Every so often, I find myself sitting down with a cup of my favourite green tea, and a familiar email comes in: “Should I rotate my dog’s supplements?”
It’s a question stemming from genuine concern: “If I blend other brands with your Dr. Dobias Naturals line, am I helping or hindering my dog’s health?”
The question makes sense because human nature gravitates toward variety—change of seasons, change of clothes, new hobbies or places to move to. But when it comes to dog supplements, the answer isn’t as simple as “more is more.” In my experience, consistency outshines variety and jumping around from supplement to supplement, as long as you choose the right one.
A Wild Feast, A Modern Dilemma
Imagine, for a moment, your dog is a wolf drifting through wild meadows and shaded forests. Each meal brings something new, dictated by nature’s seasonal menu: roots one day, berries the next, trout one day, rabbit another, and an elk on a lucky day. In the wild, variety is part of survival.
But our world—filled with depleted farmland, industrial food chains, and labels that hide unhealthy ingredients under more healthy-sounding terms —means nutrients aren’t what they used to be.
Supplements exist because — if formulated well — they fill gaps that nature’s bounty once handled.
Modern supplement rotation, however, isn’t nature’s way of providing variety. It’s more like swapping puzzle pieces from mismatched boxes, hoping they snugly fit.
Why Do People Want to Rotate?
After years of listening, three themes come up:
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- Wanting to “give their dog a break”
- Fear of “too much of one thing”
- Hoping mixing brands equals better nutrition
I’m certain these thoughts are an expression of kindness, care and caution. But they can unintentionally create confusion and chaos, which is why I don’t rotate supplements.
I’ve been a veterinarian long enough to see the pendulum swing in every direction. Full disclosure: Pax and I take our supplements daily and stick to a proven routine built on experience with thousands of dogs and people.
Here Are the Main Reasons
1. Quality and sourcing
When I surveyed the market more than 15 years ago, I was astounded by the lack of standards: vague sourcing, most of it from China, questionable packaging, and formulas that didn’t make sense to me.
So that’s why I started formulating my own, being a “little” obsessive about everything: from sourcing, manufacturing, to even the glass jars!
I chose a human-certified organic production facility and was adamant about using two-stage fermentation to increase bioavailability and efficacy, and handpicked all the ingredients on the foundation of experience and research.
2. Why I believe nutritional rotation isn’t necessary
The body doesn’t care about rotation or label statements; it cares about nutrient quality and bioavailability.
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- If calcium is missing—provide it in the most bioavailable form.
- Omega-3s? Make sure they’re clean, protected against oxidation and sustainably sourced.
- B vitamins, as one example, are another rabbit hole: many non-fermented types provoke stomach upset and are poorly absorbed compared to the gentle, two-step fermented form.
- If calcium is missing—provide it in the most bioavailable form.
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So, should you take a supplement break?
I give Pax one rest day (a gentle pause, not an iron-clad rule) to process, store or throw out what his body doesn’t need. There is no scientific proof; honestly, it just makes sense to me.
The good news is that we don’t have to micromanage the body’s complex metabolism process; all we need to do is offer essential nutrients, and the body will do the rest on autopilot.
I do the same, and give my body one day rest from supplements. And—touch wood—in my sixth decade, I am mobile, fit and most of all very grateful.
As years go by, my partner and I are pretty much the only ones from our friend group who are still moving and injury-free. I am humble about it, but I confess, it always makes me smile when I see the surprised reaction from a trainer or massage therapist when I share my age!
You may find it funny, but in 2025, I finally accepted that what my team and I do, and the supplements we make, are unique and special.
Are There Times for Other Supplement Brands?
Absolutely. Sometimes a specific need pops up—a unique health concern for Pax or one of my patients, and I have not yet formulated a supplement that addresses it.
When that happens, I carefully choose a supplement, for example, a special glandular, or a targeted herbal formula, but only after scrutinizing composition, sourcing and quality.
I prefer founder-led companies that care much more about quality, health and wellbeing than pleasing shareholders to cut down costs.
The Heart of the Matter
Most people aren’t really asking about rotation—they’re asking: How can I make sure my dog gets all they need to live a healthy and long life?
The truth is, you don’t need a lottery of brands or breakneck change to provide your dog with great health. Build a daily routine with the brand you trust, relax, and witness the transformation.
Final Thoughts
In the pristine wild, variety is everywhere—but so are uncertainty and gaps. Today’s dogs depend on thoughtful, consistent choices from those who love them—you, my dear dog lover!
Stick with a trusted core program, keep an eye on any changes and do not change what you and others see working well. Supplements are more than powders in bottles—they’re the result of real knowledge, experience, care, and commitment. They are one of the foundations of lifelong vitality.
This makes me think of other aspects of life where these principles could be applied—relationships or places we love. When they work for us, stick with them.
The Easy Path for You and Your Dog
I believe that the best way to support is to share my professional opinion, make suggestions, and leave the rest up to you.
If you ever worry your dog is missing out, or wonder if you are too, the Fab4 H+ (for you) and Fab4 (for your dog) bundles provide comprehensive, daily support—minerals, amino acids, organ health support, vitamins, and omega oils. They also come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
It makes me happy that I can offer these products that Pax and I use to you.
