As dog owners, we all want to give our furry companions the healthiest, happiest life possible. A balanced diet is the foundation, but sometimes, a little extra support can go a long way. In this article, we'll dive into the world of dog supplements, exploring what they are, how they offer targeted nutrients and how their role evolves to meet your pet's changing needs at every stage of life.
© Royal Canin
Supplements should support, not replace, good nutrition and regular veterinary care—helping dogs stay active and healthy throughout their lives.
| An advertising feature presented in partnership with Royal Canin. This content is independent of zooplus Magazine’s editorial views. |
As the global pet supplement market continues to grow, more pet owners are turning their attention to improving their dogs′ diets. Driven by pet wellness, the pet supplements market is projected to increase by over 50% in the coming years, according to MarketsandMarkets™. This growth is fuelled by pet owners actively seeking products to support key areas of their pets’ health, such as joint function, immune system, growth, and digestive comfort.
Even though supplements are not necessary for all dogs, as most of the time a complete and balanced diet is sufficient, pets may benefit from supplements in specific situations depending on their age, diet, breed or lifestyle, to meet their evolving nutritional needs. This raises two important questions: What exactly are pet food supplements, and when is the right time to incorporate them?
Pet food supplements are add-ons (complementary food)—in the form of soft chews, pills, powders, liquids or oils, gels or pastes—to your pet′s daily diet. They are formulated with nutrients like vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids to complement their nutrition.
These products can sometimes be incorporated into a pet’s routine under professional guidance to support their nutritional balance and promote vitality alongside their primary diet and according to their individual needs. The goal? Supplements can aid in maintaining the normal physiological function of the body.
However, it is essential to choose supplements thoughtfully and use them as a complement to, not a replacement for, good nutrition and regular check-ups. They are designed to work alongside nutritional, lifestyle and healthcare recommendations from pet professionals and can neither cure nor prevent diseases or health problems. With the right approach, supplements can only help your furry friend stay vibrant and active throughout their life.
Royal Canin supplements are formulated with selected, scientifically proven ingredients, and help to add benefits to your dogs′ specific meal plan and allow you to individualise their nutrition to meet their unique needs.
ADM′s 2025 Global Pet Nutrition Insights Report found that nearly nine out of ten pet owners feel their pets′ diet and supplements should be treated with the same importance as their own. The same report also revealed that specific health benefit claims are the most key factor in purchasing decisions.
This growing trend in supplement intake reflects a broader shift: Pet parents are more informed than ever and are proactively seeking ways to support healthy ageing and specific sensitivities in their companions.
According to Royal Canin, ″An animal′s nutritional needs should always be assessed through detailed research and observation. That is why, before making any decisions, owners should always consult their veterinarian. Together, they can build a proper nutritional plan following standard guidelines as well as the pet′s unique characteristics.″
To understand this better, let’s begin by exploring the unique needs of dogs across their different life stages. For example, puppies have unique nutritional requirements for their rapid growth and development. Supplements may be used to complement a pet’s daily diet, with nutrients that support their wellness, especially when recommended by a professional to address specific dietary needs
That′s why Royal Canin′s Puppy Immunity & Digestion soft chew supplement provides specific nutrients to complement a puppy′s diet. It contains vitamins C and E, antioxidant properties that contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, which occurs when there’s an imbalance between harmful free radicals and protective antioxidants in the body that can lead to cell damage.
The formula also includes prebiotics and postbiotics, components commonly found in a balanced diet. ″To enhance a puppy’s diet, the complementary feed is formulated with nutrients designed to support their overall vitality and natural development,″ Royal Canin adds.
© Royal Canin
A dog’s dietary and care requirements naturally shift across their life stages, from energetic puppies to active adults and graceful seniors. Complementary feeds can offer additional support for overall well-being, particularly when needs change or specific situations arise, such as sensitive digestion or exposure to challenging new environments. Another key indicator of a dog’s health—their skin and coat—also benefits from targeted support, contributing to their overall vitality.
