If you’re like most dog owners, you want what’s best for your furry friend. And that means providing them with a healthy diet, including plenty of nutrients and protein. But what do you do when your dog won’t eat dry food? One solution is to mix it with wet food or other ingredients. While not every ingredient will be suitable for every dog in a given situation, in this blog post, we will discuss 25 great things that can be mixed with dry dog food to make it more appealing to your pet!
Top 25 Options to Mix With Dry Dog Food
1. Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food is a great option for mixing with dry food. It can add moisture and flavor to the dish, making it more appealing to your pet. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and protein that your dog needs for a healthy diet.
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2. Dog Treats
Dog treats are a great way to add variety to your dog’s diet. You can use them as a topping for dry food or mix them in with the food itself. Either way, your dog will love the added flavor and you’ll know they’re getting a nutritious meal.
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3. Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to dry dog food. It can help add moisture and flavor to the dish, and your dog will love the sweetness. Plus, it’s a healthy way to add variety to their diet.
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4. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a favorite of many dogs. It’s a great source of protein and can make dry food more palatable. Just be sure to use all-natural peanut butter without any added sugar or salt.
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5. Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken is another great option for adding protein and flavor to dry food. You can shred or chop the chicken into small pieces before adding it to the food. Chicken provides your dog with essential nutrients and is a lean source of protein.
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6. Broth
Broth is a great way to add moisture and flavor to dry food. You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. Simply pour a little bit into the food and mix it well. Look for low sodium broth as too much salt isn’t good for your dog.
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7. Commercial Dog Food Toppers
Commercial dog food toppers are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to dry dog food. Just be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level.
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8. Cooked Beef
Cooked beef is another protein-rich option for dry food. You can chop or grind the beef into small pieces before adding it to the food. Beef is a great source of nutrients and provides your dog with the energy they need.
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9. Tuna
Tuna is a great option for dry food, as it’s packed with protein and nutrients. You can add canned tuna (in water) to the food or mix it with some wet food.
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10. Cheese
Cheese is another great way to add flavor and nutrition to dry dog food. Just be sure to choose a modest amount of cheese and one that is safe for dogs, such as cheddar or Swiss.
You can add the cheese to the food as is or shred it into small pieces. Avoid feeding cheese every day as it is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain, pancreatitis, and heart disease.
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11. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it a perfect addition to dry dog food. Just be sure to choose a yogurt that is safe for dogs and free of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
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12. Eggs
Eggs can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and they also contain essential fatty acids that help to keep your dog’s coat glossy and healthy. Plus, the eggshells are a good source of calcium. Just be sure to feed your dog eggs that have been properly cooked to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
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13. Salmon
Salmon is a great source of omega-fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog’s coat and skin. You can add canned salmon (in water) to dry food or mix it with some wet food.
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14. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious addition to dry dog food. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can bake or mash the sweet potatoes before adding them to the food.
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15. Green Beans
Green beans are a healthy vegetable that can be mixed with dry dog food. They are low in calories and high in fiber. You can cook the green beans before adding them to the food.
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16. Carrots
Carrots are another healthy vegetable that can be mixed with dry dog food. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can cook or chop the carrots into small pieces before adding them to the food.
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17. Apples
Apples are a healthy fruit that can be mixed with dry dog food. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can chop or slice the apples before adding them to the food.
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18. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is another great source of protein and calcium, and it can also help to add moisture to dry food. Just be sure to choose a cottage cheese that doesn’t contain salt or artificial flavors, as these can be harmful to dogs.
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19. Pork
Pork is an excellent source of protein and nutrients, making it an excellent complement to dry dog food. Cook the pork thoroughly before adding it to the dish of kibble or combine it with some wet food. Look for low fat cuts of pork, as some cuts are too fatty for dogs.
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20. Lamb
Lamb is another protein-rich option for dry dog food. You can cook the lamb before adding it to the food or mix it with some wet food. Lamb is packed with nutrients and is a good source of omega-fatty acids. Be sure to remove any bones before feeding it to your dog.
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21. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is a great way to add omega-fatty acids to dry food. Simply add a few drops to the food and mix it well.
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22. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another healthy fat that can be added to dry dog food. It has a number of benefits, including improving skin and coat health. Simply add a teaspoon or two to the food and mix it well.
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23. Quinoa
Quinoa, like amaranth and buckwheat, is a gluten-free grain that may be added to dry dog food. It’s high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Quinoa must be cooked before being mixed into the dry dog food.
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24. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy grain that can be mixed with dry dog food. It is a good source of fiber and nutrients. You should cook the oatmeal to a soft, soupy consistency before adding it to the food.
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25. Liver
Liver is high in protein and nutrients, making it an excellent addition to dry dog food. You can cook the liver before adding it to the kibble or mix it with some wet food.
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What to Look for in a Dog Food Additive?
When choosing a food additive for your dog, it’s important to generally look for one that is high in protein and low in calories. You also want to make sure that the additive doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colors, as these can be harmful to dogs. Additionally, you’ll want to choose an additive that is appropriate for your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. If you’re unsure about which additive is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best option for your furry friend.
Foods You Should NEVER Give Your Dog
There are some foods that you should never give your dog, as they can be harmful or even fatal. These include:
Chocolate
Grapes
Raisins
Onions
Garlic
Avocados
Coffee
Macadamia nuts
Xylitol (a sugar substitute)
Bacon
Processed snack foods
Alcohol
If you’re ever unsure about whether a food is safe for your dog, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to them. If you have any questions, be sure to talk with your veterinarian.
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Will Mixing Things With My Dog’s Food Cause Weight Gain?
If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight, you may be wondering if adding things to their food will cause them to gain weight. The truth is that it depends on the ingredients you’re adding, and how much your dog is eating. For example, adding cooked chicken or cottage cheese may not cause weight gain, as they are low in calories and high in protein. On the other hand, adding too much cheese or olive oil can cause weight gain. Be sure to consider the number of calories you’re adding to your dog’s diet.
Aren’t Dogs Lactose Intolerant?
While some dogs are intolerant to lactose, this doesn’t mean that all dogs can’t eat dairy. In fact, many dogs enjoy eating cheese and yogurt. If you’re unsure about whether your dog can tolerate dairy, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian.
Should I Be Adding Supplements to My Dog’s Food?
If you’re feeding your dog a food that says “balanced and complete” on the label, then you shouldn’t need to add any supplements. However, if you’re feeding your dog a homemade diet or one that is labeled “for intermittent or supplemental feeding only,” then you may need to add supplements. Calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth, is just one important supplement for dogs. You can talk to your veterinarian about others.
Feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet is important for their overall health and wellness. By adding some of these ingredients to their food, you can make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Just be sure to talk to your veterinarian first, so you can choose the best option for your furry friend.
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Is It Safe to Give My Dog Bones?
Bones are a great way to add extra nutrients and minerals to your dog’s diet, but it’s important to make sure they’re safe. Bones can splinter and break, which can cause serious harm (or even death) if your dog swallows them. For this reason, it’s best to avoid giving your dog bones unless you’re sure they’re safe. If you do decide to give your dog bones, be sure to supervise them closely and remove any small pieces that may break off. Also, be wary of the potential for tooth fractures! Additionally, it’s important to only give them raw bones, as cooked bones can splinter more easily.
Conclusion
There are many great foods that can be mixed with dry dog food to provide additional nutrition and flavor. By adding just a few simple ingredients, you can create a healthy and delicious meal for your dog. Just be sure to avoid adding anything with excess salt or flavoring. With a little creativity, you can create a variety of different meals that your dog will love. Try out some of these suggestions and see what works best for your furry friend.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more
