Best Supplements to Add to Homemade Dog Food: A Comprehensive Guide

Making homemade dog food is a great way to ensure that your furry friend is getting the best possible nutrition. However, even the most well-rounded homemade meals may not provide all the essential nutrients that your dog needs. This is where supplements come in.

Supplements are additional nutrients that you can add to your dog’s food to ensure that they are getting a balanced diet. They can be especially important if your dog has certain health conditions or dietary restrictions. Some supplements can also help improve your dog’s coat, joint health, and overall well-being.

When choosing supplements to add to your dog’s food, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients and dosage. Some supplements may contain harmful additives or may not be appropriate for your dog’s specific needs. It’s also important to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new supplements to your dog’s diet.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various supplements to identify the best ones to add to homemade dog food. We considered factors such as ingredient quality, dosage, and effectiveness. Read on to discover the supplements that can help take your dog’s nutrition to the next level.

Best Supplements to Add to Homemade Dog Food

We all want to give our furry friends the best possible nutrition, and homemade dog food can be a great way to ensure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients. However, it can be difficult to know whether your homemade meals are providing everything your pup needs. That’s where supplements come in. We’ve researched and tested the best supplements to add to homemade dog food, so you can be confident your pup is getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. Below is our list of top picks.

Nature Target Dog Vitamins Powder, Probiotics -amp; Digestive Enzymes

If you’re looking for a well-rounded daily supplement for your dog, Nature Target’s 10-in-1 dog vitamins and supplements may be the perfect addition to your homemade dog food. This product offers a combination of 10 key ingredients that promote digestive, gut, joints, skin, and immune health.

Pros

• Provides overall protection for your puppy from head to paw and inside and out
• Helps relieve digestive and gut issues like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, gas, and support bowel movements
• Large amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin, msm, and hyaluronic acid support hips and joints

Cons

• Not all dogs may enjoy the chicken flavor
• May take some time to adjust to the recommended serving size
• May not work for all dogs with severe joint issues

Our experience with Nature Target’s dog vitamins and supplements has been positive. We noticed an improvement in our dog’s digestive health and bowel movements, as well as an increase in energy and mobility. The powder form is easy to use and mix into our dog’s food, and the delayed-release and 3-layer protective technique ensures that the probiotics are delivered to the deep intestine.

In addition, the blend of flaxseed and Omega 3 extract from marine algae provides essential fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. We also appreciate that the product is gluten-free, grain-free, corn-free, and NON-GMO.

Overall, if you’re looking for a supplement to support your dog’s overall health and well-being, we recommend trying Nature Target’s dog vitamins and supplements.

Dog Greens- Organic and Wild Harvested Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Dogs – Add to Home Made Dog Food, RAW Food or Kibble – No Hassle-30 Day 1 Pack

If you’re looking for a simple way to add essential vitamins and minerals to your dog’s homemade food, you might want to consider Dog Greens.

Pros

• Dog Greens provides your dog with bioavailable vitamins and minerals required to live a long healthy life.
• This supplement is made with organic ingredients such as barley grass, wheat grass, alfalfa, kelp, Irish moss, chlorella, and natural spirulina.
• Dogs and cats love the taste, making it an excellent choice for pets of all ages, including puppies and kittens.

Cons

• Some dogs might not like the taste of Dog Greens, so it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage.
• This supplement contains copper, which some dogs might be allergic to.
• Dog Greens might not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions or health conditions.

We’ve been using Dog Greens for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s overall health. The supplement is easy to use, and we love that it’s made with organic ingredients.

Adding Dog Greens to our dog’s homemade food has been a hassle-free way to ensure that he’s getting all the essential vitamins and minerals he needs to stay healthy. We’ve also noticed that our dog loves the taste of this supplement, which makes it easier to administer.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs might not like the taste of Dog Greens, so it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage. Additionally, this supplement contains copper, which some dogs might be allergic to, so it’s essential to monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing this supplement to their diet.

Overall, we highly recommend Dog Greens to anyone looking for a simple and effective way to add essential vitamins and minerals to their dog’s homemade food.

Life Extension Dog Mix

If you’re looking for a dog supplement that can help fill the gaps in your furry friend’s diet, Life Extension Dog Mix is worth considering.

