For a while, I was making my own dog food. Check out the basic recipe here if you’re curious. Moose and Lally LOVED it, but it was taking a lot of time, effort, and money to keep it up. Gradually we switched back to dog food, but from time to time I like to supplement their kibbles with some healthy human food.
Some of my favorite add-ins are:
- White or brown rice or oatmeal cooked in chicken broth
- Shredded lean chicken or turkey
- Mashed vegetables like carrots, peas, and string beans
- Plain yogurt (especially when Moose has an upset tummy)
- Meat-based baby food (chicken or turkey, usually, but sometimes beef or ham or lamb)
My Lally is a fussy eater, and variety is one thing that encourages her to eat. So I’m always on the lookout for interesting things to add to her food. I saw an article in Bark magazine about foods that can liven up your dog’s meals — perfect timing! Here are a few of their dog-safe suggestions:
- Parsley — this is a great natural breath freshener. It’s also full of good vitamins (especially vitamin C). Don’t overdo it — too much parsley can act as a diuretic in your dog’s system. A few chopped fresh leaves are plenty.
- Papaya — if your dog has a sweet tooth, this might be a winner! Papaya has an enzyme that works as a meat tenderizer and can aid in digestion. This fruit is full of healthy antioxidants, vitamin C and B, magnesium, and potassium. I’m not sure my pups would like it — they’re not generally interested in fruit. But it’s worth a shot. I’ll eat papaya if they won’t.
- Cranberries — another fruit I wouldn’t have thought of offering to my pups! Cranberries promote urinary tract health in dogs AND humans. They might be too tart for your dog’s taste, so try mixing them with sweeter fruit like bananas or papaya. Again, I’m not sure my dogs would like them. But I do!
- Wheatgrass — sometimes known as cat grass, this is a great source of fiber, vitamin E, and minerals. You can buy it potted or grow it in your yard. Moose would probably LOVE to have wheatgrass available. He’ll sometimes graze on “salad” while we’re out walking.