When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, food and nutrition is everything. A balanced diet gives your dog most of the nutrients they need to run, play, stay sharp, and grow old gracefully. So, do they really need supplements?

The short answer, “Not always. But sometimes, yes”. Let’s break it down in plain English.

To determine if your dog needs supplements, it’s important to consider both your dog’s individual health circumstances and the quality of their diet. Here’s a detailed guide to help you recognize when supplementation might be beneficial and how to proceed safely.

Start with the Basics: What Is Your Dog Eating?

If your dog eats a complete and balanced commercial dog food, chances are, they’re already getting most of what they need. These foods are specially made to cover all the essential vitamins and minerals—12 vitamins and 11 minerals, to be exact.

But the key words here are complete and balanced. Not all dog foods are equal. Cheaper brands may skimp on quality ingredients. Overprocessing can destroy a substantial amount of nutrients. And if you’re feeding home-cooked or raw diets, it can be harder to make sure everything’s balanced.

So, ask yourself:

1. Is the food you're giving made by a reputable brand?
2. Does it say “complete and balanced” on the label?
3. Is your dog eating well and staying healthy on it?

If yes, you might not need to add anything extra, unless something changes.

Spotting the Signs: When Your Dog Might Need a Boost

Even with good food, some dogs still show signs that they need more support. These are common signs that a supplement might help:

Joint issues

Your dog struggles to jump, hesitates going upstairs, or takes longer to get up from lying down. This is more common in older dogs and large breeds.

Anxiety

You notice they’re more restless, whiny, or hiding more often. Maybe they bark a lot, or act out when you leave the house.

Skin and coat problems

Their skin is dry or itchy. Their coat looks dull. They’re shedding more than usual.

Digestive issues

Your dog gets loose stools often, or seems to have a sensitive stomach.

Age-related changes

Senior dogs can get confused, forgetful, or less playful. Some withdraw from social interaction.

Weak immune system

They get sick often or take a long time to recover from minor infections. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it could be time to talk to your vet about possible supplements.

Age and Breed Matter, Too

Just like people, dogs have different needs at different stages of life. Puppies need nutrients for growth. Seniors may need help with joints, memory, or immunity.

And some breeds are more prone to certain health issues:

• Large breeds (like Labs, Golden Retrievers) often have joint issues.
• Small breeds may have dental problems.
• Flat-faced dogs (like Bulldogs, Pugs) might need help with breathing or digestion.

If your dog is a senior, a large breed, or has a known breed-specific issue, supplements might help prevent or manage problems down the line.

What If Your Dog Has a Medical Condition?

If your dog has a diagnosed condition—like arthritis, heart disease, or allergies—your vet may recommend supplements to support their health.

For example:

• Dogs with arthritis often benefit from glucosamine and omega-3s.
• Dogs with heart problems may be given taurine or CoQ10.
• Dogs with digestive problems might do better with probiotics and digestive enzymes.

But don’t guess. Always ask your vet or a certified pet nutritionist first. Some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects if given incorrectly.

Common Dog Supplements and What They’re For

Here’s a quick supplement cheat sheet to help you match the most suitable supplements to common dog issues:

Not all dogs need all of these. It depends on their health, age, and what signs you’re seeing.

*The products listed are top sellers on our webstore.

Should You Just Add a Multivitamin?

Sometimes people think, “I’ll just give a multivitamin to be safe.” But this can backfire.

Too much of certain vitamins—like A or D—can be harmful. If your dog is already getting those from food, adding more could throw off the balance. 

Unless your vet says otherwise, multivitamins aren’t usually needed if your dog is eating well and has no digestive problems. 

Talk to Your Vet Before You Start Anything

Always check with your vet if you are unsure of supplements; especially if your dog has a specific health issue and is on medication. Even natural ingredients can cause problems if the dosage is wrong or if it interacts with your dog’s medications. Your vet can help you decide if your dog actually needs a supplement and advice on the correct dosage to feed.

Conclusion: Does Your Dog Really Need Supplements?

If your dog is healthy, active, and eating a good-quality complete and balanced commercial food, they probably don’t need extra supplements.

But if you’re noticing changes—like joint pain, itchy skin, upset tummy, or signs of aging—it might be time to take a closer look, and include supplements if necessary. Never guess when it comes to your dog’s health. Supplements can help, but only when used correctly. Always seek professional help if you’re unsure what and how to supplement.

KATHERINE KHOO

Katherine is a Pet Nutrition Specialist and GDP’s Pet Wellness Advisor. She is committed to helping pet owners make informed dietary and lifestyle choices in nurturing healthy pets. Katherine is also a practicing Nutritional Therapist (human nutrition) and has been helping hundreds of clients to heal naturally with nutrients.