Dog Supplements
The essential vitamins & supplements that your dog need to thrive
Dog Supplements
Dogs of all ages can benefit from targeted nutritional supplements when their diets or lifestyles create extra needs. While a high-quality commercial food often covers basic nutrition, life stages or conditions may require more support. Puppies growing rapidly, senior dogs dealing with stiffness, or any dog recovering from illness may need extra vitamins, minerals or specialized nutrients to stay healthy. Supplements complement your dog’s meals, for example, a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement helps older dogs’ joints move comfortably, and a fish-oil vitamin supports a shiny coat. Quality supplements can also fill gaps: if you feed raw or home-cooked diets, added multivitamins or joint formulas are often recommended. In all cases, give the right dose (follow label or vet guidance) and adjust your dog’s food so calorie intake stays balanced.
- Joint Health: These supplements commonly contain glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and omega-3 fatty acids. They support cartilage and flexibility in active or ageing dogs.
- Skin & Coat: Omega oils (fish, flaxseed) and vitamin-rich blends (Vitamin E, zinc) promote healthy skin and a glossy coat. They can reduce itchiness and dryness.
- Digestive & Probiotics: Special digestive enzymes and live cultures (probiotics) help sensitive stomachs or boost gut health. For dogs on antibiotics or with tummy troubles, a probiotic can restore balance (PetMD notes adding new foods can upset a dog, so a stable dog-specific supplement is often safer).
- Calming Aids: Herbal or nutrient-based calming treats (with ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine or melatonin) can ease anxiety during storms or fireworks. Many products use these natural ingredients, but always choose dog-specific formulas and consult your vet before use.
- Immune Support: Antioxidant vitamins (C, E) and mushroom or yeast extracts support overall immunity, helping dogs fight stress and stay well. These aren’t substitutes for vaccines or vet care, but can boost general health.
- Puppy & Senior Formulas: Age-tailored products meet the unique needs of young and old dogs. Puppies may get chewable vitamins or milk replacers if needed, while seniors often use senior joint supplements and joint-health chews. Petworld stocks leading brands to cover all these areas: VetIQ, Johnson’s (and more) appear on our shelves. All products are Irish-legal and vet-approved.
As a 100% Irish-owned retailer, Petworld Direct offers fast service and clear guarantees. We dispatch orders from Ireland by courier within 1–2 business days. For Irish customers, we provide free shipping on orders over €30. Plus, our On-Repeat Delivery program gives you extra savings when you set up regular deliveries of your dog’s favorites.
Looking for related pet care? Check our Dog Food & Feeding category for dietary supplements and specialized diets, Dog Skin & Coat Care for topcoat and skin treatments, Dog Dental Care for oral health products, and Dog Grooming for wellness and hygiene essentials. Whatever your dog’s needs, Petworld’s experts are here to help you choose the right supplements and keep your pet happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best supplement for my dog’s joints?
Veterinarians often recommend supplements containing glucosamine (usually from shellfish), chondroitin, MSM and omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients can support cartilage and joint fluid. Studies suggest multi-ingredient joint formulas may help mildly arthritic dogs. Choose products by reputable brands (like VetIQ) and consult your vet on dosing.
Which supplements help calm an anxious dog?
Many calming aids use natural ingredients such as melatonin (a sleep hormone), herbal extracts (e.g. chamomile, valerian, L-theanine), or dairy protein derivatives. For example, melatonin chews can ease situational anxiety (thunderstorms, travel) and are generally considered safe. Note that clinical evidence is limited, so use them as a supplement to training. Always ensure any calming supplement is formulated for dogs (no xylitol or unsafe additives) and check with your vet before starting.
Does my dog need a daily multivitamin?
If your dog eats a high-quality, complete dog food, it usually gets all necessary nutrients and doesn’t need daily multivitamins. Supplements are most useful when a dog has special needs, for example, if it eats a home-cooked diet, is very picky, sick or recovering from illness, a vet may recommend specific vitamins. PetMD warns that giving a healthy dog extra vitamins can unbalance its diet. So, only use a general multivitamin if your vet advises (e.g. a puppy on a poor diet or a dog with a diagnosed deficiency).
Are dog probiotics safe and useful?
Yes, dog-specific probiotics are generally safe and can help support gut health, especially during antibiotic use, diet changes or stress. Probiotics supply “good” bacteria to the digestive tract. However, some dogs may experience mild gas or upset at first. A PetMD guide notes it’s often safer to use a probiotic supplement than to introduce new fermented foods, which could cause diarrhea. Always choose a probiotic made for dogs (with strains like Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus species) and follow the product instructions or your vet’s advice.
Should I give my puppy daily vitamins or supplements?
Normally, a balanced puppy food provides all needed nutrients, so extra vitamins aren’t required. PetMD advises that “if a dog is healthy and eats well — a high-quality, commercially prepared food — you should not give him a multi-vitamin”. Puppies only need supplements if there’s a specific issue (like a vet diagnosis of nutrient deficiency) or if you feed a homemade diet. In such cases, use products made for puppies (e.g. puppy-specific multivitamins or milk replacers) and consult your vet on proper dosing.