As a pet owner, you want to do everything you can to support your dog’s health and happiness. Alongside a balanced diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care, nutritional supplements can play an important role in addressing specific needs — from joint health and digestion to skin comfort and stress management.
But with so many products available, it’s easy to wonder: does my dog really need a supplement, and if so, how do I choose the right one? Let our nutrition expert, Veterinarian Henna guide you through the key considerations.
1. Start with your dog’s individual needs
Observe your dog carefully – itchy skin, dull coat, stiffness, or digestive issues can all signal that extra nutritional support might be helpful.
Keep in mind that every dog is unique: what worked wonders for the neighbours’ old Labrador Retriever, may not be necessary for your Havanese puppy. The best supplement depends on your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health history.
- Puppies: may benefit from extra omega-3 fatty acids to support brain development and growth.
- Active adults: often need joint support and energy-boosting nutrients.
- Seniors: can require help with mobility, digestion, or cognitive function.
2. Identify gaps in your dog’s current diet
Think about whether a complementary feed could add something to your dog’s diet that it does not get at all from its main food. For example, for supporting gut health, the food may contain beneficial fibers, but postbiotics in dry food are still very rare. Similarly, other complementary feeds may contain ingredients not found in regular food. For technical reasons in manufacturing, complementary feeds may also contain clearly higher amounts of active ingredients than, for example, dry food. In such cases, combining a complementary feed with other food literally complements your dog’s daily diet.
On-going or seasonal?
The need for supplements can be seasonal. A hobby dog may need dietary supplements during the competition season, a dog with skin problems at a certain time of year when the skin dries out, or a tense pet when facing stressful situations. In such cases, using complementary feeds in short courses to support the dog’s well-being is justified.
We always recommend the extra dental care.
Daily tooth brushing is the best way to take care of a dog’s oral health. However, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, brushing may sometimes be skipped. Even though complementary feed does not replace brushing, it helps support oral health and slow down tartar build-up between brushings. Therefore, complementary feed can supplement the overall care of your dog’s well-being when combined with other measures.
3. Common health issues where supplements can help
- Dry skin and dull coat → hemp oil fatty acids + nutrients that support skin renewal and coat growth, such as methionine, B vitamins, vitamin A
- Itchy and irritated, flaky skin → fish oil fatty acids + nutrients that support skin renewal, such as methionine, B vitamins, vitamin A
- Digestive problems, foul-smelling stools → postbiotics that balance digestive function and reduce stool odor + prebiotics that support gut bacteria
- Reduced performance, digestive problems → postbiotics that balance digestion and support vitality and immunity + fish oil fatty acids
- Nervousness, stress-related skin symptoms → calming nutrients such as tryptophan and alpha-casozepine + hemp oil fatty acids
- Nervousness, stress-related gastrointestinal symptoms → calming nutrients such as tryptophan and alpha-casozepine + postbiotics that balance digestion and fish oil fatty acids
- Slowed movement, stiffness when getting up from lying down → nutrients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and collagen + fish oil fatty acids
- Bad breath, tendency for tartar build-up → seaweed that freshens breath and slows tartar formation
4. Choose science-backed ingredients
Okay, you may have narrowed down what type of supplement you’re looking for. But how to choose from the dozens of seemingly similar options? Our advice is to look for signals of quality and safety.
Look for products that use clinically researched compounds and transparent labelling. For example:
- DHA & EPA from fish oil for cognitive and joint health.
- Postbiotics that directly support gut health.
- Natural plant-based carriers and flavourings for safe daily use.
5. Practicality matters
A good supplement should fit easily into your dog’s daily routine. Powders or oils that mix with food are often the most convenient – no stress, just an added boost to mealtimes.
6. Talk to your Veterinarian
Always consult your veterinarian if your dog has chronic health conditions, is on medication, or if you’re unsure which supplement is best. Supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced diet and veterinary care.
Conclusion
Choosing the right supplement for your dog starts with understanding their unique needs and matching them to proven ingredients. With the right support, supplements can make a real difference – helping your dog stay active, comfortable, and full of life.