Pros

• Contains a variety of nutrients, including probiotics, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, which can help support your dog’s health in multiple ways
• Uses high-quality ingredients, including rosemary, thyme, and sage extracts, which are known for their antioxidant properties
• Manufactured in the USA and certified non-GMO and gluten-free

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the powder, which can make it difficult to mix with their food
• The recommended serving size may not be appropriate for all dogs, so you may need to adjust the amount based on your pet’s weight and nutritional needs
• Some pet owners may find the price of this supplement to be higher than other options on the market

We’ve been using Life Extension Dog Mix for several months now, and we’ve noticed a positive difference in our dog’s overall health and energy levels. The powder is easy to mix with his food, and we appreciate that it contains a variety of nutrients that can help support his immune system, brain function, and more.

That being said, we have noticed that our dog doesn’t always eat all of his food when we mix in the supplement, which could be due to the taste or texture of the powder. Additionally, we’ve had to adjust the serving size based on his weight, as the recommended amount may not be appropriate for all dogs.

Overall, we would recommend Life Extension Dog Mix to pet owners who are looking for a high-quality supplement to add to their dog’s homemade food. While it may be more expensive than some other options on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the potential health benefits make it worth the investment.

Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced Dog Hip and Joint Supplement with UC-II Collagen, One Chew a Day Hip and Joint Support Chew for Dogs and Cats, Clinically Proven Vet-Approved Formula, 30 Chews

If you’re looking for a clinically proven and veterinarian-developed hip and joint supplement for your furry friend, Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Collagen is worth considering.

Pros

• Contains clinically backed proprietary form of type II collagen that works differently than chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs to help provide optimal joint support for your pet
• More effective than glucosamine and chondroitin
• Only one chew a day is needed to support hip and joint mobility for any breed, size, or weight of pet with our tasty dog hip and joint chews

Cons

• Some customers may find the price point to be a bit higher than other supplements on the market
• May not work for all dogs, depending on their individual needs and health conditions
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the chews

We’ve found that Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced is easy to administer and digestible for dogs. The chews contain 40mg of collagen for dogs, along with Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E to ease joint stiffness and promote normal cartilage health.

If your furry friend is experiencing joint discomfort or soreness, Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Collagen may be a good choice to help support their joint health. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.

Zesty Paws Liver Support Supplement for Dogs

If you are looking for a supplement to support your dog’s liver health, Zesty Paws Liver Support Supplement might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• America’s #1 Selling Dog Supplement Brand on Amazon*
• Includes Milk Thistle and Turmeric Curcumin to support liver health
• Chewable, chicken-flavored soft chews

Cons

• May not be effective for all dogs
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Contains cellulose, which may cause digestive issues in some dogs

We have been using Zesty Paws Liver Support Supplement for our dog for a few weeks now and have noticed a positive change in her overall health. The soft chews are easy to administer, and our dog loves the chicken flavor.

The supplement includes Milk Thistle and Turmeric Curcumin, which are known to support liver health in dogs. Additionally, it contains BioPerine, a black pepper extract that increases Curcumin absorption, and Choline Bitartrate and Dandelion Root Powder to provide additional support for your dog’s liver activity.

While the supplement may not be effective for all dogs, we have not experienced any negative side effects. However, it is important to note that the supplement contains cellulose, which may cause digestive issues in some dogs.

Overall, we highly recommend Zesty Paws Liver Support Supplement for anyone looking to support their dog’s liver health.

Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs

If you’re looking for an all-in-one supplement for your furry friend, Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs may be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• America’s #1 Selling Dog Supplement Brand on Amazon*
• 11-in-1 Formula – Supports physical performance, antioxidants, hip -amp; joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, -amp; gut health for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
• Contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E for skin health to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the soft chews.
• Some customers have reported that the chews are too hard for their dogs.
• A few customers have reported that the supplements did not work for their dogs.

We have been using Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs for a few months now and have seen a noticeable improvement in our dog’s overall health. The chews are easy to administer and our dog loves the taste. The 11-in-1 formula provides comprehensive support for our dog’s health, including his immune system, skin, and joints. We also appreciate that the supplements contain Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E, which help maintain our dog’s skin health and reduce oxidative stress.

While some customers have reported that the chews are too hard for their dogs, we have not experienced any issues with our dog. However, we do recommend monitoring your dog while they are chewing the supplement to ensure they are not having difficulty. Additionally, some customers have reported that the supplements did not work for their dogs, but we have not had this issue.

