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My healthy dog eats a balanced diet. Should I give supplements?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 6 years and 5 months old | 17 lbs

What supplements are recommended for a healthy 6 year old cavalier King Charles spaniel who is fed a well balanced and complete diet? Please explain.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2018

A dog that is fed a well balanced complete diet for the size of his breed, will not need any supplements at all. If you add supplements you will upset the balance of the diet. Unless your dog is lacking certain minerals or vitamins (proven by a blood test) I do not recommend you feed a supplement. Keep feeding a good diet and all should be well.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2017

    If you are feeding a high quality, well balanced diet and your dog has no underlying health conditions, additional supplements are unlikely to be required. If you have any concerns, a full check up should be performed to identify the underlying conditions and advise on any supplements which can help. If your dog is a picky eater or on a mixed diet then certain supplements can help to replace nutrients which she is not consuming and the advice of a nutritionist to balance the diet should be considered

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