Choosing the right supplement delivery can make all the difference when it comes to your dog’s health and your sanity. Two of the most common forms you’ll find are soft chews for dogs and traditional tablets.
Getting to know how they differ can help you pick a format that your pup will actually eat, while ensuring they get the right dose every time.
What are soft chews for dogs?
Soft chews resemble small, flavored treats that are packed with active ingredients—everything from joint support compounds like glucosamine to vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, or calming agents. They come in a range of tastes (chicken, fish, peanut butter) and textures designed to appeal to even the pickiest eaters. Because they look and taste like treats, many dogs will happily gobble them without a second thought.
What are supplement tablets for dogs?
Tablets are the classic pill—a compact, measured dose of active ingredients compressed into a solid form. Some tablets are chewable, but many must be hidden in food or given directly using your hand or a pill dispenser. While tablets often deliver nutrients efficiently, getting your dog to accept them can require tricks like cheese or peanut butter.
Key differences at a glance
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Palatability
- Soft chews: Treat-like flavors entice dogs to eat voluntarily.
- Tablets: Often require disguising or direct administration.
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Administration ease
- Soft chews: Can be offered by hand or tossed like a treat.
- Tablets: May need to be hidden in food or pilled.
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Dosage precision
- Soft chews: Sometimes require multiple pieces to match tablet strength.
- Tablets: Fixed, consistent dose per pill.
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Cost effectiveness
- Soft chews: Tend to cost more per active milligram.
- Tablets: Generally more affordable if one pill meets the daily requirement.
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Suitability for age/health
- Soft chews: Easier for small breeds, seniors, or dogs with dental issues.
- Tablets: Can be harder to chew for older dogs with tooth loss.
Pros and cons
Soft chews
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Pros:
- High palatability makes dosing easy.
- Soft texture ideal for older dogs or those with dental sensitivities.
- Wide variety of flavors can mask less-appetizing nutrients.
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Cons:
- Often pricier per dose.
- May require 2–3 chews to equal one tablet’s potency.
- Extra calories—important to account for in weight-sensitive dogs.
Tablets
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Pros:
- Precise, single-dose delivery.
- Typically lower cost per active ingredient.
- Shelf life often longer than chewable formats.
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Cons:
- Harder to administer without food disguises or a pill gun.
- Some dogs refuse “pills.”
- Chewable tablets have fewer flavor options than soft chews.
How to choose the right form
- Consider your dog’s preference: Watch how they react to treat-like supplements versus pilling rituals.
- Check dosage needs: If your dog needs a high daily dose, tablets might be more cost-effective.
- Factor in age and dental health: Senior dogs or those with missing teeth often do better with soft chews.
- Account for calories: Soft chews can add extra calories, so factor these into your dog’s diet.
- Consult your veterinarian: They can recommend both form and ingredients based on your dog’s health profile.
The better way to supplement
If you’ve been struggling to get your dog to take their daily joint or multivitamin, switching to a soft chew could be the solution. Our Super Chew soft chews combine glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s, and more in a flavor your pup will love—making consistency easier for you and support stronger for them.
Whether you opt for a treat-like chew or a classic pill, what matters most is that your dog gets the support they need. By weighing palatability, dosage, and cost, you’ll find the right format to keep tails wagging and health on track.