How to Choose the Right Supplement for Your Dog or Cat

If you’ve ever sat there scrolling through 200 different pet supplements wondering what on earth you’re meant to buy… you’re not alone. Most people end up guessing, buying the wrong thing, or mixing loads of stuff that doesn’t actually target the real issue.

This is a straight, honest guide. No faff. Just how to pick the right supplement based on what’s actually going on with your dog or cat.

1. Start With the Real Problem

Before you even look at products, ask yourself: “What’s the actual issue?”

If your dog is itchy, get skin support. If your cat has soft stools, get gut support. If your dog’s stiff, get joint support. You get the idea.

Once you’ve matched the issue to the right category, choosing becomes a hell of a lot easier.

2. If Your Pet Has Itchy Skin, Yeast, Hotspots or a Dull Coat

Skin problems are probably the most common thing people message me about. If your dog is chewing their paws, stinks of yeast, rolling on the carpet, or just looks uncomfortable, you need skin-specific products.

That includes things like:

• Skin & coat powders
• Yeast support
• Silver gels
• Proper skin shampoos

Don’t waste time throwing random supplements at a skin issue – it won’t fix it. Go straight for skin support.

3. Soft Stools, Scooting or Anal Gland Problems

If your dog has sloppy poo, keeps scooting, or you constantly get the “fish smell”, that’s gut/anal gland territory.

For this you want:

• A decent pre & probiotic
• A fibre blend for anal glands
• Bone broth if you want to soothe things a bit

Gut issues don’t magically disappear unless you support the gut properly. Nothing else will sort it.

4. Seasonal Allergies, Grass Reactions or Low Immunity

If your dog reacts to grass, pollen, or seems to pick up every single bug going, you want allergy or immune support.

The aim here is things that help the body cope better:

• Allergy-focused powders or tinctures
• Immune tonics
• Nosodes (for immune-type support)

This is where most people go wrong. They buy “general wellbeing” stuff when the problem is literally allergies.

5. Stiffness, Slowing Down or Mobility Issues

If your dog looks stiff getting up, struggles with stairs, or just seems older than they should, you need a joint supplement — nothing else will do.

Look for things like:

• Green lipped mussel
• Turmeric
• MSM
• Glucosamine

General supplements won’t fix joints. You need proper joint support.

6. Anxiety, Stress or Travel Sickness

If your dog is clingy, jumpy, hates fireworks, or throws up in the car, you want calming or travel support. Simple as that.

Things that work well:

• Calming powders or liquid blends
• Herbal teas
• Travel tonics for sickness

You don’t need to “try everything” — just choose one and give it time to work.

7. Daily Wellbeing or Raw Feeding Support

If your pet’s generally fine but you just want to boost their diet, there are proper daily wellbeing bits you can add:

• Superfood powders
• Bone broth
• Goats milk
• Immune tonics

These are ideal for raw-fed pets, fussy eaters, or anyone who just wants their dog or cat to thrive a bit more.

8. Keep It Simple

Here’s the truth: most supplements need 2–4 weeks of consistent use to show proper results. People think nothing works because they hop between products too fast.

Pick one product that matches the actual issue and stick with it.

9. If Your Pet Has Sensitivities – Bespoke Might Be Best

If your dog reacts to common herbs or needs clean, simple formulas without certain ingredients, bespoke options are worth considering.

They’re great for:

• Pets with allergies
• Sensitive stomachs
• Dogs who flare up easily
• Owners who want something made exactly for their pet

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right supplement isn’t complicated once you actually match the product to the problem. If you ever get stuck or don’t know what your pet needs, just ask — honestly, it’s way easier to recommend something when I know what’s actually going on.