The 20 Best Dog Supplements of 2025: Vet-Approved
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Did you know your dog’s food—no matter how premium—might still be missing critical nutrients? Just like humans, dogs can experience joint pain, dull coats, weakened immunity, or even mood swings due to subtle dietary deficiencies, underlying health issues, or aging. That’s where supplements come in—not as luxury add-ons, but as essential tools to fill the nutritional gaps kibble often leaves behind. But here’s the twist: not all supplements actually work, and some may do more harm than good. In this guide, we reveal the best dog supplements for various needs and help you determine whether your dog requires one.
Do Dogs Need Supplements?
Most healthy dogs eating a complete and balanced commercial diet do not require additional supplements, as these foods are formulated to meet all their nutritional needs. However, supplements can be beneficial in certain cases:
| Scenario | Do Dogs Need Supplements? |
|---|---|
| Recommended by a veterinarian | ✅ Yes— certain conditions deemed by your vet may call for targeted supplementation. |
| Dogs on unbalanced commercial diets | ✅ Usually not needed, unless the formula lacks essential nutrients. |
| Dogs with health issues | ✅ Yes. Supplements can support joint health, digestion, skin allergies, anxiety, etc. |
| Senior dogs | ✅ Often helpful. May support aging joints, cognition, and immune function. |
| Dogs on homemade or raw diets | ✅ Recommended. These diets often lack calcium, omega-3s, and certain vitamins/minerals. |
| Active or working dogs | ✅ May benefit. Increased physical demands can require extra joint, energy, or recovery support. |
Dog Supplements That Work According to Science
These dog supplements have been proven effective by research:
- Branched-chain & limiting amino acids, carnitine, vitamins, octacosanol: Support physical fitness and recovery.[1]
- Boswellia serrata Roxb: Used for osteoarthritis and joint health.[2],[3]
- Quercetin, bromelain, and Lentinula edodes: Provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut health benefits.[4]
- Arginine, antioxidants, B vitamins, and fish oil: Used for cognitive enhancement in senior dogs.[5]
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis CECT 8145: Probiotic and postbiotic forms that support gut health.[6]
Other research-backed dog supplements that work: Chlorophyll, Green tea extract, Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate, Hyaluronic acid, Undenatured type II collagen, Silybum marianum extract, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Omega-3s, Vitamins, Minerals, Alpha-lipoic acid, Fiber, Vitamins C and E, Organic minerals, Phytonutrients, and more.[7],[8],[9],[10]
Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Alternatively, you can receive personalized nutritional guidance from an online registered vet nutritionist through platforms like Vetster. You can also chat with an online vet to determine whether your dog could benefit from specific supplements based on their nutritional or health needs. Additionally, at-home dog gut health tests can reveal microbiome imbalances that may be addressed with probiotics or targeted nutritional support. Similarly, at-home food allergy tests can identify hidden food sensitivities, helping you choose supplements that truly support your dog’s immune system, skin, digestion, and overall well-being.
Best Dog Supplements
Here are the best dog supplements of this year.
The Daily Native Pet 11-in-1
Who It’s For: Designed for dog owners seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement that addresses multiple aspects of canine health.
Nutramax Laboratories Dasuquin with MSM
Who It’s For: Tailored for dogs experiencing joint discomfort, stiffness, or reduced mobility.
Zesty Paws Skin & Coat Bites
Who It’s For: Excellent choice for dog owners aiming to enhance their pet’s skin and coat health. Ideal for dogs experiencing dry, itchy skin, dull coats, or seasonal shedding.
How it works (mechanism of action): It leverages the synergistic effects of omega-3 fatty acids and key vitamins. EPA and DHA help maintain skin moisture and reduce inflammation, which can minimize itching and support the healing of minor irritations. Biotin and zinc are essential for healthy hair growth and skin barrier function, while vitamins E and C provide antioxidant support to protect skin cells from oxidative damage. Together, these ingredients promote a glossy, resilient coat and help maintain normal skin function.
Open Farm Probiotic Chews
Who It’s For: Dogs experiencing digestive issues like irregular bowel movements, gas, or sensitive stomachs. Also suitable for dogs undergoing dietary adjustments or recovering from antibiotic treatment.
What sets it apart from competitors: Open Farm emphasizes transparency and quality by using 100% traceable ingredients and avoiding artificial additives, corn, wheat, or soy.
Medterra Pets Calming CBD Chews
Who It’s For: Dogs experiencing anxiety, stress, or nervousness related to situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, separation, or general unease.
How it works (mechanism of action): CBD interacts with the dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates mood, stress response, and sleep. CBD oil helps modulate this system to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety without psychoactive effects. The added botanicals contribute by influencing neurotransmitters and calming the nervous system. Valerian root and passionflower have mild sedative properties, while L-tryptophan supports serotonin production, which can improve mood and reduce stress.
NOW Foods Pet Immune Support
Who It’s For: Formulated for dogs needing a boost to their immune system, particularly those recovering from illness, experiencing stress, or those with compromised immune functions.
How it works (mechanism of action): Stimulates both innate and adaptive immune responses primarily through bioactive compounds like beta-glucans found in mushrooms, which activate immune cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells. Botanicals like turmeric and ashwagandha reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, while milk thistle supports liver detoxification, indirectly benefiting immune health. Selenium acts as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes, protecting immune cells from damage. Together, these ingredients promote immune homeostasis, enhance pathogen resistance, and support overall systemic balance.
