The world of dog supplements is vast. You can find canine versions of nearly every human supplement, from multivitamins to fish oil, and even CBD. But for most dogs, additional supplements aren’t necessary if they’re eating a complete and balanced diet formulated for their life stage. That said, some of the best dog supplements can benefit dogs with specific health issues like diarrhea, joint pain, itchy skin, and anxiety.
To find out which supplements are truly beneficial, we consulted three veterinarians, conducted in-depth research on ingredients known to support canine health, and evaluated dozens of products. Our top recommendation is Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil. Research shows fish oil offers several benefits, from reducing inflammation to promoting skin and coat health. This supplement has excellent overall safety and has undergone extensive third-party testing.
As with human supplements, there’s no regulatory oversight guaranteeing the presence of active ingredients or a product’s safety. That’s why all the veterinarians we spoke to stress the importance of buying supplements from trusted brands that use science-backed ingredients and have been third-party tested. It’s also essential to talk to your vet before starting your dog on any supplement, as the wrong dosage or ingredients could worsen existing health issues or interfere with their current medications.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
Our top picks for the best dog supplements
Best overall: Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil – See at Chewy
Best probiotics: Nutramax Proviable-DC Digestive Health Supplement – See at Chewy
Best calming: Vetriscience Composure Calm and Confident – See at Chewy
Best joint chew: Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Chews for Cats and Dogs – See at Chewy
Best CoQ10 for heart health: Vetriscience Conenzyme Q10 Healthy Heart – See at Chewy
Best vitamin B supplement: ThorneVet B ComplexVET – See at Chewy
Best overall
Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil
This third-party-tested pure fish oil contains four marine-based oils rich in omega fatty acids, which experts say provide anti-inflammatory benefits and are the best ingredients to ease joint pain in dogs.
Our top pick for the best dog supplement is Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil. Fish oil supplements can offer wide-ranging benefits for any dog, from helping treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis or skin allergies to improving skin and coat health, says Dr. Anita Patel, a board-certified veterinarian and senior director of clinical excellence and mentorship at IndeVets.
We also named this supplement the best fish oil for dogs. It contains four types of marine-based oils, which research shows are the most beneficial sources of omega fatty acids for reducing inflammation. However, Patel says a balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is best. Since most commercial dog foods tend to be heavier on omega-6s, this omega-3 formulation helps achieve that ratio when given alongside the best dog foods.
This product is NASC-certified and has been independently tested by ConsumerLab for potency, purity, and absence of mercury. We also appreciate that it doesn’t have an overpowering fishy smell. While it’s easy to add as a dog food topper and dose for dogs of different sizes, it doesn’t include a pump for easier dispensing. Also, keep in mind that fish oil adds a significant number of calories to your dog’s diet. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the right dosage to balance calories and nutrition.
You’ll need to store the fish oil in a refrigerator and use it within 45 days of opening, so it’s best to opt for the smallest bottle if you have a smaller dog.
Best probiotics
Probiotics can benefit dogs with gastrointestinal issues, whether they have a diarrhea-causing virus or a chronic condition like inflammatory bowel disease. These supplements introduce good bacteria into a dog’s gut, helping to reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery of their gut microbiome. However, best results are achieved when probiotics are given alongside a fiber-rich, complete and balanced dog food that fosters good bacteria, says Dr. Jan Suchodolski, associate director for research at the Texas A&M University Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Gastrointestinal Laboratory. Beyond supporting digestive health, Patel says probiotics may also improve a dog’s oral health.
Our top pick for the best probiotics for dogs is Nutramax Proviable-DC Digestive Health Supplement. This high-quality supplement contains 5 billion colony-forming units (CFUs), which are the live organisms responsible for the supplement’s effectiveness. It includes seven strains of beneficial bacteria recommended by our experts. More strains mean a greater diversity of microbes is reintroduced to a dog’s microbiome.
Unlike many probiotics that require refrigeration to maintain potency, Nutramax Proviable-DC is shelf-stable, making it more convenient for storage and travel. It’s also more affordable than many similar products, NASC-certified, and third-party tested by ConsumerLab for quality and safety.
Best for calming
Whether your dog experiences chronic anxiety or has specific triggers like fireworks, thunderstorms, or vet visits, over-the-counter supplements can help keep your dog calm. Vetricience Composure Calm and Confident is trusted by veterinarians and also one of our recommendations for the best dog treats.
The soft chews are formulated with thiamine (vitamin B1) to help regulate the nervous system and manage stress, L-theanine to balance neurotransmitters and induce relaxation, and a proprietary biopeptide blend of proteins that the brand claims has a relaxing effect on animals.
The chews don’t have a sedative effect, inducing tranquility but not drowsiness. They should take effect within 30 minutes and typically last for 4 hours. You can easily give them as a treat, and it’s safe to give your dog double or triple the dose in particularly stressful situations. However, if your dog is under 30 pounds, we recommend you buy the version specifically formulated for their size. The chews come in three natural flavors (chicken, bacon, peanut butter) and are also NASC-certified.
