Best Dog Food Seasoning

You've been trying to get your dog to eat more food, but they're just not interested. Welcome to the club! Dogs of all breeds and sizes are known for being fussy eaters, but there is hope!

By seasoning their food with dog food seasoning, you can make meals time much more enjoyable (and nutritious) for your furry friend.

Check out this guide for the top 6 best brands of dog food seasoning, as well as recipes to follow for creating delicious treats for your pet.

First a quick note: Bluebird Provisions is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This helps to keep my two dogs happy and well fed :). 

Before we dive in, the quick answer (because I know you're busy) is to try a high protein bone broth. It was the only thing that got my stubborn poodle to finally eat regular meals.

The best one for this is the grass fed beef bone broth from Bluebird Provisions. Ok, let's get into it.

5 Best Dog Food Seasonings

The 5 best dog food seasonings are from brands like Bluebird Provisions, Beaumont Basics, Stella and Chewy's, Herbsmith and Wild Meadow Farms. Let's get into the full list!

1. Bluebird Provisions Beef Bone Broth for Dogs

Bluebird Provisions Beef Bone Broth for Dogs is easily the best bone broth you'll find for canines (and cats). This nutrient-rich broth is made from two simple ingredients: grass fed beef bones and water, making it a low risk, high protein and delicious addition to your dog's meals.

My poodle (Atlas) used to never eat his meals. My wife and I tried everything from wet dog food mixes to toppers and different brands of food.

Finally, two years ago we started experimenting with dehydrated bone broth. We sprinkle half a tbsp on top of his kibble, mix it with a bit of water (to make gravy) and give it to him.

He absolutely destroys his meals now... faster than our food obsessed husky (Nitotem). We use Bluebird Provisions because of the simple ingredient list with no added fillers, preservatives or fluff.

It is 94% protein with no carbs, great for active or elderly dogs. You can find it on Amazon or buy directly from Bluebird Provisions.

2. Crumps' Naturals Beef Liver Sprinkles

Crumps' Naturals Beef Liver Sprinkles is a premium quality freeze-dried seasoning food boost that is made of 100% USDA inspected beef liver.

Liver (and all organ meats) are great for dogs because they are packed with so many nutrients, minerals and vitamins like iron, copper, B vitamins and zinc.

These deliciously dehydrated beef liver flakes are perfect for picky eaters of all sizes and can be sprinkled over wet or dry food.

In my experience, these worked great when we were travelling with limited space to pack other foods. We were able to easily sprinkle a bit of food for our dogs to give them nutrients and protein.

It is 60% protein (2nd highest on the list) and has over 6000 Amazon customer reviews. Most reviewers love it and so will you!

Overall, this product is a perfect solution for pet owners who want to add flavor and nutrition to their pet's meals.

3. BEAUMONT BASICS Flavors Red Meat Recipe

BEAUMONT BASICS Flavors Red Meat Recipe is an all-natural, delicious seasoning that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

It is made with real beef and is perfect for adding flavor and nutrition to your dog's meal. I love that there are no artificial ingredients; just simple things you would find in real food (beef, dehydrated beef bone broth, potato starch, dehydrated sweet potato).

This seasoning has 43% protein and is 100% made and sourced in the USA. I also like that this seasoning is available in two different sizes: 3.1 oz and 6.0 oz sizes.

There are over 4000 reviews with an average on Amazon of 4.1 stars. This is really good and tells your that most people love it for their pets.

You might find yourself going through it quickly, so stock up if you need to with the larger size. Overall, it is a healthy and affordable solution to encourage your dog to eat.

4. Herbsmith Kibble Seasoning – Freeze Dried Beef

Herbsmith Kibble Seasoning is made from 100% premium USDA inspected beef, free from fillers, binders, and unhealthy chemicals.

There's no hiding behind fake ingredients with Herbsmith because they only use beef, potatoes, carrots and celery.

I checked with the brand to find out where the beef is sourced from and am proud to say it is Wisconsin. The whole supply chain and manufacturing is done in the USA.

To use, simply sprinkle the seasoning over wet or dry food. Herbsmith seasoning gives your dog a protein boost with 52% protein and 15% fat.

My two dogs love the natural beef taste, they can't get enough of it. I'm sure that yours will love it too. You get bulk discounts (up to 5 bottles) so it works great if you stock up.

5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Magical Dinner Dust Salmon and Chicken

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Marie's Magical Dinner Dust is a revolutionary dog food seasoning that will change the way your dog eats.

This seasoning is made with 98% salmon, chicken, chicken liver and gizzards along with and mixed with other ingredients for a complete and balanced meal.

Simply sprinkle the seasoning over your dog's regular kibble or wet food to give them a boost of nutrition and flavor.

I like that this one comes in a 7 oz pouch because pouches are more environmentally friendly than plastic jars. It's also nice to see a salmon recipe as these are rare.

