Day in and day out eating the same thing - it looks the same, smells the same, and certainly tastes the same - this is often the case for our dogs and cats. Now consider how uninspired we would be if that's what we were given day in and day out?

Spice Up Your Pet's Mealtime with a Variety Bowl

As pet parents, we all strive to extend our dog or cat's "healthspan"—the period of their lives filled with vitality and good health. Inspired by groundbreaking works like The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker, B&T Pets is here to introduce a fun and nutritious way to enhance your dog's dining experience: the Variety Bowl. This creative approach not only keeps mealtime exciting but also ensures your dog receives a balanced diet tailored to their unique needs.

In this article we will dive into:

What is a variety bowl
How to build the perfect variety bowl
Keeping mealtime fun and engaging
Benefits of a variety bowl
Tips for success

What is a Variety Bowl?

A Variety Bowl is a thoughtfully assembled meal that combines different components to provide a balanced, nutrient-rich diet for your dog or cat.

For Dogs: It typically includes a base of high-quality proteins, grains, or vegetables that form the foundation of the meal, complemented by a flavorful topper, moisture-rich hydrators, and essential supplements.
For Cats: It typically includes a base of high-quality proteins, to meet their obligate carnivore needs, complemented by a flavorful topper, moisture-rich hydrators, and essential supplements.

By mixing and matching these elements, you can create a variety of meals that keep your pets engaged and excited about every bite.

How to Build the Perfect Variety Bowl

Creating the perfect Variety Bowl involves selecting each component carefully to ensure your dog’s meal is both nutritious and enjoyable, while excluding any ingredients that they are sensitive or allergic to.

Let’s break down each part:

Choosing a Nutritious Base

The base is the cornerstone of your pet's meal, rich in essential nutrients and tailored to your dog or cat's specific dietary needs. For proteins, lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish are excellent choices.

For those just starting out with Variety Bowls, or based on your preference for simplicity, you may also consider using a high quality kibble or pre-packaged food.

For dog owners (as cats are obligate carnivores and should stick with animal protein) - If you prefer plant-based options, consider incorporating lentils or chickpeas. Grains like brown rice, quinoa, or oats provide necessary energy and fiber, while vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, or spinach add vital vitamins and minerals.

Rotating the base ingredients weekly can offer a wide range of nutrients and prevent meal boredom, ensuring your pet receives a comprehensive diet.

Adding a Tasty Topper

Meal Toppers are the secret to making your pet's meal irresistible, adding flavor, texture, and extra nutrients.

Options like yogurt or cottage cheese introduce creaminess and probiotics for digestive health. Peanut butter is a favorite for many dogs, just ensure it’s free from xylitol. Grated cheese can provide a savory touch, and bone broth offers rich minerals that are easy to digest.

For a fun twist, consider creating themed toppers based on seasons or holidays, such as pumpkin puree in the fall or mashed banana in the summer, to keep things exciting.

Or even try adding on a topper such as Smack's raw dehydrated food for either dogs or cats, for that added superfood benefit.

Incorporating a Hydrator

Hydrators play a crucial role in maintaining your cat or dog’s hydration levels and supporting overall health. For dogs, ingredients like cucumber slices are low in calories and high in water content, while water-rich fruits such as blueberries, seedless watermelon, or strawberries can be delightful additions. For both dogs and cats, mixing in a bone broth, low-sodium chicken, or beef broth into the bowl can enhance moisture content. Proper hydration aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining healthy skin and coat, making hydrators an essential component of the Variety Bowl.

Sprinkling on Supplements

Supplements ensure your dog or cat receives all the necessary nutrients that might be missing from their regular diet, or may provide additional benefits based on their current situation:

Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties to support healthy joints.
Goat's milk powder (or liquid) can be added as it is packed with probiotics to help with digestion, but is also known to alleviate itching from allergies.
Bee Pollen Granules also act as a natural anti-histamine, and have quercetin to help support a healthy immune system
Ashwagandha root helps to reduce anxiety and is high in antioxidants as well, making it an ideal addition for those anxious pets
Spirulina is packed with all things helpful, from micronutrients, and anti-oxidants, to essential fatty acids.
Reishi mushroom is known as the mushroom of immortality; Chaga mushroom is most known for it's anti-inflammatory proporties, and Lion's Maine Mushroom for improvements in cognitive function and immune support.

Always consult with your veterinarian before adding new supplements to your Pet's diet to ensure they are appropriate and beneficial.

Keeping Mealtime Fun and Engaging

Variety bowls are not just about nutrition—they’re about creating a positive and stimulating mealtime experience.

By changing textures through combining crunchy and soft ingredients, each bite becomes interesting for your dog or cat. Using interactive bowls, such as puzzle bowls or slow feeders, can turn mealtime into a game, encouraging your pet to eat mindfully.

Benefits of a Variety Bowl

Implementing a variety bowl strategy offers numerous benefits for your pet's health and happiness. Enhanced nutrition from a balanced variety of ingredients ensures they receives a wide range of essential nutrients.

Regularly changing meal components can prevent picky eating by encouraging a more adaptable palate.

Tailored nutrition supports healthspan by helping to prevent age-related issues, keeping your dog healthy longer. Additionally, an engaging meal routine provides mental stimulation, reducing boredom and associated behaviors.

Tips for Success

To successfully implement variety bowls into your dog or cat's diet, start slowly by introducing new ingredients gradually to monitor for any adverse reactions. It’s essential to maintain balance, ensuring each meal meets your pet's dietary needs. Regularly check your dog’s weight and overall health, adjusting the variety bowl components as necessary. Stay creative by experimenting with new ingredients and combinations to keep meals exciting and enjoyable for your furry friend.