Best joint chew
Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Chews may offer relief for dogs suffering from arthritis or joint pain. The supplement’s active ingredient is undenatured-type II collagen (UC-II), which veterinarians say can reduce joint inflammation and potentially help rebuild part of the joint cartilage. The chews also include vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, both recognized for their potential anti-inflammatory benefits. They’re NASC-certified for quality and safety.
We appreciate the simple once-a-day dosing, with the same dosage suitable for dogs of all sizes and even cats, making this supplement a convenient choice for multi-pet households. The chews come in a tasty fish flavor that many dogs enjoy. However, if your dog isn’t a fan, one of the best joint supplements for dogs may be a better option.
Best CoQ10 for heart health
“Animals with heart disease may benefit from coenzyme Q10,” Teller says. Commonly referred to as CoQ10, this substance is also known as ubiquinol or ubiquinone. As with all the supplements in this guide, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before giving CoQ10 to your dog since Teller says only certain heart conditions benefit from it.
We recommend Vetriscience Coenzyme Q10 Healthy Heart, a formula that has been third-party tested by ConsumerLab and certified for quality by the NASC. Each capsule contains 10 milligrams of CoQ10, and the brand specifies giving one capsule per 10 pounds of body weight. This lower dose per capsule is especially convenient for households with small dogs or pups of different sizes. However, if you have a large or extra-large dog, you may want to opt for a higher-dose supplement, like Dog Vites CoQ10 Chewables (30 mg), to avoid giving six or more Vetriscience capsules per day.
The capsules are unflavored, making them a good choice with dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Plus, if your dog doesn’t like swallowing pills, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over their food. We also appreciate the affordable price, at roughly 15 cents per capsule.
Best vitamin B
ThorneVet B ComplexVET
ThorneVet B ComplexVET provides four active forms of B vitamins in naturally flavored poultry chews.
Some dogs with gastrointestinal issues benefit from vitamin B supplements, especially if they struggle to absorb the nutrients in their food. One possible sign of malabsorption is chronically soft stools. “In these cases, vitamin B can be particularly helpful,” Teller says.
While there aren’t many B vitamin supplements made specifically for dogs, this soft chew from ThorneVet stands out. It’s specially formulated for digestive issues and contains a well-rounded blend of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate, biotin, and choline. Plus, it’s also suitable for cats and horses.
ThorneVet, formerly owned by the highly respected human supplement brand Thorne, is trusted in the animal supplements industry for the rigorous quality control behind its ingredients and formulations. It’s no surprise that their pet supplements carry the NASC seal.
As for cost, one container of 60 chews is about $30 and will last most medium-sized dogs a month, with the recommended dosage being one chew per 25 pounds of body weight daily. While the cost can add up for larger dogs, the price of this supplement is reasonable for its overall quality.
What to look for in dog supplements
Just like the human supplements industry, pet supplements are not regulated by any official governing body. That means there are no mandated quality or safety standards, so it’s essential to know what factors to consider to ensure your dog’s health and well-being before giving them any supplements.
Your veterinarian’s advice: Some vitamins and minerals aren’t safe to use with certain medications, may be unsafe for small dogs, or could worsen health issues if your dog is already getting sufficient amounts of the same nutrients from their food. Your vet can provide personalized guidance based on your dog’s specific health needs and conditions. Many vets sell supplements in their offices. But if you prefer to buy supplements from a trusted pet retailer, your vet can still recommend reputable brands and ingredients.
Appropriate formulations and dosages: Supplements are formulated for different needs. Some are intended for overall health, and others are made for specific diseases and needs, such as joint health and digestive support. It’s important to understand exactly what concerns a supplement is meant to address. And keep in mind that more isn’t always better. Patel says vitamin and mineral overdose is a real concern, even for healthy adult dogs. The biggest risk is giving too many fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which can accumulate in the body, typically when given in large doses, and over-supplementation of minerals such as calcium, which can lead to orthopedic abnormalities, especially among young large dog breed dogs that are still growing.
Active ingredients: Knowing what active chemical compounds (both natural and synthetic) are in a supplement is critical to ensuring its safety and effectiveness. The right active ingredients depend on your dog’s specific needs and the intended benefits. In this guide, we explain why each supplement’s active ingredients are effective, so you can make informed decisions for your pet.
Added flavors and other ingredients: Flavoring may not always be essential, but it’s an important consideration, especially for dogs with dietary sensitivities. “Pet supplements often have flavoring in them for taste — chicken, beef, or fish flavoring being most common — and these will disrupt any pet that is on a food trial for allergies, potentially causing more harm than good,” says Dr. Missy Matusicky, a veterinarian and clinical associate professor at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. For that reason, we gave slightly higher ratings to unflavored supplements. Of course, in some cases, added flavoring can be a plus, making it easier to get your dog to take the supplement.
Third-party testing: Patel says that unregulated supplements can contain harmful chemicals and ingredients that can actually endanger your pet’s health. While there’s no official stamp of approval for supplements, Patel says choosing products with the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal is one of the best ways to ensure you’re buying from responsible sources. The seal indicates that the supplement meets specific ingredient and production standards and has been evaluated by a third party.
