Canine Health Supplements: Part I

Formulations: A Look Beyond The Label

What Is a Supplement "Formulation"?

If you’ve ever picked up a supplement—human or pet—and thought, “Wow, that sounds impressive,” you’re not alone. Words like formulation, clinically designed, and proprietary blend are meant to inspire confidence. They sound scientific. They feel exclusive. But, sometimes… they hide more than they reveal.

At the most basic level, a formulation is simply a combination of ingredients designed to work together toward a specific goal—joint support, gut health, detox support, calming, you name it. In a perfect world, a formulation is thoughtfully designed, dosed appropriately, and transparent about what’s inside and why.

But here’s the catch: the word formulation itself is not regulated. Anyone can use it. It doesn’t guarantee quality, effectiveness, or even meaningful doses.

Why Proprietary Blends Deserve a Second Look

This is where things get extra shiny—and extra slippery.

A proprietary blend or proprietary formula allows a company to list the ingredients included without disclosing the amount of each individual ingredient. Legally, they only have to list the total weight of the blend.

So while it may look like your pet is getting a powerhouse mix of herbs, amino acids, mushrooms, or vitamins… you have absolutely no way of knowing:

• Which ingredient is doing the heavy lifting

• Which ingredients are sprinkled in at fairy-dust levels

• Whether any ingredient is present in a clinically relevant dose

Why This Can Be a Problem

This lack of transparency opens the door to some underhanded (but very legal) practices.

That high-quality herb or trendy ingredient on the label may be included in a dose so small it has no real physiological effect—just enough to justify its place on the label. Meanwhile, lower-cost ingredients can make up the bulk of the blend’s weight, padding the formula while the most valuable components sit quietly at the bottom of the list.

Without disclosed amounts, there’s no accountability and no way for practitioners—or informed pet parents—to evaluate whether the formulation aligns with research, clinical experience, or species-appropriate dosing. The result is often a product that looks impressive on paper but falls flat where it actually counts.

Transparency Goes Beyond the Label: A Real World Example

The highest level of transparency in the supplement world goes beyond a clean label—it shows up in third-party testing. Reputable companies send their products to independent laboratories to verify ingredient identity, potency, and purity, with results documented in Certificates of Analysis (COAs). These COAs may be posted directly on a company’s website or made available upon request, allowing pet parents and practitioners to verify that what’s on the label is actually in the product—and in meaningful amounts.

That said, not every company can afford routine third-party testing for every batch. Transparency doesn’t start and end with a lab report—it also shows up in communication.

Here’s a real-life example. I recently came across a product that claimed to include all of the essential amino acids a dog requires, delivered in a chew. On the surface, that sounds great. But as a general rule, I tend to be cautious with chews because they require a long list of other ingredients—binders, flavorings, and stabilizers—to make them hold together.

When I visited the company’s website, I couldn’t find a complete ingredient list anywhere. That alone raised a red flag. So I emailed the company asking for a full list of ingredients. I never received a response. And because transparency includes accessibility and communication, I never ordered the product.

Any company you choose to work with should be willing—and able—to answer questions clearly, honestly, and promptly via phone or email. Friendly communication, thoughtful responses, and a willingness to educate speak volumes. When brands are open, accessible, and responsive, trust naturally follows. When they aren’t, that’s information too.

Why Transparency Matters—Especially for Pets

A transparent supplement allows you to understand exactly what your pet is receiving, how it fits into the bigger picture, and whether it complements other therapies or support strategies. This is the foundation of true informed consent—not blind trust in marketing language.

In Conclusion

Animals don’t get placebo benefits. Their bodies respond—or they don’t. When we’re supporting a dog or cat with chronic issues, detox pathways, gut imbalances, or mobility challenges, dose matters, quality matters, and clarity matters.

A proprietary formula isn’t automatically bad—but it should invite questions, not blind trust. When a company won’t disclose ingredient amounts and won’t engage in open, respectful communication, you’re being asked to rely on marketing rather than meaningful information.

At Everwell Pets, we believe you deserve better than that. You deserve to know what you’re giving, how much you’re giving, and why it matters—because empowered pet parents make informed decisions, which minimize potential risks and optimize benefits, leading to healthier animals.

Next week we’ll break down how to read a supplement label like a pro—and how to spot red flags before they ever make it into your cart. Stay tuned!

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