Dog owners view their pet as a member of the family. Increasing their life span and overall happiness is of prime concern. Dogs of all ages can benefit from taking dog health supplements in conjunction with their normal food. But, with so many out there, how and what do we choose? You need first to make an evaluation of the dog. This evaluation must consider a number of factors; among those are: age, level of conditioning, level of training, time of year, and competition plans. Vitamins are required for bone growth, good vision, and for the body's metabolism. Minerals are essential for strong bones and teeth. Supplements cannot make up for poor quality of foods, improper or inadequate training and conditioning. Yet, they are necessary for your dog to be healthy and strong. Thus, dog supplements are just that, supplements, or additions to help get the most out of the food, to help minimize the stressful effects of the hard work of good training and to allow the dogs to reach their personal best potential in health and fitness.