Dog Supplements: Are They Necessary?

Madelene Hissom · Mar 17, 2022 · All

Author: Keren Dinkin

When you go to grocery stores and pharmacies, there’s no avoiding entire aisles and large displays of vitamins and supplements. For humans, giving your body a much-needed nutrient boost is a must. 

But does this mean that your canine best friend needs supplements too?

What Are Dog Supplements?

Dog supplements are similar to supplements for humans. They are intended to provide much-needed vitamins and minerals to boost your dog's overall wellness. Supplements can compensate for any nutrients lacking in your dog's regular diet.

Understand that your dog gets its nutrients from the food you provide. Most commercial dog foods are tagged as “balanced and complete,” but there is no real way to verify if that is true. Ideally, dog food should be formulated with all the minerals, nutrients, and vitamins that your dog needs for its daily needs.

Should I Give My Dog Supplements?

There are some dogs that, due to genetics, need to be given certain supplements at an early age. Senior dogs and those diagnosed with medical conditions are usually prescribed vitamins.

Although giving your healthy dog supplements is not a must, it will not lead to adverse effects, either. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry—your dog may be able to avoid common ailments with a boost in its nutrition levels.

By giving your dog supplements each day, you can help promote its overall health.

Here are some of the best supplements you can give your dog to make it happy and healthy for years to come:

1. For Flexibility and Mobility: Hip and Joint Supplements

Dogs are playful and energetic pets, and whenever they run around and expend energy, they put pressure on their bones and joints.

Unfortunately, arthritis and chronic joint pain are common in adult dogs. You can strengthen your dog's hips and joints by giving it supplements that contain chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane.

These compounds boost joint function and aid in repairing damaged cartilage. These supplements also stimulate joint lubrication and improve your dog's flexibility and mobility.

Your dog can get the same nutrients from gullet sticks, trachea, and beef tendon chews that it will love munching on. These products contain ethically sourced, all-natural ingredients that are easy to digest.

2. For Healthy Hair and Skin: Skin and Coat Supplements

Your dog's fur needs a lot of care and maintenance, especially if you have a long-haired canine. And nutrition plays a significant role in keeping your dog's coat shiny and healthy.

Omega 3 and 6 are essential in ensuring that your dog’s skin and coat are at their best. Fatty acids help address dry skin and mitigate potential fur issues. Dog supplements that contain collagen are highly recommended to maintain a healthy coat. Collagen also helps with mobility and decreases shedding.

Yes, your dog’s body produces collagen, but the production level decreases as your pet gets older. A boost in the form of collagen sticks or our gourmet collagen sticks can significantly boost the nutrient supply and keep your dog healthy for years to come. Natural Farm collagen sticks are odor-free and support joint flexibility, bone strength, a shiny coat, and an active mind.

3. For Overall Wellness: Multivitamins

Giving your dog a daily dose of multivitamins is a good practice to maintain your pet’s overall wellness.

Chewable multivitamins are jam-packed with all the needed vitamins and minerals your dog needs, such as magnesium, zinc, iron, and Vitamins A, B, C, and D.

Iron, for instance, is crucial to maintaining healthy blood flow. Marrow bones are rich in iron, and they are naturally dense in collagen and glucosamine to promote joint health. When you opt for this product, you can give your dog an iron boost and hours of chewing entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Supplements can give your dog a much-needed boost in terms of daily nutrient intake. There’s no such thing as a dog that’s too healthy—it can avoid all sorts of illnesses and health issues if it gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs every day.

Talk to your dog's vet if you need guidance on the best supplements you need to give your pet.