthy joints. I love to give my dog whole food supplements. Real food is more readily utilized by the body than anything in hard pill form. And my dog WILL find the pill. Every. Time.
The thick, scaly skin on chicken feet will help clean the teeth and stimulate the gums. Up to 80% of dogs in the US have some degree of dental disease by age three. Laila does not like getting her teeth brushed, but she loves to chew. Use your dog’s natural instinct to keep them healthy.
Most poultry bones are soft and hollow. This makes them fully digestible for your dog. Bones and connective tissues are also loaded with calcium and natural glucosamine. Providing fresh raw chicken feet supports your dog’s strong, healthy bones and joints.
Feed Real Food
Honestly, the best dog food toppers are real, whole foods. The more you can add to your dog’s kibble, the better. Variety not only makes mealtime exciting for your furry friend, but it is also essential for gut health. Eating the same foods over and over can cause sensitivities to occur.
Fresh whole foods contribute to the friendly bacteria in the gut. The good guys fight off the harmful bacteria and keep your dog feeling and functioning at their best.
There are many illnesses that have been linked to gut health. A lot of times itchy skin, diarrhea, and vomiting are caused by an underlying stomach imbalance. Over time, this can turn into something more serious.
Food is medicine. Feed your dog for true health and save on vet bills later. If you have been thinking about making the switch but just don’t know where to start, I can help you set up a plan.
Whether you choose to feed a raw or a cooked diet, I will provide three balanced recipes for your dog’s specific needs. If you can’t make the switch, let’s talk about some things you can add to improve the quality of nutrition.
