It’s safe to say that—as a dog mom—I want my fur babies to live long, healthy lives. And that’s why stocking up on supplements is so important! There are so many vitamins and minerals including fish oil, probiotics and more that our beloved pups can’t get from their daily diet. That’s why I spoke with Nick Horniman, veterinary surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy MyPetsVet. He weighed in on beneficial supplements that will likely lengthen your dog’s lifespan.
“Before starting any supplement, consult your veterinarian to ensure it is appropriate for your dog’s specific health needs, weight and any concurrent medications,” he explains. “When chosen carefully and used correctly, these proven supplements can help your dog feel more comfortable, active and content throughout all life stages.”
5 Vet-Recommended Supplements For a Healthy Dog
Healthy Everything: Right off the bat, Horniman says Omega-3 fatty acid fish oil pills help with everything from joint pain to healthy skin. He emphasizes they should contain both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
“[These] are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can be invaluable for managing osteoarthritis and reducing joint pain in aging dogs,” he tells us. “Additionally, Omega-3s support healthy skin and a glossy coat, help regulate the immune response and may contribute to cognitive function in senior dogs. For dogs with arthritis, studies have shown measurable improvements in mobility and comfort when Omega-3s are used alongside conventional treatment.”
Pain-Free: Next, he says supplementing their food with glucosamine and chondroitin helps with joint health, cartilage repair and reducing inflammation.
“While they are not a cure for arthritis, clinical trials indicate they can improve function and reduce discomfort over time, making them especially helpful for older dogs or breeds prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many joint supplements combine these ingredients with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for additional anti-inflammatory benefit.
Healthy Tummy: As we know for human health, probiotics are great for balancing the gut microbiome—and Dr. Horniman says it’s the same for dogs.
“Strains such as Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis have demonstrated benefits for dogs suffering from diarrhoea, antibiotic-associated digestive upset and even stress-related gastrointestinal issues,” Dr. Horniman says (and Essential Pets’ contains all of the above). “Probiotics may also support immune health, as a large proportion of a dog’s immune system is linked to the gut. High-quality veterinary probiotic formulations are preferable to generic human products, as they contain strains researched specifically for canine health.”
Lively Liver: SAMe is a naturally occurring molecule that helps with liver function, Dr. Horniman explains. In turn, taking it can help fend off disease.
“Veterinary studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in supporting liver health, particularly in cases of chronic liver disease or damage caused by toxins or medications. SAMe increases levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that protects liver cells,” he adds. “It has also been investigated for cognitive support, as it contributes to the production of neurotransmitters. For dogs with early signs of cognitive decline or liver compromise, SAMe supplementation can be a valuable support to medical management.”
Healthy Heart: Cardiac function is crucial for a healthy pup, and L-carnitine helps with that.
“Research shows that L-carnitine supplementation can support cardiac function in dogs with heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition seen in breeds such as Dobermans and Boxers,” Dr. Horniman says. “Some studies have demonstrated improvements in exercise tolerance and cardiac output when L-carnitine is included in treatment. It is also sometimes used in dogs with obesity or metabolic issues to help improve fat metabolism.”
