homemade dog food topper recipes

Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved

Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved for your furry friend.

Cooking for your dog? I love to add extra protein, veggies, and nutrients to my dog's kibble. I've reviewed these recipes with my dogs, veterinarians.

Your dog will love these homemade dog food recipes that are vet approved as its meal. It's one of our friend's dog, Zoey's favorites!You can feed these recipes-raw or cook the entire meal.

Homemade dog food can benefit your pets in several ways. If you have a dog who suffers from allergies, skin problems or gastrointestinal issues.

Kibble is highly processed and tends to lose its nutritional value.

Making dog food or dog treats from scratch maintains vital nutrients, therefore making it easier and healthier for your dogs. Besides, who wants to eat the same thing every day!

Tips and Tricks for Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved

Just like people, each dog is different and needs different nutritional and amounts of food. There is no one dog fits all rule.

Your dog's weight, health conditions, level of activity and size are all things you should consider when feeding your dog homemade dog food.

A good mix of a dog's basic requirements are enough to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

Every dog needs protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, minerals and vitamins. I always include a good multi-vitamin like these 5-in-1 Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites.

Keeping our pets happy and healthy is always my number one concern.

• Proteins like Beef, Venison, Lamb, Rabbit, Hamburger, Chicken and Turkey help with growth of your dog, maintenance of tissues, organs and provides the amount of hormones and enzymes.

• Fats from oil and meat help with the absorption of vitamins, protect the internal organs, and help maintain good skin and hair. I prefer using fish as the major source of fat.

• Carbohydrates like rice, beans and corn helps to keep the intestines healthy while supplying glucose to the organs and the brain.

• Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K promote the greatest benefits to the skin, eyes, and provide immunity for our dogs.

Vegetables that can be added

My dogs love raw carrots. They put them between theirpaws and will spend a good half hour just chewing on a raw carrot.

For mealtime, I find my dogs digest cooked vegetables better than raw vegetables. Raw broccolican cause gas.

These are a good basic diet for adult dogs. If your puppy is overweight, has allergies or needs a high protein diet, you'll want to make the adjustments.

A Couple of Easy Ways to Cook Dog Food

If you're cooking the meat instead of leaving it raw, I recommend cooking it a couple of different ways.

The first is to simmer it in waterin a pot on the stove. Then mix the cooking water with the foodand you'll end up with a stew-like bowl for your puppy.

You'll always want to overcook the grains you choose so that it is easily digestible. Some veterinarians now feel grains should be limited, so check with your pet on his particularnutritional needs.

Vitamin and Nutritional Supplements

30 Minute Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipe

(This recipe is not a balanced meal for your pet. This recipe is only a topper for your dog's food.)

Recipe

Homemade Dog Food Recipes Vet Approved

DIY Eat: Delicious Dog Food Toppers

DIY Eat: Delicious Dog Food Toppers

Easy meal toppers that will have your dog licking his bowl clean!

Easy To Make Dog Food Toppers for Your Pet!

Is your dog a picky eater? Are you trying to encourage an under-the-weather dog to eat more? Or are you interested in homemade dog food but not quite ready to make all your dogs meals? These simple and healthy meal dog food toppers are nutrient packed, a cinch to make, and will have your dog diving into her dinner.

Dog Food Topper #1 Bone Booster Broth

Bone booster broths are a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. Cartilage and tendons provide instant chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine.Adding bone broth to your dogs dinner is an easy way for your dog to get quick nourishment. Give it as a special dog treat or use it as a base for your own soups or stewsthis broth is for the whole family! Its also great to use as a topper for a dogs regular meals, whether you feed cooked, raw, or kibble. Bone booster broths even contain stem cells! This broth aids in the healing process if your dog is unwell or recovering.

Ingredients

1 to 2 pounds of chicken or turkey bones OR 2 large beef marrow bones or other marrow bones (Only certified organic bones, with no hormones or antibiotics, should be used for this recipe.)

