Foods You Should Add To Your Dogs Kibble

With so many different kibbles on the market, it can be challenging to decide which is best for our furry friends. While kibble is convenient, the truth is, even the highest quality kibble lacks fresh, whole foods that dogs need for a healthy diet. By adding “human” foods to your dogs kibble, you provide them with vitamins and minerals that they wouldn’t otherwise get. Today I’m sharing 12 of the best foods you should add to your dogs kibble. 

Protein

Protein is the most important part of a dogs diet, and unfortunately, kibble doesn’t provide enough of it. Add some fresh meat to your dogs diet to ensure they’re getting an adequate amount of protein. 

1. Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs have the perfect amount of fat and cartilage to nourish your dogs bones and keep them healthy. The mono-unsaturated fat in chicken thighs help aid in weight loss, reduce cholesterol, and can even prevent canine cancer. 

2. Salmon

Fish is a great protein to add to your dogs kibble. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which support the immune system and keep your dogs coat shiny. Salmon is a great protein for dogs who summer with seasonal allergies because of the boost it gives to their immune system. 

3. Organ Meats

Organ meats such as the heart, liver, and kidney are great options to add protein to your dogs diet. Animal organs are rich in vitamins and minerals that kibble lacks. To feed organ meat to your dog you can boil it, dehydrate it, or even feed it raw. 

Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and fiber that kibble doesn’t provide. By mixing them into your dogs kibble you give them an additional boost of nutrients that they wouldn’t get otherwise.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries have a high antioxidant content and as a result the prevent the risk of heart diseases for dogs. They’re also rich in vitamin C and fiber, which are good for dogs as well. 

5. Banana

Banana’s are so high in fiber that an excess can cause health issues for dogs. However, in moderation, the fiber content in bananas can be beneficial for a dogs digestive tract. Banana’s are a great fruit to add to your dogs kibble if they are experiencing constipation. 

6. Spinach

Like bananas, spinach is high in fiber and can help with canine bowel movements. Spinach also contains vitamins A, C, E, B, and F. Before adding spinach to your dogs kibble, make sure it is well chopped to prevent choking. 

7. Carrot

Carrots have antioxidant properties, and are purifying and easily digestible. They also act as a natural toothbrush. Chewing on a large carrot will strengthen dogs teeth and remove plaque buildup. 

Fats

Healthy fats are an important part of a dogs diet, just as they are for humans. Healthy fats can help pups that suffer from itchy skin or who need to gain a little bit of weight. 

8. Fish Oil

Fish oil is recommended for dogs who suffer from severe allergies. It supports hearts, joints, coats, skin and immune systems because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Adding fish oil to your dogs diet will allow them to live a healthier life in the long run. 

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is often recommended by holistic vets as a supplement to add to dogs kibble. It is known to fight off viruses, reduce coughing, make dogs coats shiny, and eliminate dog odor. If you think coconut oil could be beneficial for your pup, check with their vet to get a correct dosage and type. 

Other

The list of foods you should add to your dogs kibble does not end there. There are tons of “human” foods that have major benefits for our furry friends. 

11. Eggs

Eggs provide iron, fatty acids, protein, and more benefits that your dogs don’t get with kibble alone. You can feed your dog cooked eggs or raw. Make sure that if you cook them, you use a low fat cooking spray. You can also give your dog the crushed egg shell for extra calcium. To feed your dog an egg shell, grind it up and sprinkle it over their kibble.

12. Yogurt

Plain, unsweetened yogurt is safe for dogs to eat. Yogurt is high in calcium and protein. It also acts as a probiotic that can help aid dogs digestive systems. Look for a yogurt that has a ton of live cultures, such as plain greek yogurt. This is better for dogs than regular yogurt because it has lower levels of lactose.

Always check with your dogs vet before adding foods to their diet. Keep in mind that every dog is different and what may work for one will not work for another. Additionally, dogs can experience food allergies. Monitor your dog closely after adding a new food to their diet.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.