The Best Dog Supplements for Skin, Coat, Joints, and Digestion, According to 26 Real Dogs (2024)

Our Top Picks

These soft chews cover pretty much everything that keeps your dog healthy. They support hip and joint function, heart health, skin health, gut function, your pup’s immune system, antioxidant activity, liver health, and overall performance. There are loads of active ingredients including glucosamine, cod liver oil, chondroitin, a vitamin blend, digestive enzymes, and “good” bacteria for gut health.

The chews come in two flavors, Chicken or Peanut Butter, but the packaging looks similar and some dogs only like one of the flavors. A daily serving consists of one to three treats depending on a dog’s weight. You can split the amount in half if you want to give them morning and evening treats.

The multivitamin supplements are made in the United States without any corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

_{Flavors: Chicken, peanut butter | Dose: 1–3 chews/daily, depending on dog’s weight | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

As dogs age, they can get achy, having a hard time going up or down stairs, or even sitting or standing. A glucosamine supplement might be able to help with that stiffness or prevent it from happening so quickly. Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Support for Dogs is a popular choice with veterinarians. In addition to glucosamine, it contains chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to keep cartilage healthy, according to the brand.

The tablets can be given to any adult dog, but we always suggest you check with your vet before starting a new supplement. The dosage is based on weight and should be given once daily. Nutramax suggests an initial dose for about four to six weeks, and then lowering the amount for a maintenance dose after that. The brand offers several variations of the joint supplements, including a chicken-flavored soft chew, a version for small dogs under 10 pounds, and a senior formula for dogs over the age of seven.

All of Nutramax's supplements for pets are made in the United States where the company implements strict guidelines and rigorous testing, but the company does not partner with the NASC.

_{Flavors: Unflavored, chicken (soft chew) | Dose: Once a day | NASC Quality Seal: No}

Probiotic supplements for dogshave the “good” types of bacteria that help keep a dog’s gut health in shape. Our top choice for most dogs is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary FortiFlora Powder Digestive Supplement which provides a specific strain ofbacteria called enterococcus faecium.

This bacterial strain is found naturally in a dog's digestive tract but often needs to be replenished to help restore balance after a bout of diarrhea.This probiotic straincrowds out harmful bacteria likeE. coli while helping dogs with digestive challenges transition back to regularity within a week or so. Our survey participants found this probiotic supplement from Purina Pro Plan to be highly effective, and many credit their veterinarian's recommendation for guiding them to this product for their dog.

This probiotic supplement also provides vitamin E, protein, and antioxidants, and also helps reduce flatulence. Fortiflora from Purina Pro Plan comes in single-use packets filled with liver-flavored powder to be sprinkled over a dog’s food, but there is also achewable version of FlortiFlorathat an be given as a treat.

_{Dose: One packet or tablet daily | Flavors: Liver | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

Whether it’s thunderstorms, car rides, veterinary visits, or fireworks, there are things that make some dogs very stressed. Calming chews work to decrease anxiety without prescription medication. A favorite of veterinarians, VetriScience's Composure Calming Supplement for Dogs has natural ingredients including colostrum, l-theanine, and thiamine, which may have properties that encourage relaxation in dogs, according to the brand. In one study published in 2006, the calming effects started to work within 30 minutes and lasted for about four hours.

Composure is a chew that is available in four flavors or in an unflavored variety. It can be given as needed—when you know storms or coming, for example—or you can give it every day. There’s a longer-lasting version that can last up to 8 hours aswell as a clinical strength formula sold only at vet clinics

_{Flavors: Bacon, chicken, chicken liver, peanut butter, unflavored | Dose: Once daily or as needed | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

These bone-shaped multivitamin chews are filled with 25 nutrients. There are B vitamins for cognitive function, metabolism, and energy, antioxidants for skin, coat, and the immune system, and essential minerals for heart, bone, and overall health, according to the brand. There’s no wheat, corn, or artificial ingredients. The chews are made in Vermont with domestic and imported ingredients.

The multivitamins are reasonably priced and come in either a 30-count resealable bag or a 150-count bottle. The treats have a vegetable flavor which some dogs love and some have to be persuaded to love. Like all Pet Naturals supplements, the Daily Multi has the NASC seal. Dosage is 1/2 chew for dogs under 25 pounds, one chew for dogs 25 to 75 pounds, and two for dogs over 75 pounds.

