5 ways to improve your dog’s diet

It’s no surprise dogs have earned the title of the world’s most wanted pet. Although they are adorable, they also require a lot of attention and a stable, healthy diet to keep their coats shiny and immune systems running at optimum condition.

Feeding your dog plain kibble is like feeding your kid junk food. While occasionally eating kibble is fine, feeding it to your dog regularly can damage its health due to the lack of nutrients. Luckily, there are some simple ways to improve your dog’s healthy diet.

1. Use high-quality food

A raw food diet is one of the best diets a dog can have, as it contains natural ingredients like meats, vegetables, and fruits that are essential for their immune system and digestion.

Raw dog food is considered the highest quality you can give to your pet, and therefore, it’s more expensive than kibble or other types of dog food. However, the benefits of seeing your dog happy, living a long life, and enjoying mealtime are worth it.

When shopping for raw dog food, look for quality brands with 100% natural ingredients, like Bella & Duke, and avoid the budget-commercial brands with fillers and additives that are harmful.

2. Give your dog kefir

Kefir is an extremely healthy drink with lots of probiotics, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for dogs. Serving kefir instead of water every few days will do wonders for your dog’s immune system while combating itchiness, loss of fur, and infections.

Adding kefir to your dog’s healthy diet gives your furry canine extra nutrients and added minerals needed for a healthy body. However, it’s always best to consult your local veterinarian for the correct quantity to give your dog.

3. Add fresh fruits and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits are packed with healthy nutrients and are just as important for dogs as they are for people.

You can use most fruits and veggies, from broccoli to strawberries, and the best way to serve them is to pulverize them into a puree and mix it in with dog food or give it separately as a snack.

4. Don’t overfeed

Whether your dog is big or small, they always want more food. It’s normal to want to share a piece of whatever you’re eating or give your dog some leftovers, but vets caution against doing that. If your dog starts getting chubby, it’s time to cut back on any human food extras.

As a rule of thumb, when a dog is overweight, it’s best to feed them before going for a walk so that they can burn off the calories. Or you can consider replacing some of your dog’s food with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Alternatively, reducing the serving amount for a week or two and taking your dog for longer walks can help shed a few extra ounces.

5. Make bone broth

Bone broth is available in bottles or packets in the supermarkets, but it’s just as easy to make some at home by boiling water and beef, chicken, pork, or lamb bones for several hours. Serving a bowl of bone broth every day boosts your dog’s healthy diet by helping strengthen the joints, adding much-needed hydration, and promoting healthy digestion. 

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