What Are Dog Supplements?

Dog supplements are products designed to support the health and well-being of dogs. They are often used to address specific health concerns or enhance overall wellness. They come in different formulations, from powders to liquids to tablets. Some supplements are flavored to enhance palatability and ease of administration for pet owners. Many dog supplements are best given daily; however, some are prescribed for short-term use by veterinarians to aid in the treatment of various diseases.

Why Do Vets Recommend Supplements?

Veterinarians recommend supplements for numerous reasons. As an emergency veterinarian, I primarily recommend supplements to treat specific diseases. For example, I often prescribe probiotics to treat severe gastrointestinal upset and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) for elevated liver enzymes. 

Many primary care veterinarians recommend supplements to support your dog’s overall health or provide additional nutrition if you home-cook your dog’s food. Supplements are a great natural addition to any healthcare plan for your pet. 

Benefits of Dog Supplements

The benefits of dog supplements are numerous. These benefits include (but are not limited to): 

• Healthier Skin & Coat
• Increased Energy
• Stronger Immune System
• Improved Digestive Health
• Bone & Joint Support
• Better Heart Health
• Increased Overall Health & Longevity

Many dog supplements overlap in terms of their benefits, which is great news for pet owners! By giving your dogs supplements, you help treat disease in the short term and support their overall health as well. Supplements are a key part of my at-home health plan for my pets. My senior dogs receive glucosamine, fish oils, and probiotics every day.

Types of Dog Supplements

The most common dog supplements include:

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that may help restore a dog’s cartilage by reducing inflammation. Some research shows that it is most effective when combined with chondroitin. Chondroitin is a component of cartilage that helps it retain water and maintain elasticity. These supplements are commonly prescribed for dogs with arthritis and joint pain. 

Glucosamine, when given consistently in high enough quantities, can pass into the joint space. This supplement works primarily by supporting the structure and function of cartilage. Glucosamine is a building block for glycosaminoglycans, which are vital components of cartilage. It helps in the production and repair of this tissue. Some studies suggest that glucosamine may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness.

Regular supplementation with glucosamine may help slow the breakdown of cartilage in joints, potentially preventing or delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. For my senior dog with hip dysplasia, glucosamine has been a daily part of our routine since his initial diagnosis.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is one of my favorite supplements to prescribe as a veterinarian and give to my own dogs. Not only does fish oil help with skin and coat health, but evidence shows fish oil is also helpful in pets with cardiac disease, osteoarthritis, and hypertriglyceridemia (commonly seen in breeds like miniature schnauzers). This supplement has one of the most diverse lists of health benefits: 

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which have anti-inflammatory properties. Decreasing inflammation may reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in dogs with arthritis. 
• Supports heart health: Fish oil can support cardiovascular health by helping to lower triglycerides and improve overall heart function. 
• Better brain health: Fish oil is important for brain health and can support cognitive function, especially in older dogs and puppies. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is crucial for cognitive function and brain development. This is particularly important in puppies, as their brains are rapidly developing. DHA is now considered a key nutrient in many puppy diets.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants can reduce inflammation, prevent diseases, and support internal organs. One of the antioxidants I use the most in emergency medicine is N-acetylcysteine. This is a key antioxidant for the liver and can be given via injection or orally. We even use it to break up mucus in severe pneumonia cases. This supplement helps detoxify the liver and has even been shown to be neuroprotective by modulating certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Probiotics

I prescribe probiotics every time I work as an emergency veterinarian. Dogs often present to me for gastrointestinal upset, and probiotics are essential for repopulating their good gut microbiome. 

Probiotics can be given to your dog daily or as needed for soft stool/diarrhea. Probiotics have even been found to help with anxiety in dogs. The gastrointestinal tract has its own nervous system and is a key part of the immune system in dogs. Providing probiotics to support the gut microbiome is an essential part of my practice as an emergency veterinarian.

Liver Supplements

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) is a common supplement for liver support. Few treatments exist for liver disease in both dogs and people. SAM-e naturally occurs in the body, helping maintain cell membranes and regulating hormones. If the liver is not functioning properly, your veterinarian may recommend SAM-e to keep your dog’s body in balance. 

Multivitamins

A daily multivitamin can fill any nutritional gaps that other supplements don’t cover for your dog. This is especially important if you cook your dog’s food at home. Multivitamins are a great way to help keep your dog healthy long-term. 

How to Introduce Supplements to Dogs

Some supplements can be given immediately without slowly transitioning them into your pet’s daily routine. However, if you are unsure or your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to start slowly. Fish oil, for example, should be slowly introduced to your pet’s diet, as it can cause gastrointestinal upset in large quantities. 

I recommend starting slowly with new supplements. Mix the supplement into your dog’s food and monitor them closely for any initial reactions over the first week or two.

Consult With Your Vet

If you are interested in adding supplements to your dog’s daily routine, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. They may have recommendations as to which supplements work the best for your dog’s particular needs. When choosing dog supplements, opt for high-quality brands backed by a veterinarian. Some dog supplements have excellent marketing but may not have the highest quality control. 

The options for supplements can seem overwhelming at times, so it is always best to consult with a veterinarian. Most veterinarians have a list of supplements they recommend to their clients based on their dog’s life stage and particular health profile. 

References:

1. Ratsch BE, Levine D, Wakshlag JJ. Clinical Guide to Obesity and Nonherbal Nutraceuticals in Canine Orthopedic Conditions. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2022;52(4):939-958. 
2. Corsato Alvarenga I, Panickar KS, Hess H, McGrath S. Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases. Annu Rev Anim Biosci. 2023;11:227-246. 
3. Yang Q, Wu Z. Gut Probiotics and Health of Dogs and Cats: Benefits, Applications, and Underlying Mechanisms. Microorganisms. 2023;11(10):2452.