_{Flavors: Vegetable | Dose: 1/2 to 2 chews daily, depending on weight | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

Dog food toppers are broths, stews, or sprinkles that you can put on your dog’s dry food to make it tastier and more nutritious. Solid Gold’s bone broth comes in three flavors and is made with just a few human-grade ingredients including vegetables. Bone broth is high in collagen which might help decrease inflammation. It also has turmeric which may have similar benefits.

You can pour about 1/4 cup (for a 25-pound dog) directly from the pouch, or really make your dog happy by warming it up first. The smell alone will attract your pup, particularly picky eaters. The pouch can stay on a shelf until opened, then it lasts about a week in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen if you don’t need them often. The twist-off top can be resealed, but might leak if they aren’t kept upright.

_{Flavors: Beef, chicken, turkey | Dose: 1/4 cup per 25 pounds of dog’s weight | NASC Quality Seal: No}

Zesty Paws 11-in-1 Multifunctional Bites for Senior Dogs are heart-shaped soft chews with ingredients formulated to promote healthy aging. Each small bite targets 11 functions including hips and joints, skin health, gut health, immunity, heart, brain, liver, eye health, and urinary and kidney health. To combat arthritis—a common aliment among older dogs—the supplements are packed with chondroitin and glucosamine to ease joint stiffness. There’s also cod liver fish oil and vitamin E for skin health, and cranberry extract, psyllium husk, and vitamins A and C for gut, immune, and bladder health.

Like all Zesty Paws supplements, the Multifunctional Bites are made without artificial flavors or preservatives. They come in either chicken or beef flavor and can be given to adult dogs of any size. Give one chew for dogs up to 25 pounds, three chews for dogs more than 75 pounds, and two for any pups that tip the scales in between. Dogs seem to really love these chews, so they can be given as a standalone treat or at mealtime. They have the NASC seal.

_{Flavors: Chicken, beef | Dose: 1–3 chews/daily depending on dog’s weight | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

One single ingredient, fish oil, provides omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), vitamin D3, vitamin B12, potassium, and phosphorus. Chew + Heal's Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is easy to add to a dog's daily diet and comes in a convenient bottle with a pump. A serving size ranges from one to four pumps per day depending on your dog's weight.

The fish oil is derived entirely from wild caught Alaskan salmon which has been shown to be beneficial for dogs overall wellness. A dog parent in our testing panel struggled to find a solution for their dog's skin allergies for years, but with Chew + Heal Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil they noticed an improvement within days of giving their mix breed dog a daily dose. Those results are not universal, but if your dog is dealing with skin and coat related aliments, such as hot spots, dry skin, or excessive shedding, you should discuss adding this fish oil to your dog's diet at your next veterinarian appointment.

Flavors: Salmon | Dose: 1–4 pumps/per day, depending on weight | NASC Quality Seal: No

Even if you brush your dog’s teeth regularly, it can be challenging to get rid of all the build up. VetriScience's Perio Support Dental Powder is an oral hygiene supplement designed to reduce plaque and tartar. In VetriScience's clinical trials, the manufacture found that with regular use the Perio Support Dental Powerder reduces plaque by 20 percent and tartar by 18 percent.

Ingredients include natural zeolites, which are minerals that prevent plaque prevention, probiotics to discourage plaque-causing bacteria, and cranberry that supports healthy gum tissue, according to the brand. The powder is designed to be used between professional teeth cleanings and can be used for dogs and cats. Dosage ranges from 1/4 teaspoon per meal for pets up to 15 pounds and 2 teaspoons for pets over 150 pounds. Although the powder is supposed to be unflavored, some pet owners said it made picky eaters more interested in their meals and others said their pets wouldn’t touch it.

_{Flavors: Flavorless | Dose: 1/4 to 2 teaspoons per meal, depending on dog’s weight | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

For dogs with itchy, dry, and flakey skin, Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Supplement for Dogs in the soft chew form may help alleviate their discomfort and contribute to their overall wellbeing. Each chew has guaranteed levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid), which have been shown to be beneficial for dogs with skin and coat issues.

A daily serving is half a chew per 10 pounds of weight or one chew per 20 pounds of weight, and the chews are easy to split in half. Within a few days of adding a chew to one meal a day, our survey participant noticed an improvement to their dog's dandruff. Each chew also provides additional vitamins and minerals to boost immunity.

The chews have a natural fish flavor, but some dogs are reluctant to eat it. Welactin offers omega-3 supplements as soft gel capsules and as a liquid which you can also try if your dog doesn't enjoy the soft chew. The soft chews are manufactured in the United States and come in a resealable bag.

