Supplements That Dogs Need When Eating Homemade Foods

Proponents of feeding dogs homemade food cite the lack of quality in commercial dog food as the main reason to adopt this method. For pet owners who commit to homemade food, knowledge of vitamin and mineral supplements is essential, as these diets may not provide all of the necessary nutrients. Here are some of the nutrients vital to canine health, and consult your veterinarian with questions about dosages for your dog.

  1. B Vitamins

    • The B vitamins--B12, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamin--support neuromuscular function, help a dog’s body use enzymes, aid in the development of healthy coat and skin, and assist bone marrow in making red blood cells. Small dogs can be given a low-dose B complex vitamin twice a day, says the University of Florida’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), while medium-sized dogs can consume a 50 mg complex, which contains 50 mg of each B vitamin, and large dogs a 100 mg complex. B vitamins also can be found in brewer’s yeast and molasses.

    Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E supports muscle and immune-system health, according to the Dog Owner’s Guide, and soothes dry skin. Dose recommendations vary; Dog Aware suggests 100 I.U. daily for small dogs and 400 I.U. for large dogs. Meanwhile, the VMTH advises supplementing with 400 I.U. for dogs under the age of 2, and 800 I.U. for older animals. Consult your vet for his recommendation.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C may play several roles in dog health, according to Pet Education. Working with Vitamin E, Vitamin C in the ascorbic acid form is involved in bone growth, and some have found it useful for relieving the joint pain of canine hip dysplasia. The VMTH recommends 250 mg twice daily for dogs under the age of 2, and 500 mgs for older dogs.

    Calcium

    • Dogs need a constant supply of calcium to maintain strong bones, nails and teeth. Dog Aware recommends adding 800 to 1,000 mg per pound of cooked food for adult dogs. Some owners use ground eggshells; other forms, including carbonate, citrate and lactate will work, too. Puppies need more calcium per day, so ask your veterinarian how much to administer. The VMTH also notes bone meal as a calcium source. Canine bodies can absorb and use the calcium found in yogurt and cottage cheese, too, according to Vet Info.

    Fish and Other Oils

    • Omega-3 and -6 from oils and plant sources are essential for dog health, especially in the senior years, according to Vet Info, because they help reduce inflammation and support gastrointestinal function. Walnut oil, ground hempseed and flaxseed, and canola oil can be added to food in addition to sardines or fish oil, says Dog Aware. The VMTH recommends dogs consume 1,000 mg of fish oil, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or two sardines daily.

    Probiotics

    • Like people, dogs need good bacteria to maintain healthy intestinal function. Dogs treated with antibiotics, suffering from diarrhea or generally under stress benefit most from probiotic supplementation, according to Dog Aware, and products sold for humans work just as well as those marketed for dogs. Two probiotic strains in particular are helpful to dogs: Lactobacillus sporogenes and Enterococcus faecium.

    Multivitamins

    • Veterinarians generally believe that if a dog is offered a balanced diet, supplements will not be necessary, according to the Dog Owner’s Guide. However, if a homemade diet is lacking in several nutrients, your vet can recommend a multivitamin to ensure your dog receives all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Your vet’s recommendation will be based on the diet you review with him.