What are dog supplements and are they worth it?

Quick takeaways about dog supplements

• There’s some evidence that supplements can support your dog’s health – from their joints to their coat.
• But, there’s no replacement for a complete and balanced diet.
• Always talk to your vet before introducing any new supplements.

 

The dog supplement market might be booming, but many pet parents are still confused about whether they’re worth it.

Plenty of owners want to do everything they can to make sure their dogs live happily and healthily. And, feeding them a complete and balanced diet is the best way to do this – there’s no need to add anything extra.

However, some dogs with medical conditions or those more likely to develop issues like joint problems might benefit from supplements.

If in doubt, always speak to your vet before adding a supplement and they’ll help you find the best one for your dog.

 

What are dog supplements?

Dog supplements count as any extra nutrition beyond your dog’s normal diet. They come in all sorts of forms, like tablets, capsules, chews, powders, or liquids.

Many supplements target specific health issues. Lots of owners give their senior dogs a joint support supplement. Calming supplements are also popular for anxious dogs, especially as a short-term fix during fireworks or thunder.

Supplements can also help fill any nutritional gaps in your dog’s diet, especially for those on a homemade diet.

 

What do dogs need in their diet, precisely?

Dogs are considered omnivores, which means they need a mix of meat and plants in their diet. Here’s a breakdown of everything they need:

• Proteins: Proteins are made of amino acids – there are 10 essential amino acids in particular that all dogs need.
• Fats: Essential fatty acids are crucial for overall health.
• Vitamins: They play many roles throughout the body like supporting the immune system.
• Minerals: Calcium, sodium, potassium and other minerals are vital for bone health, muscle movement, and loads of other bodily functions.

The good news? The raw nuggets included in our personalised meal plans have everything your dog needs.

 

Do vets recommend supplements?

They often recommend supplements for dogs to fill in nutritional gaps or to support specific health concerns. But most vets will agree there’s no replacement for a complete and balanced diet.

Always talk to your vet if you’re considering starting a new supplement, especially to treat a specific health issue. They’ll be able to give you advice based on your dog’s unique needs and history.

 

What are the benefits of supplements?

Here are some reasons you might consider supplements for your pooch.

 

1. Healthy joints

Joint health might be the most common reason owners choose supplements.

There’s research to back up the benefits. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements, like flax seed and fish oils, can help slow down the progression of arthritis in dogs.

Joint supplements often contain glucosamine and chondroitin, too. The evidence of their usefulness is mixed, but they might help to prevent joint problems before they happen.

 

2. Digestive health

Probiotics can help support your dog’s digestion by balancing their gut microbiota – the levels of healthy bacteria in their gut. As a bonus, there’s evidence that probiotics can support a strong immune system and help with stress management.

 

3. Cognition

Canine cognitive dysfunction is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. As our dogs live longer, it’s becoming more common.

Research suggests that supplements like fish oil and vitamin B may help slow cognitive decline in older dogs.

 

4. Stress and anxiety

While there’s still no consensus on whether calming supplements work, they’ve shown some promise. In one study, Beagles taking fish protein supplements were calmer during thunder.

 

The bottom line

If you think your dog could benefit from a supplement – and you get a thumbs up from the vet – it’s worth a try. Just make sure you choose a high-quality source.

Whatever you choose, a healthy diet and balanced diet should be the foundation of your dog’s nutrition. It’s best to think of supplements as the cherry on top.

At Natures Menu, we’ve designed our meal plans following the nutritional standards set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF).

Our Complete and Balanced ranges guarantee your dog gets all the nutrients they need, whether you add supplements or not.

 

Dog supplement FAQs

At what age should I give my dog joint supplements?

Any age – starting before your dog’s joint health starts to decline could benefit your dog later in life.

Some experts recommend starting a joint supplement just after they stop growing, especially for breeds more prone to joint problems, but always talk to your vet before you start giving them to your dog.

 

What key vitamins do dogs need?

Dogs need vitamins such as A, B, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc for optimal health. They can usually get them all through a balanced diet, so they won’t need supplements if you nail this.

In fact, over-supplementing can be just as harmful as under-supplementing.

 

Do dog calming supplements work?

There’s no magic bullet, but calming supplements may help some dogs, especially alongside behavioural training. Make sure you’re choosing high-quality supplements and consulting with your vet, too.

 

What are the best dog supplements for itchy skin?

There are more and more itchy dog supplements on the market now, but many of them aren’t backed by scientific research.

Some fatty acids found in flax seed and fish oils could help to ease itchiness and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis in dogs – according to a review published in Veterinary Science.

One study by the University of Heidelberg also found that topical tea tree oil could help to soothe itchiness and skin problems like alopecia, but more research is needed. If in doubt, speak to your vet.

   
Try our personalised meal plans with quality, natural raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.