When talking about food, the word ‘dry’ doesn’t always evoke images of mouth-watering dishes dripping with flavour.

Have you ever tried eating a dry jacket potato? Tasteless.

Dogs may not understand the terminology on the packet, but when it comes to the contents, they know full well what they like.

Here at Applaws, it’s our mission to add more happiness to your dog’s mealtime. As well as being packed full of essential nutrients, our tasty recipes are designed to get tails wagging.

Ideal nutrients to add to your furry friend’s complete dry food
Dry dog food, known as “kibble”, is an essential part of a complete and balanced diet – but it shouldn’t end there.

To keep your four-legged loved one fit and healthy, it’s vital they have all the nutrients they need.

The table below highlights key elements of nutrition.

There are 3 types of macronutrients – protein, fats and carbohydrates. These are called macronutrients because dogs require larger amounts of them in their diets. We have also included water, vitamins and minerals and fibre, and explained their importance in a complete and balanced diet.

 

Nutrient	What is it	Why your dog needs it
Protein	The building blocks of living tissue. Proteins are vital for human and animal health.  They can’t be stored in the body like fats so are needed as part of a daily diet. Sources include chicken, lamb, fish, and beef.	Dogs can’t survive without protein. On top of building and repairing muscle, proteins also help keep the immune system strong while contributing to healthy hair and skin.
Carbohydrates	Like proteins, carbohydrates are classed as macronutrients. The body breaks down carbs for energy. Sources include sugar and starches (provide energy) and fibre (aid digestive system).	In reasonable amounts, carbs can provide a practical source of energy for dogs. However, eating too many can result in health issues such as obesity.
Fats	The third and final macronutrient. All fats are made of fatty acids. Certain fatty acids are classified as essential for dogs as their bodies cannot produce them. These essential acids are divided into omega-3 (e.g. fish oils) and omega-6 (e.g. chicken fat, sunflower oils)	Fats are a necessary part of a balanced diet for dogs. They provide energy and help keep your dog’s skin and hair healthy. They can add taste and flavour to food and can also help the body absorb certain vitamins.
Vitamins and minerals	Vitamins and minerals are nutrients dog’s bodies need in small amounts to work properly and stay healthy. Most pets should get all the vitamins and minerals (e.g. A, D, E, calcium and phosphorus) they need in a well prepared and balanced diet.	Dogs need vitamins and minerals to grow strong and maintain good health. The right amount will keep their skin and coat healthy as well as strengthen teeth and bones. They also offer a boost to the immune system.
Water	Water is a colourless and odourless substance found all over Earth. But you didn’t need us to tell you that, did you?	Like humans, dogs need to consume water every day. It is more important than all the other nutrients listed here. It keeps your dog hydrated, regulates body temperature, aids digestion, and assists nutrient absorption. Signs of dehydration include little energy, dry mouth and no interest in food.
Fibre	Fibre is a complex carbohydrate that comes from plants. Unlike other carbohydrates, which are broken down by the body to provide energy, it can’t be digested.	Fibre helps to keep our doggy’s digestive system healthy. It promotes healthy bowel movements, and can be used to alleviate  the constipation and diarrhoea.

Our top tips for mixing it up at mealtime 

Now the crash course on nutrition is over, we’re leaving the classroom – don’t worry, there won’t be a test at the end – and offering up a few top taste tips for those wondering, ‘What to mix with dry dog food?’

• Applaws Taste Toppers are our complementary meal mix-ins designed to liven up any mealtime. Our extensive range comes in broth, jelly and gravy or as stews (like the Chicken Stew with Carrots, Green Beans & Potato Tin), fillets (how does Beef Fillet with Red Pepper sound?) and bone broths (try the Chicken Bone Broth with Turmeric & Parsley Pouch) giving you plenty of choice. Not only do these toppers add flavour, they also provide many of the aforementioned essential nutrients.
• Mix in wet dog food. A small amount will boost flavour and add moisture. Applaws’ dog tins in jelly are 100% tasty, and packed with protein.
• Mixing in chopped vegetables or fruits can instantly improve flavour while bringing a few extra nutrients to the table, or as a healthy alternative to training treats. When you’re looking for vegetables to add to dog food, start off with carrots, green beans, asparagus and broccoli. Apples, blueberries, or bananas are tasty fruit options.
• Add non-fat yoghurt. Not only will this help make the dish tastier, it contains a naturally occurring probiotic, which can support your pet’s overall gut health.

Final thoughts on a healthy diet for your dog 

All of this may feel like a lot to digest, but understanding what your pet eats and why is worth every minute of research.

A high-quality diet is essential for their health and wellbeing, and the more delicious the dish, the happier the hound. Food can massively affect a pet’s mood as well.

Applaws Taste Toppers tick all these boxes, combining exciting flavours with natural ingredients that ensure your family’s best friend is receiving the best nutrients for dogs.

Our broths, gravies and jellies offer differing levels of hydration. High-moisture foods will help prevent dehydration; vital if your pet isn’t drinking enough water.

What ‘not’ to feed your dog can be just as important as well, which is why we would also recommend taking a few minutes to read over that dedicated article of ours too.

 

Frequently asked questions 

Is it possible for dogs to get ‘bored’ eating the same food each meal?

Dogs have less taste buds than humans so they won’t get ‘bored’ as quickly as we would eating the same meal. However, that doesn’t mean you should keep mealtime mundane.

Changing up a dog’s diet too frequently does bring health risks, so always bear that in mind. A good way of keeping things fresh, without the adverse effects, is substituting the flavour or adding Applaws Taste Toppers.