A product earns extra credibility if it has been tested and approved by ConsumerLab, an independent lab that tests supplements for purity, strength, disintegration, and brand integrity. These third-party organizations also look for contamination from harmful substances, including lead, mercury, and other potential toxins. Another reputable organization that tests pet supplements is NSF International.
Price: A higher price tag doesn’t always correlate with a higher-quality supplement, and the reverse is also true. “Some supplements may be a little bit more expensive because they’re putting in that extra research and quality control,” Teller says.
To assess value, we looked at the concentration of active ingredients relative to price. Products that were similarly priced but contained lower concentrations of key nutrients received lower ratings in our evaluation. On the other hand, supplements with higher concentrations are often more cost-effective in the long run, as you’ll need smaller doses to meet your veterinarian’s recommendations for dosing.
Health restrictions and age: Some supplements may pose health risks depending on your dog’s age or medical conditions. For example, Patel says giving multivitamins to pregnant or adolescent dogs who are still growing can predispose them to different health risks and growth disorders.
Dogs on blood thinners should not be given anything containing methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) or large amounts of vitamin E. If your dog has food allergies, be sure to check the ingredient list for added flavorings that could trigger a reaction. And for dogs prone to digestive issues, consult your vet before giving fish oil, which can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
How we selected the best dog supplements
To choose the best dog supplements, we interviewed three veterinarians and evaluated dozens of products using the criteria outlined in the “What to look for” section above. We also drew on insights shared by veterinarians in our guides to the best fish oils, probiotics, and joint supplements for dogs.
Using their expert guidance, we narrowed this guide down to the most helpful, relevant, and evidence-backed supplement categories for supporting canine health. Within each category, we evaluated popular products based on their ingredients, quality certifications, and whether they have undergone third-party testing. Finally, we compared prices to assess overall value.
Dog supplements FAQs
What are the best supplements to give my dog?
In short, there is no one-size-fits-all supplement for dogs. Teller says the best choice depends on your dog’s individual health needs and any medications they might be taking. “It’s really worth consulting with your veterinarian,” she adds.
Should I give my dog supplements?
Whether your dog needs specific supplements depends on their unique health conditions, some of which can be helped or harmed by supplements. “Certain health conditions, such as osteoarthritis and certain advanced endocrine diseases may necessitate supplementation,” Matusicky says. Meanwhile, Patel says growing and pregnant dogs shouldn’t take certain supplements, such as calcium. Bottom line: Always consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement.
Do vets recommend supplements for dogs?
“Supplements, in general, are completely unnecessary,” Matusicky says. Specifically, multivitamins are a waste of money, Teller says. If your dog is eating high-quality dog food, they get all the nutrients a multivitamin would give them. But targeted supplements for specific health issues may be helpful, provided you have your veterinarian’s approval.
What supplements are bad for dogs?
“In many instances, owners can do more harm than good to their animals with supplements, as even the most benign supplement can be dangerous if given at the wrong dose,” Matusicky says.
Both Matusicky and Patel say some supplements should be avoided because too high a dose can overload your dog. These include fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), minerals, especially calcium, CBD, and anything containing essential oils.
Although CBD for dogs is getting a lot of buzz, Teller says we need more research on what it can do for dogs. “It may play a role in helping with arthritis and seizures in dogs with epilepsy,” she says. However, there are major risks posed by incorrect dosing, including liver injury and disease.
Essential oils are also popular and might be included in more homeopathic-type dog supplements, but Teller warns that dog owners should be especially careful with these. “Essential oils can be highly toxic to pets, and you definitely need to talk to your veterinarian about those,” she says.
Finally, many supplements can interfere with prescription medications, especially those used to manage immune, kidney, and liver diseases. “A lot of times, people start adding supplements and herbs on top, thinking it can’t hurt,” Teller says. “But in actuality, these can impact the absorption of medication that’s been prescribed or cause an adverse reaction.”
What is the best supplement for older dogs?
“As dogs age, they can develop any number of ailments,” Matusicky says. “Depending on what’s going on, different diets and supplements may be recommended.” Teller says supplements are helpful for senior dogs with arthritis (omega-3s from fish oil) and “doggy dementia” (cognitive dysfunction blends) in particular.
Should I give my dog probiotics?
Teller says veterinarians use probiotics frequently, especially for dogs with diarrhea, those who have been on antibiotics, or dogs experiencing certain types of anxiety. However, much like it is for humans, the benefits of probiotics are strain-specific, so you must give the strain that helps with a specific health issue. Otherwise, the probiotic won’t be effective. “If you have an overall healthy animal, there’s not a great indication for probiotics,” Teller says.
What dosage should I give my dog?
Getting supplement dosage right is extremely important, Matusicky and Teller say. Often, supplements may contain too little or too much of an ingredient, and different conditions require different dosages, Teller says. That’s why it’s so important to consult your veterinarian about the specific condition you want to address to ensure you’re giving your dog the correct dose.
