Dog owners really are a fanatic breed. Was it that we chose the dog or that the dog chose us? You think you've found just the breed for an outdoor junky like you, but then you're the one jumping through hoops to get them to run (properly) with you. But when playtime is over and we're dog tired, we rest easy knowing we also feed and care for their health properly day in and day out.
Whether it's to fill gaps in their diet or to address specific health concerns, dog owners turn to supplements to benefit their beloved animals consistently for a longer, happier life. And while properly tested and certified dog food should cover all your bases, there are times you just want to be sure, and other times when your vet recommends some specific ingredients to treat or ease a certain condition.
Read on to get our top picks among specific categories. From the Best Overall to the Best for Calming, we tried to cover all the bases.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your dog's well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure about supplements for dogs.
The Best Dog Supplements - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Dog Supplement: Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs
- Best Dog Joint Supplement: Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Health Supplement for Dogs
- Best Dog Omega-3 Supplement: PetHonesty 100% Natural Omega-3 Fish Oil for Dogs
- Best Dog Calming Supplement: Purina Calming Care Canine
- Best Dog Skin and Coat Supplement: VetIQ Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs
- Best Senior Dog Supplement: Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Multifunctional Supplement
- Best Supplement for Dog Allergies: Zesty Paws Advanced Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs
- Best Dog Calcium Supplement: NaturVet Calcium-Phosphorus For Dogs
- Best Dog Multivitamin Supplement: PetHonesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin
- Best Dog Probiotic Supplement: PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs
Best Overall Dog Supplement - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 chews for dogs between 26-75 lbs.
- Active ingredients: Glucosamine HCI (Shellfish), Cod Liver Oil, Methylsulfonylmethane (OptiMSM®), Proprietary Digestive Health Blend (Protease, Amylase, Lipase, Cellulase, Papain, Hemicellulose, Bromelain), Chondroitin Sulfate (Porcine), Proprietary Multifunction Blend (Vitamin C [Ascorbic Acid], Vitamin B3 [Niacin], Vitamin E [D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate], Vitamin B1 [Thiamine], Vitamin B5 [Pantothenic Acid], Vitamin B6 [Pyridoxine], Vitamin B2 [Riboflavin], Vitamin A, Manganese, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D [D3 as Cholecalciferol]), Coenzyme Q10 (Kaneka Q10®), 6-Strain Gut Health Blend (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Lactobacillus salivarius)
Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites tout "8-in-1" benefits for overall health supporting heart health, the skin, coat, gut function, immune system, antioxidant activity, hip and joint function, and liver health. Highlight ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, fish oil for its Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a gut health blend of probiotics for digestion. On top of that, the anyday soft chews pack 20 vitamins, minerals, and key nutrients. They come in peanut butter or chicken flavors that dogs will consider a treat. Zesty Paws supplements are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for safe manufacturing practices.
What We Like
- Flavored using real chicken
- Gut health blend
- A little bit of everything for most dogs on any day
BUY: Zesty Paws Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs
Best Dog Joint Supplement - Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Health Supplement for Dogs
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 daily for maintenance for dogs between 31-60 lbs.
- Active ingredients: Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, EPA, DHA
The popular veterinary recommended Cosequin contains a proprietary proportion of joint health ingredients such as glucosamine and MSM to maintain your dog's cartilage and connective tissue. And its omega-3 fatty acids can help keep collagen and cartilage robust for longer, giving your dog's joints the rebound they need to stay active. Cosequin has been made in the U.S. according to GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes) for over 20 years. Look for these soft chews to keep your dog jumping for joy.
What We Like
- Just the joint nutrients and nothing else
- Veterinarian approved
- Made using GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes)
BUY: Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Health Supplement for Dogs
Best Dog Omega-3 Supplement - PetHonesty 100% Natural Omega-3 Fish Oil for Dogs
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 mL per pump, 1 pump recommended daily
- Active ingredients: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)
If you're looking for pure Omega-3s and only Omega-3s, PetHonesty offers fish oil derived from wild-caught Icelandic fish including sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herrings, caught in the country's clean waters. And the fats inside have been long known to support your dog's health from a silky coat to relieving certain allergies and keeping joints fluid—even the vital immune system benefits. Even if your dog isn't shedding, itchy, or dealing with stiff joints, this essential fat is good for all dogs.
