Everything You Need to Know About Dog Supplements & Vitamins! 

If you want to make sure that your dog has the best quality of life, then you need to guarantee that their diet is filled with the right vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Just like humans, dogs need vitamins to keep their minds and their bodies healthy, improving their wellbeing. It can be tricky in some circumstances to provide your pet with all the vitamins they need, but dog supplements can help provide the right boost. 

By using supplements, you can ensure that your furry friend gets the right dog vitamins each day. These can help manage many common health issues. This guide explores the role of dog supplements and the best options for your pet. All the information we provide has been checked by our vet, so you can trust in recommendations listed below. 

  

Do Dog Supplements Work?

If you are a dog owner, you will want to do everything you can to ensure that your dog has a long, happy and healthy life. To achieve this goal, you need to think about what your dog needs in their diet. Sometimes food on its own will not be enough to provide for the health needs of your pet. If this is the case, your vet may recommend that you use a dog supplement. Supplements may also be used to help manage certain health problems such as joint and skin conditions Dog supplements are most effective  when they are used correctly. They can be particularly important if your dog is suffering from a specific health concern. They work effectively when a dog is lacking the nutrients or chemicals that their body requires or if they require a higher level than was previously available. If used in this manner, dog supplements can provide improvements to a dog's:

  • Health

  • Appearance 

  • Attitudes

You can use supplements to ensure that your dog is getting the vitamins that they need or prepare them for a challenge that is on the horizon. For example, this could include getting them ready for a long-distance journey or a stressful move.

Who Regulates Dog Vitamins and Supplements in Australia?

Generally speaking, animal feed products do not require registration by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority if they are part of the normal diet for an animal. The regulatory requirements for supplements can vary depending on the types of claims that they make and the ingredients they contain.

 

Is It Safe To Give My Dog Supplements?

It is safe to provide your dog with supplements as long as you use them the right way. You need to make sure that you speak to your vet before providing your pet with a supplement. They will explain whether your dog needs a supplement and recommend the right options. You should never provide your dog with a human supplement as these may not be safe and could cause serious side effects. 

 

Does My Dog Need Supplements and Vitamins? 

If your dog already receives a complete, balanced diet with the right vitamins and minerals, then they will not need supplements. However, your dog is likely to require supplements if you are providing them with a homemade diet or if they have a vitamin deficiency. You should also make sure that you consult with your vet before providing your dog with a supplement. One of the reasons for this is that your vet can diagnose the condition that your dog may be suffering from. For instance, it might seem like your dog has arthritis but it could be a nerve or muscle problem. Your vet will also be able to establish the correct amount of a particular supplement for your pet.

 

Types of Supplements and Vitamins Out There

There are various popular types of supplements that are available for dogs. These include:

Glucosamine - This amino sugar is an important part of cartilage growth and repair and can help manage arthritis and joint pain. It’s available in pills, powders, and treat forms. 

Fish Oil - Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to have a wide range of health benefits in animals such as brain and eye development in puppies, heart, kidney, joint, skin and coat health in adult dogs.

Antioxidants - These substances in these supplements are believed to combat issues with aging including cognitive trouble and memory loss. Probiotics - Probiotics have also become popular to help with problems such as diarrhoea and other digestive problems. They are available in yoghurts, chews, powders and even some dog food. 

Some of the most popular dog supplement brands include:

  • Zesty Paws

  • Cosequin

  • GNC Pets 

  • Vetri Science

 

How should I choose a Supplement or Vitamin Product?

As mentioned, supplements are not medication. Due to this, they are not regulated to the extent that medication is. This means that you need to be careful when choosing the supplements that you give to your dog. You should always start by speaking to your vet. Your vet will inform you whether or not your pet needs supplements to improve or benefit their health. 

Once you have spoken to your vet, find a brand that you can trust. The best brands will have undertaken clinical studies on their products that prove how effective they are. 

You should read labels carefully to check for any issues with quality and safety. Make sure to look at the ingredient list to ensure that a supplement doesn’t contain any additives that might cause issues for your dog. 

You may want to check for a batch or lot number on the product. This is one of the key signs that a company or brand is using quality checks when they are manufacturing their products. 

Remember, vitamins are not miracle cures. As such, you should avoid any brand that promises incredible improvements to your dog's health or a cure for common health issues. 

You may also want to check reviews to find out which products are recommended and trusted by other dog owners. 

 

What are the Best Supplements & Vitamins for Dogs?

Choosing the best dog supplements and dog vitamins can be a complex process. Below, you will find a complete list of the different supplements offering  specific health benefits. This list is based on real customer reviews from owners who have used these products for their pets. 

Best Supplements for Dog Joints and Dogs with Arthritis

Approximately one in five pet dogs are diagnosed with arthritis in Australia. This becomes a common issue for dogs as they get older. Unfortunately, one of the major symptoms is pain and discomfort, usually accompanied by lameness or difficulty getting around.  Life is not much fun for an arthritic dog.

The larger (and heavier) breeds of dogs tend to be more prone to joint issues:

  • Great Danes

  • German Shepherds

  • Rottweilers 

  • Mastiffs 

  • Labradors

One of the best joint and arthritis supplements for dogs is 4CTE Joint Support. This product may reduce or even reverse cartilage degeneration and it can also help improve the cartilage health of your dog.  It supports the natural mechanism to keep cartilage and joints working effectively. With a tasty Chicken flavour this product is produced under the highest quality controls. 

