4 Protein Bowl Pairings That Make Nutritional Sense (from a Registered Dietitian)

As a Registered Dietitian, I was super excited when I had the opportunity to try Wellness Protein Bowls for my dog. Fresh ingredients, nutritionally balanced, AND shelf-stable? It sounded too good to be true!

In my work as an RD, I understand the importance of balanced meal planning and the synergistic effect of food. The concept of food synergy is simple: certain foods create a greater health benefit when eaten together than the individual foods. 

Two well-researched examples of food synergy in nutrition include vitamin C enhancing iron absorption, and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) needing dietary fat for absorption.

I like to apply balanced meal planning and think about food synergy when feeding my dog, too, so I love the thoughtful ingredient pairings in Wellness Protein Bowls! Here are my thoughts on four of the recipes we tried.

Salmon, Whitefish & Rice

Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support skin and coat health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Whitefish adds lean, digestible protein. Rice provides easy-to-digest carbohydrates, which is especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

I love that this recipe features omega-3 fatty acids in the form of real pieces of salmon (that you can actually see!) and not an isolated supplement. This is because omega-3 fatty acids are fat-soluble, so they absorb best alongside dietary fat sources. Fish naturally contains healthy fats, creating optimal absorption conditions. 

Chicken, Quinoa, & Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a star ingredient in this recipe! It provides soluble fiber – a type of fiber that slows digestion, promotes satiety, and is a source of prebiotic “food” for the good bacteria in your pup’s digestive tract. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant.

Quinoa contributes additional (plant-based!) protein, plus minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc.

This combination delivers impressive protein density from multiple sources while providing the fiber needed for digestive health. It also has that classic synergistic pairing of a food with vitamin C (pumpkin) and a food with iron (quinoa).

Lamb, Red Rice & Peas

Lamb is considered a “novel” protein, making it an excellent option for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef, plus it’s rich in zinc, iron, and B-vitamins. Red rice brings anthocyanins (the same antioxidants found in blueberries) that work synergistically with lamb’s zinc content to support immune function.

Peas add plant-based protein and fiber for satiety and sustained energy. The combination of animal protein and plant-based protein creates a more complete amino acid profile while adding dietary diversity.

Beef, Potato & Green Beans

Beef delivers highly bioavailable heme iron, B-vitamins (including vitamin B12), and zinc. Potatoes provide easily digestible complex carbohydrates that offer sustained energy without causing blood sugar spikes. Green beans bring fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, plus additional minerals.

This is a classic, wholesome ingredient combination. The balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables creates a satisfying meal with complete macronutrient distribution. Green beans add bulk and fiber without excessive calories, making this combination filling and nutritionally dense.

Nutritional Variety

One of the key concepts I encourage with my human nutrition clients is eating a wide variety of foods from all food groups to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients. I like to apply this in feeding my dog, too! 

Having several different flavor profiles to choose from with Wellness Protein Bowls allows for this nutritional variety for my dog. 

Rotating between different proteins and ingredient combinations provides:

• Different amino acid profiles from varied proteins
• A wider range of vitamins and minerals
• Diverse antioxidant compounds
• A happy pup who loves the variety of flavors and textures