Boost Your Dog’s Health with Fresh Foods: Simple Add-Ons and Weekly Treats

Switching your dog's diet to include fresh, whole foods isn't just a trend; it's a step towards improving your dog's health and vitality. Yes, kibble provides basic nutrition, but fresh foods offer a range of unique benefits that support a more robust immune system, help to improve digestion, and offer increased energy. Fresh food can add antioxidants, provide nutrient variety, and give your dog an enjoyable eating experience through diverse textures and flavours. Scientific studies show that a diet with biologically appropriate, whole foods can boost immunity and even help slow the progression of certain diseases in pets. 

Easy Ways to Add Fresh Food to Your Dog's Diet

Transitioning wholly or partly to fresh food doesn't have to feel overwhelming. It's a simple process that you can start by incorporating fresh ingredients into your dog's regular kibble. This gradual approach will help your dog adjust to the new diet without any stress.

The Daily Add-on Method

The 'Daily Add-on Method' is perfect for smaller dogs or those new to fresh food. It involves adding small amounts of fresh ingredients to your dog's daily kibble, providing a balanced and nutritious diet. Here are some options to get you started:

• Fresh Veggies and Fruits: Provide added vitamins and fibre - try adding a small carrot or some blueberries.
• Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley can freshen the breath and add antioxidants.
• Bone Broth: This boosts hydration and offers digestive benefits (see our bone broth blog for more details).
• Oily Fish: Rich in omega-3, add sardines or mackerel once or twice a week. In the wild, your dog would have eaten the whole prey animal, including the brain, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Eggs: Cooked free-range eggs provide protein and healthy fats, and the yolk contains vitamin A.

Remember to adjust your dog's kibble amount slightly to account for the additional calories.

The Weekly Fresh Meal Approach

Ready to go further? Try replacing one or two kibble meals each week with a fresh, home-cooked option; it will add excitement to your dog's diet, especially if they're a fussy eater. Here are some meal ideas:

• Lovely Lentils: Mix well-cooked lentils with tuna and green beans. Lentils are nutrient-rich but can cause gas if introduced too quickly due to their fibre content. By starting with a small amount, you allow your dog’s digestive system and microbiome to adjust, reducing the likelihood of bloating or discomfort
• Turkey and Veggie Bowl: Low-fat turkey mince with cooked kale, flaxseed, salmon, and a boiled egg.
• Beef and Sardine Mix: Beef mince with sardines and cooked mushrooms.
• Chicken and Carrot Delight: Lean free-range chicken mince with steamed carrots, fennel seeds, and half a boiled egg.
• Lamb and Sweet Potato Feast: Cooked or raw lamb chunks with mackerel, cooked green beans, turmeric and black pepper with sweet potato.

To save time, try preparing larger batches to freeze for later use.

Fresh Food Benefits for Your Dog

Fresh food additions offer more than just flavour, including:

• Enhanced Nutrition: Fresh food provides essential nutrients that processed kibble can lack due to the high heat processing it undergoes.
• Improved Digestion: Yogurt or kefir, fruits, veggies, and probiotics can support a healthier gut microbiome.
• Hydration Boost: Bone broth can aid hydration, which is particularly beneficial for dogs on a dry kibble diet.
• Disease Prevention: Antioxidants in fruits and veggies support immune health, helping your dog's body fight off illness.

Adding fresh food can be a simple but effective way to impact your dog's health. Give it a try and see how your pup enjoys the variety and enhanced taste!

Safety Notes

Always introduce new foods gradually and check if each ingredient is safe for dogs. Talk to your vet before making big changes to your dog's diet, especially if your pawsome mate has health conditions or dietary restrictions. Bone apetit!