As more humans embrace the benefits of natural supplements for their own dietary needs, we’ve started realizing that the same natural ingredients could have similar benefits for our pets! Natural dog supplements and other canine wellness products contain beneficial ingredients for dogs, but without the artificial additives. It’s a win for our conscience–knowing we’re buying the best for our furry companions–and most importantly, it’s a win for our pets’ health.

So what does it mean to be a natural dog supplement? In simplest terms, it’s a dietary addition meant to support dog overall health and wellness that’s made with no artificial ingredients.

A natural dog supplement should be: 

Think of it this way: natural supplements simply leave out ingredients that could get in the way of good ingredients meant to support your pet’s health and well-being.

So how can natural dog supplements and other vitamins for dogs support holistic dog health? Let’s explore a few of the best dog vitamins, natural ingredients, and dog supplements you should know about next time you go shopping for Fido. 

Is taurine good for dogs? Is taurine bad for dogs? If you’re a dog parent, you’re probably familiar with this debate––but the answer isn’t exactly simple. Whether shopping for natural dog supplements or dog multi-vitamins, taurine will probably come up in your research.

Taurine is an amino acid that most animals–cats being the notable exception–produce in their brain, heart, eyes, muscle tissues, and other organs. It helps break down fats from food as it’s digested in the body, making it essential for nutrient absorption in dogs. It also has benefits for antioxidant defense, circulation, ocular (eye) health, and more. The bottom line? Taurine is important for every dog!

So if dogs and other animals can produce taurine on their own, why do we need taurine supplements for dogs? That’s because dogs need to eat sulfur-based amino acids from certain foods, specifically animal proteins, in order to produce taurine in their own bodies. 

Before World War II, dog food was little more than canned meat. But when the military needed more metal for the war effort, dog food was adapted to reduce the need for cans. This led to the creation of dry kibble that was easy to store in bags. 

In order to make kibble, dog food formulas had to be made into a dough. The dough had to be soft enough to be processed by extruding machines, which meant reducing the amount of meat and upping the amount of fillers like grains and starches. Before long, concerns grew that the new dry kibbles, which now contained less meat, didn’t offer enough taurine for dogs’ diets. 

It’s true that some dogs, depending on their age and breed, might produce less taurine in their bodies and therefore need more taurine from their diets. But as long as a dog is getting enough taurine supplemented from their diet–usually through animal proteins–most breeds don’t have to worry about taurine deficiencies. 

If you think your dog might be taurine-deficient, talk to your veterinarian about adjusting their diet or adding a taurine supplement for dogs.

In order to promote your dog’s best health, you’ll need to stay up to date on the best supplement options for dog muscular and joint health. Dog mobility can make or break your dog’s daily comfort and quality of life, so even if your dog isn’t showing signs of joint issues, it’s always the right time to support their musculoskeletal health.

When it comes to shopping for hip and joint dog supplements or mobility vitamins for dogs, there are a few popular options. Glucosamine, Chodroitin, and MSM are just a few of the standard ingredients with a strong clinical track record for supporting joint and connective health in dogs. In recent years, pet parents have become more familiar with natural options like Boswellia Extract and, most notably, Egg Shell Membrane. 

You might be thinking, “can you really use egg shells for dogs’ joint health?!” It’s not as simple as feeding your dog egg shells (though if you do, just make sure they’re cooked or boiled first). Egg Shell Membrane benefits are found in the thin material found on the inside of the eggshell, called the membrane. It contains beneficial nutrients that can help support your dog’s joint mobility:

Keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy starts on the inside. In order to give your pet glossy, healthy skin and coat dog food, dog skin and coat supplements, and vitamins are often needed. So where should you start? 

Before we dive into the best dog skin and coat supplements, let’s cover what it is skin and fur do for your dog, and why they’re so important to maintain (aside from good looks):

A dog's skin serves as a crucial protective barrier against external elements such as bacteria, allergens, and environmental pollutants. The skin's outermost layer, called the epidermis, acts as the first line of defense. It prevents the entry of harmful pathogens (e.g., bacteria) while locking in essential moisture. A healthy coat, consisting of hair or fur, further shields the skin by minimizing direct exposure to damaging UV rays.

The skin and coat also play a pivotal role in regulating a dog's body temperature. A dense and healthy coat acts as an insulating layer, providing warmth in colder climates. Conversely, in warmer environments, the coat helps prevent overheating by allowing air circulation and helping heat escape. This natural temperature regulation is essential for a dog's comfort and overall well-being––especially in warmer climates!

A dog's skin and coat condition often act as visible indicators of their internal health. A dull, dry, or flaky coat may suggest an underlying nutritional deficiency or an imbalance in essential fatty acids. Conversely, a shiny, lustrous coat reflects a well-nourished and healthy dog. Additionally, issues like excessive shedding, itching, or hot spots could be signs of allergies, parasites, or other skin conditions that require attention.

Wondering how to improve a dog’s skin and coat? Some studies suggest that dog skin and coat supplements can help. These specialized supplements are formulated with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (like vitamin E and biotin), and minerals (such as zinc and copper) that contribute to a healthy skin barrier, promote hair growth, and reduce inflammation. 

More beneficial skin and coat vitamins and nutrients include: 

Many of these dog vitamins and supplements can help fill in the gaps in a dog’s diet by addressing deficiencies that might cause the skin and coat to appear dull, dry, or generally less-than-healthy.