What Sauce Can I Add to Dog Food to Make It Irresistible?
Ever wonder, “What sauce can I add to dog food to make it more delicious and tempting for them to eat?” Let’s be honest; if we ate nothing but dry, flavorless cereal every single day—no milk, no toppings, just plain, brittle bites—we’d probably lose our minds. I know I’d start craving something juicy, something creamy, something rich with flavor. And if someone sat down next to us with a steaming, butter-drizzled steak or a hot, savory bowl of soup? Would you be staring, drooling, and wishing for just one bite?
That’s exactly what dogs go through when they stare at our dinner while turning their noses up at their lifeless bowl of kibble. I don’t blame them, really, do you?
The Problem With Kibble Alone
The truth is, kibble is just a base. Sure, it has plenty of nutrients, but in terms of its palatability, it ultimately lacks moisture, aroma, and excitement. This predictable, repetitive meal is not what dogs are built to crave. Instead, canines are wired for meaty, fatty, complex flavors. And for most, dry dog food alone just doesn’t cut it.
But what if you could change that? What if, in just 30 seconds, you could turn that boring bowl into a mouthwatering, tail-wagging masterpiece?
The Solution?
You don’t have to cook an elaborate meal. You don’t have to buy expensive dog food. All you need is one simple trick: SAUCE. A drizzle, a mix-in, a splash of rich, dog-safe flavor that takes every bite from dry and dull to juicy and irresistible.
Read on to find out how to choose and use the safest and most delicious toppings – with added health benefits for your pup!
10 Irresistible Sauces That Will Make Your Dog Devour Their Food
1. Bone Broth
If your dog could order off a restaurant menu, bone broth would probably be their number one pick. It’s like game-changing liquid gold because it’s packed with health benefits and has everything dogs crave:
- A deep, meaty aroma that soaks into kibble (making every bite explode with flavor)
- Moisture to soften dry, boring food (and it makes the food juicy and satisfying)
- Collagen and glucosamine (terrific at keeping joints strong and pain-free)
When you pour warm bone broth over your dog’s kibble, something magical happens. The scent alone will make them run to the bowl like they’ve never seen food before.
How to use it: Just sprinkle the bone broth powder on your dog’s kibble, add warm water, and let it soak in for about 15 minutes. And then suddenly, their meal isn’t just food. It’s now a savory stew, packed with meaty goodness! Watch them devour their meal like they just got served a steak dinner.
2. Pumpkin Purée
Dogs don’t only love meaty and savory foods. They also crave naturally sweet flavors. And nothing beats the thick, creamy goodness of pumpkin purée. When thinking about what sauce you can add to your dog’s food, choose this smooth, sweet superfood. It’s safe for canines to eat and comes with many health benefits:
- It’s naturally sweet, smooth, and rich (rather like a dessert to them but without the sugar)
- It’s packed with fiber. Fiber helps regulate digestion and keeps the gut happy.
- Adding a silky texture to coat kibble makes every bite smoother and more enjoyable.
You could think of this as the human equivalent of adding a rich, velvety sauce to pasta. Suddenly, each bite is coated in deliciousness (instead of being dry and boring for your dog).
How to use it: Mix in a spoonful of 100% pure pumpkin (no sugar, no spices; please don’t use pie filling) to make dry kibble irresistibly silky and flavorful.
3. Sardine or Tuna Juice
Have you ever seen your dog lose their mind over the smell of fish?
The reason is that fish is one of the most scent-heavy, flavor-packed foods on the planet. Dogs are hardwired to crave it! It’s like a flavor explosion that no dog can resist. The moment you drizzle some sardine or tuna juice over their food, the protest for dry kibble is over. They won’t just eat their food—they’ll enjoy it. Here are a few benefits to know about:
- Omega-3 fatty acids give dogs a silky, healthy coat and support brain health.
- The strong, meaty, briny aroma makes boring dog food smell more like a fresh seafood feast.
- Dry kibble becomes transformed into a rich, juicy, flavor-packed meal.
How to use it: Drain the juice from water-packed, low-sodium tuna or sardines and pour it over the bowl of kibble. Your pup will think they just got served a gourmet seafood dish!
