If you're feeding commercial kibble or canned food, the bag or can will doubtless be labeled with a statement that the food is complete and balanced. Does that mean that supplements are unnecessary? Perhaps. But perhaps not. If your poodle has some health problems, supplements might be in order. However, too much of any nutrient can be a bad idea, so don't give supplements without doing research or consulting with your veterinarian. A holistic veterinarian is more likely to be well versed on the use of supplements than a conventional one.

If you're feeding a home-prepared diet, supplements will be part of the diet (just as commercial food has vitamins added before it gets to you). Do your research before you embark on a fresh-food diet, to make sure that you provide all the necessary nutrients, either from the ingredients themselves or through supplements. Some commercially prepared raw foods already include supplements, while others don't. Read the ingredients carefully.

One type of supplement that has gained favor among both conventional and holistic vets is essential fatty acids (EFAs), which can be helpful for dogs with itchy skin (and can help your dog avoid itchy skin). Talk with your vet about a product like DermCaps, or get advice on simply adding oils to your poodle's food.