6 Mistakes You’re Making when Adding Toppers to Your Dog’s Kibble
Adding ingredients to your dog’s kibble can seem like a thoughtful way to enhance your pet’s diet. However, many well-meaning dog owners inadvertently make mistakes that can negatively affect their dog's health. While variety can be beneficial, it’s essential to strike the right balance between nutritious add-ons and maintaining the right nutrient profile for your dog. In this article, we'll explore the common mistakes dog owners make when adding ingredients to their dog's kibble and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Overloading on Calories
One of the most common mistakes is adding too many calorie-dense ingredients to a dog's kibble. Whether it's table scraps, treats, or fatty foods like cheese, this can quickly lead to obesity. Obesity is one of the most prevalent health issues among dogs, with studies showing that around 50% of dogs in the UK and 56% of dogs in the USA are overweight or obese (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 2022). Maintaining an ideal body weight is critical to avoid conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Tip: Calculate your dog's daily caloric needs based on their weight, activity level, and breed. Be mindful of how many extra calories you’re adding, and always check with your veterinarian before significantly changing your dog's diet.
2. Ignoring Nutrient Balance
While it’s tempting to add a variety of whole foods to your dog’s kibble, it's crucial not to upset the nutrient balance. Kibble is specifically formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for dogs. Adding too much of one ingredient, such as fish, oils or vegetables, could potentially skew the protein, fat, or carbohydrate ratio.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that unbalanced homemade diets could result in nutrient deficiencies or excesses, which could harm a dog's health in the long run (Stockman et al., 2017). For instance, adding too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity, while excessive fish can cause a thiamine deficiency or Vitamin D toxicity.
Tip: When adding ingredients, focus on moderation. Use them as occasional treats or supplements rather than as a large portion of the meal. It's also helpful to consult with a canine nutritionist or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure you're not inadvertently disrupting the balance.
3. Adding Dangerous Ingredients
Some human foods are toxic to dogs, yet many owners unknowingly add them to their pet's kibble. Common culprits include onions, grapes, raisins, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. These can cause severe reactions, including kidney failure or gastrointestinal distress.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), even small amounts of certain ingredients can cause poisoning. For example, onions and garlic can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Tip: Always research any ingredient before adding it to your dog's food. Keep a list of known toxic foods and avoid them at all costs. It’s important to remember that just because something isn’t poisonous doesn’t mean it wont upset your dog’s digestive system.
4. Using Uncooked or Poorly Prepared Ingredients
Raw feeding is a feeding method among dog owners, but it comes with risks if not done correctly. Adding raw meat, eggs, or other uncooked ingredients to kibble can introduce harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which not only poses a danger to dogs but also to humans in the household. A study by Veterinary Record found that dogs on raw diets may shed harmful pathogens, increasing the risk of cross-contamination in the home (Davies et al., 2019).
Additionally, certain vegetables like potatoes, beans, and spinach must be cooked before being served to dogs to neutralize harmful compounds and make nutrients bioavailable.
Tip: Always properly prepare any ingredient before adding it to your dog's kibble. Cook vegetables and meat thoroughly, and avoid giving raw eggs or unwashed greens. If you are keen on raw feeding, it’s best to seek the guidance of a professional to minimize health risks.
5. Inconsistent Additions
Dogs thrive on consistency, and abrupt changes in their diet, even when adding healthy ingredients, can lead to digestive upset. Many dog owners make the mistake of frequently changing the types or amounts of added foods without transitioning properly. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, or an overall disruption of the dog’s digestive system.
Tip: Introduce new ingredients slowly, allowing your dog’s digestive system to adjust. Make changes gradually over 7 to 10 days, especially when adding new proteins, fruits, or vegetables. Monitor for any signs of intolerance or allergic reactions, such as itching, rashes, or upset stomachs.
6. Forgetting About Portion Control
It's easy to forget that every additional ingredient you add to kibble also counts toward your dog’s daily intake. Many dog owners add ingredients to the kibble without adjusting the amount of kibble they’re offering. This leads to an excess of calories, which can cause weight gain over time. It’s essential to maintain portion control to avoid overfeeding.
Tip: If you're adding ingredients, slightly reduce the amount of kibble to balance the total caloric intake. As a rule of thumb, treats and extras should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. Stick with If using treats as well drop this down to 5%.
7. Adding Ingredients With No Nutritional Value
Some dog owners add ingredients purely because their dogs enjoy the taste, even if these ingredients offer no nutritional benefit. Examples include fatty meats, bread, and sugary foods. These "empty calorie" additions can lead to nutritional imbalances and excessive weight gain.
Tip: If you want to enhance your dog’s kibble, choose nutrient-dense ingredients like lean meats, vegetables, or plain pumpkin, which supports digestion. Avoid foods that are high in fats, sugars, or have minimal nutritional benefits.
Final Thoughts
Adding ingredients to your dog's kibble can be a great way to offer variety and improve nutrition, but it’s essential to do it correctly. Avoid overloading on calories, disrupting nutrient balance, or adding dangerous ingredients. Most importantly, always consult with your vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet. By being mindful and intentional with your dog's food additions, you can support their overall health and well-being for years to come.
References
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. (2022). Pet Obesity Report.
Stockman, J. et al. (2017). Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition.
Davies, R. H., et al. (2019). Risk of pathogen transmission in household pets fed on raw diets. Veterinary Record.
American Kennel Club. (2020). Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines for Dogs.