Learn How to Build a Better Bowl
Pet nutrition should be more than a bowl of basic dry kibble. It has evolved to include a variety of toppers, additives and enhancers that add moisture, increase palatability and meat content to optimize nutrition and help pets thrive. Learn how to build a better bowl with this easy guide!
Base Layer
When building your pet’s bowl it’s important to start with a solid nutritional foundation. This can be dry kibble, canned food, frozen raw, freeze-dried or dehydrated food. You can even use a combination. The idea is that the base layer should be made up of a complete and balanced nutritional profile with all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients required to support your pet’s lifestyle.
Hydration Layer
Most pet owners feed dry kibble for ease and convenience. A complete and balanced kibble can be a great base layer, but it only delivers 10% moisture. Added hydration is key to balance the bowl, especially when feeding kibble. Dogs and cats are designed to eat a diet of about 75% moisture. That is the same moisture content found in fresh meat. Moisture rich foods help prevent chronic dehydration and can benefit pets prone to kidney issues, urinary tract infections and urinary crystals/blockages.
Supplement Layer
Supplements are a great way to dial in your pet’s nutrition to target specific nutritional needs and provide functional benefits. As a result, pets may experience improved digestion, better skin and coat, and hip and joint strength. Adding supplements for dogs and cats who need an extra boost in one of these areas can optimize nutrition and help prevent health issues.
Topper Layer
There’s no question that dogs and cats thrive on meat-based diets. Adding a topper layer to increase meat content also greatly enhances the palatability for your pet. Look for freeze-dried and raw options that are packed with protein and flavor. Even a little can prevent food boredom, provide variety for picky eaters and be a cornerstone of rotational feeding. Rotating protein sources and food types has a variety of additional benefits as well.
Build a Better Bowl 101
Kibble An easy and convenient complete and balanced option.
Canned Food High meat content and 75% moisture makes a delicious combination in your pet’s bowl.
Frozen Raw Food Highly palatable, frozen raw food is loaded with flavor enhancing meat content and the benefit of about 75% moisture.
Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Raw Food Just as flavorful as frozen raw, freeze dried and dehydrated raw food is a convenient way to add raw as well as flavor and protein variety.
Goats Milk Great for hydration, nutrients and digestive support, it also makes any diet more appetizing.
Broth Better than water for hydration because it has beneficial nutrients to support joint health, digestion and liver health.
Canned Pumpkin Pumpkin is rich in nutrients and supports digestive regularity.
Leafy Greens Packed full of power, leafy greens to help boost your pet’s immunity and support digestive health.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids/Fish Oils Supports heart, joints, coats, skin and immune systems.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin Great for pain reduction, joint inflammation reduction, increased joint mobility and promotion of joint repair.
Green Lipped Mussel Aids in the repair of joint tissues for improved hip and joint health.
Conclusion
Build better nutrition from the bottom up.
Your pet’s nutrition can start with a quality dry kibble, but it shouldn’t end there. Build a better bowl layer-by-layer to increase moisture, flavor appeal, nutritional value and healthy benefits.
Related blogs: DIY Dog Treats and Cat Treats for Summer, How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight and Common Causes of Weight Gain in Pets, What Food are Toxic to Cats? Keep Your Feline Friends Safe and Healthy!
