What supplements do you give your dog?

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    • #136878
      Gus Gus
      Verified Participant

      I’ve been reading a lot about multivitamins for dogs, and it seems like the general consensus is they’re not really necessary. Most sources say that unless you’re home-cooking your dog’s meals, feeding low-quality food, or they have specific deficiencies, a multivitamin doesn’t add much benefit. That makes sense, but I can’t help but wonder—would giving a multivitamin to a young, healthy dog really be overkill?

      There must be some supplements that actually make a difference, right? Things like probiotics for gut health, fish oils and omegas for skin and coat, or glucosamine for joints seem to have solid benefits.

      Honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming trying to sort through all the conflicting advice online. Even when I asked two different vets, their opinions weren’t exactly the same!

      So, I’m curious—what supplements do you give your dog, and have you noticed any positive results?

    • #137009
      Sally Jones
      Moderator

      Hi Gus Gus, Based on my extensive research into dog supplements and vitamins, most dogs don’t need a multi-vitamin supplement as long as they’re eating a dog food that meets AAFCO guidelines. However, there are a many other supplements available. I give my pup, who’s 13 years old and has minor signs of arthritis, a daily joint supplement, and I’ve noticed that it helps his mobility. I also give him CBD treats before fireworks and a looming thunderstorm. They help calm him down a bit.

    • #137557
      Tara Maurer with dog Rio.Tara Maurer
      Moderator

      Hey Gus Gus,

      As you likely expected, the answer of to-supplement or not-to-supplement is never black and white.

      When looking at multivitamins, it really depends on the product itself. Some multivitamins will simply have the basic lab-derived vitamins and minerals already found in dog food recipes. In this case, adding an additional multivitamin will likely provide minimal support. That said, not all multivitamins are created equal.

      For example, take Dr. Harvey’s Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Powder supplement. This supplement contains various whole foods and herbs as a source of vitamins and minerals, avoiding any synthetic nutrients. Food-based vitamins are nutritionally superior to synthetic ones as they are easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Further, they contain extra phytonutrients that your dog may not get through their standard kibble diet.

      Again, looking at Dr. Harvey’s as an example, this formula contains ingredients that provide additional antioxidant and immune system support, including:

      -alfalfa: a nutrient-packed plant with various health benefits, including blood sugar control
      -ginger: a root vegetable with anti-inflammatory properties
      -oatstraw: a mineral-dense cereal grass associated with improved brain health and reduced stress

      So, it’s really about reading labels and finding a multivitamin that suits your pet’s needs.

      As for supplements, I’m a big proponent of probiotics, which are more difficult for dogs to get through their diet. I give my dog a capsule each morning to help with digestion, weight management, and immunity. You can read more about probiotics here and get our complete list of recommendations.

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