This seasoning is perfect for picky eaters, dogs with food sensitivities, or those who need a little extra encouragement to eat. With Stella & Chewy's, you get 45% protein, a grain free formula and your dog will never have a boring meal again.

Benefits of Seasoning Dog Food

The benefits of seasoning dog food are that they get picky dogs eating, add nutrients and vitamins, help with digestion, can help control weight and improve skin and coat health in dogs.

Let's go through each of these below.

1. Increase flavor and appeal of food

Seasoning can be a great way to increase the flavor and appeal of dog food. Why? Think about how you would feel if you ate the exact same chicken and rice every day your whole life.

You'd get bored... right? Just like you, your dog can get bored with eating the same meals every day. Combine that with the fact that some dogs are just outright picky eaters, and you start to see the appeal.

Adding seasoning to their regular wet or dry meals can liven up their food and make it more enjoyable. My stubborn poodle finally started eating regularly after we added seasoning to his food.

However, it's important to use seasonings that are safe for dogs and remember that they are not a substitute for a balanced meal. With the right seasoning, you can give your furry friend a delicious and healthy meal that they will love.

2. Increase nutrients and vitamins

Are you looking for a simple way to boost your dog's nutrition? Consider adding some seasoning to their food! Seasonings come in all flavors and forms (not just the ones on this list), from yak milk to bone broth.

By incorporating a variety of seasonings into your dog's meals, you can provide them with a wider range of nutrients and flavors that they will love.

Just be sure to introduce new seasonings gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions. With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect seasoning combination to keep your pup happy and healthy!

3. Aid in digestion

Did you know that adding seasoning to your dog's food can actually help them digest food better? It's true! Herbs antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility in joints.

Other ingredients like bone broth have glycine and proline which are potent anti inflammatories to heal joints and gut issues.

Speaking of which, read my guide to bone broth for dogs to learn more about it.

That being said, it's important to use these seasonings in moderation and to avoid any common allergens.

4. May improve the coat and skin of the dog

Seasoning your dog's food can do wonders for their coat and skin health. Adding ingredients like bone broth or liver, which are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, can help promote a shiny and healthy coat.

Liver is full of B vitamins along with iron and zinc, which are great for overall health. Bone broth is full of skin and hair building collagen peptides.

By adding these herbs and spices to your dog's food, you can help support their overall skin and coat health and keep them looking and feeling their best. Remember to start with small amounts and consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.

What to consider when choosing a dog food seasoning brand

Before starting a dog food seasoning, you must consider the tasting notes, product quality, potency, nutritional value, ingredients and price.

1. Taste and flavor

Dog food seasoning is a great way to add palatability to your dog's meals and encourage them to eat. With that in mind, you need to choose a brand / product that speaks to them.

This can be tricky if you are not sure what will work. Sometimes you will just have to take a leap and buy something without knowing.

I did this with a salmon based seasoning for my two dogs (Atlas and Nitotem), but since they mainly eat a salmon based diet (aside from bone broth and the occasional treats my dad gives them), I had a feeling it would work well.

To determine which flavor your pet will enjoy the most, it is recommended to start with a small amount and observe their reaction. It is also important to follow serving guidelines and not give your pet too much seasoning, as large amounts can be toxic for their little tummies.

Looking for dog food? Read my guide to find the best freeze dried dog food.

2. Quality and potency

When it comes to choosing a dog food seasoning brand, it is important to consider the quality and potency of the product.

Limited studies have been done on the use of herbs and spices in pets, so it is crucial to ensure that the product is safe and effective.

Many products you see are full of fancy herbs and vegetables. These are historically not a big part of canine diets, so I would proceed with caution. That is the reason I did not include many of those products on the list.

One way to determine the quality of a seasoning brand is to look for third-party testing, which indicates that a company other than the manufacturer has evaluated the supplement for quality assurance.

Additionally, products made / sourced in the USA and Canada are typically evaluated for safety, quality, and effectiveness.

It is also important to consider the serving size and any potential risk factors associated with the product, such as toxicity in large amounts. A bit of research before hand goes a long way. And you are off to a great start by reading this article.

3. Nutritional value

Dog food seasoning can be a great way to add some extra nutrients to your pet's diet. When choosing a brand, it is important to look for specific nutrients that can benefit your pet's health. Some important nutrients to look for include vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. These nutrients can help with digestion, boost the immune system, and support overall health.

For example, vitamin A is important for healthy skin and eyesight, while vitamin C helps boost the immune system. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, and magnesium helps with muscle and nerve function. Potassium is important for maintaining proper hydration levels, while zinc is important for a healthy coat and skin.

4. Ingredients

It is crucial to check the ingredients list to ensure that the seasoning does not contain any harmful additives. Many dogs are sensitive or even allergic to many common ingredients.

