Can I substitute supplements?
Here is an overview of which supplements you can and cannot substitute.
Supplements are a major part of homemade diets
Many people believe that homemade dog food naturally meets all of a dog’s nutritional needs through whole foods alone—but that’s simply not the case. If you've ever looked at the ingredient list on a commercial kibble bag, you'll notice dozens of added vitamins and minerals. To meet a dog’s full nutritional requirements without any supplements, you would need a much greater variety of ingredients—especially different organ meats and odd bits rarely found in a butcher’s display case. In the wild, a dog would consume things like: - Testicles for zinc - Eyes for vitamin A and DHA - Brains for cholesterol, B12, and essential fatty acids - Thyroid glands for iodine - Adrenal glands for vitamin C and hormones - Bone marrow and small bones for calcium and phosphorus - Fur, feathers, and cartilage for fiber and manganese - Intestinal contents (predigested plant matter) for vitamin K and gut flora support Unless you're recreating this kind of whole-prey diet with precision and diversity, supplements aren’t optional—they’re essential for nutritional balance and long-term health.
Part 1: Supplement Brands and Quality Matter
As with any product category, not all supplements are created equal. The market is filled with dozens of brands—some are high-quality and thoughtfully formulated, while others cut corners with fillers, synthetic additives, or poor bioavailability. Some supplements are pure and unadulterated, others are certified organic, and some contain unnecessary preservatives, binders, or anti-caking agents. These differences may seem small, but they can significantly impact how a supplement functions in the body—especially in dogs with sensitivities, allergies, or chronic conditions. One of the most critical distinctions is how the nutrients are bound. - Organically bound minerals (like zinc chelate or selenium yeast) are more easily absorbed and utilized. - Inorganic forms (such as zinc oxide or sodium selenite) are cheaper, but often poorly absorbed—and may even irritate the digestive tract in some dogs. The quality of your supplements can directly affect the success of a homemade diet. That’s why none of the supplements included in our formulations are chosen at random.
Part 2: Before You Swap supplements
Ask yourself these questions before making a substitution: - Does it contain additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors? These may trigger reactions in sensitive dogs. - What form is the nutrient in? Some forms are better absorbed than others. For example, zinc chelate is absorbed more efficiently than zinc oxide. - Does the amount match the recipe? If the recipe uses 14 mg of zinc and your product only has 20 mg, the nutritional balance is off. It may sound small—but it matters, especially over time. - Is there another protein source added (that I might want to avoid)? Some supplements use hidden carriers like dairy, fish, or yeast. This can be a problem if your dog has allergies or intolerances.
Example 1: Copper
A recipe calls for copper bisglycinate, but you want to use copper from Nycoplus or Solaray. All three are technically copper, and yes — all three can be used. But here’s the key: they are not the same in how the body uses them. Copper bisglycinate is a chelated form, bound to glycine, making it highly bioavailable and gentle on the gut. Copper from other brands may be citrate, sulfate, or gluconate—forms that are less absorbable and may not work the same in the body.
Example 2: Zinc
The same goes for zinc. Nycoplus Zinc is not the same as BioLife Zinc, even though they both provide zinc. BioLife uses organically bound zinc (zinc-L-monometionine + zinc citrate), with minimal fillers—this improves absorption and makes it easier on sensitive stomachs. Nycoplus, on the other hand, contains only zinc citrate, plus a long list of fillers and anti-caking agents like silicon dioxide and magnesium salts. So while both are “zinc,” they’re not equal in terms of bioavailability, purity, or digestive tolerance.
Example 3: Seaweed/kelp
Seaweed is used in our recipes for one main reason: to supply iodine. We specifically use Logan's Seaweed because the manufacturer has verified the iodine content. This allows us to calculate the exact amount needed to meet your dog’s nutritional requirements—no more, no less. The issue with iodine is that its content in seaweed can vary dramatically. If you substitute our recommended seaweed with another product (like Kelp from Norsk Dyrehelse), you’re making an uncalculated change. That means you can’t be sure if your dog is getting enough iodine, or worse—you might be giving too much.
Part 3: Can I swap supplements?
Yes, you can substitute supplements in a homemade diet—but we don’t recommend it unless you fully understand what you're doing. Once you change a supplement, we can’t guarantee nutritional balance. If you want to substitute: Make sure the nutrient form, dose, and purity match the original. Only use products from companies that provide full transparency about ingredient content.
Ingredients Are Not Always Interchangeable
In homemade diets, ingredients that sound similar may have completely different nutritional roles. Swapping one for another can lead to imbalances—especially when dealing with minerals, fats, or organ meats. - Bone meal is not the same as eggshell powder: Bone meal contains both calcium and phosphorus. Eggshell powder contains only calcium. Using one in place of the other can distort the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. - Omega-3 oil is not the same as wheat germ oil: Fish and algae oils provide EPA and DHA, essential omega-3 fatty acids. Wheat germ oil is high in vitamin E and omega-6, but contains no usable omega-3s. - Liver is not the same as heart: Liver is packed with fat-soluble vitamins (especially vitamin A), copper, and B12. Heart is a muscle meat rich in taurine and CoQ10, but offers far less in terms of micronutrients.
Conclusion
We’ve worked hard to create recipes that are not only complete and balanced, but truly optimized for your dog’s long-term health. Every supplement has been carefully selected, and nothing is included by chance. Behind each choice lies one guiding intention: To give your dog the most biologically appropriate, nutritionally sound diet possible—based on science and real food. By understanding the role of each ingredient and supplement, you're not just following a recipe—you're building a foundation for lifelong wellness. If you're ever unsure, don’t be afraid to ask questions, double-check sources, or seek guidance. You don’t have to know everything—just care enough to get it right. Your effort and your curiosity make all the difference.