Before browsing through the supplements we sell, I want you to keep this question in mind: “Does my dog/cat need this?”
First and foremost, if you are feeding a diet that is marketed as “complete and balanced,” you should generally not need to give any supplements, as long as it meets FEDIAF or AAFCO guidelines.
Supplements for dogs and cats are a debated topic — and for good reason. Some people give them “just in case,” others think they are completely unnecessary when feeding a complete diet, and some give them for very good reasons. My view is that it’s a personal choice, ideally made together with your veterinarian. In this article, I simply want to share a few thoughts on supplements and what you as an owner should consider before buying one.
Products with a purpose
From the start, I have been committed to never stocking products just to fill up the online store. Every single product — and especially the supplements we carry — is there because I genuinely believe it can be useful for some dogs or cats, though not necessarily for all.
To make sure you feel confident and well-informed, I spend a lot of time reading and researching information about each product. When writing the product descriptions you see on our site, I usually go beyond the manufacturer’s own text to gather additional information. My goal is to give you, as a customer and pet owner, a stronger basis for making good choices for your pet.
Not everything is for everyone
A healthy dog or cat rarely needs ten different supplements — especially not all at once. Ten dogs might benefit from one supplement, while ten others benefit from a different one — and that’s why we offer several options. Rotating and varying supplements can be very beneficial, but there is often no reason to give “everything at once” just because it exists or you have it at home. I don’t believe that every dog or cat will benefit from every supplement we sell, but I do want to offer a good range in case your pet needs something!
Take Super Greens for example — it’s not something your dog or cat necessarily needs, but vegetables and algae can be a nice health support during certain periods. Omega-3 supplements, on the other hand, are something I actually recommend for all dogs and cats. The ones we carry are excellent sources of omega-3, which is good for skin, coat, joints, and brain health — and you can read more about omega-3 supplements here.
So, when can supplements be useful?
There are situations where supplements can be a good investment in your pet’s health: in cases of specific deficiencies, during illness, in periods of extra strain, in life stages such as puppyhood, pregnancy, or senior years, or simply when you want to give your pet a boost. If you know your dog is ill or has deficiencies, I want you to consult your veterinarian before starting supplements. Remember that some vets also have additional training in clinical nutrition.
In our case, my dog benefits greatly from pumpkin powder because it provides extra fiber, which she needs to avoid having stools that are too hard or too loose. This supplement has truly been a lifesaver for us and is therefore a permanent fixture in our home.
If you have a healthy pet and want to use supplements
…a simple rule of thumb is the 10% rule:
- According to AAFCO and FEDIAF, toppers should not exceed 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake, and the remaining 90% should come from a complete food (dry, wet, air-/freeze-dried, or fresh/raw) that provides all the macro- and micronutrients your dog or cat needs.
- Example: If your dog gets 200g of dry food per day, you can remove 20g of the dry food and replace it with, for example, meat, eggs, fish, and perhaps pumpkin powder, vegetables, etc.
- Bone broth is generally low in calories and fat, and can be counted outside of the 10%.
The benefit of this method is that you can improve the diet without creating imbalances. Variety in the diet can help strengthen gut health and reduce the risk of developing allergies and intolerances.
Think carefully — or ask the experts
I hope that when you shop here, you feel confident that you’re choosing a product your dog or cat truly needs. If you’re in doubt about what your pet actually requires, consult your veterinarian. Ask, listen, and use common sense — that’s the best combination for taking care of our animals.
Note: The information in this article is intended as general guidance and does not replace professional advice from a veterinarian.