Another joint supplement that is available to help manage arthritis in dogs and cats  is  Sashas Blend Joint Health Powder. It is designed to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and promote healthy joints in dogs and cats.  Sasha’s Blend is scientifically formulated and contains natural marine ingredients that have high anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients include chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy joints. 

If you prefer to avoid the marine ingredients, another great dog arthritis supplement is Natural Animal Solutions Joint Pro Advance. This is described as a world-leading formula that aims to improve the mobility of dogs and cats by improving the health of both cartilage and bone. The product was developed with several leading Naturopaths in Australia and does include ingredients that are approved by the Therapeutics Goods Association. 

Alternatively, you can consider Osteocare Joint Health Chews. These chewy supplements are ideal for dogs who love to keep active and are suitable for long term use. The kangaroo flavoured supplements are sure to be popular and contain real meat as well as bone. 

Best Vitamin B Supplement For Dogs

The Vitamin B group or complex of vitamins are one of the most important groups of vitamins for your dog.  They are involved in metabolic processes all through the body and they can help with a wide range of health issues including:

  • Anaemia

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Skin, nail and coat health

Your dog may become deficient in B group vitamins if they have had diarrhoea for extended periods of time or if they have been fed low-quality meat products.  This group of vitamins can help improve your dog's energy levels and improve symptoms of anxiety in some dogs.

One of the most popular Vitamin supplements for dogs that includes the B group of Vitamins is Troy Nutripet High Energy Vitamin Concentrate. This high-calorie supplement is ideal for dogs that get stressed when taking tablets and provides your pet with crucial fats, proteins and carbs along with vitamins A, D, E, B1, B6 and B12. 

You can also consider using Blackmores Coat Skin and Nails Multivitamin Chews. Similar to the product mentioned above, this product contains a whole variety of vitamins your dog needs to stay healthy. They are designed to provide your dog with healthy skin, strong nails and a shiny coat. 

Best Supplements For Pregnant Dogs

If you are feeding your dog high-quality puppy food through the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, then your dog should not require any supplements. However, if you are concerned, then you should speak to your vet about which supplements could benefit your dog.  

Best Supplement To Stop Dog Shedding

Shedding in healthy dogs is a natural process. It allows them to get rid of hair that is old, dead, or damaged. Some breeds of dogs will shed based on the season, growing thicker coats as winter approaches before losing them in the spring. This allows them to regulate their body temperatures as the temperature changes. On the other hand, shedding can also be a response to poor nutrition. 

If you suspect this, then you could try using a product such as Natural Animal Solutions Omega 3 6 and 9 Oil For Dogs. These omega fatty acids are known to be effective for joint and skin conditions. The products have been tested to ensure that they provide the correct ratio of Omega 3, 6 & 9. As well as providing support for shedding, they can also help if your dog has a dry coat or needs help with a skin condition.

You might also want to consider a product like Tumeric Life Liver Bites For Dogs. As well as being tasty and organic, these were formulated by an Australian researcher and veterinarian. These liver bites don’t contain any preservatives or added sugar and are completely gluten and GMO-free. 

Best Calming Supplements For Dogs

Anxiety is a common issue in dogs. Some reports have found that more than 70% of dogs exhibit anxiety-like behaviours, based on accounts from their owners. Anxiety can be caused by noise sensitivity or due to situations of heightened uncertainty, such as being around unfamiliar people or dogs.

One of the most popular supplements for dogs with mild anxiety includes  Zylkene Nutritional Supplements for Dogs and Cats. This is recommended as a support for balanced behaviour. It can also be suitable for pets that are going through events that can be considered new, unusual or particularly stressful. The product also doesn’t cause  side effects such as drowsiness. 

Alternatively, you may want to consider Vetalogic Canine Tranquil Formula Flavoured Chews. They are another product that can help provide emotional balance in dogs and are suitable for stressful situations. They can be given to both dogs and puppies alike. 

Best Coat Vitamins For Dogs

Your dog's coat can show whether your dog is healthy. A healthy dog will typically have a coat that is shiny and thick. If your dog is shedding excessively or their coat looks dull, they may be suffering from a medical condition or they may not be getting the vitamins and other essential nutrients that they need. 

One of the best supplements for coat vitamins is Vetlogica. This grain-free product can be used daily to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. It provides a quick release which means that you should notice an improvement  in a matter of days. It’s designed to help dogs with dry or flaky skin. 

You could also try PAW By Blackmores Coat Skin And Nails Chews. These chews contain essential nutrients including biotin, silica, zinc, chia seeds, and flaxseeds that help support healthy skin, a shiny coat and strong nails in dogs. 

 

Final Thoughts

We hope this article helps you to understand why dog supplements and dog vitamins are important and how they can provide the benefits that your dog needs. Supplements for dogs will be particularly important if your dog has a vitamin deficiency or if they are suffering from a specific medical condition. However, before you provide supplements to your dog, you should always check with your vet first. They will be able to advise you on what your dog needs and recommend the best options that are available right now. You can find more helpful information on caring for your dog by checking out the other guides and posts available on our blog.