Adding healthy toppers to your pet's kibble is an easy way to improve their diet if you are short on time or resources. Many pet owners find it challenging to incorporate raw feeding into their pets' diet. Instead, they prefer to keep their pets on kibble.
While there are various food options available for pets, raw feeding has become increasingly popular in recent years. Raw feeding involves providing your pet with uncooked, fresh food that mimics what they would eat in the wild.
It’s not a case of all or nothing! If kibble is your pet's preferred food, there's no need to feel guilty about their nutrition. You can still provide your pet with a balanced diet by incorporating toppers. Healthy toppers for kibble are a great way to boost their health without having to switch to a completely raw diet.
What are Toppers?
Toppers are essentially a layer of fresh, nutrient-rich food that is placed on top of the kibble. They can be made up of various ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, meat, and even supplements like PetWell DIGEST and MOBILITY which includes a balance of probiotics, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 fatty acids that can provide your pet with targeted health benefits.
- Probiotics can promote a healthy gut microbiome, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Digestive enzymes can support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Omega-3 fatty acids can support brain and eye health, as well as reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
First up, it is worth noting that dogs and cats are primarily carnivores by nature. This means their digestive systems are designed to break down and absorb raw meats and organs more efficiently than processed foods like kibble.
Raw feeding provides pets with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in a natural and bioavailable form supporting their overall health and well-being.
Raw feeding will:
- improve their digestion
- reduce the risk of allergies
- promote a healthy weight
- contribute to healthy joints, healthier skin, and coat.
While raw feeding may not be suitable for every pet or owner, it's worth considering for those seeking to optimise their pet's diet and health.
However, if you don't have the time or resources to raw feed your pet, adding nutrient-rich food as toppers and supplements to your pet's kibble can help to provide them with a wider range of essential vitamins and minerals, that are lacking in commercial kibble.
Toppers You Can Add to Your Pet's Kibble
Steamed or blanched and pureed vegetables
Sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, or pumpkin are excellent sources of fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that can help promote good digestion and overall health in your pet. Vegetables are a great source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy ageing. They can also improve digestion and regulate bowel movements, which can prevent constipation and diarrhoea.
You must steam or blanch vegetables first, then puree for your pet to absorb their nutrients.
Fresh fruits
Blueberries, strawberries, or apples (without seeds) can provide your pet with a range of vitamins and antioxidants that can support their immune system and promote healthy ageing. Blueberries, for example, are rich in vitamin C and phytochemicals, which can protect against cancer and reduce inflammation.
Plain yoghurt or cottage cheese
Providing your pet with a source of protein, calcium, and beneficial probiotics. Supporting gut health and digestion. Be sure to choose plain varieties without added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Raw chicken, turkey, or lean beef
Animal meats provide your pet with a source of high-quality protein, essential for maintaining healthy muscles and tissues.
Fish
Sardines, mackerel, salmon and green-lipped mussels (without added salt or seasonings) are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore promotes healthy skin and coat, reduces inflammation, and supports joint and heart health.
Eggs
A great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy bones.
Freeze-dried organs, meat, or fish toppers
A convenient way to add protein and flavour to your pet's meals. They can also be a good source of vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of organ, meat, or fish.
Freeze-dried is a good alternative to fresh, providing the freeze-drying process is done properly, and the produce is high quality and human grade.
Freeze-drying is a process that involves removing moisture from the product while preserving the nutrients and flavour. Resulting in a lightweight and shelf-stable product that is convenient to store and feed.
View the selection of freeze-dried treats here.
Bone broth
A nutritious way to add flavour and moisture to your pet's meals. Bone broth provides your pet with a source of collagen and other beneficial nutrients that can support joint health and digestion. Bone broth is featured in PetWell's THRIVE and MOBILITY Supplements.
Read more for A Guide to Safe and Healthy Foods for Dogs
In Summary
Overall, including a variety of healthy toppers for kibble or your other pet food can significantly enhance the nutritional value of their diet. It can provide them with a range of health benefits, from improving digestion and immune function to supporting healthy ageing and vitality.
Additionally, by adding healthy toppers to your pet's kibble, you are enhancing the flavour of their food. Toppers can also help to prevent boredom with your pet's diet, which can lead to picky eaters.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based on your research. And in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