My husky, Nitotem, is allergic to just about everything. It is a bummer and caused him a lot of issues until I finally figured out that he can only really tolerate fish with some grains and a bit of beef liver and beef bone broth.

I spent years giving him all these expensive dog foods that never seemed to work. He would get incredibly itchy. But now we use a salmon / sweet potato based version that he loves and works great for his skin and coat. No more itchiness!

5. Price

When considering a dog food seasoning brand, price has to be a factor to consider. Sure we would all love to spoil our pups with the most finest ingredients sourced from the magic kingdom.

Unfortunately that is not the reality we live in. Products cost what they cost and most brands are pricing things competitively or else the they would not sell.

I'll mention that it is also important to consider the ingredients and nutritional value of the dog food seasoning brand. A higher-priced product may have better quality ingredients and more nutritional value, which can lead to a healthier and happier pet.

It is ultimately up to you to decide if spending more on a premium product is worth it based on their budget and the needs of their pet.

The top 6 best brands for your pet have varying price points. Some brands, like the one with the sale price of $5.98, are more affordable while others, such as the one priced at $24.95, are more expensive.

How to use pet food seasonings

There are three simple steps to using pet food seasonings:

1. choose your seasoning
2. gradually introduce it into their meals
3. measure how your pet feels and adjust

Step 1: Choose your dog food seasoning

When choosing a dog food seasoning, make sure that you consider your pet's diet and any dietary restrictions they may have. Read the section above for what to look for but 3rd party tested, free from allergens, fillers and sourced from the USA / Canada is a good starting point.

Step 2: Gradually introduce it to their meals

Whenever we introduce new things we do it too quickly because we get excited. It is human nature. Don't fall for this trap!

I urge you to do so gradually and with caution. Start by mixing a small amount of the seasoning blend into your dog's food and gradually increase the amount over time.

I would typically start with half the manufacturers recommended dosage, but that is because my dogs are very sensitive to new foods. After a week, I will work my way up to the dose on the package.

Always follow your veterinarian's directions and precautions carefully, and stop using any items if you notice any changes in your dog's behavior or any gastrointestinal symptoms develop.

With a gradual approach and careful monitoring, introducing pet food seasonings can be a fun and tasty addition to your dog's meals.

Read my master guide to finding the best dog food topper.

Step 3: See how your dog feels

When introducing new foods to your dog's diet, it's important to monitor their behavior and watch for any signs of gastrointestinal distress. These include vomiting or diarrhea.

Additionally, pay attention to any changes in their appetite, energy level, itchiness or coat condition. If you notice any negative changes, stop using the seasoning and consult with your veterinarian. Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

FAQ

What are the precautions to take when using dog food seasoning?

When adding herbs and spices to your dog's diet, it's crucial to follow your veterinarian's directions and precautions carefully. Here are a few others to consider:

1. Start with a small amount and work up gradually.
2. Smaller dogs should receive a lower serving size than larger dogs.
3. Stop using any items if you notice any changes in your dog's behavior or any gastrointestinal symptoms develop, like vomiting or diarrhea.
4. Remember that they can have hidden ingredients that may harm your pet.

Is dog food seasoning safe for puppies?

While dog food seasoning can add flavor and nutrition to a puppy's meal, it is important to choose a seasoning that does not contain any harmful ingredients. Look for a seasoning made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients and avoid those with added salt, garlic, or preservatives. Additionally, be careful not to over-season your puppy's food, as this can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. It's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food or seasoning to your puppy's diet. Overall, dog food seasoning can be a safe and tasty addition to your puppy's meals as long as you choose a high-quality product and use it in moderation.

What ingredients are found in popular dog food seasoning brands?

1. Smiling Dog Kibble Seasonings are made of real meat, vegetables and fruits.
2. Bare Bits Dog Food Seasoning is made of 100% dehydrated natural beef liver.
3. Mincredible's Dog Food Seasoning is a food topper made of all natural ingredients with no bad stuff inside.
4. These seasoning brands aim to liven up the mealtime experience for dogs by adding flavor to their regular wet or dry meals.
5. By using dog food seasonings, picky eaters can be enticed to eat and seniors can be exposed to a wide variety of nutrients.
6. These seasonings can also be used to hide powdered supplements and improve the nutrition of a dog's diet.

Closing Thoughts

There are many brands of dog food seasoning on the market, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing a seasoning for your dog's food, be sure to select one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

For this reason I recommend Bluebird Provisions grass fed beef bone broth. It has only one ingredient and I have yet to meet a dog that does not absolutely devour their food with it.

Leave a comment if you have any specific questions and I'll personally answer them for you.

Bluebird Provisions is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used to treat or supplement any pet's diet. Consult your veterinarian or animal health specialist if you have questions about anything related to their food, consumption or health. The statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, USDA or CFIA.