What We Feed Our Dogs, Gut-Healthy Lunch Ideas + Recipes

And an update on Diana’s “chaos” garden

Happy Monday! Today, we're covering a topic that we're frequently asked about: what we feed our dogs. We both adore our dogs - they’re members of the family, after all. Take a look at what we serve our pets.

We are also following up on our gut health post from last week, with some healthy, gut-friendly lunch ideas. Once you have the ingredients on hand, you can easily mix and match to create a delicious gut-friendly meal.

Diana also updates us on her “chaos” garden: Did it get more chaotic? Less? Scroll down to see!

We want to know: Do you have companion animals? What type? What do you feed them? Share in the comments!

(P.S. Become a paid subscriber to join the full conversation.)

What We Feed Our Dogs

Dr. Weil:

I used to feed my dogs kibble, but, as I’ve thought about it, I no longer feel that kibble is best for them. Not that long ago, commercial dog food didn’t even exist - dogs were fed scraps from the table, and they seemed to do just fine.

I’m not the type to fully cook for my dogs, but I do like to give them the occasional scrambled eggs or ground beef cooked in water.

Recently, I discovered Dr. Harvey’s dog food and found it to be convenient and high quality. I use a mix of 2/3 Canine Health and 1/3 Veg-to-Bowl with beef, rehydrated with warm water and a splash of avocado oil. It feels much closer to real food, and my dogs absolutely love it.

They get the above at each meal - I add 1/2 can of good wet food to each bowl, OR a can of sardines, OR eggs, OR hamburger meat. They love their food, and I’ve noticed that with this new diet, it’s cleared up any GI and skin problems they had. I also give them tastes of everything I cook, which they, of course, love.

Diana:

I feed my dogs a combination of high-quality kibble and a scoop of good canned food. I know people have a lot of opinions about dog kibble, and while I’d LOVE to either cook for them or feed them fresh dog food, the time and cost associated with that just isn’t realistic for our family right now. Instead, I choose dog kibble brands that list real meat or fish as the first ingredient. I avoid ones that have excess fillers or by-products. I also supplement their meals with a daily antioxidant tablet and a squirt of fish oil for joint, skin, and heart health.

They also now position themselves under Elio’s high chair at meal times. They probably get more table scraps than they should, and honestly, Indie (our male golden retriever) could probably stand to lose a few pounds now! While they both love mealtime, their absolute favorite part of the day is their nightly toothbrush. We started brushing their teeth about a year and a half ago, and to help incentivize them, we give them a greenie afterwards. They now line up at the cabinet before bed, begging to have their teeth brushed! It has worked really well and has become a ritual they now love.

Gut Healthy Lunches

Last week, we did a deep dive into gut health and why focusing on a gut-healthy diet is important. The gut-brain axis is a complex, two-way communication system between your gut and central nervous system. This connection is physical, chemical, and hormonal, and it plays a significant role in mood, memory, cognition, and even behavior. You can learn more in our post, and below, get some easy, mix-and-match lunch (or dinner) ideas that are tasty and gut-healthy.

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4 Foods That Support the Gut-Brain Axis with Food (And 1 to Avoid)

To get you started, learn about the foods you should eat and avoid for gut health. Add:

1. Prebiotic fiber: Garlic, onions, asparagus, oats, bananas

2. Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso

3. Polyphenols: Berries, cocoa, green tea, olive oil

4. Omega-3s: Fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts

Avoid:

• Avoid ultra-processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and high-sugar diets that harm microbial balance

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Gut-Healthy Lunch Ideas

These lunch or dinner ideas can support digestion, reduce inflammation, and help support the gut microbiome. Each one includes fiber-rich veggies, fermented or prebiotic foods, healthy fats, and protein - all ideal for building a resilient, well-functioning gut.

Rainbow Veggie & Hummus Wrap with Sauerkraut

A light yet filling meal that can be made ahead of time! The combination of fiber, fermented food, and healthy fats is great for the microbiome.

Ingredients:

• 1 large whole-grain wrap (or a collard green leaf)

• 1/2 cup hummus (with garlic for prebiotic benefit)

• 1/4 cup shredded carrots

• 1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1/4 avocado, sliced

• Handful of arugula or spinach

• 2 tbsp raw sauerkraut (for natural probiotics)

• Optional: sprinkle of hemp seeds for added fiber

Directions:

1. Spread hummus across the wrap.

2. Layer in veggies, avocado, and sauerkraut.

3. Roll tightly and slice in half.

4. Serve with a side of kombucha or sparkling water.

Salmon Quinoa Bowl with Greens & Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing

For a heartier lunch or dinner, this bowl is easily customizable to suit your taste. As is, it provides gut benefits, including complex carbohydrates, omega-3s, and greens that support good bacteria and reduce inflammation.