Understanding Canine Supplements

Supplements can play an important role in supporting your dog’s health, especially when paired with a complete and balanced diet. While high-quality dog foods already meet daily nutritional requirements, some dogs benefit from additional support for joints, skin and coat, digestion, or overall wellness.

Common supplements for dogs include:

  • Joint health support (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids)

  • Skin and coat support (fish oils, vitamin E)

  • Digestive support (probiotics, fiber)

  • Senior support (antioxidants, brain health formulas)

Not every dog needs supplements, and giving the wrong kind or amount can be harmful. Always talk with your veterinarian before starting a supplement, especially if your dog has medical conditions or takes medications.

Supplements are not a substitute for proper nutrition, but when chosen carefully, they can enhance mobility, comfort, and quality of life — particularly for senior dogs, working dogs, or those recovering from illness or injury.

About This Supplement Guide

The purpose of this guide is to help dog owners understand which supplements may be beneficial, why they are used, and how they support health. Each section explains the supplement’s role, possible benefits, and things to watch for, so you can make informed choices in partnership with your veterinarian.

This guide is not designed to promote unnecessary products — instead, it provides evidence-based education so you know when supplements may be helpful and when they are not needed. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, ensuring your dog receives the right support for their individual needs.

For trusted products, we recommend (and will only be showing) choosing from suppliers recognized by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) — an organization that sets quality and safety standards for pet supplements. Following their list of recommended suppliers helps ensure you are getting supplements that meet high industry standards.

👉 Follow the link below to view NASC-recommended suppliers.

The National Animal Supplement Council Recommended Suppliers

Supplement Lookup Tool

Select your dog’s health concern to see common supplement ingredients, how they work in the body, and possible benefits.

Select a category above to view supplement details.

📖 Always choose NASC-certified products for safety and quality. These are educational guidelines only — consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement.