How to Choose the Right Supplements for Your Dog: A Guide

As dog owners, the most important thing to us is that our furry companions live long, happy, and healthy lives. But just like humans, dogs sometimes need a little more than just a balanced diet and exercise. 

Supplements can play a key role in filling nutritional gaps, supporting specific health concerns, and enhancing their overall well-being, and the great news is that there are a wide variety of options available, making it easier to find the right supplements tailored to your dog's unique needs.

However, with so many options on the market, it can be confusing knowing which is the right choice for your pet. Not to worry, we’re here to help!

But first things first…

What Exactly Are Dog Supplements?

In short, dog supplements are dietary products especially designed to support a dog's overall health and well-being. While a well-balanced diet is the foundation of nutrition, supplements can help to elevate the nutrients available.

These supplements can come in various forms, such as tablets, powders, chews, and liquids, and each type will address specific health concerns or enhance a dog's diet.

 For example, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements support joint health, probiotics and elm bark aids digestion, omega fatty acids promote a shiny coat, and calming supplements help reduce anxiety and stress. We look at these in more detail further down the blog.

Most supplements can be given to dogs in with their normal meals. 

How to Choose the Right Supplements for Your Dog

Here are 5 things you should consider when choosing the right supplements for your dog:

1. Identify Your Dogs Needs

Just like us humans, dogs have unique dietary and wellness requirements based on their age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history. So, first things first, think about the challenges your dog faces and go from there. 

For example, older dogs or large breeds prone to arthritis may benefit from joint-supporting supplements to maintain mobility and reduce discomfort. 

Dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues can benefit from probiotics and prebiotics, which help balance gut bacteria and improve digestion.

Some dogs may also struggle with anxiety due to loud noises, separation, or travel, and calming supplements containing L-theanine, valerian root, or melatonin can help them feel more relaxed. 

Browse our wide range of dog and cat supplements, here. And if you need additional help, get in touch with our friendly team via this enquiry form. 

2. Check the Ingredients

When choosing supplements for yourself, it’s only natural to be picky and careful about what you’re putting into your body, and the same should apply to your dog.

When on the market for supplements, look for natural, whole-food-based ingredients that provide essential nutrients, and avoid supplements that contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, as these sometimes provide little to no nutritional value, or worse, cause adverse reactions.

It’s also important to watch out for unnecessary fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest and may even trigger allergies. 

This brings us nicely onto point number 3…

3. Choose a Reputable Brand

Not all supplements are created equal, so it’s important that you go for brands that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are third-party tested for quality, purity, and safety. 

Why We Choose Dorwest Herbs

Dorwest Herbs has been a leading provider of natural healthcare solutions for pets since 1948. With over 75 years experience, their herbal remedies are trusted worldwide by owners looking for natural support for their pets.

Dorwest Herbs combines traditional herbal remedies with modern veterinary science to create products that support a variety of health concerns in dogs, including anxiety, joint issues, skin conditions, and digestive health.

Their supplements are made from carefully selected, high-quality ingredients, ensuring purity and potency in every product.

4. Consider the Consumption Form

Another important factor that you’ll want to consider when choosing the right supplement for your dog is the form in which it comes. 

There are lots of different forms of supplements on the market, whether that’s soft chews, powders, tablets, or liquids. 

All dogs will have their own preferences, so the right choice really just depends on your dog's preferences. 

What Are the Best Supplements for Dogs?

As touched on above, here at Soothe and Settle, we choose Dorwest Herbs supplements for their high-quality, natural ingredients that support pet health and well-being, ensuring safe and effective solutions for concerns such as anxiety, digestion, and joint care.

The best and (most common) supplements for dogs include: 

- Joint support supplements - Just like us humans, dogs will age, causing (often) painful wear and tear in their joints. This is why many owners choose to buy joint supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most recommended ingredients, as they help to rebuild cartilage and cushion joints, easing discomfort caused by arthritis or age-related degeneration in dogs.

Order Dorwest MoveWellia® Tablets For Dogs And Cats here, specifically developed for advanced joint care to support dogs experiencing joint health challenges, including stiffness and ‘slowing-up’.

- Skin and coat health supplements - In addition to a nutritious diet, supplements are key when it comes to maintaining your dog’s skin hydration, and promoting a glossy, healthy coat. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are among the most effective supplements for skin and coat health, commonly found in fish oil, flaxseed, and evening primrose oil.

These supplements can also help alleviate dryness, reduce itching, and minimize shedding

- Anxiety and calming support supplements - Again, just like humans, dogs can experience feelings of anxiety due to various triggers such as loud noises, separation from their owners, car journeys, or trips to the vets, and this anxiety might look like barking, crying, pacing or pure restlessness. To help manage these behaviors, calming supplements can be a solution, such as L-theanine or valerian root.

Order Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets for Dogs & Cats here, helping to naturally relax your pet, with the active herbs naturally supporting the calming pathways within the nervous system, reducing anxiety without immobilising muscles or causing drowsiness. 

- Immune system & general health supplements - A strong immune system is absolutely essential for keeping your dog healthy, which comes from a nutritious balanced diet and exercise. But some supplements can provide additional support, especially for dogs with weakened immunity, aging pets, or those recovering from illness.

One of the most important immune-boosting supplements is antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Black aged garlic and fenugreek are also supplements that are both packed full of powerful health-promoting compounds to help naturally support your dog.

Get Dorwest Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets for your dog, filled with antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-viral properties, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds. 

- Digestive health supplements - Probiotics and fiber supplements can play a key role in maintaining your dog's balanced digestive system. Another effective supplement for digestive health is slippery elm, a natural remedy that soothes the stomach lining and helps relieve diarrhea and inflammation.

If you’re looking for quality digestive health supplements for your dog, look no further than Dorwest Herbs Tree Barks Powder, helping to keep your pet’s tummy naturally comfortable and stools normal, thanks to their blend of complementary digestive herbs. 

There we have it!

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As well as supplements, we also stock a collection of other products for anxious and reactive dogs, designed to provide comfort and calm during stressful moments, such as our huff muffs and wheat bags.