To help keep dogs healthy, most pet parents want to do everything right—feeding a "complete and balanced" diet, providing exercise, and keeping up with vet visits. But a question we hear often is: “If my dog eats a balanced diet, do they really need supplements?”

The short answer? Yes—most dogs can benefit from targeted supplementation, even if their main food is labeled as nutritionally complete. Diet is the foundation of good health, but it’s not the whole story. In this article, we’ll explain why supplements matter, what nutrients may be missing from commercial diets, and how to support your dog at every life stage with natural, science-backed ingredients.

The Three Main Types of Dog Diets

Let’s start with the basics: the type of food your dog eats can influence their nutritional needs.

Dry kibble is the most popular dog food format because it’s affordable, convenient, and shelf-stable. It’s typically heat-processed and formulated to meet AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional guidelines. The downside is that high heat destroys many natural nutrients, enzymes, and healthy fats. Kibble often contains fillers, preservatives, and low-grade protein sources. Long-term, it can contribute to issues like joint stiffness, poor digestion, and dull coats.

Wet or canned food usually contains more animal protein and moisture than kibble, making it a good choice for picky eaters or dogs with dental issues. However, it’s still processed and often lacking in natural antioxidants or enzymes. It can also be more expensive for daily feeding and has a short shelf life once opened.

Raw or lightly cooked diets are growing in popularity, especially among health-conscious dog owners. They focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients like raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. These diets are nutrient-rich and closer to a dog’s ancestral diet. However, they may lack balance in calcium, phosphorus, trace minerals, and vitamins if not carefully formulated. They also require proper food handling to avoid bacterial contamination.

Are These Diets Truly “Complete and Balanced”?

Commercial dog food brands often claim to be “complete and balanced,” but this typically means they meet the minimum nutritional standards—not necessarily the optimal levels for long-term health. Many dogs still develop joint issues, skin allergies, poor gut health, low energy, and early signs of aging. Why? Because their diet may be missing key functional nutrients that support the body beyond the basics.

What Nutrients Could Be Missing?

Even high-quality diets can fall short in certain essential or supportive nutrients.

Collagen is found in connective tissue, cartilage, and skin. It supports joints, mobility, skin health, and gut lining. It’s not typically found in kibble or cooked meats.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds that help protect and rebuild cartilage. They’re often missing or included in very small doses in commercial foods.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound with anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting properties. It’s not found in standard diets.

Organic spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and immune-boosting nutrients. It helps with detoxification, skin health, and overall vitality.

Vitamin C is produced naturally in small amounts by dogs, but their needs increase under stress or illness. Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, immune defence, and joint repair.

Green lipped mussel is a natural source of omega-3s, glucosamine, chondroitin, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). It supports joint lubrication, reduces inflammation, and can ease arthritis symptoms. It also provides marine-based trace minerals often lacking in commercial foods.

Popular Dog Diet Trends & Why Supplements Still Matter

Dog owners today are more ingredient-conscious than ever. Some of the most popular dog diet trends include grain-free diets (common for dogs with allergies but may lack certain fibre types), raw/fresh food delivery services (healthier but often low in joint-supportive nutrients), and limited ingredient diets (great for sensitivities but may lack nutritional variety). Even with better food, dogs can still benefit from functional supplements that address long-term health goals, like aging gracefully, staying mobile, and maintaining a shiny coat.

How Supplements Help Dogs at Every Life Stage

Even healthy young dogs can benefit from early supplementation—especially active breeds or large breeds prone to joint issues later in life. Collagen, glucosamine, MSM, and green lipped mussel support growing joints. Spirulina and vitamin C provide antioxidant support and promote strong immune systems. This builds a solid foundation for longer-term health.

Adult dogs, even if seemingly healthy, may have low-grade inflammation from diet, environment, or activity levels. Supplementing helps maintain mobility and energy. Collagen can help to keep tendons, skin, and gut lining strong. Spirulina and green lipped mussel help detoxify and reduce inflammation. Vitamin C strengthens immune response and joint tissue.

As dogs age, they naturally lose collagen, cartilage, and muscle mass. Mobility declines, and chronic conditions like arthritis, digestive problems, and immune dysfunction become more common. Supplements can help reduce joint pain and inflammation (MSM, green lipped mussel, collagen), improve coat health and skin resilience (spirulina, vitamin C), support mental alertness and vitality, and strengthen the gut to reduce food sensitivities. These additions can dramatically improve quality of life and help senior dogs stay active and comfortable for longer.

The Case for an All-in-One Supplement

Rather than juggling multiple pills or powders, many pet parents are turning to all-in-one daily formulas for simplicity and consistency. Benefits of all-in-one supplements include convenience (no need to manage multiple products), balanced formulation (nutrients work together synergistically), cost-effectiveness, and better compliance (chewable or powder forms that dogs enjoy).

Look for a high-quality supplement that includes marine collagen for joint, skin, and gut health; green lipped mussel for anti-inflammatory and joint repair support; glucosamine and MSM for cartilage health and pain relief; organic spirulina for immune support and detoxification; and vitamin C to boost collagen production and reduce oxidative stress.

So, Do Dogs Need Supplements if They Eat a Balanced Diet?

Yes—because “balanced” doesn’t always mean complete for optimal health. It means meeting minimum requirements, not maximising well-being. Supplements can fill in the gaps, support targeted health goals, and give your dog that extra boost to stay active, vibrant, and healthy for as long as possible.

Every dog deserves to feel their best—whether they’re bounding through the park as a puppy or lounging peacefully in their senior years. Supplements are one of the easiest, most impactful ways to enhance your dog’s health beyond the basics of food and exercise. And with today’s stresses—pollution, processed diets, aging, and environmental toxins—a daily supplement is no longer optional. It’s essential.