Paws & Plates
What Do I Feed My Dogs and Why?
One of the most common questions I get from other dog parents is, “What do you feed your dogs?” and, “Is kibble a good option?” I totally get why this question comes up—there are so many different choices out there: kibble, canned food, fresh food, homemade meals—how do you decide what's best for your furry friend?
So here’s what I do and why: I feed my dogs kibble (Science Diet, to be specific). But over the past year, I’ve started making my own “fresh farmer-style dog food topper” to go along with it. Let me explain how it all came about!
Why I Started Making a “Fresh” Topper
For a while, I was adding a little canned food, store-bought toppers, or even a bit of Caesar’s just to make their meals a little more exciting. I’ll admit it—I spoil my dogs! Feeding them plain old kibble didn’t sit right with me. Who wants to eat the same thing every day? Certainly not my dogs! So, I added these extra toppings… and then we had some unexpected issues.
Some of my dogs started needing teeth cleanings, and my vet wasn’t thrilled with what I was feeding them. After discussing it, we agreed on a new plan: I could still spoil my dogs, but I needed to find a healthier way to do it. So, I started making my own food topper! I cook it every couple of weeks (sometimes I make extra-large batches to last up to a month), and my dogs absolutely love it! Plus, I love making it—it gives me that warm, “good dog mom” feeling every time the crockpot’s going.
How It Works: The Topper and Kibble Combo
I add 1-2 tablespoons of this topper to their daily kibble—just enough to make a big difference in their day. The topper helps reduce their kibble intake while still supporting their dental health. And I also make sure to give them treats like bully sticks, collagen sticks, and Whimzees teether treats, all of which help with their teeth. Still, even with all this effort, some dogs will need their teeth cleaned (Cowboy, my older pup, just had his first cleaning at over 6 years old!).
Kibble vs. Fresh Food—What's Best?
When it comes to choosing between kibble, fresh food, and other options, it can feel like a tough decision. For me, I always recommend high-quality kibble. Not all kibble brands are regulated well, so it’s important to do your research. I’ve been pleased with Science Diet for my dogs—they have shiny coats, healthy teeth, and they love it. There are many great kibble options out there, and I’ve also heard good things about fresh food brands like The Farmer’s Dog and Ollie.
It seems like every day there’s a new claim on Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram saying that kibble is bad for your dog. A lot of these claims come from brands or paid influencers, which is something to keep in mind. I do understand the concerns: when kibble is cooked down and given a long shelf life, it probably isn’t the most nutritious choice. But I believe that by choosing the healthiest kibble option and supplementing with fresh food or a topper, you can give your dog a well-rounded diet.
My Homemade Dog Food Topper Recipe
If you’re curious about what I make for my dogs, I’ve got the recipe for my homemade dog food topper right below. I also have a Facebook reel where you can watch me prepare it! Keep in mind that this recipe is just a topper, not a full meal replacement. There are lots of fantastic, simple recipes out there that can be used as full meals, but this one is designed to complement their kibble.
My Homemade Dog Food Topper Recipe
If you're interested in making a healthy, tasty topper for your dog's kibble, here’s a simple recipe I use. It’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients that help complement the kibble, adding some fresh ingredients to spice up their meals.
Ingredients:
48 oz ground turkey (or another lean meat of your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 carrot, chopped
1/2 cup peas
1 cup zucchini, chopped
1 cup squash, chopped
1.5 cups cooked rice (I like brown rice)
You can even ad an Apple or egg, look up ideas to change it up if you would like!
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey (or your chosen lean meat) and cook until lightly browned, making sure to break it up into smaller almost tiny pieces as it cooks.
Once the meat is lightly browned, add in the chopped/sheaded carrot, peas, zucchini, and squash. Stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and tender. (You can use all fresh veggies, or many choose the frozen for convenience then you can always have them on hand in the freezer!)
Stir in the cooked rice and mix everything together well. (you can add the rice uncooked with about a cup of water in the crockpot and it will cook over a hour or so!)
Allow the mixture to cool before serving it as a topper for your dog's kibble.
You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a 5 days, or freeze it in portions for later use. I do one fridge container and then rest I put in flat ziplocks and stack it up the freezer like a meal prep!
Side Note: Tear Staining Tip!
A little secret I’ve found—adding a few blueberries to your dog’s daily diet can drastically help with tear staining. Blueberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making them an incredibly healthy treat. They’re easy to add to their food or just serve a few as a snack, and over time, you'll notice fewer tear stains. Bonus: your dog will love them!
