How to add supplements to your pets food?
This is a question we frequently get asked as some dogs and cats may be fussier than others. Whilst some canine companions will dutifully eat their food with supplements added to their dinner, some may need more encouragement!
So here are some suggestions to hopefully make the process more pleasant for everyone involved!
Adding Powdered Supplements to Food
The easiest way to add powdered supplements is to mix them into your dog's wet food. Sometimes, however, you may need to add some extra moisture. This could include simply adding some water, or adding a nutritious bone broth (learn how to make homemade bone broth for your pets here) for the gut-healing and joint-supporting benefits.
Don't have time to cook your own bone broth? We sell a range of pre-prepared broths, so you can nourish your dog from within, without the hours of cooking time.
- Karnlea created the UK and Ireland's first 100% natural, packed from fresh bone broth that can be kept in your cupboard. Available in lamb, beef, chicken and fish.
- Boil & Broth who have developed a range of dehydrated bone broths including beef, chicken, lamb, goat or venison.
Alternatively you could mix a powdered supplement with some FurrBoost, a tasty drink designed for all-round wellness, a fish oil from brands including Nordic Naturals, Schesir Grizzly Salmon Oil or flax seed oil, such as the Proflax range. The full range can be viewed HERE.
Alternatively, if you wanted to keep your powdered supplement away from food you could try mixing it with some goat milk (we love Karnlea's powdered option for easy storage), Keffir, yoghurt or honey.
Taking Capsules / Tablets
The easiest way to get your pet to take a tablet or capsule is to hide them in wet food or a highly desirable food treat.
Sometimes the contents of a capsule can be opened up and added directly to food. If not you may need to disguise them in some food, especially if your dog is food motivated (we're looking at you, labradors)!
The key is using a food that is sticky, so that it clings to the tablet and masks the flavour as well. Options include butter, peanut butter (make sure this is pet friendly and doesn't contain any xylitol), or try disguising the tablet or capsule by wrapping pet-friendly pate, ham or cheese around it.
The key is to make your pet so excited about the treat that he eats it, along with the tablet/capsule, quickly! If your dog bites the tablet/capsule, there may be a bitter taste which your pet will not not like. Start by giving a empty treats before you load them up with the tablet/capsule.
Our range of JR Pet Products Pates are the perfect soft treat for a spot of bribery. Made from 100% fresh, human-grade meat, their irresistable flavours include beef, turkey, chicken, duck, lamb, rabbit, wild boar and salmon.
You can also purchase dog pill pocket treats that specifically to allow you to pop the pill in the treat and then into your dog.
Homeopathic Pilules
The Phytopet pilules/pellets can be given directly into the mouth. Open the animal’s mouth and drop directly from the cap into the mouth, being careful not to let the mouth touch the lid. These pilules should not be touched as the natural oils on the skin may affect these delicate remedies, but due to their size this is not always possible.
Ideally take these pillules away from food (15 minutes before or after food), especially if it is strong smelling. They can be taken with food but it will affect the potency of the pillule.
Phytopet recommend that if you are struggling to get them into your pets mouth, to dissolve the pilule in 5ml boiled and cooled water (to remove chlorine etc) and once dissolved to pour the mix into the animals mouth. Once the pilule or dissolved pilule touches the mucus membranes it gets straight to work. Alternatively you can drop the pilules / pellets into a teaspoon for your dog to lick off.
What if my pets will still not eat their food or take a tablet / capsule?
If you are still struggling then you could look for supplements that are in alternative formats, such as in a liquid form, palable granules or in a chewable "treat" format.