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or juice from 1/2 lemon

Filtered water

1/2 cup fresh parsley, flat or Italian

Instructions: Place the bones and vinegar or lemon juice in a large pot or crock-pot. Cover with filtered water. Bring the mixture to a boil, skimming off the "particulates" and foam that rise to the top, and then turn down the heat to a low simmer. Leave the bones to simmer away all day or all night. Add the parsley just a few minutes before you drain the broth from the bones. Discard the bones and parsley, but keep all the meat and cartilage, which make a great snack or dinner addition for your dog. Keep the broth in the fridge or store in the freezer until ready to use.

Note about apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar for dogs releases calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur, and other trace minerals and amino acids from the bones into the broth.

Note about parsley: Parsley improves digestion and is beneficial to the kidneys and urinary tract. It contains vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, calcium, chlorophyll, iron, and magnesium.

Dog Food Topper #2 A Lot of Liver

This recipe takes less than five minutes to prepare!

Ingredients

1 cup raw liver (beef, chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, etc), chopped (Only certified organic liver should be used for this recipe.)

2 Tbsp filtered water

1 Tbsp whole flour (optional), such as coconut, hemp, oat, potato, quinoa, or buckwheat flour

Pinch of Turmeric

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a small pan.Gently saut on medium heat until cooked, about five minutes.Make sure it has cooled completely before serving. This recipe can also be easily whirled in a food processor and served as a sauce for an excellent food topper or add extra filtered water and feed via a syringe if your dog is sick.

If you have some leftover liver, try these easy dog treats!

Share you favorite dog food topper in the comments section!

Last Updated: September 18, 2019

16 Homemade Dog Food Toppers For Picky Eaters (Get Fido Excited For Mealtimes)

Key Takeaways

• Some healthy homemade dog food toppers for picky eaters include blueberries, yogurt, cucumbers, apples, shredded cheese, unsalted broth, and more.
• Some dogs are simply picky with food, but in some cases, this could be due to health issues. If a dog refuses to eat completely, seek the advice of a veterinarian.
• While dog food toppers are meant to entice dogs into eating, it should also add nutritional value to their diet.

Is your dog picky about the food he or she eats? While my own dogs would gobble up anything I put in their food bowl, I know a lot of pet parents who gets frustrated trying to get a pup to eat when they turn their noses up at each meal.

One perfect solution that just about works everytime is homemade dog food toppers for picky eaters. These food enhancers can range from cooked meat, to vegetables and fruits such as: unsalted broth, cooked chicken, carrots, blueberries, apples, shredded cheese, yogurt, and more.

Getting your canine companion to finish his food can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are some deliciousdog foodtopper options you can add to your dogs meals. These toppings entice your furry friend to finish every bite.

Delicious Single-Ingredient Homemade Dog Food Topper Ideas

Picky eaterscan make feeding stressful. Sometimes pups like these wont be enticed with even the best fresh dog food unless it has good food toppers. The following are some delicious single ingredient toppers you can add to your dogs diet. You likely have some of these on hand.If not, check out some of the best dog food delivery service companies that offer toppers along with custom meal subscriptions.

Blueberries

Blueberries will make most dogs go crazy with excitement. In addition to tasting mouthwatering to our furry friends, blueberries are also packed with essential vitamins, like A, C, and K.

Cucumbers

Many dog owners are surprised to learn cucumbers are an excellent addition to dog food. The crunch and refreshing flavor are what dogs crave. Cucumbers hydrate your dog and give him beneficial potassium and magnesium.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is anotherdog foodtopper that will entice your picky eater to dig in [1]. This oil is considered a delicacy to dogs, and it helps give your dog a strong and beautiful coat. You should give your dog no more than one teaspoon full per 20 pounds. Another healthy substitute is coconut oil.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is excellent for dogs. The best fish oil for dogs is full of omega-3 fatty acids that are perfect for dogs with flaky skin. Adding a few drops to your dogs kibble will make it more enticing and add nutrients.

