Many dog parents want to improve their dog’s diet, but are faced with limitations, like cost, time, safety concerns and/or knowledge. While these are legitimate reasons not to feed a 100% fresh whole food diet, there are small manageable steps a dog parent can take to improve their dog’s diet.

Incorporating fresh foods into your dog’s daily regime is as simple as opening your refrigerator and sharing a few foods with them. Fresh foods are minimally processed, nutrient dense and preservative and additive free.

Dogs are meant to thrive eating fresh whole foods, not processed foods. The majority of foods that are nourishing for you are great for your dog too.

Adding a small amount of fresh food to a processed diet will nutritionally benefit your dog and the ingredients all can be sourced from your local grocery store.

Here are six fresh foods to include and four steps to take to making fresh foods part of your dog’s daily regime.

6 Foods to Include in Your Dog's Daily Regime

Lean proteins – As you prepare your meal set aside a small amount of the protein, whether it’s chicken, beef or lamb, to mix into your dog’s meal.

Egg – Eggs are the most complete meal available for you and your dog. When scrambling eggs for your breakfast, grab an extra egg to crack into your dog’s bowl; or feed them a small amount of the scrambled eggs.

Plain yogurt or kefir – Both yogurt and kefir are great food choices for nourishing your dog’s digestive system and helps protect their gut.

Oily fish – Tinned oily fish like salmon, anchovies and sardines are packed full of Omega-3s, which is the ideal way for the nutrient to be absorbed over fish oil.

Bone broth – Bone broth helps keep your dog hydrated and can entice them to try new foods. It is also an ideal food to feed if your dog is unwell or recovery from surgery.

Vegetables and fruit scraps – One of the easiest ways to give your dog added fibres. Instead of putting scraps in the compost, save them to be blended and feed as a meal topper for your dog.

4 Ways to Add Fresh Foods to Your Dog's Daily Regime

Reduce processed food – Remove up to 20% of your dog’s processed and replace it with fresh food options.

Hunting – Turn feeding fresh foods into a game of hunt. It will both nourish their body and mind. Hide small amounts of fresh foods on plates throughout your home and let your dog hunt for them. It makes a great rainy day activity

Variety – Rotate between different types of fresh foods and don’t be afraid to offer your dog’s new food. Feeding a variety of foods encourages your dog to remain interest in the fresh ingredients you offer them.

Keep a record – Recording the fresh foods your dog has tried enables you to learn what foods they like and dislike. It may take a few tries before they take to a new food or they may always turn their nose up to it.

6 Foods Not to Feed Your Dog

There are a handful of foods that your dog should avoid to reduce the risk of them becoming ill.

1. Chocolate
2. Grapes
3. Onions
4. Avocado Skin and Pit
5. Cooked Bones
6. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts

If adding fresh foods daily is a challenge, that’s ok. Start weekly and build up from there. Do what works best for you and your dog. The important thing is to start including more fresh foods into your dog’s bowl.