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If you want a simple way to boost your dog’s health, adding a few safe supplements and nutrient-rich extras to their meals can make a big difference. From fish oil and coconut oil to pumpkin and plain yogurt, these add-ins can support skin and coat health, digestion, joint comfort, and immune function. Even dogs eating high-quality food may benefit from targeted supplements, as long as you avoid over-supplementation and choose the right options for your pup. Below are easy, vet-approved ideas to sneak into your dog’s food for better overall wellness.
Healthy Add-Ins for Your Dog’s Meals
#1 – Fish Oil
Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids improve your dog’s skin and coat health, improve your dog’s overall immune system, and reduce inflammation and pain. Be careful about feeding too much fish oil, however, because it can greatly reduce the amount of vitamin E in your dog’s system. Project Paws 
Soft Chews are an excellent choice for supplementing fish oil in your dog’s diet, and your dog thinks they’re getting a treat!
Related: 11 Best Dog Foods for Allergies
#2 – Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an important part in cardiac and immune health in both humans and dogs. It also improves muscle, skin, and eye health. All of these are essential for keeping your dog healthy and happy, and vitamin E shows no shortage of benefits. Although an overdose of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E is possible, it’s very rare, and the benefits certainly outweigh the risks.
#3 – Rosemary
Rosemary is high in iron, vitamin B6, calcium, and is a strong antioxidant. Adding rosemary or a rosemary supplement to your dog’s diet is an excellent way to add in some natural herbs that will benefit your dog’s health and spice up their meals.
#4 – Biotin
Although Biotin deficiency is extremely rare in dogs, if you notice your dog has very poor skin and fur, you might want to consider adding a Biotin supplement to your dog’s food. You don’t need to have a Biotin-deficient dog to see the results from the supplement, either. Its effects are often strong enough to be seen in healthy dogs that just have dry, itchy skin. It can taste very bitter, so sometimes opening the powdered capsules and sprinkling them around your dog’s food will help them eat it.
#5 – Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is becoming more and more popular among dog owners and rightfully so – it’s full of benefits! It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties, which truly benefit your dog’s entire health. Coconut oil has been shown to improve skin conditions, aid in digestion, and even help control and prevent diabetes. If you’re going to pick a supplement, coconut oil is an excellent choice.
Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs
#6 – Glucosamine/Chondroitin
Glucosamine and Chondroitin have long been used to help dogs suffering from arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, and other joint conditions. They have been proven to help in these areas for decades, and many are now discovering that glucosamine also aids in skin and digestive system ailments. With very few side effects and long-term use proven safe, these supplements are practically a no-brainer for many owners. If your dog doesn’t like supplements, there are many glucosamine/chondroitin treats available. Homemade bone broth is also full of supplements, just don’t feed your dog the cooked bone pieces.
We give our dog the Project Paws Advanced Soft Chew for Joints. Dogs think they’re getting a treat, and each purchase helps support animal shelters.
#7 – Peppermint
Peppermint is a great choice for someone looking to freshen their dog’s breath, as adding it to their food will do the trick! But there are more benefits than nicer-smelling breath. Peppermint soothes upset stomachs and reduces gas and nausea.
#8 – Plain Yogurt
Giving plain, unsweetened yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and probiotics for dogs. If the yogurt has no sugar additives, it’s perfectly healthy to give to our canine companions so they can reap the many gastrointestinal health benefits. If your dog is lactose intolerant, feeding live, active cultures is just as healthy!
Related: The 13 Best Heart Supplements for Dogs
#9 – Vitamin C
Vitamin C is actually naturally produced by our dogs, so supplementation is often unnecessary. That said, certain medical conditions can benefit from vitamin C added to your dog’s meals, including kennel cough, glaucoma, and other infections.
Related: Best Vitamin C Dog Chews
#10 – Pumpkin
Raw pumpkin is an excellent additive to your dog’s meals, should they have any gastrointestinal upset. It is extremely high in fiber, which makes loose stools firm and firm stools softer. No matter what kind of upset your pooch is having, pumpkin is likely to help. Just make sure you get plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin or puree it yourself. Pumpkin pie filling will most certainly make your dog sick!
#11 – Echinacea
Echinacea has long been used to treat many human illnesses with great success, so it only makes sense that supplementing our dogs would produce similar benefits. Although only one study has been done so far, the results showed a very positive outcome in the treatment of chronic respiratory infections in dogs being treated with Echinacea.
#12 – Diatomaceous Earth
Simple Add-Ins That Can Support Your Dog’s Daily Wellness
Small, smart additions to your dog’s diet can help support everything from healthier skin and joints to better digestion and immune strength. Whether you choose fish oil for omega-3s, pumpkin for gut support, or probiotics from plain yogurt, the key is using the right amount and picking dog-safe ingredients. Always introduce new supplements slowly and keep an eye out for sensitivities, especially if your dog has allergies or underlying conditions. When in doubt, your veterinarian can help you choose the best add-ins for your dog’s needs and create a routine that supports long-term health.
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