A Beginner’s Guide to Dog Supplements & Vitamins

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Dog supplements and vitamins are designed to fill the gaps in your pup’s diet—gaps left by popular kibble-based diets. Yeah, it’s about time we talked about your dog’s diet. (And the tails stop waggin’.)

Dog supplements carry a rich diversity of essential nutrients and minerals necessary for a healthy, happy pupper. But unfortunately, many supplements and vitamins don’t come close to that goal. (They definitely don’t get two paws up.) Some rely too heavily on fillers, ultra-processed ingredients, and shoddy manufacturing, all to give your pup an underwhelming, lackluster treat. 

If you’re a new pet parent or a first-time dog supplement shopper, the world of canine vitamins and supplements might feel a tad overwhelming. After all, you probably recognize most of these ingredients—just not in these dog-friendly formulas. 

Who knew sweet potatoes pair well with colostrum? Or that your pup would wag their tail for a probiotic? Or that sea kelp and green lipped mussel offer a ton of canine-friendly benefits? (If only we were as excited to look after our own health!) Or that not all dog supplements are certified organic and non-GMO? (Yeah, we’re giving some other brands a suspicious dog-like side-eye.)

At Happy Paws, we take a different approach, and in this article, we’ll show you just what we mean. Here, we’ll introduce newcomers to a few of our pups’ favorite supplements, show you how they support a healthy, active lifestyle, and help you discern if you should consider supplements and vitamins for your dog. 

A Paw-pular Supplement for Puppers

But first, let’s take a look at one of our most popular supplements for dogs, designed to promote mobility and support your dog’s joints. 

Hip & Joint Mobility Dog Supplement

Our Hip & Joint Mobility Dog Chews packs a ton of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support into bite-sized, tiny chews. This vegan supplement carries a natural bacon flavor that’ll surely entice even the pickiest pupper. You’ll pique their senses just by reaching for the Happy Paws tin.

This supplement also has quite a stack of natural ingredients. Our Hip & Joint Mobility Dog Supplement uses glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric, black pepper, green lipped mussel, and hyaluronic acid to support joint health and promote functional recovery. 

Be sure to consult with a veterinarian before adding this joint-healthy supplement to your dog’s daily routine. 

Common Types of Dog Supplements

If you’re shopping for canine-friendly supplements, you’ll no doubt find a ton to choose from. Many of these supplements aim to target common concerns for dogs, regardless of their age, breed, or size. Here are a few common types of supplements. 

Multi-Vitamins

The common canine diet has a few too many gaps in it. Many dogs simply don’t get the nutrients necessary for a healthy, active lifestyle from kibble alone. That’s where a multivitamin for dogs comes in. Supplements like our 10-in-1 Multivitamin for Dogs use a nutrient-dense formula to introduce a host of vitamins and minerals into your dog’s diet. Just like multivitamins you and I take (or should take), this supplement is meant for daily use, either with one of your dog’s meals or as a standalone treat. 

Joint Health

While hip and joint issues can be related to your dog’s breed, mobility issues can pop up at any point in your dog’s life, especially in their golden years. Taking care of their joints in their puppy stage and adolescence can give their hips, knees, and elbows the necessary support they need to keep up with any active lifestyle. Supplements like our Hip & Joint Mobility Dog Supplement use a layered approach to promote better mobility. This supplement helps fortify joint function and promote smoother recovery, all with the help of natural ingredients. 

Skin & Coat Health

Believe it or not, your dog knows when they look good. And when they look good, they feel good. A healthy coat plays a huge role in their health and confidence. Supplements like our Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs help refresh your dog’s natural sheen by using ingredients like coconut oil, biotin, sweet potato, and vitamin E. These ingredients work to promote a stronger, more robust coat that’s worth flaunting. 

Immune Support

You aren’t the only one in your house who struggles with seasonal allergies. Dogs, too, can struggle with the seasonal sniffles. Immunity-focused supplements, like our Immunity Booster Supplement for Dogs, combine paw-erful, all-natural ingredients to strengthen your dog’s immune system—ingredients like adaptogenic mushrooms, vitamin C, Kona berry, and colostrum. 

Our Suite of Supplements for Dogs

Here’s a more in-depth look into our suite of supplements. 

