Natural vs. Synthetic: What’s in Your Pet’s Supplement?

When it comes to your pet’s health, supplements can be a powerful tool.From joint support to shiny coats, better digestion to allergy relief—vitamins and supplements can play a big role in helping dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.

But here’s the catch...Not all supplements are made equal. And what many pet owners don’t realize is this:

The difference between natural and synthetic ingredients can be huge.

Let’s dig into why that matters, what to look for, and how to tell if your pet is actually getting the benefits you're paying for.

What Are Natural Supplements?

Natural supplements are made from real food or plant-based sources.The nutrients are extracted directly from things like fruits, vegetables, herbs, or even animal tissues (like fish oil or liver powder).

These are nutrients your pet’s body recognizes and knows how to use.

Common Examples:

• Fish oil (natural source of omega-3s)

• Turmeric or curcumin (for inflammation and joint health)

• Green-lipped mussel (natural joint support)

• Blueberries, spinach, sweet potato (rich in antioxidants)

Benefits of Natural Supplements:

• Better Absorption: The body knows how to process whole food-based nutrients.

• Less Risk of Side Effects: Gentler on the stomach and more bioavailable.

• Naturally Balanced: Often include trace minerals and co-nutrients that work together for better results.

Downsides:

• More expensive to produce

• Can have slight variation in potency due to natural sourcing

• Some may spoil quicker or need refrigeration

What About Synthetic Supplements?

Synthetic supplements are created in a lab. They’re designed to chemically mimic the structure of natural vitamins and minerals.

They may work fine in many cases, but there are some drawbacks you should know about.

Examples:

• Synthetic vitamin E (listed as dl-alpha tocopherol)

• Ascorbic acid (synthetic form of vitamin C)

• Retinyl acetate (synthetic vitamin A)

• Glucosamine sulfate (often synthetic)

Benefits of Synthetic Supplements:

• Cheaper and easier to produce

• Longer shelf life

• Consistent dosage in every batch

Downsides:

• Lower Absorption: Some synthetic forms aren’t absorbed well by pets.

• May Contain Fillers: Cheap supplements often include binders, artificial flavours, or unnecessary ingredients.

• Lack of Supporting Nutrients: Synthetic versions are usually isolated nutrients, not complete complexes like in nature.

Some synthetic ingredients are harmless, but others may do more harm than good over time—especially if the supplement is low quality.

🐾 Reading the Label: What to Look For

Pet supplement labels can be confusing. But here are a few red flags and green lights to guide you:

GOOD SIGNS:

• Whole food ingredients listed (e.g., “organic kelp,” “spinach powder,” “salmon oil”)

• Words like "naturally derived," "plant-based," or "cold-pressed"

• Transparent sourcing (brands that say where their ingredients come from)

• No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives

• Third-party tested or certified (e.g., GMP certified, organic)

RED FLAGS:

• Ingredients like “artificial flavour,” “FD&C colors,” or “propylene glycol”

• Vague terms like “animal digest” or “meat by-product”

• No clear mention of ingredient sources or certifications

So… Which Is Better?

Natural supplements are generally the better option for long-term use.They're more easily absorbed, less likely to irritate sensitive systems, and closer to what your pet would get from real food.

That said, a high-quality synthetic supplement can still be safe and effective—especially for targeted support like joint pain or digestive help. The key is to make sure it’s tested, recommended by vets, and doesn’t contain a bunch of junk.

Your pet’s supplement should be as clean and honest as your own.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Read labels. Do your research. Your dog or cat depends on you to make the best choice for them.

Bonus Tip: Stick With Trusted Brands

If you're unsure where to start, look for brands that:

• Specialize in pet health (not just generic or human brands)

• Use veterinarian-formulated blends

• Have a track record of transparency and quality

• Are upfront about exactly what's inside each chew, capsule, or powder