Mix up your dog's mealtime with these nutritious plant-based toppers

Plant-based toppers are a great way to add extra variety to your dog's diet. They are especially helpful for dogs who are picky eaters or are transitioning to dry food from a fresh food diet.

  • Palatability: Some dogs may be picky eaters or lose interest in their food over time, adding a topper can make their food more appealing and increase their interest in eating.
  • Hydration: Adding a topper like unsalted vegetable broth or water can help increase the moisture content of dry food, which can be important for dogs who don't drink enough water on their own.
  • Diet Transition: Adding a topper can help make the transition to a new type of food easier for dogs who are switching from fresh or raw food to dry food.

When choosing plant-based toppers, it is important to look for ingredients that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. This article will share a few of our favorite healthy plant-based toppers that dog owners can add on top of dry food.

Water

Water as a topper? Though it may not sound very exciting, we have found that many pet parents with picky eaters can spice up mealtime simply by adding moisture to their scoop of Petaluma. Unlike kibble, baked food tends to really soak up the water and will soften quickly if left to soak for an hour or so before mealtime. We recommend trying water first before adding a food-based topper as it adds no additional calories.

Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of B vitamins, including B12, which is important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and a strong immune system. It is also a good source of protein and fiber, making it a great addition to a dog's diet.

Unsalted Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth is a healthy and flavorful topper that can be used to add moisture to your dog's dry food. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it is also low in sodium, making it a healthy choice for dogs who are on a low-sodium diet. When choosing vegetable broth, make sure to choose an unsalted variety to keep your dog's sodium intake low.

Fresh Vegetables & Fruit

Does your dog love a particular fruit or vegetable? Mixing in some diced vegetables or fruit can be a great incentive. We recommend introducing new vegetables or fruits one at a time to avoid intestinal upset, but you can try adding small portions of banana, apple, carrot, green beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, or strawberries.

Pureed Vegetables

Pureed vegetables are a great way to add extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your dog's diet. Some of the best vegetables to use include carrots, green beans, spinach, and sweet potatoes. When choosing vegetables to puree, make sure to select non-toxic options such as carrots and green beans.

Unsalted / Unsweetened Nut Butter

Many dogs love almond, peanut, or cashew butter, and they can be a great way to get a picky pup excited about mealtime. Be careful to add only a small amount on top of your dog’s food to avoid adding too many calories and fat in the topper.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a plant-based topper that is high in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and a strong immune system. When choosing flaxseed, make sure to choose ground flaxseed as it is easier for dogs to digest. Additionally, you can also use a drizzle of flaxseed oil if you have that handy. We recommend using a pure, unrefined 100% flaxseed oil if you go that route.

As always, make sure that you factor in any toppers when calculating your dog's portion of Petaluma. We have a handy tool here to help you understand the right serving size for your dog. Do you have a healthy topper that you love using with your dog? Share your favorite tips with us at hello@feedpetaluma.com.

FutureCash Footer