Overall, we highly recommend Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs to anyone looking for a comprehensive supplement for their furry friend.

Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multivitamin Mini Soft Chews for Small Dogs

We highly recommend purchasing Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multivitamin Mini Soft Chews for Small Dogs if you want to improve your dog’s overall health and wellness.

Pros

• America’s #1 Selling Dog Supplement Brand on Amazon*
• Supports 8 areas of dog functional wellness for any small breed
• Includes digestive and gut health blends to support a healthy digestive tract

Cons

• Expensive compared to other supplements
• May cause upset stomach in some dogs
• Only suitable for small dogs

Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multivitamin Mini Soft Chews for Small Dogs is a great supplement to add to homemade dog food. It supports mobility, digestion, immunity, antioxidant, liver, brain, skin, and heart health. The OptiMSM (MSM) and a Glucosamine Chondroitin duo support hips and joints, while Cod Liver Fish Oil supports canine performance and mobility. The digestive and gut health blends (with Amylase -amp; Bromelain) support a healthy digestive tract, and vitamin C supports immune function. Vitamins C and E provide antioxidants for free radical support, while CoQ10, B12, and Cod Liver Oil maintain liver and cognitive function for dogs. The Vitamin E, B Complex vitamins (including Biotin), and Fish Oil (with EPA -amp; DHA fatty acids) support skin moisture along with cardiovascular health.

The only downside to this product is that it is expensive compared to other supplements. It may also cause upset stomach in some dogs, so it is important to start with half the suggested amount and gradually increase to the suggested daily amount. Additionally, this supplement is only suitable for small dogs.

Overall, we believe that Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multivitamin Mini Soft Chews for Small Dogs is a great addition to homemade dog food and can help improve your dog’s overall health and wellness.

NaturVet Brewer’s Dried Yeast Pet Supplement with Garlic Flavoring

We highly recommend the NaturVet Brewer’s Dried Yeast Pet Supplement with Garlic Flavoring for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a glossy coat and healthy skin.

Pros

• Fortified with vitamins, minerals and Omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids
• Helps combat against pet allergies
• Veterinarian formulated

Cons

• The garlic flavor may not be suitable for all pets
• Some pets may experience an upset stomach
• The tablets may be too large for smaller pets

We have been using the NaturVet Brewer’s Dried Yeast Pet Supplement with Garlic Flavoring for several months and have seen a noticeable improvement in our dog’s coat and skin health. The supplement tablets are easy to administer and our dog loves the garlic flavoring.

The vitamins, minerals and Omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids in the supplement help support proper skin moisture and combat environmental pollution. The B-complex vitamins and niacin also aid in maintaining a healthy coat.

While the garlic flavoring may not be suitable for all pets, we have found that it helps mask any unpleasant odors in our dog’s homemade food. However, some pets may experience an upset stomach after consuming the supplement.

The tablets may be too large for smaller pets, but they can easily be broken into smaller pieces. Overall, we highly recommend the NaturVet Brewer’s Dried Yeast Pet Supplement with Garlic Flavoring for pet owners looking to improve their pet’s coat and skin health.

NaturVet All-in-One Dog Supplement

If you’re looking for an all-in-one supplement to add to your homemade dog food, NaturVet All-in-One Dog Supplement is a great option.

Pros

• Provides support for joint health, skin and coat, digestion, and overall health
• Tasty soft chews that dogs love
• Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the soft chews
• The powder form may be messy to measure and mix into food
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific health conditions or allergies

We’ve been using NaturVet All-in-One Dog Supplement for a while now and have seen noticeable improvements in our dog’s joint health and coat condition. The soft chews are easy to administer and our dog loves the taste, which makes it easy to ensure she gets the nutrients she needs.

One thing to keep in mind is that the powder form may be messier to work with, but it’s still a great option if your dog doesn’t like the soft chews. Additionally, some dogs may have specific health conditions or allergies that make this supplement unsuitable for them, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before adding it to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we highly recommend NaturVet All-in-One Dog Supplement for anyone looking to supplement their homemade dog food with a high-quality, all-in-one supplement.

Azestfor Homemade Dog Food Supplement Dog Vitamins

If you are looking for a way to ensure that your dog’s homemade food is nutritionally balanced, Azestfor Homemade Dog Food Supplement may be the solution for you.

