What Sauce Can I Add to Dog Food? (7 Quick and Tasty Options)

What sauce can I add to dog food that is safe for him to eat but that he'll also really enjoy? Many human foods are perfectly safe for dogs to consume—with some limitations and exceptions. With that in mind, here are seven quick and easy sauce ideas to tempt your dog’s taste buds.

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Dry dog food, also known as "kibble," is an entirely suitable diet for dogs. Dry food is much more nutrient-balanced, more shelf-stable, and less prone to spoilage than canned, cooked, or raw food.

If kibble is so good for dogs, why do we have such a hard time getting them to eat it? One of the most common reasons for a dog to refuse to eat dry kibble is simply because he just wants to eat something tastier!

The question is: What sauce can I add to dog food that is safe for him to eat but that he'll also really enjoy? Many human foods are perfectly safe for dogs, with some limitations and exceptions. With that in mind, here are seven ideas for delicious sauces to tempt them with.

1. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese makes a nice, semi-liquid "sauce" that can easily be mixed into dry kibble as an occasional treat. Milk, cheese, and plain yogurt are all dairy products that dogs can safely consume in minimal amounts.

Dairy consumption in excess can lead to digestive issues, though. This is because dogs' levels of lactase, an enzyme that digests milk's sugars, are low. So, dogs who are lactose intolerant shouldn't consume dairy.

After consuming anything that contains dairy, diarrhea or vomiting can be signs of lactose intolerance. As long as your dog is not lactose intolerant, it's perfectly fine to add some cottage cheese to his supper once in a while.

2. Canned Fish Liquid

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in salmon and are known to reduce inflammation, may help maintain the health of your dog's skin and coat. The liquid from a can of tuna or salmon is also rich in smell and taste, making it a quick, easy, and appealing sauce to pour over your dog's food.

When feeding your dog fish, remember that you shouldn't give him raw salmon. It might contain a parasite known to cause salmon poisoning, a potentially fatal condition. Since canned fish has already been cooked, both the fish and their liquid are safe, tasty options.

3. Pineapple Juice

Dogs can consume fresh pineapple and its juice in moderation. Additionally, pineapple is a fantastic nutrient-dense snack for your dog because it is packed with numerous vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Like other foods, excessive pineapple consumption in dogs can cause symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. In light of this, it is probably a good idea to give your dog a little pineapple juice at a time.

Pouring a small amount over dry kibble is the perfect way for him to enjoy a little sweet treat.

4. Ripe Tomato Juice

As long as they are ripe, you can occasionally give your dog tomatoes as a treat. So, tomato juice or sauce without additional ingredients is a great way to add a boost of flavor and nutrition to his food.

On the other hand, green tomatoes may contain trace amounts of the poisonous glycoalkaloid tomatine. Although they are not poisonous to humans, green tomatoes are reportedly poisonous to dogs. Too much tomatine from tomatoes can cause nausea, an irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and breathing problems in dogs. Instead, choose a can of natural tomato juice with no additional salt added, or simply blend some fresh ripe tomatoes up yourself for a quick homemade sauce.

5. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

Chicken is one of the most common ingredients used in dog foods, as it is an excellent source of protein, which your dog needs to stay healthy. That is why chicken or bone broth makes the perfect sauce to add to dog food.

However, be sure to choose a low-sodium chicken broth. Dogs who consume too much salt may develop salt poisoning or water dehydration, which can result in vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. In extreme circumstances, excessive salt can be fatal.

6. Unsweetened Apple Sauce

Apple sauce is an effective way to help your dog benefit from the nutritional value of apples. A significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are present in apples. Furthermore, they contain a lot of fiber, which might be beneficial for your dog's digestive system.

However, since apple seeds contain cyanide, a substance that can be poisonous in large doses, you should never give your dog apple seeds.

If making homemade apple sauce, make sure that all the seeds are removed beforehand and don't add any sugar; just cook the apples down in water and then mash them to make a simple sauce. Why? Dogs don't require additional sugar in their diets.

Carbohydrates are the only source of sugar they need to survive, and any well-balanced kibble already has the carbs and other nutrients their bodies need to function daily. For that reason, pour only unsweetened apple sauce on your dog's food.

7. Coconut Oil

According to studies, giving dogs coconut meat or oil as a treat on occasion may improve their skin and fur. It is crucial to remember that dogs should only consume coconut oil in moderation because it is high in calories and fat.

Depending on your dog's size, one-fourth teaspoon to one tablespoon per day is a suitable serving size to feed him, according to Healthline. Melting coconut oil in the microwave for a brief period will make it warm enough to use as a sauce to add to your dog's food (not hot). It will nicely coat each piece of kibble, giving him a reason to enjoy every single bite.

Final Thoughts

Dry dog food, or kibble, is a popular choice for dog owners to feed their pets. However, its dry texture can be unappealing to dogs, especially when they are faced with eating the same food every single day. Sprucing up dry kibble with nutritional and safe human foods is a great way to keep him happy and healthy. What sauce can I add to dog food? Give these seven suggestions a try!

Sources

• Can My Dog Eat This? | Healthline
  Dogs and humans metabolize foods differently, making some human foods toxic to dogs. Here's a list of 53 foods and whether or not your dog can eat them.
• Why Dogs Don't Like Dry Food - Wag!
  Learn more about why dogs don't like dry food, how common it is, and what you can do about it.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2022 Louise