Formulated with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Royal Canin’s Skin & Coat Adult Dog Chew Treats help nourish the skin and promote a shiny, beautiful coat. Zinc and GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid), an omega-6 fatty acid, work together to help maintain a natural skin condition. Meanwhile, a blend of essential vitamins supports the normal function of the skin.
″We meticulously select ingredients for all our products, prioritising their high nutritional content and the diverse health benefits they offer pets,″ states Royal Canin. Before global production, their state-of-the-art labs analyse each ingredient to ensure nutritional quality and food safety.
While a shiny coat often reflects good health on the outside, true wellness starts from within. Gut health plays a vital role in your dog′s overall well-being — and the right supplements can support healthy digestion and stool quality. When properly included in your dog′s diet, the Royal Canin Digestion Adult Supplements contain prebiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome and beta-glucans postbiotics that aid natural digestion and are beneficial for stool quality.
″This supplement, like every product we offer, is a direct result of our nutrient-focused philosophy. Our scientific foundation is built upon global collaboration with nutritionists, veterinarians and scientists, prioritising the unique needs of dogs and cats, guaranteeing nutritional accuracy in our products and driven by continuous innovation,″ Royal Canin explains.
Healthy coat and good digestion are vital throughout a dog’s life, but their needs also change as they get older. As dogs move into their senior years, supporting their joint health and helping them stay comfortably mobile often becomes a main priority.
″As experts in animal nutrition, we develop complementary feeds formulated to help support joint comfort throughout their lives,″ Royal Canin emphasises. For example, the Royal Canin Joint & Ageing Adult Supplements contain, EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) that help maintain normal joint mobility and health. Tomato powder is also included as a natural source of lycopene.
Furthermore, Vitamins C and E are part of the antioxidant blend, supporting healthy ageing by protecting cells from oxidative stress — which dogs can experience throughout their entire lives, from puppyhood to their senior years.
© Royal Canin
It is important to know that supplements can offer valuable support, but giving your dog too many or the wrong kind can lead to imbalances or health issues. Over-supplementation may interfere with nutrient absorption or cause toxicity. Make sure to adhere to the number of pieces per day indicated in the feeding guidelines.
If you are giving one of the supplements mentioned above, it is recommended to adjust the main meal portion size accordingly to maintain your pet′s healthy body weight.
While supplementation is one aspect of pet care, understanding the nutrients within these products and their contributions to your pet’s health is equally important. To provide people with this knowledge, Royal Canin offers a dedicated page detailing this information.
Check for further details here: Essential nutrients for cats and dogs explained | Royal Canin UK.
Determining how long your dog should take supplements is highly individual, influenced by factors such as their diet, breed and specific health goals across different life stages.
Although a common guideline suggests a minimum of two months for results, it is essential to consult a professional who can assess your dog’s unique needs and recommend the ideal duration for their supplement regimen.
Whether for puppies, adult dogs or seniors, the global market for pet supplements is growing. As pets become more integrated into our families, there is a rising demand for health-conscious diets made with purposeful ingredients. Pet owners (or parents, for this matter) are paying closer attention to what their companions eat — and their long-term wellbeing.
Would you like to find out more about how you can optimally support your dog’s individual health and vitality? Talk to your vet about the specific needs of your four-legged friend. Also discover the variety of Royal Canin food supplements that have been specially developed to support your dog′s health at every stage of life.
At Royal Canin, this commitment is no different. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, the company has always prioritised tailored nutrition based on scientific research and careful observation. With over 50 years of experience in animal nutrition, Royal Canin has dedicated countless hours to studying dogs′ dietary needs to understand how nutrition can support a healthy lifestyle.
During the manufacturing process, many different quality controls are implemented, and all food production operators follow the same strict protocols. You can explore the full range of products here: Royal Canin Pet Food | Great deals at zooplus!
Find more information about the production process at Royal Canin here: Quality and food safety | Royal Canin UK
For more information on pet food ingredients and legislation, please visit:
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