Pros

• Provides a blend of 21 vitamins and minerals, Chia seeds for Omega 3 -amp; 6 Fatty Acids, and Natural Kelp to support your dog’s health.
• Helps you tailor a custom diet plan that meets your dog’s specific dietary needs.
• Loved by even the fussiest eaters.

Cons

• Contains salt as the fourth ingredient, but the amount is not specified.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or smell of the formula.
• May require additional supplements if your dog has specific health conditions.

We have been using Azestfor Homemade Dog Food Supplement for a while now, and we have found it to be a convenient and reliable way to ensure that our dog’s homemade food is nutritionally balanced. The supplement contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as Chia seeds for Omega 3 -amp; 6 Fatty Acids and Natural Kelp, which support our dog’s overall health and well-being.

One of the things we love about Azestfor is that it helps us tailor a custom diet plan that meets our dog’s specific dietary needs. The supplement comes with three recipes on the packet and a total of 17 on the website, making it easy to prepare a week’s worth of homemade dog food in advance.

We also appreciate that Azestfor takes the guesswork out of making your ultra-premium fresh homemade dog food. Its more than a multivitamin – it includes the correct ratio of calcium and phosphorus. The Azestfor recipes were created by an animal nutritionist to ensure that they provide the right proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals.

However, we have noticed that the formula contains salt as the fourth ingredient, but the amount is not specified. Some dogs may also not like the taste or smell of the formula. Additionally, if your dog has specific health conditions, you may need to supplement with additional vitamins or minerals.

Overall, we would recommend Azestfor Homemade Dog Food Supplement to anyone looking for a convenient and reliable way to ensure that their dog’s homemade food is nutritionally balanced.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best supplement to add to your homemade dog food, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind to ensure that you are selecting a high-quality product that will benefit your furry friend:

Ingredients

The first thing to look for when choosing a supplement is the list of ingredients. Make sure that the product contains high-quality, natural ingredients that are safe for your dog to consume. Avoid supplements that contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, as these can be harmful to your dog’s health.

Nutritional Value

The next thing to consider is the nutritional value of the supplement. Look for products that contain a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy. Be sure to choose a supplement that complements the nutritional profile of your homemade dog food, rather than duplicating it.

Dosage

Another important factor to consider is the dosage of the supplement. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions carefully, as giving your dog too much of a supplement can be harmful. Look for products that provide clear dosage instructions and come with a measuring tool to ensure that you are giving your dog the right amount.

Form

Supplements come in a variety of forms, including powders, liquids, and chews. Consider which form will be easiest for you to administer to your dog, as well as which form your dog is most likely to enjoy. For example, if your dog is a picky eater, you may want to choose a supplement in a chewable form.

Quality

Finally, it’s important to choose a supplement from a reputable manufacturer that has a proven track record of producing high-quality products. Look for products that have been independently tested for purity and potency, and that come with a satisfaction guarantee.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best supplement to add to your homemade dog food, ensuring that your furry friend gets all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential nutrients are commonly missing in homemade dog food?

Homemade dog food can be a great way to ensure your furry friend is getting a nutritious and balanced meal. However, it’s important to note that certain essential nutrients may be missing if not included properly. Commonly missing nutrients in homemade dog food include calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.

How can I ensure my homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced?

To ensure your homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. They can help you determine the appropriate ratios of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as recommend specific vitamins and minerals to add to your dog’s diet.

What are the recommended vitamins and minerals to add to homemade dog diets?

Some of the recommended vitamins and minerals to add to homemade dog diets include calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Which natural supplements can enhance my dog’s homemade meal?

There are several natural supplements that can enhance your dog’s homemade meal, including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and joint supplements. These supplements can help support your dog’s digestive health, immune system, and joint health.

Are there any risks associated with adding supplements to homemade dog food?

While supplements can be beneficial for your dog’s health, it’s important to use them properly and in appropriate amounts. Over-supplementing can lead to imbalances and potential health issues. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.

How do I choose the right supplement powder for my dog’s homemade food?

When choosing a supplement powder for your dog’s homemade food, it’s important to look for a product that is specifically formulated for dogs and that contains high-quality ingredients. Additionally, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions and to consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before adding any new supplements to your dog’s diet.