What We Like
- For those seeking only Omega-3s and nothing else
- Wild-caught and low in mercury and other toxins
- No preservatives or coloring
- NASC Certified
BUY: PetHonesty 100% Natural Omega-3 Fish Oil for Dogs
Best Dog Calming Supplement - Purina Calming Care Canine
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 packet per day
- Active ingredients: Bifidobacterium longum (BL999)
For those looking to put an anxious dog at ease, Purina Calming Care was developed based on researching probiotics, particularly one beneficial strain (BL999) that has shown promise in positively impacting anxious behavior through the relationship between a dog's gut and emotional health. If your dog is dealing with external stressors such as separation, unfamiliar people, harsh sounds, or a change of routine or surroundings, you may seek out a supplement like this to complement other efforts to put them at ease. Probiotics like these help calm anxious behaviors like excessive whining, barking, jumping, licking, and pacing.
What We Like
- All-natural, just 1 ingredient
- Supported by emerging research
- Actually works
BUY: Purina Calming Care Canine
Best Dog Skin and Coat Supplement - VetIQ Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 chews daily for dogs 31-60 lbs.
- Active ingredients: Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9
Skin irritation and a dull coat can come from several factors, including poor nutrition, sun exposure, and general mucking about. If you want your dog to feel as good as their coat shines, you'll want to look into a supplement like this, which contains all of the omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients known to support skin and coat health.
What We Like
- Hickory smoke flavor dogs drool over
- Perfect size soft chews
- Very affordable
BUY: VetIQ Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs
Best Senior Dog Supplement - Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Multifunctional Supplement
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 chews daily for dogs between 26-75 lbs.
- Active ingredients: Psyllium, Glucosamine HCl (Shellfish), Proprietary Multifunctional Blend (Ceylon Cinnamon, Vitamin C [Ascorbic Acid], Vitamin B3 [Niacin], Vitamin E [D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate], Vitamin B1 [Thiamine], Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 [Riboflavin], Vitamin B5 [Pantothenic Acid], Vitamin B6 [Pyridoxine], Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D [D3 as Cholecalciferol]), Cod Liver Oil, Curcumin (Qmin+™), Methylsulfonylmethane (OptiMSM®), Proprietary Digestive Health Blend (Amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase, Papain, Bromelain, Hemicellulase), Chondroitin Sulfate, Cranberry Concentrate (Cran-Max®), Coenzyme Q10, Lutein (from Lutemax®2020 Marigold Flower Extract), Zeaxanthin Isomers (from Lutemax®2020 Marigold Flower Extract).
With a slew of active extras from psyllium (for gut health) to zeaxanthin isomers (for vision), Zesty Paws Senior Advanced supplement goes beyond the usual multivitamin. Touting 11 benefits in 1, it may help ease your mind about your aging dog. Its premium human-grade ingredients include an ultra-purified form of MSM and Qmin, a powerful ingredient standardized to 95% curcuminoids, both for joint pain. Their cranberry extract has also been clinically studied to promote urinary tract health.
What We Like
- Human-grade specialized ingredients such as MSM
- Powerful curcuminoids for joint pain
- Effective cranberry extract for urinary tract health
BUY: Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Multifunctional Supplement
Best Supplement For Dog Allergies - Zesty Paws Advanced Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 chews daily for dogs 26-75 lbs.
- Active ingredients: Colostrum (Bovine), Dried Fermentate (Made Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (EpiCor®), Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Astragalus Root, 5-Strain Gut Health Blend (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactococcus lactis).
Whether it's run-of-the-mill allergies or an aging immune system, Zesty Paws has a powerful immune supplement for your dog. Their "Aller-Immune" bites support immune function which helps with seasonal allergies and histamine using EpiCor, a natural yeast fermentate, and their PreforPro prebiotic complex, Colostrum, Omega-3 derived from salmon oil, and a probiotic blend. And while it's immune-focused, a lot of these ingredients have overlapping benefits for skin and gut health alike.
What We Like
- May help curb histamine levels
- Many benefits carry over to other health factors
- Goes above and beyond the usual multivitamin
BUY: Zesty Paws Advanced Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs
Best Dog Calcium Supplement - NaturVet Calcium-Phosphorus for Dogs
SPECS
- Dosage: 1-1/2 scoops for dogs between 46-70 lbs
- Active ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin D3
NaturVet has been producing dog products since 1994, so you can trust them with the purity of their ingredients. And when it comes to a calcium supplement, there isn't much to it besides two forms of calcium plus vitamin D3 to help your dog absorb it into their bones. This is a great choice for fast-growing puppies and larger breeds.