Happy Paws SupplementKey IngredientsBenefits**
10-in-1 Multivitamin for DogsOrganic Coral Calcium, Green Lipped Mussel, Sea Kelp, Vitamin B6, D3, Biotin, Coconut Oil, Kona Berry, Colostrum & Sweet PotatoDaily nose-to-tail health support
Bladder Health Supplement for DogsCranberry, Kona Berry, Marshmallow Root & Nettle LeafSupport healthy bladder function
Calming Supplement for DogsChamomile, Passion Flower, Valerian Root, Tryptophan & TheaninePromote a calmer, more relaxed state
Cognitive Supplement for DogsSweet Potato, CoQ10, Taurine, Spirulina, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3 & Vitamin B12Fortify brain health & memory while soothing mental stress
Dental Health Supplement for DogsP-6 Probiotics, Sea Kelp, Spirulina, Parsley, Spearmint, Enzyme Blend & Coconut OilSupport natural dental health & freshen stinky dog breath
Immunity Supplement for Dogs Coconut Oil, Turkey Tail Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Astragalus Root, Turmeric, Vitamin C & Kona Berry, ColostrumPromote optimal immune function & allergy relief
Lawn Saver Supplement for DogsP-6 Probiotics, DL-Methionine, Spirulina, Sweet Potato, Kona Berry & Enzyme BlendLower acidity in urine, promoting healthier, greener grass
Digestive Health Supplement for DogsP-6 Probiotics, Enzyme Blend, Pumpkin Meal & Ginger RootFoster natural digestive function
Hip & Joint Mobility Supplement for DogsGlucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Turmeric & Black Pepper, Green Lipped Mussel & Hyaluronic AcidPromote stronger joints & mobility
No Poo Supplement for DogsP-6 Probiotics, Pumpkin Meal, Bromelain & Enzyme BlendDeter coprophagia (stool eating)
Scoot Stop Supplement for DogsSweet Potato, Pumpkin Meal, Sea Kelp & Coconut OilCalm irritated anal glands
Probiotic Supplement for DogsSweet Potato, Pumpkin Seed Meal, Kona Berry, Sea Kelp, P-6 Probiotics, Fennel, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E (Almond Oil) & Coral Calcium.Promote a healthier gut flora
Skin & Coat Supplement for DogsCoconut Oil, Biotin, Sweet Potato, Organic Coral Calcium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 & P-6 ProbioticsStrengthen skin & coat while soothing dermal dilemmas

**It is always best to consult with a licensed veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s daily routine. 

When to Consider Supplements for Your Dog

So, when do other dog owners consider adding supplements to their dog’s diet? 

Many owners start adding supplements to their dog’s routine during their pet’s golden years. That’s because, as dogs age, they tend to run into a number of obstacles that interfere with their daily lives. These obstacles can include low mood, poor mobility, digestive issues, and (unfortunately) many more. Different supplements and vitamins for dogs aim to introduce a number of nutrients to soothe these concerns, helping your grey-bearded, grizzled pupper settle into their senior years. 

Breed-Specific Needs

Certain breeds are more susceptible to common health concerns, like mobility issues, digestive woes, and anxious tendencies. Many dog owners plan for this during their dog’s puppy stage, turning to daily training and a tailored meal plan. Many dog owners also turn to supplementation for help. 

Common Health Conditions

Despite your dog’s age, common health conditions can sprout up at any time, like allergies, digestive problems, stinky breath, and overactive anal glands. Supplementing can help give your dog the nutrients they need to support normal, healthy function. But, as with any vitamin or supplement for dogs, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian before changing your dog’s daily diet. 

How to Choose the Right Canine Supplement

So, how do you choose the right supplement for your pet? Here’s a checklist. 

Consult Your Veterinarian First

First and foremost, always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s daily routine. Your vet will help you discern if a supplement is best for your dog and what ingredients to look for. 

Look for High-Quality Ingredients

The market for dog supplements is rife with cheap fillers and additives. So, look for supplements that are organic, vegan, and non-GMO. Supplements like these use natural compounds to pack their formulas with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. 

High-Quality Dog Supplements Delivered to You

At Happy Paws, we know how it is to find the right pet supplements; you know, the ones with quality ingredients but also tasty flavors. That’s why we started Happy Paws. Our products come backed by a team of dog owners and pet lovers who believe in giving our furry friends the best supplements possible. Now, you can spoil your dog with a healthy treat that actually tastes like a treat!