Top 10 Supplements for Senior Dogs in 2024: Vet-Approved Picks – Dogster

As dogs age, they may start to develop certain age-specific medical conditions that can impact their overall health and well-being. From joint problems to digestive issues, older dogs may benefit from the use of supplements to help address these issues and improve their quality of life. With a wide range of supplements available on the market, choosing the right product for your senior canine companion can be overwhelming. In this article, we will discuss the best supplements for older dogs, highlighting their ingredients, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision for your furry friend.

1. Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites – Best Overall

Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites are specially formulated for older and senior dogs to help restore vitality and address a variety of health concerns. With a delicious chicken flavor and soft texture, these supplements are easy to administer even to picky eaters or dogs with dental issues. The ingredients include curcumin, chondroitin, glucosamine, coenzyme Q10, fish oil, vitamins A, B complex, C, and E, methyl sulfonyl methane, cranberry concentrates, and more. These active ingredients work together to support joint health, reduce oxidative stress, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall well-being. Additionally, these supplements can benefit the kidney, urinary bladder, liver, heart, and brain function in senior dogs.

Pros:
– Easy to administer
– Great taste
– Supports immune system
– Suitable for all dog breeds
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– Powdered form may not be preferred by some dogs
– Higher price point

2. PetHonesty Hip + Joint Health Soft Chews – Best Value

PetHonesty Hip + Joint Health Soft Chews are designed to support healthy bones and joints in dogs, particularly those with joint issues or mobility concerns. The ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, omega-3, vitamin E, eggshell membrane, sweet potato, tomatoes, and more. These chews are chicken-flavored and suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages. They are free from corn, soy, wheat, and are non-GMO. The combination of ingredients in these supplements helps reduce inflammation, support joint health, and improve mobility in senior dogs.

Pros:
– Great value for money
– Suitable for all breeds and ages
– Non-GMO
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– Turmeric may cause nausea in some dogs
– Strong smell may deter some dogs

3. Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength – Premium Choice

Nutramax Cosequin Hip & Joint Maximum Strength Plus MSM is a premium supplement for dogs with joint issues, mobility problems, and joint pain. The three key ingredients in this supplement are glucosamine hydrochloride, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These ingredients work together to support joint health, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, promote new cartilage growth, and prevent cartilage degradation. This supplement is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, including senior dogs, and is made in the USA.

Pros:
– Suited for all dog breeds and ages
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– Strong smell may be off-putting to some dogs
– Higher price point

4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder is a digestive supplement for dogs that contains live microorganisms and antioxidants to support gastrointestinal health. This powder supplement can help with gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and is easy to administer by mixing it with your dog’s regular food. It is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, including seniors, and is made in the USA.

Pros:
– Easy to administer
– Great taste
– Suitable for all breeds and ages
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– Some dogs may not like the taste
– May cause gastrointestinal issues in some dogs

5. PetHonesty Digestive Probiotics Soft Chews

PetHonesty Digestive Probiotics Soft Chews are designed to support gastrointestinal health in dogs by repopulating beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. These chews contain 1 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of probiotics per serving, along with pumpkin. They are duck-flavored, free from soy, wheat, corn, and harsh preservatives, and are non-GMO. These supplements can help with gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas, and also support a healthy immune system.

Pros:
– Chewable texture
– Easy to administer
– Can help with itchy skin
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– Some dogs may find them difficult to chew

6. Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Supplement

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Supplement is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin, fur, joints, heart, and eyesight health in dogs. This supplement promotes a shiny coat, healthy skin, joint health, immune system support, and overall well-being. The liquid form of this supplement makes it easy to administer by adding it to your dog’s food. It is suitable for dogs of all ages, including seniors.

Pros:
– Promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin
– Helps with itchy skin
– Supports joint health
– Easy to administer

Cons:
– May cause soft stools in some dogs

7. NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic Powder

NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic Powder is a digestive supplement for dogs that contains digestive enzymes and probiotics to support gastrointestinal health. This powder supplement helps with food breakdown, digestive system health, liver health, and muscle recovery. By combining digestive enzymes with probiotics, this supplement aids in food transition, supports a sensitive stomach, and reduces flatulence. It is easy to dose and administer and is made in the USA.

Pros:
– Easy to dose and administer
– Can alleviate itchy skin
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– Higher price point
– Some dogs may experience stomach issues

8. NaturVet Senior Wellness Hip & Joint Advanced

NaturVet Senior Wellness Hip & Joint Advanced is a supplement formulated for senior dogs to support hip and joint health. The ingredients include glucosamine, MSM, vitamin C, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, and more. These supplements help improve mobility, support joint health, and maintain cartilage and connective tissue health in senior dogs. They have a soft, chewy texture that is easy to administer and are suitable for dogs that are allergic to chicken. However, they may cause gastrointestinal upset if not administered with food.

Pros:
– Soft, chewy texture
– Easy to administer
– Suitable for dogs allergic to chicken
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– May cause gastrointestinal upset if not given with food
– Not recommended for pregnant or lactating females

9. Zesty Paws Advanced Vision Bites Soft Chews Supplement

Zesty Paws Advanced Vision Bites Soft Chews Supplement is designed to support eye function in senior dogs and help with visual impairment. The ingredients include cod liver oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other active ingredients that promote eye health, skin health, fur health, and immune system support. These supplements have a soft, chewy texture that is easy to administer and are made in the USA. However, they may be expensive and some dogs may not like the taste.

Pros:
– Soft, chewy texture
– Easy to administer
– Made in the USA
– Helps with itchy skin

Cons:
– Higher price point
– Some dogs may not like the taste

10. Pet-Tabs Vitamin-Mineral Dog Supplement

Pet-Tabs Vitamin-Mineral Dog Supplement is a comprehensive supplement that provides 18 essential vitamins and minerals to complete your dog’s diet and address nutritional deficiencies. These supplements are suitable for dogs on a raw diet and can be given as is or crumbled over your dog’s food. While they are rich in essential nutrients, they also contain sugar, corn syrup, and filler ingredients that may not be ideal for dogs with diabetes or obesity.

Pros:
– Affordable
– Easy to administer

Cons:
– Contains sugar and corn syrup
– Contains filler ingredients without nutritional value

When selecting a supplement for your older dog, it is important to consider their specific health needs and consult with your veterinarian before adding any new products to their diet. Look for supplements made from natural ingredients that do not contain sugar or fillers. Choose products that address your dog’s specific health concerns, whether it be joint issues, digestive problems, skin and coat issues, or overall well-being. By selecting the right supplement for your senior dog, you can help improve their quality of life and ensure they stay healthy and happy in their golden years.