What We Like
- Pure and simple
- Affordable
- Heritage brand
BUY: NaturVet Calcium-Phosphorus
Best Dog Multivitamin Supplement - PetHonesty 10-in-1 Dog Multivitamin
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 chew per 25 lbs.
- Active ingredients: Multivitamin blend, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Probiotic blend
Pet Honesty combines a wide blend of vitamins and supplements for overall dog health. And along with the usual gamut of essential vitamins, you're also giving your dog a dose of healthy omega fats, glucosamine and chondroitin for their joints, and a probiotic blend for gut health. And if you know dogs, their gut is the key to their heart (and immune system). It's hard to go wrong in flavor between chicken, peanut butter, and smoked salmon options. And with 90 soft treats per bag, you're saving good money at as low as $0.32 for a day's dose.
What We Like
- All the essentials, plus gut and joint supplements
- Affordable
- NASC certified
BUY: PetHonesty 10-in-1 Dog Multivitamin
Best Dog Probiotic Supplement - PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 chews per day for dogs ranging between 25-75 lbs.
- Active ingredients: Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), Honey, Inulin (Agave), FOS - Fructooligosaccharides (Saccharum officinarum).
A dog's gut is not only the gateway to their joy, it's also the gateway to their health, aiding in immune response as much as it does with emotional well-being. That's why it's become common for dog owners to seek out probiotics for their own, and a formula that's designed for the canines in our lives. PetLab Co. provides a proprietary blend of eight beneficial live cultures that help maintain proper gut flora. And it also includes inulin derived from agave, a fiber that gives this flora a chance to take root.
What We Like
- 8 beneficial live cultures
- Inulin as a prebiotic fiber
- Pumpkin and honey for a touch of healthy sweetness
BUY: PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs
What Supplements Do Dogs Need
Dogs need a wide array of nutrients to live a long, healthy, and happy life. From vitamins to minerals, fatty acids and probiotics, plus protein, certain carbohydrates, and fat, your dog needs all of it, in the right proportions, to thrive. However, deciding on supplements, or whether to use them at all, is a matter of your dog's health needs and diet.
If your dog food is reputable—that is, it is certified, has undergone feed trials, and is approved by veterinarians—it should have all the nutrients your dog needs. But that doesn't mean a choice supplement isn't the key to your dog's health in certain circumstances, reaching for ingredients beyond what we get in our regular diet. For example, say you've switched recently to cooking your dog's food from scratch. It may be a great step in the right direction, but it can't hurt to use a general supplement if you want to be sure to fill any gaps. Or perhaps you've been abroad and haven't had access to dog food you trust—again, you may turn to supplements to stay on the safe side. And there are many health conditions vets will recommend supplements for, from weakening eyesight to immune system issues or joint pain. Just be aware that should your dog's diet be complete on its own, supplements may add too much of a good thing into the mix, causing toxicity.
Ultimately, the supplement your dog needs should be determined by you and your veterinarian.
FAQs About Dog Supplements
Do supplements for dogs really work?
As mentioned, if your dog's diet is complete, they may not need supplements at all. Whether they work or not depends on what you expect to "work." When it comes to mitigating certain chronic conditions such as eyesight degeneration or joint health, supplements have been researched to be quite effective. Certain conditions require not only supplements but medical care to treat. But no supplement can be expected to cure a certain disease or disorder.
Should I give fish oil to my dog?
Fish oil has long been shown to support your dog's heart health, promote a silky coat, relieve certain allergies, and ease joint pain. That's because fish oil is loaded with beneficial fats—the special omega-3 fatty acids that help body, brain, and brawn alike. Since dogs can't generate these fats on their own like some animals, they need them from animal sources—they are carnivores, after all.
Can I give my dog human vitamins?
No—you should stick to dog-formulated supplements. Their body and metabolism work very differently from us primates and therefore require different nutrients. Even if there is some overlap, dogs need nutrients in different proportions. A veterinarian can help explain the specifics in more detail and recommend a supplement based on your dog's needs.
About the Author
Marco is a writer and avid runner. He’s passionate about health, wellness, and the benefits of regular exercise.
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