General Supplements – Everyday Health Support
General supplements support everyday wellness beyond the base diet, helping pets maintain healthy joints, skin, digestion, and immune balance. Available as chews, powders, and liquids, they make targeted nutrition easy to fit into a consistent, weight-based routine.
What general supplements do
- Fill common nutritional gaps with focused actives that complement complete foods without replacing them.
- Provide targeted functional support—mobility, skin/coat quality, digestive comfort, calm behavior, and resilience.
- Offer practical dosing formats and flavors so daily use becomes a steady habit instead of an occasional add-on.
When introduced thoughtfully and used as directed, supplements can streamline care between regular veterinary visits.
Common categories & key actives
- Joint & mobility – glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, and collagen to support cartilage and movement.
- Skin & coat – omega-3s (EPA/DHA from fish oil or algae), biotin, zinc, and vitamin E for shine and skin comfort.
- Digestive health – labeled probiotic strains (CFU count), prebiotics (FOS, inulin, MOS), pumpkin and postbiotics for stool quality.
- Immune balance & antioxidants – vitamin E/C, beta-glucans, colostrum, and natural polyphenols.
- Calming – L-theanine, L-tryptophan, casein peptides, and calming botanicals used for situational stress.
- Multi-vitamin/mineral – life-stage formulas; taurine for cats where appropriate; clear daily value guidance.
- Urinary & dental adjuncts – cranberry PAC-standardized extracts for urinary care; zinc/enzymatic blends for oral freshness.
How to use general supplements
- Speak with your veterinarian about goals, current diet, and medications to avoid ingredient overlap or interactions.
- Dose by weight using the supplied scoop, dropper, or chew count; start at the low end and build to full dose over 3–5 days.
- Give at the same time daily (often with meals) to improve consistency and GI tolerance.
- Track changes for 4–6 weeks—mobility, coat sheen, stool quality, behavior—then reassess plan and dose.
- Store per label (cool, dry, or refrigerated if stated); close lids tightly to protect potency and freshness.
Introduce one new product at a time so you can clearly see what helps and adjust without guesswork.
How to choose quality supplements
- Evidence & transparency – preference for brands with the NASC Quality Seal, third-party testing, or Certificates of Analysis.
- Label clarity – active amounts per serving (e.g., EPA/DHA mg, glucosamine mg, CFU and strain IDs) and clear daily directions.
- Life stage & species fit – puppy/kitten, adult, senior; dog vs. cat formulas with appropriate actives and sizes.
- Allergen awareness – check for chicken, beef, fish oil, egg, dairy, or grain derivatives if sensitivities exist.
- Format & palatability – chews for easy treating, unflavored powders for picky eaters, liquids with measured droppers.
- Sourcing & stability – responsibly sourced fish oils (oxidation controls), desiccants in jars, and use-by dates that fit your cadence.
Important notes
- Supplements are not a substitute for diagnosis or prescription care—seek veterinary advice for persistent symptoms.
- Stop use and consult your vet if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, itch flares, or behavior changes after starting a product.
- Pregnant/lactating pets and those on chronic medications require veterinary guidance before adding supplements.
- Avoid human supplements unless your veterinarian specifically approves the product and dose.
Set one clear wellness goal, pick a well-documented formula, and dose consistently. Measured use, label transparency, and veterinary partnership turn general supplements into a predictable, results-driven part of your pet’s daily care.