Pet Honesty Dog Allergy Support
Who It’s For: Dogs experiencing seasonal or environmental allergies, manifesting as itching, paw licking, watery eyes, or sneezing.
Dr. Bill’s Canine Cognitive Support
Who It’s For: Dogs exhibiting signs of cognitive decline, such as disorientation, altered sleep patterns, or decreased responsiveness. Also works as a preventive measure to maintain optimal brain health.
How it works (mechanism of action): Addresses memory, motor skills, and mood via ingredients like phosphatidylcholine (for nerve repair) and vitamin B-6 (for serotonin production). Vitamin B12 helps maintain nerve health and memory, while DHA supports brain structure and function. DMG (Dimethylglycine) may enhance oxygen utilization and neurotransmitter activity, contributing to improved mental clarity and energy. Antioxidants in the formula reduce free radical damage that accelerates cognitive deterioration. Together, these ingredients promote healthier brain function, improved motor skills, and enhanced sensory perception, helping dogs maintain mental sharpness as they age.
Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement
Who It’s For: Dogs at risk for or experiencing age-related eye conditions such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), or diabetic retinopathy.
How it works (mechanism of action): The antioxidant compounds neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause cellular damage in the retina and lens, thereby protecting vital eye cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the retina, filtering harmful blue light and enhancing visual acuity. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) modulate inflammatory pathways and support the structural integrity of retinal photoreceptors, reducing cell death. Other antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid, improve mitochondrial function and nerve health, while zinc supports night vision and immune responses.
Standard Process Canine Cardiac Support
Who It’s For: Formulated for dogs experiencing or at risk of heart conditions such as murmurs, congestive heart failure, or age-related cardiac decline.
How it works (mechanism of action): Bovine heart PMG™ and L-carnitine provide essential nutrients that support heart muscle cell function, repair, and regeneration while improving blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Selenium, a key ingredient, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cardiac cells from oxidative damage. Hawthorn berry and rice bran help stabilize blood pressure and regulate heart rhythm, contributing to muscle integrity and improving circulation, which in turn reduces cardiac workload and promotes efficient heart function. The supplement also includes a variety of organic vegetables and herbs, contributing to its antioxidant profile.
The Missing Link Puppy Supplement
Who It’s For: Designed for puppies in their formative months, providing essential nutrients to support their growth and development. Also beneficial during weaning.
How it works (mechanism of action): The powder targets key growth areas in puppies. It utilizes whey protein and beef bone to target muscle and bone development, providing calcium and phosphorus for skeletal strength, while taurine supports heart health. Bovine colostrum supplies antibodies and immune factors that help strengthen the puppy’s developing immune system, reducing susceptibility to infections. The dried egg powder provides high-quality protein and amino acids critical for muscle synthesis and overall growth.
Ruff Greens VitaSmart
Who It’s For: Designed for dog owners who prepare homemade meals or use kibble lacking in essential nutrients and need nutritional support for balanced meals.
How it works (mechanism of action): It provides a complete nutritional profile that compensates for potential gaps in homemade diets. Probiotics and digestive enzymes enhance gut health and nutrient absorption, while the broad array of vitamins and minerals supports systemic functions, including immune defense, skin and coat maintenance, and energy metabolism. Omega fatty acids contribute anti-inflammatory benefits and support cellular health, promoting mobility and cognitive function. This combination supports various aspects of canine health, including digestion, immune function, joint health, and skin and coat condition.
Other Dog Supplements
The Bottom Line
Finding the right supplement for your dog isn’t just about boosting their health—it’s about giving them the best shot at a longer, more comfortable life. Whether your pup needs joint support, better digestion, or a shinier coat, the right formula can make a real difference you can see and feel. But not all supplements are created equal, so it pays to choose wisely and consult with your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s routine. By focusing on quality ingredients and targeted benefits, you can help your dog thrive at every stage of life.
Sources
- Benefits of dietary supplements on the physical fitness of German Shepherd dogs during a drug detection training course
- Management of Osteoarthritis and Joint Support Using Feed Supplements: A Scoping Review of Undenatured Type II Collagen and Boswellia serrata
- Efficacy of a dietary supplement in dogs with osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial
- A Supplement with Bromelain, Lentinula edodes, and Quercetin: Antioxidant Capacity and Effects on Morphofunctional and Fecal Parameters (Calprotectin, Cortisol, and Intestinal Fermentation Products) in Kennel Dogs
- Cognitive enhancement in old dogs from dietary supplementation with a nutrient blend containing arginine, antioxidants, B vitamins and fish oil
- Effects of supplementation of live and heat-treated Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis CECT 8145 on glycemic and insulinemic response, fecal microbiota, systemic biomarkers of inflammation, and white blood cell gene expression of adult dogs
- Dietary supplementation with fiber, ‘biotics’, and spray dried plasma affects apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, fecal microbiota, and immune function of adult dogs.
- Vitamins, Minerals and Phytonutrients as Modulators of Canine Immune Function: A Literature Review
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid as a Nutritive Supplement for Humans and Animals: An Overview of Its Use in Dog Food
- Supplementation with Silybum marianum Extract, Synbiotics, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals: Impact on Biochemical Markers and Fecal Microbiome in Overweight Dogs
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