Feeding your dog homemade meals?. Discover the best supplements to ensure balanced nutrition from trusted brands for optimal canine health
Homemade dog food is one of the best ways to provide high-quality, fresh nutrition to your pup. But while whole foods offer incredible benefits, they don’t always contain every essential vitamin and mineral that dogs need for optimal health.
That’s why supplementing your homemade dog food is so important. Without the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, dogs may experience deficiencies, joint problems, digestive issues, or weakened immunity.
To ensure your furry friend thrives on a homemade diet, here are 10 essential supplements to include—plus the best natural sources and trusted brands to consider.
1. Multivitamins – Covering All the Basics
A high-quality multivitamin is one of the most important supplements for homemade dog food. It fills in nutritional gaps, providing a mix of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function, energy levels, and skin health.
Why It’s Important:
Supports a strong immune system
Ensures dogs receive all essential vitamins and minerals
Aids in brain function, metabolism, and heart health
Best Natural Sources:
Fresh fruits and vegetables (carrots, spinach, blueberries)
Organ meats (liver and kidney)
Bone broth
Recommended Brands:
Zesty Paws 11-in-1 Multivitamin – Covers overall health, including gut and joint support
NaturVet All-in-One Supplement – Supports digestion, skin, and coat health
Pet Honesty 10-for-1 Multivitamin – Includes probiotics for digestive balance
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Skin, Coat, and Joint Support
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that promote a healthy coat, joint mobility, and heart function. They are especially important for dogs suffering from arthritis, allergies, or dry skin.
Why It’s Important:
Reduces inflammation and joint pain
Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat
Boosts heart and brain function
Best Natural Sources:
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Flaxseed and chia seeds
Fish oil supplements
Recommended Brands:
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet – High-quality fish oil for maximum absorption
Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil – Supports coat and joint health
Grizzly Omega Health for Dogs – Blended salmon and pollock oil
3. Calcium and Phosphorus – Bone and Muscle Strength
If your homemade dog food lacks raw bones or dairy, your pup may not be getting enough calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones, muscle contractions, and nerve function.
Why It’s Important:
Prevents bone disorders and joint issues
Supports proper muscle contractions
Aids in healthy teeth and skeletal structure
Best Natural Sources:
Crushed eggshells
Bone meal
Dairy (if tolerated)
Recommended Brands:
Now Foods Calcium Citrate Powder – Easy to mix into homemade meals
Animal Essentials Seaweed Calcium – A natural plant-based calcium source
K9 Power Joint Strong – Includes calcium plus joint-supporting nutrients
4. Probiotics – Gut Health and Digestion
A healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness. Probiotics help regulate digestion, boost immunity, and support nutrient absorption.
Why It’s Important:
Aids in digestion and nutrient absorption
Reduces bloating, gas, and diarrhea
Supports a balanced immune system
Best Natural Sources:
Plain yogurt
Kefir
Fermented vegetables (like sauerkraut)
Recommended Brands:
Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora – Vet-recommended for gut health
Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites – Soft chews with digestive enzymes
PetVitalityPro Probiotics for Dogs – Contains 20+ beneficial bacterial strains
5. Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Joint and Mobility Support
Joint health is especially important for large breeds, active dogs, and seniors. Glucosamine and chondroitin help repair cartilage, reduce stiffness, and promote mobility.
Why It’s Important:
Prevents arthritis and joint pain
Promotes cartilage and flexibility
Ideal for older dogs and working breeds
Best Natural Sources:
Bone broth
Green-lipped mussels
Cartilage-rich meats
Recommended Brands:
Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement – Trusted for arthritis relief
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM – Combines glucosamine with anti-inflammatory ingredients
Zesty Paws Mobility Bites – Soft chews with joint-supporting nutrients
6. Vitamin E – Skin, Coat, and Immune Health
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system.
Why It’s Important:
Boosts skin and coat health
Strengthens immunity
Helps prevent oxidative stress
Best Natural Sources:
Sunflower seeds
Spinach
Almonds (in small amounts)
Recommended Brands:
Wholistic Pet Organics Vitamin E Powder
Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites
7. Zinc – Skin, Thyroid, and Metabolism Support
Zinc is essential for wound healing, immune function, and thyroid regulation.
Why It’s Important:
Supports skin healing
Aids in hormone regulation
Boosts metabolism and energy
Best Natural Sources:
Beef liver
Pumpkin seeds
Eggs
Recommended Brands:
NutriVed Zinc Supplement for Dogs
8. Vitamin B Complex – Energy and Nervous System Support
B vitamins help convert food into energy and play a key role in nervous system function.
Why It’s Important:
Supports brain health
Regulates metabolism
Prevents fatigue and weakness
Best Natural Sources:
Beef liver
Oats
Eggs
Recommended Brands:
Rx Vitamins for Pets B-Complex Powder
9. Iodine – Thyroid and Hormone Regulation
Iodine is critical for thyroid health and helps regulate metabolism and energy levels.
Why It’s Important:
Prevents thyroid disorders
Regulates weight and energy
Best Natural Sources:
Seaweed
Fish
Eggs
Recommended Brands:
Animal Essentials Kelp Powder
10. Magnesium – Muscle and Heart Support
Magnesium plays a role in muscle function, nerve signaling, and heart health.
Why It’s Important:
Prevents muscle cramps
Supports heart function
Best Natural Sources:
Pumpkin seeds
Leafy greens
Bananas
Recommended Brands:
Now Foods Magnesium Citrate Powder
Give Your Dog the Balanced Nutrition They Deserve
Homemade food is one of the best ways to provide fresh, high-quality nutrition, but ensuring a well-rounded diet is key. By adding these essential supplements, you can keep your dog healthy, strong, and thriving for years to come.
Have you tried supplementing your dog’s homemade diet? Share your experiences and favorite products in the comments below!
