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4 min read Pet Parenting 101

What’s the best way to give my dog their supplements?

You’ve tried the cheese slice of deception. The ham of lies. The pill pocket that looks like an old sausage. And now you’re standing over your dog, holding their mouth open like you’re wrestling a crocodile and that tablet’s somehow still ending up on the floor.

 

Most pet owners will know how it goes: your pet needs their allergy meds or heartworm chew and the mind games begin. Some Pet Loyalists swear by hiding it inside something delicious, while others have mastered the art of tucking it behind the back teeth and crossing their fingers until their pet swallows. 

We might laugh about it, but giving your pet something they don’t want — but need — is hard. Food is a key way that dogs and Pet Loyalists connect, and if every slice of cheese has something hidden in it, that can erode the relationship you’ve built.

The good news is that supplements don’t have to taste like medicine anymore. All WellJoy™ treats and supplements are formulated to taste good and do good, with pet-approved recipes (yes, even for the choosiest ones) – so you can give them freely, openly, and with absolutely no deception.

If you’re new to giving your dog supplements, here’s a quick reminder that they’re all about filling in the small but meaningful gaps that diet alone doesn’t always cover.

You’re probably already buying your dog the best food, but even the highest quality recipes are made for general needs rather than your pet’s specific quirks. Finding the right, targeted supplement can do a whole lot of good (try our Quiz if you're looking for a tailored recommendation), including supporting joints, boosting the gut-immune connection, or helping keep their calm on a day-to-day basis.

Think of it like this: nutrition is the foundation, supplements are the fine-tuning.

Still got questions?

Which supplement should I choose?

There’s more choice than ever on the shelves, which is great for pets but hard for their humans to navigate. One quick way of finding a good supplement is to look for a trusted brand that shares guaranteed levels of active ingredients, and that has the NASC Quality Seal. Before adding in anything extra to your pet’s routine, we recommend chatting with your vet – they can help work out which kind of supplement would best support your dog.

WellJoy™ has treats and supplements. What’s the difference?

If you’re looking for something to keep your dog in great condition, then treats can support your pet before any issues crop up. If you already know your dog needs a bit of extra help – maybe they’re older with achy joints, or they’re prone to itchy skin – then a supplement will have more active ingredients to address that particular issue. 

My dog has a few things going on. Can I stack their supplements?

You can stack supplements, but we always recommend talking to your vet first. They’ll be able to identify what’s going on with your dog, and work with you to prioritize which supplement and combo of ingredients would best support their unique needs.

Should I add in supplements gradually, or all at once?

If you’ve decided on one focused supplement, then it’s full steam ahead. However if you’re adding multiple different supplements, we always recommend adding in one at a time so you can register and note down exactly how it’s affecting your dog.

What’s the best way to give my dog their supplements?

Our pet-approved recipes mean our treats and supplements should be delicious for every kind of dog – especially if you treat them just like you would any other delicious reward you’re giving your pet. Giving it to your pet when they’re already hungry (e.g. when they’re staring into your soul five minutes before dinner time) can also help.

But my dog is fussy. I mean, really fussy.

WellJoy™ is formulated to be yummy for every kind of dog, but we know some dogs are particularly picky and that’s ok. It’s best to find the path of least resistance, because all those sneaky ways of getting supplements into your dog can damage the pet-human bond we all value so much. To maintain that positive relationship, we recommend crumbling the soft chew into something that they really, really love – whether that’s their kibble or favorite flavor of wet food – so it all feels like a positive, delicious experience.

How long until I notice a difference?

This depends on a few factors, including what’s in your supplement and what pet need you’re addressing. In some cases, you might notice improvements within a few days, but for the most part, long-term change is going to need a bit of patience – think in months, rather than weeks. Stick with it, Dog Loyalist, because it’s all worth it in the end.

Can my pet take supplements forever?

All WellJoy™ supplements are safe for your dog to take long-term, so they can keep on supporting your pet for years to come, if you’d like. Of course, your pet’s body changes over time, so as they move into their senior years or experience different challenges, you might want to talk to your vet about adding in new supplements as and when they’re needed.

If you’re currently thinking about adding in some extras to your dog’s routine, WellJoy Joint+, Calming+ and Immune+ supplements can all offer targeted support, depending on what your dog needs. Our range of Dental+, Immune+ and Joint+ treats also give your dog an added boost at treat time, to help them stay in top condition.

As a reminder, all of our products contain our GutBoost™ biotic blend, which both supports your dog’s essential gut wellness and helps get the absolute most out of targeted ingredients in their chosen treats and supplements.

We’re proud to say that all of WellJoy’s content is fact-checked and verified by a Pet Loyalist team, including a veterinarian trained in companion animal nutrition and a PhD board-certified companion animal nutritionist.