Top 5 Nutrient Gaps in Modern Dog Food (and How Organ Supplements Fill Them)

Walk down any pet store aisle and you’ll see endless bags of kibble, cans of wet food, and “complete and balanced” formulas. But here’s the problem: modern dog food often leaves behind critical nutrients that your pup needs for true vitality.

Even the best kibble diets are heavily processed and can’t replicate what dogs would naturally eat in the wild. That’s why many owners are turning to natural supplements for dogs—especially organ-based nutrition—to bridge the gaps.

Let’s break down the top 5 nutrient gaps in modern dog food and how organ supplements can help.

1. Vitamin A (Retinol)

Most kibble includes beta-carotene (from plants) as a vitamin A source. But dogs can’t efficiently convert beta-carotene into the usable form—retinol. Without enough vitamin A, dogs may struggle with vision, skin, and immune health.

• How organ supplements help: Liver is nature’s richest source of preformed vitamin A—exactly the form dogs can absorb and use immediately.

2. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, red blood cell health, and brain function. Highly processed dog foods often degrade B12 content during manufacturing.

• How organ supplements help: Kidney, liver, and spleen are loaded with natural B12, supporting energy and neurological function.

3. Iron

Many commercial foods rely on synthetic iron additives, which aren’t as bioavailable as natural sources. Low iron can lead to anemia, weakness, and reduced stamina.

• How organ supplements help: Spleen and liver provide heme iron—the most absorbable form—boosting energy and oxygen delivery.

4. CoQ10 and Taurine

Kibble diets don’t naturally provide these nutrients in meaningful amounts. Yet they’re essential for heart health, cellular energy, and even preventing heart disease in certain breeds.

• How organ supplements help: Heart is rich in taurine and CoQ10, offering natural support for cardiovascular and energy systems.

5. Digestive Enzymes

Highly processed foods are cooked at high temperatures, which destroys natural enzymes. Without them, dogs may experience bloating, gas, and poor nutrient absorption.

• How organ supplements help: Pancreas and tripe (stomach) are natural sources of digestive enzymes, helping dogs break down protein and fat more efficiently.

Why Kibble Alone Isn’t Enough

Kibble may keep dogs alive—but it doesn’t always help them thrive. Think of it as fast food: calories are there, but the deeper nutrition isn’t. That’s why so many owners ask, “Are kibble diets healthy for dogs long term?” The answer is… not without support.

Adding organ supplements is the easiest, most effective way to bring back the missing pieces of your dog’s ancestral diet.

Key Takeaways

• Modern dog food often lacks vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, CoQ10/taurine, and digestive enzymes.
• Organ supplements naturally fill these nutrient gaps in the most bioavailable form.
• From energy and immunity to digestion and heart health, organ powders support vitality at every life stage.
• They’re simple to add, mess-free, and tailored for dogs who deserve more than just “complete and balanced.”

Bottom line: Kibble provides the base. Organ supplements provide the missing spark. Together, they help your dog move from just surviving to truly thriving.