4 Ways to Give Your Dog Supplements: Pros, Cons, and Expert Tips

Get to know our team: Daniel’s Guide to Dog Supplements

At Animistic, we believe strong partnerships start with people. Behind every project, training, or service we provide is a team of passionate individuals with unique stories and expertise—and a shared goal: making pet nutrition practical and accessible by answering real questions like what supplements should dogs take? In this blog series, you’ll get to know the people who make Animistic what it is—how we work, what drives us, and how our different backgrounds come together to serve our partners.

This time, we’re spotlighting Daniel, who brings his focus on companion animal nutrition to help pet owners navigate one of the most common questions we hear: what supplements should dogs take? His work reflects our commitment to making pet nutrition both practical and accessible, blending evidence-based knowledge with real-world guidance for dog owners.

As more dog owners prioritize health and longevity for their pets, supplements are becoming a staple in daily routines. But with so many products on the market, it’s natural to ask: what supplements should dogs take? From joint support and probiotics to skin health and calming formulas, the options can be overwhelming. On top of that, you’re also faced with a decision about how to give these supplements—should you use powders, capsules, tablets, or liquids?

In this post, we’ll answer the common question: what supplements should dogs take, and explore the pros and cons of dog supplements in various formats. Whether you’re wondering what are good supplements for dogs or just trying to navigate the difference between powder vs liquid dog supplements, this guide is here to help.

Let’s take a closer look at the four most popular dog supplement formats—including how they work, their benefits, and what to watch out for.

After reading the post, we encourage you to reach out to the Animistic team to schedule a nutrition consult for your pet.

Powder Supplements

Powder supplements are one of the most flexible options available. They come in pouches or jars and are typically scooped and mixed into a dog’s food. This format is particularly common for joint supplements, digestive aids like probiotics, and skin and coat health blends.
These are widely available in natural pet stores and online, and are growing in popularity due to the flexibility they offer for dosing.

Pros:

• Custom Dosing: Powders allow you to adjust the amount easily based on your dog’s size or health needs.
• Higher Ingredient Load: More active ingredients can be included than in small pills or capsules.
• Versatile Use: Mixes well with wet food, homemade diets, or even dog smoothies.
• No Swallowing Required: Great for dogs who won’t take pills.

Cons:

• Picky Eaters May Resist: Some dogs dislike the taste or smell.
• Can Be Messy: Measuring and mixing takes time and can be inconvenient.
• Stability Issues: Some powders lose potency when exposed to air or moisture.

Gel Capsules

Gelatin or veggie-based capsules are often used to deliver concentrated oils, herbs, or other potent ingredients like fish oil, CBD, or turmeric. Dogs either swallow them whole or owners break them open to mix into food.

Though not as common in mass-market pet products, gel caps are frequently used in prescription supplements and holistic formulations. These supplement types are also commonly used to deliver liquid supplements like fish oil.

Pros:

• Accurate Dosing: Each capsule contains a standardized amount.
• Better Ingredient Protection: Capsules protect sensitive compounds from light and oxygen.
• Low Flavor Detection: Dogs don’t notice the contents if swallowed whole.

Cons:

• Difficult for Some Dogs: Many dogs refuse to swallow pills, even when hidden in food.
• Too Large for Small Breeds: Some capsules are bulky and not suitable for toy breeds.
• Temperature Sensitive: Gel caps may melt or leak if stored improperly.
• Higher Cost: Encapsulation adds to manufacturing expenses.

Tablets & Chewable Tablets

Tablets, especially flavored chewable ones, are one of the most traditional and accessible supplement types. You’ll find them in big-box pet stores and veterinary offices for everything from multivitamins and joint care to dental health and calming aids.

They’re often chosen for their affordability and convenience.

Pros:

• Long Shelf Life: No refrigeration needed.
• Easy to Transport: Great for travel or on-the-go routines.
• Consistent Dosing: Every tablet is precisely measured.
• Palatable Options Available: Chewable formats are often flavored like treats.

Cons:

• May Be Rejected: Some dogs dislike even flavored tablets.
• Hard to Chew: Can be a problem for senior dogs or those with dental issues.
• Dosing Limitations: Tablets may be hard to split if unscored.
• Unwanted Additives: Some contain fillers or artificial flavors that sensitive dogs may react to.

Liquid Supplements

Liquid dog supplements come in pump bottles, droppers, or measuring spoons, and are either added to food or given orally. They’re popular for CBD oil, omega-3s, herbal tinctures, and multivitamin blends.

This format is rapidly gaining traction—especially among holistic pet owners—because it tends to be more palatable and fast-acting.

Pros:

• Fast Absorption: Liquids are more easily absorbed than solid forms.
• Highly Palatable: Dogs often enjoy flavored oils or syrups.
• Flexible Dosing: Ideal for adjusting amounts based on weight or age.
• Easy to Mix: Can be drizzled over food with no fuss.

Cons:

• Shorter Shelf Life: Some liquids degrade faster, especially natural oils.
• Storage Requirements: Many need refrigeration and protection from light.
• Mess Potential: Leaking droppers or sticky residue can be a hassle.
• Flavor Sensitivity: Some herbal flavors may be off-putting to dogs.

What Supplements Should Dogs Take?

This is one of the most common questions pet owners ask—and the answer depends on your dog’s specific health needs, age, diet, and breed. Here are a few common categories:

• Joint Support: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM
• Digestive Health: Probiotics, digestive enzymes, pumpkin fiber
• Skin & Coat: Omega-3 fish oils, zinc, biotin
• Immunity: Antioxidants, medicinal mushrooms, colostrum
• Calming: Valerian root, CBD

If you’re wondering what are good supplements for dogs, start with a nutrition consult. The Animistic team can help you determine what nutrients your dog may be missing from their diet or what can help with chronic conditions.

Powder vs Liquid Dog Supplements: Which Is Better?

When comparing powder vs liquid dog supplements, each format has unique benefits:

• Powders are ideal for bulk dosing and affordability, especially for large dogs or long-term use.
• Liquids are often better for picky eaters and faster absorption, but may be more expensive and perishable.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your dog’s preferences, your lifestyle, and the specific supplement being used.

Are Supplements Good for Dogs?

You might be asking: are supplements good for dogs? In many cases, yes—especially when dogs have specific health concerns or when their commercial diet is lacking in certain nutrients. However, not all supplements are created equal. Look for:

• Third-party testing or certification
• Transparency in ingredient sourcing
• Appropriate dosing instructions

It’s also important not to over-supplement. For example, too much calcium or vitamin D can cause health issues in dogs.
At Animistic, we can help you make smart choices for incorporating nutrient supplements into your dogs diet.

What Supplements Are Best for Dogs?

The answer to what supplements are best for dogs varies by need, but some of the most evidence-supported options include:

• Glucosamine + Chondroitin for joints
• Probiotics for digestive balance
• Omega-3s for skin, coat, and inflammation
• CBD oil for anxiety and pain relief
• Multivitamins for dogs on homemade or raw diets

Look for bioavailable, species-appropriate formulations rather than repurposing human supplements.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re supplementing for prevention or treatment, choosing the right format can make or break your routine. The question isn’t just what supplements should dogs take, but how they should take them. Some formats may work better for your dog’s preferences or your schedule.

To summarize: