10 Healthy Toppers for Your Dog’s Meals
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While your dog’s food may cover all of their basic nutritional needs, there are many tasty add-ons to make your pup’s meals more exciting and add a health boost.
So, if your dog is feeling a little bored with their typical mealtime routine or you’re looking to add a few extra health benefits to every meal, try one of these healthy toppers to spice things up.
1. Goat’s Milk
While dairy can be tough on a dog’s digestive system, goat’s milk is much easier for them to digest. It’s also packed full of vitamins and minerals that promote healthy gut bacteria and help with nutrient absorption.
Most dogs love the taste too, so it’s a great way to add some variety and excitement to their meals!
2. Pumpkin
Because of its high fiber and micronutrient content, pumpkin is widely considered to be a superfood for your dog. Not only is pumpkin puree rich in vitamins A, C, and E, but it also contains beneficial minerals like iron and potassium.
In addition, the high soluble fiber content makes pumpkin a great remedy for many digestive issues, including diarrhea and constipation. So, why not add this sweet and tasty topper to your dog’s meals to help them stay regular?
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are a fun treat to incorporate into your dog’s meals. They’re small and low in calories but they’re rich in antioxidants that have many health benefits for your pup, including reducing the effects of brain aging.
Blueberries also contain high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals that have been linked with a number of health benefits in both dogs and humans.
4. Canned Sardines
Canned sardines packed in water are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients that are especially helpful for reducing inflammation and promoting skin and coat health.
Sardines are also packed with protein and coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that supports your dog’s heart health. Because sardines are high in fat, they’re best left as an occasional snack or meal topper for your dog – especially if your pup is already overweight.
5. Eggs
Like sardines, eggs are a great source of protein and fatty acids for your dog. They also offer a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, riboflavin, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.
It’s important to cook eggs before you add them to your dog’s food. Raw eggs, while containing beneficial nutrients, carry the risk of salmonella and harmful bacteria that can make your dog sick. Hard-boiled or scrambled eggs are the best options for your dog.
6. Yogurt
Plain, unsweetened yogurt offers a variety of health benefits for your four-legged friend, but one of the biggest is probiotics. As a probiotic, yogurt helps boost the good bacteria in your dog’s gut, improving not only their digestive system but also many key systems throughout their body, including their immune system.
Yogurt is also a great source of calcium and protein to support strong bones and help keep your dog feeling full. Before adding yogurt to your dog’s meals, always check the ingredients. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol can be harmful and potentially even deadly to dogs, so always opt for unsweetened varieties.
7. Fish Oil
Fish oil is a great dietary supplement to add to your dog’s meals because it helps to naturally support so many aspects of their health.
Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help to strengthen your dog’s immune system and reduce inflammation. As a result, your pup will benefit from improved heart health, moisturized skin, and joint pain relief.
Omega-3s can also help improve your dog’s cognitive function, from puppyhood through to old age. If you don’t have fish oil, other great oil options that can make good meal toppers include:
- Coconut oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
8. Bone Broth
Bone broth is made by simmering bones, which causes collagen and cartilage to break down in the cooking process. The end result is a tasty broth that’s packed full of glucosamine and other anti-inflammatory nutrients that benefit your dog’s joints and strengthen their bones.
Bone broth also contains glycine, an amino acid that improves your dog’s gut health and supports healthy digestion. Adding bone broth to your dog’s meals is also a great way to add much-needed moisture to their diet.
While a constant supply of fresh water is still vital, many dogs don’t drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Broth adds moisture to your pup’s food, making kibble easier to digest and encouraging them to stay hydrated.
9. Cooked Green Beans
While almost any cooked non-starchy vegetable would be a great option to add to your dog’s meals, green beans are especially rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They contain iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, C, K, and A, all of which promote healthy production of red blood cells, improve digestion, and strengthen bones.
Green beans are also a great source of fiber. Like pumpkin, they can be an excellent way to improve your dog’s digestive health and prevent gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. Green beans are also low in calories, so they’re perfect for overweight pups.
10. Green Juju or Other Prepared Meal Toppers
Green Juju is a fantastic option for a pre-prepared meal topper for your dog. It’s made from blended green vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, and dandelion greens, as well as other health mix-ins like bone broth and turmeric.
There are a variety of other meal topper products on the market that are formulated with your dog’s health and taste buds in mind. These types of toppers are popular with pet parents as they’re packed full of nutrients in a convenient package.
What Will You Add to Your Dog’s Meals?
The toppers listed above are just a few of the many healthy options available to add to your dog’s meals. When adding anything new to your dog’s diet, always start with small amounts and gradually increase the amount you’re feeding over time. This will help you to identify any potential allergies or other adverse reactions.
It’s also important to get the green light from your veterinarian before making any dietary changes, especially if your dog has pre-existing conditions. With their guidance, you can tailor your dog’s meals to best support their individual needs.