Did you know the label on your dog’s favourite supplement might be hiding more than it reveals? Buzzwords like ‘all-natural’ and ‘premium’ sound great, but what do they really mean? Spoiler alert: not much.
As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry friend. But the the truth is, many supplement brands rely on marketing tricks to sell products that may not be as healthy or as transparent as they seem. Misleading labels can mean the difference between a product that truly supports your pet’s health and one that simply fills the gaps with cheap, synthetic ingredients.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the most common tricks brands use, teach you how to decode dog supplement labels like a pro, and explain why whole-food based products are the gold standard for your pets’ health.
Behind The Label: What Brands Don’t Want You To See
Ever noticed how some labels scream ‘all-natural’ in big, bold letters? Sound great, right? Except, in the pet supplement world, ‘all-natural’ doesn’t really mean much. It’s not regulated, which means a product could be stuffed with lab-made ingredients and still slap that label on. The same goes for terms like ‘premium’ or ‘vet-recommended’, they’re often more about marketing than quality.
According to FEDIAF guidelines, the term ‘natural’ should mean minimally processed, but enforcement is inconsistent. This means that even heavily processed ingredients can sneak under the radar with a natural-sounding name.
Then there are the ingredients themselves. Take ‘natural flavourings’ for example. It sounds harmless, even good. But did you know it could include anything from meat by-products to synthetic chemicals? And don’t even get us started on proprietary blends. These are the ultimate black box; don’t have to disclose how much of each ingredient is included, leaving you guessing about what your pet is really getting.
The Great Divide: Synthetic Vs. Whole-Food Supplements
Not all supplements are created equal. One of the biggest divides in the industry? Synthetic Vs whole-food ingredients. Most supplements on the market today are packed with synthetics; nutrients that are lab-made to mimic the ones found in nature. They’re cheaper to produce and easy to standardise, but here’s the catch: your dog’s body doesn’t process them the same way it would nutrients from whole foods.
Whole-food supplements, on the other hand, are made from minimally processed, natural sources like fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They’re rich in complementary nutrients that work together, making them easier for your dog to absorb and use. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t expect to thrive on a diet of vitamin pills alone, your dog is no different.
So how can you tell the difference? Look at the ingredient list. Synthetic supplements often list isolated chemical names like ‘calcium carbonate’ or ;DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate’ But whole-food supplements? You’ll see things like ‘ground eggshell powder’ or ‘sunflower seeds.’ The difference is clear, literally.
Label Decoding 101: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
Decoding a dog supplement label can feel like solving a mystery, but it doesn’t have to. The first clue? The ingredients list. A good supplement will clearly state the exact the exact ingredients it used, like ‘dandelion root powder’ or ‘pumpkin powder.’ If you see vague terms like ‘natural flavourings’ or overly complex names like ‘DL-methionine,’ it’s time to dig deeper or look elsewhere.
Next, check for whole-food sources. Ingredients like ‘kelp powder’ or ‘ground eggshell’ are good signs of a natural product. Synthetic alternatives often come with chemical-sounding names that you pets’ body may struggle to process. And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for overused buzzwords like ‘all-natural’; these terms are often more about marketing than quality.
Finally, do a little homework on the brand itself. Are they transparent about their ingredients and sourcing? Do they share dosages or hide behind ‘proprietary blends’? A brand that values your trust will be upfront about what’s in their product and why.
Check for Proper Nutritional Information
Here’s another sneaky trick to watch out for: is the product showing the right nutritional information for pets? In the UK, pet food and supplements are required to list analytical constituents; things like crude protein, crude fibre, and fat content so you can properly evaluate what your dog is eating. But some brands make the mistake of using human-style nutrition labels, listing energy, sugars, or carbs instead.
Quick Tip: If you see human nutritional info but no analytical constituents, the product isn’t compliant or transparent about its suitability for pets.
Why Fettle Stands Out In a Crowded Market
We believe pet parents deserve to know exactly what’s in their dog’s supplements, and why. That’s why every product we make comes with complete transparency. No ‘proprietary blends,’ no vague terms, and no shortcuts. Just honest, straightforward labelling that tells you everything you need to know.
We also go beyond the basics with our ingredients. Fettle supplements are made from whole food, like pumpkin powder and kelp seaweed powder, because we know that’s how your pets’ body naturally absorbs nutrients. We avoid synthetic additives and focus on natural, nutrient-rich sources that truly support your pets’ health.
And the best part? It’s not just about what we use, it’s how we make it. Everything is produced in-house, so we can guarantee the highest quality at every step. From our milk thistle powder that helped Digby (Taylor’s Flat Coat) recover from heavy medication to our goat milk packed with enzymes and prebiotics, every product is designed with your pets’ health in mind.
Your Dog Deserves Better: Start Reading Labels Today
Your dog depends on you to make the right choices, and that starts with knowing what’s in not just their supplements but all of their food. Labels don’t have to be a mystery; by looking beyond the buzzwords and learning to spot the tricks, you can ensure your furry friend gets the nutrients they truly need.
We’re here to make it easy. Our products are crafted with full transparency and whole-food ingredients, so you never have to guess. Ready to take the first step Explore our range of natural supplements or reach out to use with your questions, we’re always here to help.
Because when it comes to your pets’ health, you deserve honest, and they deserve the best.