How to Boost Your Dog’s Kibble: 5 Simple Add-ins to Enhance Every Bowl

How to Boost Your Dog's Kibble: 5 Simple Add-ins to Enhance Every Bowl

Written by: Alexis Egnatovich 

Feeding time is an opportunity to not only nourish your dog, but support their overall health, happiness and well-being. While high-quality kibble can provide a solid nutritional foundation, many dogs benefit from a little extra boost in their bowls. By adding fresh, functional, and wholesome ingredients, you can make mealtime more exciting, enhance nutrition, and even help ease the transition if you ever decide to explore a fresh food diet.

Here are five easy ways to enhance your dog’s kibble, making every meal more delicious and nutrient-rich.

1. Bone Broth

Bone broth is a powerhouse of nutrients. Bone broth is typically made by simmering bones, tissue, and herbs (which is something you can even make at home). Bone broth is naturally rich in: 

• Glucosamine – supports joint health and mobility
• Chondroitin – helps maintain healthy cartilage
• Collagen – promotes skin, coat, and joint support
• Amino Acids – aid in muscle development and overall health

Adding a few tablespoons of bone broth to your dog’s kibble provides extra hydration and provides natural joint support. Bone broth will give your dog’s meal extra flavor that they will surely love! 

How to use: Pour a small amount over your dog’s kibble. Start with 1–2 tablespoons for small dogs and up to ¼ cup for larger dogs. Serve immediately and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.

Tip: Make sure to choose bone broth that’s low in sodium and free from onions or other harmful ingredients. 

2. Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits can provide antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that support immune function, digestion, and overall health. Plus, most dogs love the taste of them. 

Some dog-friendly fruits include: 

• Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
• Raspberries: Low in sugar, high in fiber, and contain vitamin C.
• Apples: Provide vitamins A and C, plus a satisfying crunch (remove seeds and core).
• Bananas: A good source of potassium and natural energy.
• Strawberries: Full of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Watermelon: Hydrating and low in calories, offering vitamins A, B6, and C (remove seeds and rind).

How to use: Chop fruits into bite-sized pieces and use them to top your dog’s kibble. Start with small amounts to ensure your dog tolerates the new addition well. Fruits can also be frozen for a refreshing treat on hot days!

Tip: Always remove pits, seeds, or cores that could be harmful, and avoid grapes and raisins, which are toxic to dogs.

3. Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin also makes an excellent kibble topper. As you may have heard before, it can help regulate both constipation and diarrhea. It’s a great source of fiber and beta-carotene, which supports healthy digestion. Pumpkin is a particularly great addition for dogs with sensitive bellies. 

How to use: Start with a teaspoon for small dogs or up to a tablespoon for larger dogs and add it directly into their kibble. Make sure to use plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices).

Tip: Pumpkin spreads easily and also works great on a lick mat to keep your dog engaged while they enjoy this nutritious treat.

4. Raw Goat’s Milk

Raw goat’s milk is a natural source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. Goat’s milk is usually easy for dogs to digest and less likely to cause stomach upset or lactose intolerance issues in dogs.

Raw goat’s milk can enhance your dog’s meal and its taste making it more appealing for picky eaters. Plus, the probiotics help support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.

How to use: Add 1–2 tablespoons of raw goat’s milk per cup of kibble, adjusting based on your dog’s size and tolerance. 

Tip: Always introduce new dairy slowly and watch for any digestive changes. 

5. Fresh Vegetables

Vegetables are an easy and wholesome way to enhance your dog’s kibble. Many common veggies you already have in your kitchen (fresh or frozen) can add extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your pup’s bowl.

Some dog-friendly vegetables include:

• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and fiber.
  
• Spinach: Packed with iron, vitamins, and antioxidants.
  
• Green beans: Low in calories and high in fiber.
  
• Zucchini: Hydrating, low-calorie, and nutrient-dense.
  
• Sweet Potatoes: A great source of fiber, beta-carotene, and complex carbohydrates for steady energy.
  

How to use: Steam or lightly cook vegetables to make them easier to digest, or serve raw if your dog enjoys the crunch. Chop them into small pieces and mix into kibble. 

Tip: Avoid onions (toxic to dogs), and introduce vegetables gradually to prevent digestive upset.

Making Mealtime Fun and Nutritious

Enhancing your dog’s kibble with simple add-ins is an easy way to boost flavor, nutrition, and enjoyment. Start small, introducing one ingredient at a time to see how your dog responds and discover their favorites. Over time, you’ll learn which foods they love most and can make them a regular part of their meals.

Dogs thrive on variety, and these healthy toppers not only make mealtime more exciting but can also inspire you to explore fresh feeding options. Whether you continue with kibble enhanced by nutritious add-ins or transition to a fully fresh diet, the goal is the same: giving your pup the healthiest, happiest life possible.