How to Pick The Right Dog Supplements

We’ve been blessed with so many wonderful dogs and cats over the years—so many memories and adventures. I remember our English Mastiff, Tucker, and how, as he got older, he started having joint issues. It’s always hard watching your furry family members slow down as they age.

We followed our vet’s guidance and started medications, and while they helped, we felt there had to be more we could do. Was it something we missed? Were we feeding him the right food? Our research ultimately led us to something simple but powerful: the importance of nutrition.

Why a Balanced Diet Isn't Always Enough

Feeding our dogs a complete, nutrient-rich diet isn’t always easy.

• Whole meals can be costly

• Home-prepped food is time-consuming

• Even high-quality dog food might miss the mark

Just like us, dogs can fall short on nutrition due to modern food processing. That’s where natural supplements for dogs come in. They're a convenient, effective way to fill nutritional gaps.

Our Journey into Supplements

We dove deep into the world of dog supplements, trying to figure out what would actually benefit our pups. With shelves full of options, we quickly learned that not all supplements are created equal.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what dog supplements are, what they do, and how to choose one that’s right for your pet—without the fluff.

Reminder: Supplements aren’t magic pills. If your dog eats a complete, fresh, whole-food diet, they may not need supplementation. But most dogs—like most humans—don’t eat that way daily.

Why Kibble Isn't Enough (Usually)

Kibble can be convenient, but it’s often processed at high heat and lacks many bioavailable nutrients. Even premium brands can fall short in:

• Essential fatty acids

• Enzymes and probiotics

• Key vitamins like B-complex and E

That’s why we started adding whole food toppers and nutrient-rich supplements to Tucker’s meals. It made a noticeable difference in his vitality.

What Are Dog Supplements?

Dog supplements are nutritional add-ons that provide:

• Vitamins and minerals

• Antioxidants

• Prebiotics and postbiotics

• Functional mushrooms

• Omega-3s

• Protein-rich organ meats

They come in many forms: powders, chews, food toppers, liquids, and capsules. Our favorite? Toppers made from real food—simple, effective, and easier to serve.

What Can Supplements Help With?

Supplements are designed to support specific areas of canine health:

• Immune system

• Gut microbiome

• Skin and coat

• Cognitive function

• Inflammation and joint comfort

• Energy and vitality

If your dog’s diet lacks any essential nutrients—or their body needs extra support due to age, breed, or condition—supplements can help fill the gap.

Life Stage and Breed Considerations

Puppies

Puppies grow fast and need higher levels of protein, fat, and calcium to support:

• Muscle and bone development

• Brain and vision health

• High energy needs

Proper nutrition during the first year lays the foundation for lifelong health.

Breed-Specific Needs

Certain breeds are prone to specific conditions. Tucker, being a giant breed, was naturally predisposed to joint issues. Larger dogs often benefit from:

• Clean protein

• Anti-inflammatory nutrients (like turmeric or mushrooms)

• Omega-3s from fish or flax

Chronic Conditions

While you can’t cure genetic predispositions, you can support dogs with:

• Arthritis: Omega-3s, mushrooms, and turmeric

• Allergies: Prebiotics, functional mushrooms, and antioxidants

• Poor digestion: Postbiotics like EpiCor®, inulin, and whole food fiber

Learn more in our gut health guide.

What to Look For in a Quality Supplement

Third-Party Testing

Always choose products that are independently tested for:

• Purity

• Potency

• Safety

Third-party testing ensures you're getting what the label claims—no fillers or contaminants. ConsumerLab and NSF are two examples of respected testing standards.

Real Food Ingredients

We prefer supplements made from whole food ingredients like:

• Organ meats (e.g., liver, heart)

• Sweet potato

• Mushrooms

• Leafy greens

• Berries

Check out our ingredient philosophy for more.

Reputation

Look for:

• Transparent sourcing

• Honest labels

• Real reviews

• Recommendations from people you trust (including your vet)

Senior Dogs Need a Different Kind of Support

As our dogs age, their:

• Calorie needs decrease

• Joint stiffness increases

• Digestive function can slow down

• Immune system weakens

That’s where supplements rich in fiber, adaptogens, and anti-inflammatory nutrients shine. Explore how Ancient Paws supports senior dogs with a food-first approach.

Form Matters: What Will Your Dog Actually Eat?

Some dogs love powders on their food. Others need a little turkey wrap around a pill.

Here are your options:

• Food toppers – Easy to mix into meals

• Chews – Treat-like, convenient

• Liquids – Ideal for picky eaters or small breeds

• Capsules – May need to be hidden in food

Tucker loved beef-flavored anything, so we used that to our advantage.

Dosage and Labeling: Don't Guess

Overdosing on vitamins can be harmful. Always follow:

• Instructions by weight

• Product-specific dosage

• Adjustments for age and health status

For example, a 200 lb Mastiff like Tucker will require far more than a 15 lb terrier. When in doubt, consult your vet.

Targeted vs. All-in-One Supplements

Ask yourself:

• Is your dog struggling with one specific issue like gut health or skin irritation?

• Or do you want general daily support?

Some dogs need targeted care. Others may benefit from all-in-one blends that support multiple systems at once—like this complete topper.

Talk to Your Veterinarian First

You know your dog better than anyone—but your vet knows their biology better than anyone.

Vets can:

• Run diagnostic tests

• Spot early-stage deficiencies

• Help guide supplement plans

• Recommend evidence-based products

Testing may reveal issues that diet or supplementation can solve before meds are needed.

Final Reminders Before Supplementing

• Don’t double up on different supplements without guidance

• Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue

• Always introduce one new thing at a time

• Track changes in your dog’s behavior, energy, and stool

Too much of a good thing is still too much. The goal is balance—not overload.

Ready to explore clean, food-first nutrition for your pup? Check out our whole food health toppers and blends made for dogs of all ages, sizes, and sensitivities.