I was wondering if any owners add supplements to their dog’s food?

An article I read recently referred to owners using salmon oil or coconut oil. A quick ‘google search’ revealed a whole array of different supplements I could buy, including ones specifically aimed at dogs on raw fed diets. Our dog is fed a balanced diet, but would the addition of supplements still be beneficial?

Properly balanced raw diets don't need supplements unless there is a health issue.in the very big raw group I belong too we have seen a big increase in pancreatitis since coconut oil has been used internally.for omega 3 which is what salmon oil or other fish oils  feeding a small amount of oily fish  should cover for a healthy dog .

. If u are feeding a complete kibble there is no need to add supplements it should be complete, unless there is a specific health problem

I add quite a few supplements to my dogs' food, for different reasons.

I add Plaque Off (or similar!) to help teeth stay nice and clean.

Probiotics to help digestive health stay strong (90% of the immune system is in the gut).

Billy No Mates herbal tick and flea preventative on my hairy dog, who is a tick magnet.  (I do use a chemical once at the start of the season but then I try to avoid needing more by the use of natural stuff in the shoulder months.)

Wild Salmon Oil - to provide DHA, which degrades quickly if present in food and which few foods contain enough of on a daily basis (salmon being the exception of course) - this is great for the immune system, the coat and reproductive health.

Golden Paste - in my older dog's food, to help her immune system combat any cancer cells that may arise and to help reduce inflammation.

When an older dog has arthritis, I use the full range of RiaFlex products to help with that.... So - lots of supplements used, here.

I would not recommend the use of coconut oil for dogs... they are carnivores, after all.

As a general rule and provided you are using a commercially made, good food, there should be absolutely no need for supplements - things like probiotics and things to help an arthritic dog are 'all in the bag' .  Was a time we in Bassets used to use Stress, if nothing else, depending on the health needs of the individual dog.   It is possible to over-supplement, doing more harm than good.   Of course if your dog does have a health problem, and your vet recommends the need for a specific supplement, the by all means use one.   Otherwise adding supplements to a good complete food is really a waste of money, and as said, could be doing more harm, than good.

If feeding raw, then I'd imagine you may need to be providing all the extras not provided in the raw diet.

"If u are feeding a complete kibble there is no need to add supplements it should be complete, unless there is a specific health problem"   This, from  furriefriends - sums it up!!

A properly balanced raw diet does  not needs supplements.evertghunh can be obtained within the diet as long as u have research what's needed.   without testing for everything u could be giving too much of something  which could harm .where would u stop with supplements of u give with no really evidence it's needed.   Totally would if a dog had a specific problem.
I know some of us humans take supplements but unless its a proven medical need  more and more evidence is showing it's worthless or even dangerous .

I feed a mix of kibble/raw/homemade.

My dog gets fish oil with added Vitamin E everyday, plus a glucosamine/chondroiton treat daily. I also add a teaspoon or two of full fat plain yogurt to his meals a few days a week.

Mine are fed varied raw (also including grain, veggies, fruit, yogurt/kefir etc). They get oils added to their food alternating between oil, sunflower and coconut. If fatty meat or salmon/other oily fish is on the menu I don't add oils or add less. They also get a sprinkle of milled flaxseed added to their food, and a pill of yumove.

Our dog has been raw fed for the last 2 years. While I did a lot of research before we started him on raw food, your comments have made me take another look at his diet and make a few small tweaks to ensure he is getting all the nutrients he requires – thank you all for your advice.

Mine are raw fed too.  The only supplements they get as such are for joint issues or in Ren's case, a brain issue - so some are on CBD oil, some golden paste.

I do need to add some joint stuff really, but money is too tight atm and they get plenty of good stuff through the raw feeding in that respect.

It really depends on your dog condition as well, the dog might need or might not need the supplement. Sometimes I feel like every food that we gave to dog already has the vitamin within it.