Dog Supplements in the UK: What ‘Complementary Feed’ Means and How to Choose

Dog Supplements in the UK: What ‘Complementary Feed’ Means and How to Choose

Short answer: in the UK, most dog supplements are sold as complementary feed. This means they are made to be given alongside your dog's normal food, not instead of it. Feed law controls what the label must say, and it bans claims that a feed will prevent, treat or cure a disease. A quick look at the label tells you a lot about a product.

Complete feed or complementary feed?

  • Complete feed is food that provides everything your dog needs every day on its own, such as most bags of kibble.
  • Complementary feed is designed to be used with other food. Treats, toppers and most supplement chews fall into this group. You'll see the words "complementary feed for dogs" on the label.

What the law says about claims

Pet food and supplements in Great Britain are covered by retained feed law (Regulation (EC) No 767/2009). Its main points:

  • Labels must not claim the product will prevent, treat or cure a disease.
  • Claims about supporting normal body functions are allowed, for example "supports healthy joints" or "supports digestion". The company must be able to back them up with evidence if asked.
  • Labelling must be truthful and not misleading. UK Pet Food, the industry body, publishes guidance on this.

So if a dog supplement promises to "cure arthritis" or "treat allergies", treat that as a warning sign. Medicines for animals are licensed separately and prescribed or supplied through vets and pharmacists.

What a good label should show

  • the words "complementary feed for dogs"
  • the composition (ingredients) and additives, such as vitamins, with amounts
  • analytical constituents (protein, fat, fibre and ash)
  • feeding instructions by weight
  • a batch number and best before date
  • the name and address of the business responsible, and a way to contact them

Five questions to ask before you buy

  1. How much of each key ingredient is in a daily serving? "Contains glucosamine" tells you much less than "500 mg glucosamine per 2 chews".
  2. Where is it made, and to what standard? Look for manufacturing standards such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and ISO 9001 quality management.
  3. Is the dose based on weight? A Chihuahua and a Labrador should not get the same amount.
  4. Does it avoid disease claims? Honest brands talk about support, not cures.
  5. Can you ask questions? A real contact page and clear policies are a good sign.

How we label Lakshio chews

All Lakshio chews are labelled as complementary feed for dogs. They are made in a GMP and ISO 9001:2015-certified facility, with clear amounts per serving and feeding guidance by weight on every product page. We describe what each ingredient supports, never what it cures. Explore the range:

Not sure your dog needs a supplement at all? Read Does my dog need a multivitamin? A UK guide, and talk to your vet if your dog has a health condition or takes medication.

This guide is general information, not legal or veterinary advice. Sources: Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 as retained in UK law (legislation.gov.uk); UK Pet Food labelling guidance.

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