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PET HAPPENINGS - February 2025

Cost-Effective Additions to Your Dog’s Food
Provided by Jessica Turquette, owner of Moab BARKery

Feeding your dog a nutritious, well-balanced diet is essential to its health and well-being, but quality pet food can often be expensive. Fortunately, there are several cost-effective ways to enhance your dog’s food without breaking the bank. These simple additions can provide extra nutrients, flavor, and variety that will contribute to your pet’s overall health. Here are some affordable options to supplement your dog’s meals:

Cooked Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Many dogs enjoy the texture and taste of vegetables.
Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene and fiber, carrots are great for digestion and promote healthy eyesight.

Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes are also a great source of fiber and can help with digestion.
Green Beans: Low in calories and high in fiber, green beans are an excellent treat or food addition for dogs on a weight-management plan.

Spinach: Packed with iron and antioxidants, spinach can support your dog’s immune system.

How to Prepare: Simply steam or boil vegetables to make them softer and easier to digest. Avoid adding salt, spices, or oil, as these can be harmful to your dog.

Eggs
Eggs are an affordable and high-quality protein source, packed with amino acids that support muscle and tissue repair. They also contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Whether scrambled, boiled, or poached, eggs are a versatile addition to your dog’s meal.

Nutritional Benefits:
High in protein, which promotes healthy muscle and coat.
Contain antioxidants like lutein, which supports eye health.
Help with digestion and can promote a shiny coat.

Plain Yogurt
Yogurt is another cost-effective addition that offers health benefits, especially for digestive health. The probiotics found in plain, unsweetened yogurt can help regulate your dog’s digestive system by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria.

Nutritional Benefits:
Supports gut health and aids in digestion.
Provides calcium for bone health.
Acts as a protein booster.

How to Use:
Add a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt to your dog’s food. Avoid flavored yogurts, as they often contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, which are harmful to dogs.

Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is an inexpensive and nutrient-dense food that provides a high level of fiber and moisture. It’s a fantastic way to support your dog’s digestive health and prevent issues like constipation or diarrhea.
Nutritional Benefits:

High in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes healthy stool.
Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which contribute to immune health.
Helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes healthy skin and coat.

How to Use:
Mix a small amount (1-2 tablespoons depending on your dog’s size) into your dog’s food once or twice a week.

Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a low-cost dairy product that’s packed with protein and calcium. It can be a great addition for dogs that need extra protein or calcium in their diet, or as a light snack between meals.

Nutritional Benefits:
High in protein to support muscle growth and maintenance.
Contains calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Acts as a good source of probiotics, promoting healthy gut flora.

How to Use:
Offer cottage cheese in small amounts as a supplement to your dog’s regular meals.

Salt Free Bone Broth

Bone broth is an easy and inexpensive way to add moisture and flavor to your dog’s meals. It’s rich in collagen and amino acids, which can benefit joint health, skin, and overall vitality. You can easily make bone broth at home by simmering bones with water, or purchase it pre-made in stores.

Nutritional Benefits:
Supports joint health by providing collagen and glucosamine.
Hydrates and helps with digestion.
Improves skin and coat health.

How to Use:
Pour over dry kibble to add flavor and moisture or mix it into wet food.

Fish (Canned or Fresh)
Fish like sardines, salmon, or mackerel are nutrient-rich and affordable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat and skin. They are also a great source of protein and can help with inflammation, making them an excellent choice for dogs with joint issues.

Nutritional Benefits:
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Supports joint health and reduces inflammation.
Provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance.

How to Use:
Mix small amounts of canned fish (packed in water, not oil) or fresh fish into your dog’s food.

A little fresh goes a long way for your furry friends without breaking the bank -
Feeding your dog healthy additions to its meals doesn’t have to be costly. Incorporating budget-friendly options like vegetables, eggs, yogurt, and bone broth can significantly improve your dog’s diet and overall health. Remember to introduce new foods gradually and always monitor for any adverse reactions. If you’re unsure about what’s safe for your dog to eat, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. By incorporating some of these affordable, nutrient-dense additions into your dog’s diet, you can offer your furry friend a variety of flavors and textures, supporting its health without stretching your budget.

Dog-Friendly Walks/Hikes
in the Moab Area

Corona Arch - Easy/Moderate. 1.3 Miles one way. Trailhead is 25 minute drive from Moab.
North on US-191 to Potash Road (Utah 279).

Mill Creek Pathway - Easy. 1.1 Miles. Little to no driving. Starts at the intersection of 100 South and 100 West,
a block off of Main Street.

Portal Overlook - Hard. 2.0 Miles one way. Trailhead is 20 minute drive from Moab.
North on US-191 to Potash Road (Utah 279).

Grandstaff Canyon - Moderate. 2.0 Miles one way. Trailhead is 10-minute drive from Moab.
North on US-191 to the River Road (Utah 128)
 

Visit MoabBARKery website

Dog Friendly Walks/Hikes in the Moab Area
Trail or Walk Difficulty Length
(one way)
Proximity to Downtown
MillCreek Pathway
easy 1.1 miles Little to no driving
Starts at 100 S & 100 W
Portal Overlook
(trailhead @ Jaycee Park)
Hard 2.0 miles 25 min drive N on US-191 to W on Utah 279 (4.2 miles)
Moab Rim Hard 3.0 miles
(to Hidden Valley trail)
8 minute drive 2.6 miles down Kane Creek Blvd from US-191
Negro Bill Canyon
(aka William Grandstaff Canyon)
Moderate 2.0 miles 10 minute drive N on US-191 to
W on Utah 128, 3 miles
Hunter Canyon Easy 2.0 miles 25 minute drive (mild off-road)
7.5 miles down Kane Creek Blvd from US-191
Corona Arch Trail Easy/Moderate 1.5 miles 25 minute drive N on US-191 to
W Utah 279 (10 miles)
Hidden Valley
(trailhead at end of Angel Rock Rd)
Hard 2.0 miles 10 minute drive S on US-191
3 miles to Angel Rock Rd
Fisher Towers
(trailhead 2.2 miles off Utah 128)
Moderate 2.2 miles 35 minute drive N on US-191 to Utah 128, then 21 miles

Tips for enjoying your time with your dog here in the Moab area:

  • Bring lots of extra water for you and your dog.1 gallon per day for every 60lbs of dog!!
  • Don’t let dogs chase wildlife (especially coyotes, they can lead dogs into an ambush).
  • In the city, dogs are required to be leashed, but on public lands off leash with voice control is allowed.
  • Slickrock and sand is very abrasive!  Check paw pads often, or buy and use booties.
  • If it’s over 85 degrees only consider early AM or late PM hikes, daycare or leave your dog at home.
  • Pack out my poop!  Seriously or the other hikers without dogs will eventually demand no dogs allowed!

To see past articles about animals, pets and their care check our archives.

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