_{Flavors: Fish | Dose: 1/2 chew per 10 pounds per day | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

Cranberry-based supplements are often suggested for kidney health and urinary tract issues. These Pet Honesty chews are targeted toward bladder health and normal bladder control, as well as a healthy immune system, according to the brand. Ingredients are natural and include cranberry, as well as D-Mannose, a natural sugar found in some fruits, and marshmallow root and echinacea.

Dogs take 1 to 3 chews daily, depending on their weight. They’re chicken flavored and can be given as a treat or with a meal.There’s no corn, wheat, or soy and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

_{Flavors: Chicken | Dose: 1–3 chews daily, depending on weight}

These Fera Pet capsules are targeted to help heart function by increasing energy, supporting cardiac function, and the health of the circulatory system. Fera says the products are designed to promote normal blood pressure and blood circulation. The active ingredients include taurine, which supports heart and brain health, as well as L-carnitine, a substance that helps the body transform fat into energy. The capsules also include coenzyme Q10, organic hawthorn berry, and vitamin E.

These are capsules, which some dogs will swallow easily swathed in peanut butter or cheese. But they can be difficult to give to suspicious or picky eaters. You can also open the capsules and sprinkle the salmon-flavored insides on your pet’s food.

_{Flavors: Salmon | Dose: 1–4 capsules/day, depending on weight | NASC Quality Seal: Yes}

Final Verdict

There are many different supplements on the market and our research panel put together a comprehensive questionnaire to evaluate them. We asked dog owners what qualities matter most to them when it comes to choosing a supplement for their dog. We also learned what brands veterinarians recommended, the list of ingredients in each supplement, the cost, and its availability at retailers.

We gathered details about each dog's breed, weight, age, any symptoms they were having if they had been checked by a vet, and what medications they were using.

FAQ

• Do all dogs need supplements?

  Start by asking your vet. Some conditions could benefit from supplements, while some dogs are fine without them. “I think healthy dogs that eat a high-quality balanced diet do not necessarily need any supplements,” says veterinarian Kathy Baker, DVM, of Lucy’s Veterinary Care in Smyrna, Georgia. “For normal healthy animals who are eating a commercially prepared and tested diet I don’t think they need vitamins/minerals. Legally that is supposed to be in the food in appropriate quantities.”

  But if your pet is dealing with specific conditions like allergies or stiffness, your vet might suggest adding supplements to your dog’s diet. “Definitely consult with your veterinarian,” says Baker.

• Can dogs take human supplements?

  “Sometimes, yes, but definitely ask your vet,” says Baker. “Human and animal dosing based on weight sometimes might be the same, but not always.” In addition, human supplements might have added sweeteners, flavoring, or other ingredients that might not necessarily be safe for your pet. Before you share your fish oil or other supplement, check the label thoroughly and check in with your veterinarian. They can tell you if the ingredients are okay and what a safe dosage would be.

  “Pet supplements are different from human supplements in terms of composition and dose. Companies are dedicated to developing products that meet specific species requirements, and are convenient for administration,” says Gamble. “Human dietary supplements and pet supplements are formulated to deliver a safe and efficacious dosage for the intended species. A safe dose for humans could be much higher than a safe dose for dogs and cats.”

• Do joint supplements work for dogs?

  Joint supplements often have a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which are naturally occurring substances that can ease inflammation and stop cartilage breakdown. Cartilage is a tissue that acts as a cushion between joints. When it degrades, that can lead to pain and swelling.

  There’s lots of research about whether supplements protect joints, keeping pain from becoming worse and cartilage from breaking down, but there’s no definitive answer. Because most joint supplements don’t cause side effects and some studies show that they can help, many veterinarians think it can be a good idea to give them to dogs. See what your vet thinks for your particular dog. “I personally believe they work, although there is a ton of debate about it,” says Baker.

• When should I start giving my dog joint supplements?

  Sometimes pet owners will wait until they notice their dog is stiff or achy before they consider joint supplements. By then, it’s too late to walk back any damage. “I think if there is already severe osteoarthritis, they won’t help much,” says Baker. “But if the pet has a predisposition to osteoarthritis—like elbow dysplasia or a torn ACL—I think they can be helpful.”

  Starting supplements before that happens would be better. “Most pet owners will consider starting a joint supplement at the point where osteoarthritis is diagnosed by the veterinarian, after noticing symptoms of ‘slowing down’ or ‘getting old,’” says Gamble. “However, the degree of cartilage degeneration may already be quite progressed, therefore there is a rationale for beginning supplementation to protect the joint from day-to-day wear and tear before arthritic changes have occurred.”

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