Although Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly® is no longer available, Wellness continues to offer a lineup of Bowl Boosters® designed to make mealtime exciting for your dog. Wellness Bowl Boosters are an easy way to add flavor and protein to your pup’s meals—simply sprinkle on top or mix in. Made with thoughtfully selected ingredients, these toppers are suitable for puppies, adults and senior dogs. Try mixing and matching recipes to make every meal special.
Hi, I’m Jeremy—known as ScheckEats on social. I recently collaborated with Wellness Pet Company to introduce the Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly line: recipes crafted to be delicious and intentionally designed for visible, practical benefits in everyday feeding.
Food is my passion and my career, so it’s no surprise Maude, my nine-year-old rescue, is a big fan too. Maude absolutely loves the Freshly toppers. My favorite way to serve them is mixed into her kibble for a meal that’s flavorful and nutrient-forward. When I first adopted Maude she was underweight, low-energy and her coat lacked shine. After settling into a consistent feeding routine that included Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly, I noticed she had more energy, a glossier coat and a livelier personality. Those changes made our daily adventures around New York City more frequent and more fun—she’s become my best companion for exploring the city.
Living in a busy city makes maintaining relationships—human or canine—challenging. I enjoy creating little rituals to keep Maude and I connected. Below are practical, easy-to-apply ideas to refresh your own doggy date nights and strengthen your bond.
6 Tips for a Fresh Take on Doggy Date Night with Freshly
- Set Off on a Sniffing Expedition: Let your dog explore safely off-leash where allowed—parks are ideal. Sniffing stimulates a dog’s brain, burns energy, and enriches their day. I keep Maude close and watchful so she doesn’t find anything hazardous, and those sniffing trips are one of her favorite pastimes.
- Connect on the Same Plane: Sit on the ground and share a moment at eye level. Maude responds strongly to focused attention and gentle scratches. She especially gets excited for the Turkey & Sweet Potato Freshly recipe—she leaps when I open the bag.
- Soak Up a Special sPAW Night: Once a month I give Maude a pampering session: nail care, ear wipes, paw cream, brushing and a soothing head-and-shoulder massage. It’s simple, inexpensive self-care that keeps her comfortable and strengthens our bond.
- Go Treat Hopping at the Farmer’s Market: Visiting a local farmer’s market is a great weekend ritual. Maude meets other dogs, enjoys vendor samples when offered, and often shares some fresh produce—carrots are a favorite. Check market rules about dogs before you go.
- Bond over Brain Games: Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys are excellent for mental stimulation and quality time. I hide kibble or toppers in a puzzle and cheer Maude on as she works it out—she loves the challenge and the praise afterward.
- Dine Al-Fresco for an Official Night Out: Choose outdoor, dog-friendly restaurants so you can enjoy a relaxed meal together. I feed Maude her Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly before we go so she’s calm at the table, and I bring a chew toy and water to keep her comfortable throughout the meal.
Many pet parents want whole-food ingredients for themselves and for their dogs. I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen with dishes that complement what Maude eats. Below is a simple recipe inspired by the Freshly concept—hearty, vegetable-forward, and great for sharing flavors (for humans only; do not feed dogs foods with added salt, seasonings, or ingredients that are unsafe for pets).
Parm Risotto with Fresh Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- About 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 tablespoon cold butter
- Cooked seasonal vegetables to taste (sweet potato, butternut squash, beets, parsnip)
Method:
- Roast the prepared vegetables at 400°F (around 200°C) for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Warm the stock in a saucepan and keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Sauté the shallot in olive oil and butter in a wide, high-sided skillet until translucent, then add garlic and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add the arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains become slightly translucent.
- Pour in the wine, if using, and let it reduce until mostly evaporated.
- Add warm stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is cooked through but still slightly al dente; the texture should be thick and brothy rather than soupy.
- Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, the cold butter and the roasted vegetables, mixing until the risotto becomes glossy and cohesive (mantecatura).
- Serve with extra Parmigiano and cracked black pepper. Pair with a simple salad of baby spinach, dried cranberries, sliced green apple, goat cheese and sliced almonds, folding in some roasted butternut squash for color and flavor.
Appetizers that echo Freshly flavors include teriyaki chicken bites with charred broccoli, spicy sweet potatoes with cranberry sauce, filet medallions with blueberry balsamic glaze, and crispy rice with beef tartare.
Enjoy your meals—aproveche, buon appetito and bon appétit—to both you and your pup. If you try any of these ideas or recipes, feel free to tag me (@ScheckEats) and Wellness Pet Food (@wellnesspetfood) on social media.
– Jeremy
