Healthy Kibble Plus: Extras You Can Add to Dry Pet Food

With so many food options available for dogs and cats, it can be difficult to find options that give you the exact nutrition requirements your unique pet needs. Good health starts with good food, and it is important to feed your pet what they need. 

The team at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital wants to help you make sure your pets are getting what they need from their food. We have compiled this list of extras you can add to dry pet food to keep your dog or cat satiated and feeling great:

Add Digestive Enzymes to Dry Pet Food

We could all use a little bit of help digesting our food to ensure we are properly utilizing the nutrients it contains. When dry food is made, the process removes some of the important natural digestive enzymes that would exist in food in its natural state. Because of this, dry food can be harder for our pets to digest, which can negatively affect their gut health. Talk to your veterinarian about the best digestive enzymes for your pet’s needs and add it to some moist food (like cottage cheese) and place it on top of the dry food. This way, your pet will eat the enzymes first, and will have a better chance of fully digesting the dry food. This may also help pets with flatulence issues. 

Add Raw or Steamed Veggies to Dry Pet Food

If you want your pet to get an antioxidant boost while eating dry food, you can add raw or steamed veggies. This could be especially helpful for older pets who need a little help to maintain healthy joints and vision. Some great veggie options to add are:

• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Zucchini
• Broccoli
• Green bell peppers
• Sweet potato

Crunchy vegetables can also help to partially clean your pet’s teeth, which helps you maintain their oral health as well. 

Add Meat or Eggs to Dry Pet Food

If your pet needs a little more protein, you may add a little meat, fish or lightly cooked eggs to your pet’s diet. Talk to your veterinarian about the best kinds of meat or fish to use for your pet’s specific nutritional needs.

Add a Fish Oil Supplement to Dry Pet Food

Fish oil is a great supplement for cats and dogs because it provides important essential fatty acids. This can boost your pet’s immune system, reduce inflammation (which can help with conditions like arthritis), and improve the look of the skin and coat. You can simply place a few drops on top of your pet’s dry food to help them enjoy the benefits of this amazing supplement. 

Add Other Healthy Options to Dry Pet Food

There are other healthy options you can add to dry pet food like pumpkin puree, goat’s milk, sardines, bone broth, fermented vegetables, apple cider vinegar, kefir, and organ meats.

At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, we want to partner with you to ensure your pet gets the best care in our clinic and at home. Our wide range of veterinary services ensure your pets get the attention they need when they need it. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (248) 363–1508.