Are pet supplements worth it? Here's what the vet says
As pet owners, we all want to give our dogs and cats the best possible care. Alongside a complete, balanced diet, many owners wonder whether supplements are actually necessary—or simply an unnecessary extra.
The answer is that it depends on the individual pet.
For many healthy pets, a high-quality complete food provides the nutrients they need. However, there are situations where targeted supplements can provide valuable additional support for specific health needs, life stages or lifestyles.
Here's what veterinarians recommend considering before adding supplements to your pet's routine.
Do healthy pets need supplements?
A complete and balanced diet should always be the foundation of your pet's nutrition. Good food provides the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients required for everyday health.
However, every pet is different. Age, breed, activity level, lifestyle and existing health concerns can all influence nutritional needs. Just as people may benefit from targeted nutritional support at different stages of life, pets sometimes benefit from carefully selected supplements too.
The goal isn't to replace good nutrition—it's to support it.
"Nutrition should always start with a complete, balanced diet. Supplements are most beneficial when they're chosen to support a specific need—whether that's healthy joints, digestion, skin, or the changing nutritional requirements that come with age."
— Henna Söderholm, DVM, PhD, Co-founder of VetaPet
When can supplements be beneficial?
Certain situations may increase your pet's need for additional nutritional support.
| Wellbeing area | Supplements may be beneficial, for example, for... |
|---|---|
| Joints | Senior, large breed or active dogs |
| Digestion | Pets with sensitive stomachs or during dietary changes |
| Skin and coat | Supporting dry skin, brittle nails or a dull coat |
| Dental and oral health | As a part of a daily dental care routine |
| Urinary tract | Supporting urinary tract health |
| Kidneys | Senior pets, as recommended by a veterinarian |
| Immune support | During periods of stress, seasonal changes or recovery |
| Calming & anxiety | Travelling, fireworks or other stressful situations |
Joint support
As pets age—or if they are particularly active or belong to larger breeds—they may benefit from extra support to help maintain healthy joints and mobility.
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Digestive health
A healthy gut supports digestion, nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing.
Pets experiencing sensitive digestion, changes in diet or occasional digestive upset may benefit from targeted digestive support.
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Skin and coat
Dry skin, dull coats or seasonal skin challenges can sometimes improve with additional nutritional support.
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Dental health
Good oral health is an important part of your pet's overall wellbeing. Alongside regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental care, supplements can help support daily oral hygiene if your pet is prone to:
- Bad breath
- Plaque buildup
- Tartar accumulation
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Urinary health
Some dogs and cats benefit from nutritional support that helps maintain a healthy urinary tract, particularly if they are prone to recurrent urinary tract issues,crystal formation or other bladder discomfort
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Explore products supporting urinary health for dogs →
Kidney health
Kidney health becomes increasingly important as pets get older. Targeted nutritional support may be considered for pets experiencing:
- Age-related decline in kidney function
- Increased thirst and urination
- The need for proactive kidney support during the senior years
Explore products supporting renal health for dogs →
Explore products supporting renal health for cats →
Immune support
During periods of stress, recovery or seasonal changes, some pets may benefit from nutrients that help support normal immune function.
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Calming & anxiety
Some pets naturally find certain situations more stressful than others. Nutritional support may help promote calm behaviour during challenging situations such as being left alone, travel, fireworks or thunderstorms or veterinary visits
Explore products that help manage stress and anxiety in dogs →
Explore products that help manage stress and anxiety in cats →
Nutritional needs change throughout life
Puppies and kittens
Young pets are growing rapidly and require balanced nutrition to support healthy development. Complete puppy and kitten foods usually provide everything they need, but certain situations—such as digestive sensitivity—may benefit from veterinarian-recommended supplements.
Adult pets
Healthy adult pets often do well on quality complete diets alone. However, active dogs, sporting dogs or pets with specific nutritional needs may benefit from targeted supplements for joints, skin, digestion or recovery.
Senior pets
As pets age, maintaining mobility, cognitive function, digestion and immune health becomes increasingly important. Senior pets are among those most likely to benefit from supplements that help support healthy ageing.
How to choose a quality supplement
Not all supplements are created equal.
When choosing a supplement, look for:
- Clearly listed active ingredients
- Transparent ingredient amounts
- Products developed with veterinary and nutritional expertise
- Ingredients supported by scientific research
- Products appropriate for your pet's age, size and health needs
Always follow the recommended dosage and introduce new supplements gradually when appropriate.
Common myths about pet supplements
Myth: Every pet needs supplements.
Not necessarily. Many pets receive everything they need from a complete, balanced diet. Supplements should address a specific need rather than being added "just in case."
Myth: More is better.
Giving multiple supplements or excessive amounts of certain nutrients isn't always beneficial and can sometimes be harmful. More isn't always better.
Myth: Supplements replace veterinary care.
Supplements can support health, but they cannot diagnose, treat or cure disease. If your pet develops new symptoms or ongoing health concerns, it's always best to consult your veterinarian.
Which supplement is right for your pet?
The best supplement depends on your pet's individual needs.
If you're unsure where to start, ask your veterinarian for advice or choose products designed for your pet's specific life stage and health goals.
Explore supplements by health need
Looking for targeted nutritional support? Browse our collections:
The bottom line
Supplements aren't necessary for every pet, but for the right pet, they can provide valuable nutritional support alongside a balanced diet.
Whether your pet needs support for healthy joints, digestion, skin or healthy ageing, choosing high-quality supplements and using them appropriately can help support their wellbeing throughout every stage of life.
When in doubt, speak with your veterinarian to determine what's best for your individual pet.