Shredded Cheese

Dogs, like people, love cheese. Just like humans, dogs only need cheese in moderation. To avoid excess fat, choose mozzarella or goat cheese. Sprinkle a little on top of your dogs food for a tasty treat.

Cooked and Unseasoned Meat

Every dog loves meat. Cooked unseasoned meat is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B, zinc, and protein. Choose cooked chicken, beef, pork, or turkey to make your dog happy with his food.

Unsalted Broth

The unsalted, unseasoned broth is also an excellent addition to any dogs food. To make it even more nutritious choose bone broth which is packed with nutrients. Cook your own for the highest level of nutritional value.

Yogurt

Dogs love yogurt, and it is highly beneficial to their gut health. Yogurt is packed full of probiotics that aid your dogs digestion. Choose plain unsweetened yogurt as its more friendly to your dogs tummy. Greek yogurt adds protein.

Peanut Butter

What dog doesnt love peanut butter? If your dog is a peanut butter fanatic, consider adding it as adog foodtopper. Make sure you use dog-safe peanut butter that contains no salt or sugar. Some peanut butter contains xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs.

Cooked Green Beans

Most dogs love cooked vegetables, and green beans are perfect. Green beans are packed with nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and K. Before serving them to your dog cut the green beans up into small pieces, and steam them until they are soft.

Pureed Pumpkin

Pumpkin is food all dogs should eat. Similar to sweet potatoes, it is full of vitamins and fiber, which can help your dogs digestive system. Add a spoonful of pure pumpkin. Do not purchase pumpkin pie filling.

Cooked Eggs

Whether scrambled or boiled, dogs love eggs, and they are filled with protein. Eggs contain iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and essential amino acids. Never feed your dog raw eggs because they could cause salmonella poisoning.

Grated Raw Carrots

Carrots are a veggie you do not have to worry about cooking. Carrots are low in calories and full of Vitamin A. If you plan on serving them raw to your dog, grate them finely or use a food processor then put on top of the kibble.

Watermelon Chunks

Watermelon is perfect during the summer because it will cool your dog down and give him nutritional benefits. Do not feed your dog the rind or seeds. A little watermelon on top of his food gives hydration to your dog.Carrots are also great to add to homemade dog food for heart disease.

Cored & Sliced Apples

Apples are another fruit you should consider giving your dog. Core the apples and slice them into small pieces. Apples are full of fiber for your dogs digestive tract. They are also a good source of Vitamins C and A.

Nutritious Dog Treats

Thebest dog treatsare typically the most nutritious options. If you do not have any of the toppers above on hand, crumble some nutritious dog treats on type of the kibble. Be careful when using treats because they can pack on the calories.Avoid giving too many treats as well as this could be a reason why a dog wont eat his food from being too full.

FAQ About Dog Food Toppers

If youve never added a topper to your dogs food, you likely have a lot of questions. Consider the following FAQ to learn more information.

1.What can I add to my dry dog food for picky eaters?

If your dog is a picky eater, you can add many fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats. Yogurt is also an enticing treat. Make sure any topper is dog-friendly before serving.

2.What can I put in my dogs food to make him eat?

Some dogs are naturally pickier, and some get picky because of health issues [2]. If your dog will not eat at all, consult with your vet. Blueberries and peanut butter are perfect additions to entice even the pickiest of eaters.

3.What can you add to homemade dog food to make it taste better?

If your dog is not enjoying his kibble, you can make it taste better with unsalted, unseasoned broth, fish oil, or olive oil. Each of these will add flavor and proper nutrients.

4.What can I put on top of dog food?

Meat is always a welcome topping for dog food. Cooked meats like beef and chicken add protein and other nutritional benefits for dogs of all ages. Make sure to cut the meat into small pieces.

Bottom Line

Some dogs are picky eaters, and feeding them can become frustrating. With the toppers above, you can entice your dog to eat his food and ensure he has the right level of nutrition.