If you have a picky eater, you know how frustrating it can be to get them to eat their food. You’ve tried everything, from different brands of kibble to wet dog food to homemade meals, but nothing seems to work. You wonder, “What else can I add to my dog’s food to get them to eat?”
There are a variety of healthy foods you can add to your dog’s dry food in order to make it more appealing for your furry friend. First, let’s look into possible reasons why your dog is being picky in the first place.
Why won’t my dog eat his food?
The first thing you need to do in order to get to the bottom of your dog’s hunger strike is to rule out any health issues or underlying conditions that are giving your dog a loss of appetite.
Aside from pickiness, one of the primary reasons why dogs won’t eat their kibble is because they aren’t feeling well. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian if their dog is displaying any other symptoms of illness like vomiting, lethargy, or runny stools.
Another common reason for picky eating is your dog simply not liking the food the pet parent is feeding them. Perhaps you once shared some table scraps or gave them canned dog food or fresh dog food, and now they don’t want to go back to bland, dry kibble. Maybe they indulge in too many dog treats. Maybe they’re just bored and want new food. The point is, once they’ve had the taste of the good stuff, they don’t want to go back to their old food.
Fussy eaters can have high standards when it comes to what’s in the dog’s bowl. That’s where trying different food toppers to put on your dog’s kibble comes in handy.
What to add to dry dog food for picky eaters
Below are some high-quality dog-safe human foods that you can add to your pup’s dry food to make it more palatable. Give some of these a try to find the best dog food topper for you and your pet.
Fresh dog food toppers
One thing you can try is adding human-grade fresh food at mealtime. This can make the pet food more flavorful and appealing, and it also offers a number of health benefits for your pooch.
The health benefits of fresh dog food for even the pickiest of pups include:
- helps support proper digestion
- supports immune system health
- promotes a healthy skin and coat
- supports energy production
All Pantry Fresh dog food toppers contain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and unique nutrient blends to ensure a complete and balanced diet your dog needs.
Greek yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt is a great topper choice to add to your finicky dog’s diet. It’s a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Bone broth or chicken broth
Mixing some bone broth or chicken broth into your dog’s meal adds flavor and nutrients to your dog’s food bowl. Similarly, a splash of warm water added to kibble softens the hard pellets, making it easier on your dog’s teeth.
Boiled chicken breast
Boil a chicken breast with no added salt. Once cooked, shred with two forks. Mix in some shredded chicken with your picky pup’s dry food and save the rest for the next meal.
Healthy fruits & veggies
Fruits and veggies are a great way to change your dog’s eating habits for the better. Chopped apples, bananas, green beans, and broccoli are healthy foods you can mix with kibble. Sweet potato puree is another good source of fiber, as well as vitamin A.
Healthy dog food toppers
When adding fresh food or any of the above meal toppers to your dog’s dry food, be sure to start with a small amount and increase the amount gradually to avoid causing stomach upset. You should also avoid adding any foods that are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
If you’re able to feed your dog fresh food full-time, that’s great. But even if you can only add a small amount of preservative-free fresh food to their dry food, it can still make a difference in their overall health and well-being.
Monitor your dog’s condition and adjust the amount of topper you give them accordingly.
If you have any questions or concerns about getting your picky dog to eat, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.