Supplements, considered carefully.

Check whether anything is missing.

Dogs eating an appropriate complete and balanced commercial diet generally do not need routine supplementation unless their vet recommends it.

The first question is what the whole diet already provides. A supplement should not be assumed necessary because it is popular or has an appealing name.

Ask what the evidence shows.

A useful claim needs evidence relevant to the particular product and intended use in dogs. Testimonials, laboratory findings or studies in another species do not establish that a product will help your dog.

A quality seal is not the same as proof of clinical effectiveness. Ask your vet to help interpret what a claim does, and does not, demonstrate.

Review medicines and supplements together.

Supplements can interact with medicines. Before adding anything, bring the product label and a list of your dog’s medicines, foods and other supplements to your vet.

This guide does not recommend a supplement, combination or dose. Keep prescribed treatment unchanged unless your vet advises otherwise.

Do not assume human products are suitable.

Ingredients and concentrations intended for people may be inappropriate for dogs. High-strength products and excessive amounts of some nutrients can cause harm.

Ask about the exact product rather than treating the ingredient name alone as a safety check.

Get advice for accidental ingestion.

A suspected overdose or accidental ingestion is a veterinary concern, not a shopping decision. Contact your vet promptly and keep the product packaging available so its contents can be checked.

Do not use this guide or the feeding questionnaire to decide whether an exposure is safe.

Choose the next question, not a promise.

Your vet can assess whether a supplement has a useful role for your dog and whether its intended use is supported.

• What specific need is this intended to address?
• What evidence applies to dogs and this exact product?
• Could it duplicate nutrients or interact with current medicines?
• How would we review whether it is helping, and whether it remains appropriate?