4. Goat’s Milk
Some dogs crave dairy, but their stomachs just can’t handle it. Goat milk might be the answer for a tasty sauce to add to your dog’s food. A creamy, nutrient-rich drizzle of goat’s milk to dogs is like a silky, luxurious latte for us humans.
Here are a few things you may or may not know about goat’s milk for dogs:
- It’s much easier to digest than cow’s milk, therefore a good option for sensitive stomachs.
- Naturally sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy, most dogs love the taste of it.
- Did you know it’s packed with probiotics? Promoting gut health and better digestion.
How to use it: Pour a small amount (just a tablespoon or two) over dry kibble and mix it up. The food will instantly become richer, creamier, and more delicious for your dog.
5. Coconut Oil
Not only is coconut beneficial for dogs, but it also smells incredible to them and the oil acts like a glossy, buttery superfat. The healthy fats are excellent at supporting brain function and skin health. You just have to watch the additional calories you add to your pet’s food, though. A small amount goes a long way in this occasional treat!
- The kibble gets a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth coating.
- Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness that adds richness to every bite and makes it smoother to digest.
- It helps to promote a shiny coat and healthy digestion. Plus, strong immunity!
How to use it: Melt a small spoonful of virgin coconut oil and drizzle it over the kibble. Stand back and watch your dog lick the bowl clean.
6. Low-Sodium Chicken or Beef Broth
If bone broth is liquid gold, then regular broth is a quick fix for dry kibble and a solution to the dilemma of what sauce you can add to dog food. This is probably the fastest way to make kibble juicy and inviting.
- Any broth will hydrate the food quickly to make every bite softer.
- The scent of warm chicken or beef turns a dog’s boring meal into an aromatic feast.
- It is so comforting, nourishing, and easy to digest.
How to use it: Pour warm, low-sodium, unseasoned broth over kibble and let it soak in for 10-15 minutes while your dog drools over the delicious aromas that are coming from your kitchen.
7. Egg Yolk
Because egg yolk is rich, creamy, and naturally buttery, dogs go crazy for it. Think of this as the ultimate protein-packed addition to your dog’s food.
- Eggs are full of biotin (which makes a dog’s coat extra glossy).
- It will enhance the kibble by giving it a smooth, decadent texture.
- Packed with protein and healthy fats, you can’t go wrong.
How to use it: Lightly cook an egg yolk, whisk it with warm water to make a “sauce”, and pour it over the kibble, letting the liquid soak in for a few minutes before serving.
8. Plain Yogurt or Kefir
If your dog loves the smooth texture of dairy and can tolerate it well, plain yogurt may be a suitable kibble mix-in. Please note that certain dogs experience lactose intolerance, and an option like kefir may be better suited for some. Kefir is a fermented milk drink packed with probiotics, which can serve as a cool, creamy digestive booster.
- They are full of probiotics that promote gut health.
- A spoonful of yogurt or kefir adds a creamy, refreshing contrast to dry kibble.
- They can both help balance digestion, especially if your pup suffers from a sensitive stomach.
How to use it: Simply mix a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir into their kibble.
9. Unsweetened Applesauce
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber for dogs, but we have to remove the seeds as they contain cyanide (toxic to dogs). So a little unsweetened applesauce can be the perfect topping to add to your dog’s food to give a naturally sweet flavor boost.
- Cooked, unsweetened apple adds a lovely, refreshing contrast to dry kibble.
- It’s high in fiber and antioxidants.
- Dogs love the mild sweetness!
How to use it: Homemade is best. I cut up an apple and boil it in a little water until the apple is cooked, and then mash it up and let it cool. Simply mix a tablespoon of it into your dog’s food, covering every piece of kibble.
10. Pureed Veggies
This is a sneaky superfood mix-in, you just need to get the combination of vegetables right. It’s important to know what vegetables dogs can and cannot eat. Steamed carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans are all good choices.
- They add nutrients and fiber.
- Blend the veggies to create a smooth, spoonable sauce.
- Dogs love the variety!
Final Thoughts: What Sauce Will You Add to Dog Food?
So, now you know what sauce you can add to dog food to dress up that boring old kibble. All our pets’ meals should be as exciting as our dinners! Please remember to only add foods that are safe for dogs to eat in moderation, and take into account the addition of calories. A simple drizzle, mix-in, or sauce turns kibble into a five-star feast! What sauce will you add to your dog’s food? Let us know in the comments below!
