Should you give your Dog or Cat Dietary Supplements?
Your dog's bouncing off the walls. Your cat's coat's looking a bit dull. Or maybe your older pooch is slowing down on walks. Sometimes, even the best diet needs a little boost, and that's where vitamins or supplements come in.
But which ones actually work? And more importantly, how do you know if your pet needs them at all?
In this blog, we’ll look at the world of powders, oils, and sprinkles that promise to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching.
Does Your Dog or Cat Actually Need Supplements?
Here's the thing: if your pet's already eating a complete and balanced diet and they're healthy, supplements might not be necessary. Good quality pet food should cover the basics. But dogs can get creaky joints. Cats get fussy about food. Some pets have sensitive tummies that need extra support.
That's when a well-chosen supplement can make a real difference. Maybe it's fish oil for a glossy coat and less scratching. Perhaps it's a joint supplement for an older dog who's feeling their years. Or it could be something as simple as a probiotic to settle a dodgy stomach.
The key is knowing what you're adding and why. No point chucking random powders at their dinner and hoping for the best.
The Best Supplements for Dogs and Cats, Backed by Nature
Let's talk about the supplements that have proper benefits, not just fancy marketing.
Fish oils are probably the most popular, and for good reason. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids (the good stuff) that support everything from skin and coat health to brain function, and they include vitamins A and D. If your dog's constantly scratching or your cat's coat looks like they've been through a hedge backwards, fish oil might help. It's also brilliant for older pets with joint disease, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Our Super Salmon Oil is cold-pressed from Scottish salmon, which means it keeps all the good bits intact. No heating, no processing, just pure oil that's good enough for humans, though we don't recommend putting it on your chips.
Joint supplements are another big one, especially for larger breeds or older dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin can help keep joints moving smoothly and reduce stiffness, as can green-lipped mussels, which is in some of our treats. And while we’re indulging in a little promo, Antler Powder is naturally rich in calcium, phosphorus, and collagen, all from sustainably collected shed antlers. Sprinkle it on food and watch your old timer get a spring back in their step.
Other sprinkles might come in handy if your pet has a pickier palate. Take insect protein powder. Made from mealworms, it's sustainable, highly digestible, and perfect for dogs with allergies to traditional proteins. Plus, it uses 92% less land and 99% less water than beef farming. Your dog won't care about the environmental impact, but we bet they’ll love the taste.
Then there's Yak Cheese Sprinkles, which are packed with protein and calcium, but low in fat. Dogs go mad for it, and it's brilliant for fussy eaters who turn their nose up at regular food.
And for pets with sensitive stomachs, prebiotics work wonders. They help maintain the good bacteria in the gut, which supports everything from nutrient absorption to immune system function.
Stress-Free Supplement Feeding Tips
The beauty of pet supplements is how easy they are to use. Most come as oils, powders, or sprinkles that you just add to regular food. No wrestling with tablets or hiding pills in peanut butter.
The key is to start small. If you're introducing something new, begin with half the recommended dose and work up gradually. This gives your pet's system time to adjust and if they’re iffy on it, you’ll spot it early on. And make sure you mix it in properly: the last thing your cat wants is a bowl of dry food with a blob of oil on top. Give it a good stir so everything is coated evenly.
Keep it consistent. Supplements work when given regularly and over time, not just when you remember. Make it part of the routine, like breakfast or dinner prep.
Fun Ways to Use Pet Supplements at Mealtime
Supplements don't have to be boring if you get creative with how you serve them!
If you’ve got a lick mat, spread on some wet food mixed with Fish Sprinkles and freeze it. They’ll have fun licking for ages, and will get their fix of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. And if you don’t have a mat, we recommend it, especially if your dog is a bit of an anxious chap. It may sound simple, but licking does wonders to chill dogs out.
If you want a summertime treat, all you need is an ice mould. Mix some salmon oil with mashed banana or sweet potato, add some sprinkles for an extra boost, pour, freeze, and you’ve got a dog-friendly ice lolly!
You can even use supplements as training rewards. A tiny sprinkle of yak cheese or insect powder on a piece of apple makes an extra-yummy treat that's actually good for them.
What Supplements to Give Based on Your Pet’s Age
Be it puppy, kitten, dog, cat, or pooches and pusses in their golden years, all ages and animals need something a little different.
Young ones are all about growth: strong bones, developing immune systems, healthy brain function. They might benefit from omega-3s for brain development or calcium for growing bones, but check with your vet first. Growing bodies are delicate.
Adults in their prime might not need much extra, unless they're super active, have health conditions, or are recovering from something. The key here in general is preventative care, to give your pet an easier go of it in later life.
Seniors often need the most support. Joints get creaky, digestion slows down, coats lose their shine. This is when supplements really earn their keep, helping maintain quality of life as they age.
Are there any Side Effects?
Just like humans, pets can react differently to new things — even natural supplements. While most supplements are safe when used correctly, it's still worth keeping an eye out for any changes in behaviour, appetite, or digestion when starting something new. Fish oils, for example, might cause loose stools in some pets if introduced too quickly. Always follow feeding guidelines and speak to your vet if you're unsure, especially if your dog or cat is on medication or has an underlying condition.
The Bottom Line on Supplements
Not every pet needs supplements, but when applied carefully, they can make a real difference. Whether it's easing joint pain, sorting out itchy skin, or just adding a bit of variety to mealtimes, the right supplement at the right life stages can really enrich and improve their life and livelihood.
Just remember: supplements support a good diet, but they don't replace it. Start with quality food, add supplements where needed, and always keep your vet in the loop if you're dealing with health issues.
And if your pet's already bouncing with health? Maybe all they need is a thorough pet-and-play. Sometimes TLC is the best medicine of all.
