Which supplement is right for my dog or cat? How to choose the right supplement
In short: The right supplement depends on your pet's age, lifestyle and individual needs. Most healthy dogs and cats get all the nutrients they need from a high-quality complete diet, but supplements may provide additional support for joints, digestion, skin, urinary tract health or healthy ageing. In this guide, we'll help you find the right option.
Choosing a supplement can feel overwhelming. There are many different products available and it isn't always clear which one is best suited to your pet.
The good news is that in most cases, you don't need multiple supplements. The most important thing is to identify the main area of your pet's wellbeing that could benefit from support and choose a high-quality supplement designed for that purpose.
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Which one of these describes your pet best?
| If your pet... | Explore these products |
|---|---|
| Is moving more stiffly than before | Joint health supplements |
| Is scratching more or has a dull coat | Skin and coat health supplements |
| Has a sensitive stomach | Probiotics and digestive health supplements |
| Gets stressed easily | Calming supplements |
| Is getting older | Senior supplements |
| Needs support for the urinary tract or kidneys | Urinary tract and kidney health supplements |
My pet is moving more stiffly than before
Has your dog become less eager to go on long walks or jump into the car? Has your cat stopped jumping onto high surfaces or become less interested in playing?
As pets age, or if they are highly active or belong to a large breed, their joints may be placed under greater natural strain. Cats may also benefit from nutrition that supports joint health, especially as they get older.
A supplement may be a suitable option if your pet:
- moves more slowly than before
- seems stiff after resting
- avoids jumping or climbing stairs
- is a senior or an active sporting dog
- belongs to a large or giant breed
Explore joint supplements for dogs
Explore joint supplements for cats
My pet has dry skin or a dull coat
Healthy skin and a shiny coat are often signs of good overall wellbeing.
If your pet scratches more than usual, has dry skin or their coat has lost its shine, additional nutritional support may help.
A supplement may be a suitable option if your pet:
- scratches more than usual
- has dry or flaky skin
- sheds excessively
- has a dull or brittle coat
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most commonly used supplements to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Recommended product categories
- Omega-3 supplements
- Skin and coat health supplements
My pet has a sensitive stomach
A healthy digestive system supports nutrient absorption and the normal function of the entire body.
If your dog or cat regularly experiences digestive sensitivity, a supplement that supports digestive health may be beneficial.
A supplement may be a suitable option if your pet:
- is prone to digestive upset
- has inconsistent stools
- is transitioning to a new diet
- has a sensitive stomach
If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian.
Recommended product categories
- Probiotics
- Digestive health supplements
Explore products that support digestive health
My pet gets stressed easily
Not every pet responds to new situations in the same way.
For example travelling, being left alone, fireworks, thunderstorms or veterinary visits can all be stressful. In cats, even changes to the daily household routine may lead to restlessness.
Calming supplements can help support calm behaviour during challenging situations.
A supplement may be a suitable option if your pet:
- becomes anxious when travelling
- is afraid of loud noises
- becomes stressed when left alone
- reacts strongly to new situations
My pet is a senior
Getting older doesn't mean your pet has to give up an active lifestyle.
As dogs and cats age, their nutritional needs gradually change. Senior supplements may help support joint health, digestion, immune function and overall vitality and wellbeing.
A supplement may be a suitable option if your pet:
- is a senior
- is less active than before
- would benefit from comprehensive daily support
- could benefit from nutrition tailored to ageing pets
Explore products for senior pets
My pet has urinary tract concerns
Urinary tract health is an important part of your dog’s or cat’s overall wellbeing.
Urinary tract issues are particularly common in cats. Targeted nutritional support may help maintain normal urinary tract function.
A supplement may be a suitable option if your pet:
- is prone to urinary tract issues
- needs support for bladder health
- has been recommended nutritional support by a veterinarian
Explore products that support urinary tract health in dogs
Explore products that support urinary tract health in cats
My senior pet needs kidney support
Supporting kidney health becomes increasingly important as dogs and cats grow older.
If your veterinarian recommends nutritional support, kidney health supplements may complement your pet's overall care.
A supplement may be a suitable option if your pet:
- is a senior
- needs support for kidney health
- has been recommended a supplement by a veterinarian
Explore products that support kidney health in dogs
Explore products that support kidney health in cats
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog or cat use several supplements at the same time?
In some situations, yes. However, there is usually no need to use multiple supplements at once. Choose products based on your pet's individual needs, follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions and consult your veterinarian if needed.
Can I give my cat a supplement made for dogs?
Generally, no. Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements, so supplements should always be chosen specifically for the species they are intended for.
How quickly do supplements start working?
The time it takes to notice results varies depending on the product and its intended use. Supplements should be used consistently according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Does a young dog or cat need supplements?
Most healthy young pets receive all the nutrients they need from a high-quality complete diet. However, supplements may be appropriate for individual needs, for example if recommended by a veterinarian.
How do I choose the right supplement?
Start by identifying your pet's greatest wellbeing need. Are you looking to support joint health, digestion, skin and coat health, urinary tract health or healthy ageing? If you're unsure, try the Supplement Finder or ask your veterinarian for advice.
Summary
Choosing the right supplement isn't about using as many products as possible, it's about identifying your pet's individual needs.
A high-quality complete diet forms the foundation of your pet's wellbeing and the right supplement can complement their diet when additional nutritional support is beneficial.
If you're unsure which supplement is right for your dog or cat, try the Supplement Finder or explore VetaPet's supplements by wellbeing area.
