How to Select a High-Quality Pet Supplement?

Pet owners are overwhelmed by the huge range of dog supplements available. When there are so many options in the market, it can be confusing to know which ones are the best natural supplements for dogs. 

While supplements can support the overall well-being of a dog, not all are created equal, and some may be ineffective. Here are a few tips from Dr Katrina Warren, celebrity media vet, to help you choose a high-quality, safe, and effective natural pet supplement for your dog. If your dog has a medical condition, consult your vet before introducing supplements, as some may interact with medications or complicate existing health issues.

Identify Your Dog’s Needs

Before deciding which supplement is best for your dog, consider what may be lacking in their diet, any health concerns you want to address or support, and check with your vet. You may also consider any behavioural issues where supplements may support your dog. Here are some signs your pet might need supplements:

• Joint stiffness and difficulty in jumping or moving around
• Changes in skin and coat
• Digestive and gut issues
• Behavioural changes, like anxiety, nervousness or lethargy 
• Frequent infections or low immunity 

Common supplement health categories that can support dogs of all ages include:

• Joint health and mobility
• Skin and coat 
• Digestive and gut health
• Dog probiotics
• Stress and anxiety
• Dental and bad breath
• Immune support 

Be wary of unsupported claims 

Avoid big claims or “miracle cures” with no scientific backing. Not all supplements have proven benefits. Look for products that:

• Are backed by clinical research.    
• Contain active ingredients at a therapeutic dose – many supplements are underdosed to cut costs.
• Are vet-approved natural pet supplements or are formulated by animal nutritionists.

Look for High-Quality Ingredients

Not all ingredients are equal. When reviewing labels, consider the following:

• Source: Look for human-grade or pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. Avoid unknown or low-quality sources.
• Australian made: transparency and traceability of ingredients is important.
• Natural vs. Synthetic: If you don’t know how to support pet health naturally, look at the ingredients. Natural sources of nutrients (like fish oil for omega-3s) are often more bioavailable and offer natural digestion support for pets.
• Avoid Fillers & Artificial Additives: Avoid artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers such as  wheat, soy, corn)
• Dosage: Make sure the dose matches veterinary recommendations. Underdosed products may not work, while overdosed ones could be harmful.
• Powder supplements: generally only include key ingredients that are preferable over supplement chews or treats.

Choose a reputable brand

Just like ingredients, not all supplements are regulated equally. Choose brands that:

• Have a transparent ingredient list—avoid “proprietary blends” that don’t specify exact amounts of ingredients.
• Use high-quality bioavailable ingredients and avoid harmful additives, fillers or artificial colours.
• Provide batch numbers and expiration dates, ensuring freshness and quality control.
• Provide honest customer reviews and testimonials.

A good supplement should enhance your dog’s health, not replace a balanced diet or veterinary care. Look for scientifically supported ingredients, high-quality sourcing, reputable brands, and proper dosing. Most importantly, consult your veterinarian to ensure the supplement is both necessary and safe.

If you’re looking for natural supplements for dogs and cats, browse the range at Houndztooth. Contact our team for more information.