So, you’ve decided to add supplements to your dog’s daily routine?
For some of us, making that decision is the easy part!
Lots of dogs will eat anything and everything! From trash and eggshells to sticks and furniture, our canine companions can have an appetite like no other. However, this isn’t necessarily the case for all dogs… some are a bit more picky with what they like to eat.
Adding a dog supplement to your fussy pup’s routine can bring some challenges – especially if they’re consistently turning their nose up at it.
Well, fear not pet parent, here at PetLab Co. we want to share 5 sure-fire ways to help your dog gobble up their supplements with little to no stress…
1. Hide The Supplement In Their Food
One of the easiest and simplest ways you can get your pup to eat their dog supplement is by hiding it in their dog food. Whether they’re on a dry or a wet food diet, mix their supplement into their bowl and watch it disappear.
You could even go a step further… Try breaking up the supplement into smaller pieces, so that it’s even harder for your pup to notice it hidden in their food.
2. Wrap The Supplement In Meat
Another great way of getting your pup to eat their supplement is to wrap it in meat. Take a slice of your dog’s favorite deli meat or cold cut and wrap it around the supplement. The smell and texture of the meat alone should mask the supplement inside.
Top Tip: You could even try hiding the supplement in cheese or a soft bit of fruit, like banana.
3. Mix The Supplement Up With Their Treats
If your dog needs a little bit more convincing to take their supplement, it could be worth trying to give it to them with their treats.
Hold 4-5 of your dog’s favorite treats in one hand and the supplement in the other. Ask your pup to sit or another command where they know they’ll be rewarded for good behavior. Once they’re ready, reward them with their treats by throwing each one into their mouth one at a time. After the first 2 or 3, replace a treat with the supplement, quickly followed by another treat – hopefully your pup won’t notice the difference and the supplement will vanish!
4. Pretend The Supplement Is Your Food
Now, this one might not work for every dog, but for some, it can be a game-changer! If you’re a pet parent who regularly experiences begging and puppy dog eyes every time you eat, this could be the method for you.
With many dogs, it doesn’t matter what the food is, as long as you’re eating it, it is exactly what they want. So it’s time to use this to your advantage!
Take your pup’s supplement and pretend to eat it. Your dog will instantly want what you’re eating and will be a lot happier to gobble their supplement up.
5. Cover Their Supplement In Peanut Butter
You can also smother your dog’s supplement in xylitol-free peanut butter. Peanut butter is a delicious, high-value treat for most dogs and is perfect for using to hide their unwanted supplement.
Top Tip: As mentioned above, make sure the peanut butter is xylitol-free. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.
Final Thoughts
Giving your dog supplements can help support their overall health and well-being. However, convincing your dog to take them can sometimes be challenging. By following these tips, you can help your dog take supplements easily and effectively. Just always remember to consult with your vet before giving your dog any supplements.
Sources
Author Dyer, Joanna, “How To Get A Fussy Pup To Take Their Supplements”, Healthspan, https://www.healthspan.co.uk/advice/how-to-get-a-fussy-dog-to-take-their-supplements