Got questions about which supplements might suit your furry friend? Drop us a line or tag us on Instagram or Facebook with your mealtime creations. We love seeing how creative you get with keeping your pets well-fed.
Does Your Dog or Cat Actually Need Supplements?
Here's the thing: if your pet's already eating a complete and balanced diet and they're healthy, supplements might not be necessary. Good quality pet food should cover the basics. But dogs can get creaky joints. Cats get fussy about food. Some pets have sensitive tummies that need extra support.
That's when a well-chosen supplement can make a real difference. Maybe it's fish oil for a glossy coat and less scratching. Perhaps it's a joint supplement for an older dog who's feeling their years. Or it could be something as simple as a probiotic to settle a dodgy stomach.
The key is knowing what you're adding and why. No point chucking random powders at their dinner and hoping for the best.
The Best Supplements for Dogs and Cats, Backed by Nature
Let's talk about the supplements that have proper benefits, not just fancy marketing.
Fish oils are probably the most popular, and for good reason. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids (the good stuff) that support everything from skin and coat health to brain function, and they include vitamins A and D. If your dog's constantly scratching or your cat's coat looks like they've been through a hedge backwards, fish oil might help. It's also brilliant for older pets with joint disease, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Our Super Salmon Oil is cold-pressed from Scottish salmon, which means it keeps all the good bits intact. No heating, no processing, just pure oil that's good enough for humans, though we don't recommend putting it on your chips.
Joint supplements are another big one, especially for larger breeds or older dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin can help keep joints moving smoothly and reduce stiffness, as can green-lipped mussels, which is in some of our treats. And while we’re indulging in a little promo, Antler Powder is naturally rich in calcium, phosphorus, and collagen, all from sustainably collected shed antlers. Sprinkle it on food and watch your old timer get a spring back in their step.
Other sprinkles might come in handy if your pet has a pickier palate. Take insect protein powder. Made from mealworms, it's sustainable, highly digestible, and perfect for dogs with allergies to traditional proteins. Plus, it uses 92% less land and 99% less water than beef farming. Your dog won't care about the environmental impact, but we bet they’ll love the taste.
Then there's Yak Cheese Sprinkles, which are packed with protein and calcium, but low in fat. Dogs go mad for it, and it's brilliant for fussy eaters who turn their nose up at regular food.
And for pets with sensitive stomachs, prebiotics work wonders. They help maintain the good bacteria in the gut, which supports everything from nutrient absorption to immune system function.
Stress-Free Supplement Feeding Tips
The beauty of pet supplements is how easy they are to use. Most come as oils, powders, or sprinkles that you just add to regular food. No wrestling with tablets or hiding pills in peanut butter.
The key is to start small. If you're introducing something new, begin with half the recommended dose and work up gradually. This gives your pet's system time to adjust and if they’re iffy on it, you’ll spot it early on. And make sure you mix it in properly: the last thing your cat wants is a bowl of dry food with a blob of oil on top. Give it a good stir so everything is coated evenly.
Keep it consistent. Supplements work when given regularly and over time, not just when you remember. Make it part of the routine, like breakfast or dinner prep.
Fun Ways to Use Pet Supplements at Mealtime
Supplements don't have to be boring if you get creative with how you serve them!
If you’ve got a lick mat, spread on some wet food mixed with Fish Sprinkles and freeze it. They’ll have fun licking for ages, and will get their fix of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. And if you don’t have a mat, we recommend it, especially if your dog is a bit of an anxious chap. It may sound simple, but licking does wonders to chill dogs out.
If you want a summertime treat, all you need is an ice mould. Mix some salmon oil with mashed banana or sweet potato, add some sprinkles for an extra boost, pour, freeze, and you’ve got a dog-friendly ice lolly!
You can even use supplements as training rewards. A tiny sprinkle of yak cheese or insect powder on a piece of apple makes an extra-yummy treat that's actually good for them.
What Supplements to Give Based on Your Pet’s Age
Be it puppy, kitten, dog, cat, or pooches and pusses in their golden years, all ages and animals need something a little different.
Young ones are all about growth: strong bones, developing immune systems, healthy brain function. They might benefit from omega-3s for brain development or calcium for growing bones, but check with your vet first. Growing bodies are delicate.
Adults in their prime might not need much extra, unless they're super active, have health conditions, or are recovering from something. The key here in general is preventative care, to give your pet an easier go of it in later life.
Seniors often need the most support. Joints get creaky, digestion slows down, coats lose their shine. This is when supplements really earn their keep, helping maintain quality of life as they age.
Are there any Side Effects?
Just like humans, pets can react differently to new things — even natural supplements. While most supplements are safe when used correctly, it's still worth keeping an eye out for any changes in behaviour, appetite, or digestion when starting something new. Fish oils, for example, might cause loose stools in some pets if introduced too quickly. Always follow feeding guidelines and speak to your vet if you're unsure, especially if your dog or cat is on medication or has an underlying condition.
The Bottom Line on Supplements
Not every pet needs supplements, but when applied carefully, they can make a real difference. Whether it's easing joint pain, sorting out itchy skin, or just adding a bit of variety to mealtimes, the right supplement at the right life stages can really enrich and improve their life and livelihood.
Just remember: supplements support a good diet, but they don't replace it. Start with quality food, add supplements where needed, and always keep your vet in the loop if you're dealing with health issues.
And if your pet's already bouncing with health? Maybe all they need is a thorough pet-and-play. Sometimes TLC is the best medicine of all.
Got questions about which supplements might suit your furry friend? Drop us a line or tag us on Instagram or Facebook with your mealtime creations. We love seeing how creative you get with keeping your pets well-fed.
