Doggie Dailies

Do dogs that take Doggie Dailies Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs live happier, healthier lives than dogs that take other supplements or no supplements at all? Who knows? Apparently not Doggie Dailies.

In response to a recent inquiry by the National Advertising Division (The National Advertising Division (NAD) is the advertising industry’s self-regulatory body administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.), rather than provide support for the following claims, the company allegedly removed them from circulation:

• (This is Fido speaking.) “Help increase my energy levels and maintain my mobility and overall joint health, allowing me to live a happier, healthier life for years to come!”
• “Help give your dog relief from pain caused by aging, hip dysplasia, or arthritis.”
• “A joint supplement that goes above and beyond standard glucosamine for dogs.”
• “Stop wasting your time and money on dog supplements that don’t work; Order Doggie Dailies Glucosamine for Dogs and see why we’re one of the top rated dog supplements.”

NAD did not specify in its March 3 press release exactly where these “online advertising claims” appeared. Last week, TINA.org asked NAD whether “online advertising” meant ads on the company’s website, ads on other websites or both, as TINA.org had found similar superiority claims on an Amazon listing for Doggie Dailies, including:

• “Every delicious chicken flavored soft chew contains the perfect balance of six powerful active ingredients not found together in other dog joint supplements on the market.”
• “… contains the perfect balance of six powerful active ingredients not found together in other hip and joint supplements on the market.”
• “Top Rated Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs”

NAD did not respond to our question. But Doggie Dailies did.

Alex Brown, a partner at the company, said in an email to TINA.org: “We looked over our Amazon listing when we were contacted by NAD but if there is anything that was overlooked we will look into it right away. … We are a small, three person company and we care greatly about our business and doing things the right way.”

After TINA.org provided Brown with the claims listed above, he made immediate changes to the Amazon listing. Edits to the page included:

• “Every delicious chicken flavored soft chew contains the perfect balance of six powerful active ingredients not found together in other dog joint supplements on the market that work together to cushion and protect your dog’s joints.”
• “… contains the perfect balance of six powerful active ingredients not found together in other hip and joint supplements on the market known to support dog joint health.”
• “Top Rated Advanced Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs”

In addition, in a “What We’re About Section” where Doggie Dailies used to criticize “cheaply produced, mass-marketed dog supplements,” the company now emphasizes how it is “passionate about dogs,” with no mention of any competing products.

Good dog.

But not great dog because questions remain regarding the efficacy of glucosamine supplements — for pets and their owners. After all, Doggie Dailies did not provide support for its claims, instead opting to permanently discontinue them, according to the NAD release. That was good enough for NAD.

Supplements vs. drugs

Remember, readers, marketing supplements as having the ability to treat, cure, alleviate the symptoms of, or prevent developing diseases and disorders is simply not permitted by law. If a supplement really could do all that, then it would be a drug subject to rigorous study and testing to gain FDA approval.

Find more of our coverage on pets here.