Senior Dog Supplements and Vitamins: 7 to Try

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Caring for senior dogs can be rewarding and simultaneously demanding on a pet parent. As your relationship with your dog deepens, their health challenges can begin to multiply. 

Millions of pets adopted during the pandemic are entering their golden years, which means their needs are likely starting to change. One of the most common signs of aging in canines is decreased mobility, including dog joint pain and stiffness, says Cynthia Aguilar, a registered veterinary technician (RVT) based in Anaheim, Calif.

In addition, pet parents might notice cognitive changes like disorientation or anxiety occurring more frequently, adds Dr. Hyun Han, DVM, with TelaVets.com. “In the senior dog, I also see more digestive issues like sensitive stomachs, irregular stools, and less efficient nutrient absorption,” Dr. Han adds.

It’s not uncommon for aging dogs to develop new health conditions as they get older. “Some senior dogs are diabetic, others have heart failure, some have kidney issues,” Aguilar says. “It’s important to understand what your pet needs during this stage of life.”

The good news is there are steps pet parents can take to help make the transition easier and better support aging canine companions. Senior dog vitamins and supplements for senior dogs are an option in your toolbox for maintaining and improving your pet’s health and comfort.

Here’s how senior dog supplements and vitamins can help aging pets.

Why Your Vet Might Recommend Senior Dog Supplements and Vitamins

Veterinarians recommend that senior dogs go for twice yearly checkups. During these pet wellness visits, you should address any physical or behavioral concerns you have about your pet. You can also ask your vet whether supplements and vitamins for old dogs might help, such as omega-3s for inflammation, glucosamine for joints, or probiotics for digestion.

In general, senior dogs may benefit from supplements and vitamins that support:

• Joint health (e.g., glucosamine, MSM, green-lipped mussel)
• Cognitive function (e.g., DHA, antioxidants)
• Digestion (e.g., probiotics, digestive enzymes)
• Bladder control (e.g., pumpkin seed, cranberry extract)
• Muscle mass (e.g., L-carnitine, amino acids)
• Anxiety and sleep issues (e.g., L-theanine, melatonin, CBD)

Vitamins and supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps, Dr. Han says. While commercial dog foods are “complete and balanced,” some dogs may have special nutritional needs. “These vitamins can also provide higher doses of specific ingredients than you’d find in food alone,” Dr. Han says.

If you have an adult dog who is approaching senior status, now is a good time to discuss senior dog supplements with your vet. “Preventive supplements like: pre- and probiotics, glucosamine, omega-3, fiber (pumpkin powder) are some supplements we encourage even before they start entering their senior years,” Aguilar says.

If your dog could benefit from cognition support, Aguilar suggests looking for supplements that contain ingredients like DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil) to support brain cell function, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) to boost mood and cognitive function, phosphatidylserine to support nerve cell communication, and antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C and CoQ10, to protect brain cells.

For dogs with joint pain, senior dog joint supplements can help alleviate discomfort, Aguilar says. “As our canine friends age, their cartilage naturally wears down, leading to inflammation and discomfort,” she says. Dogs also lose muscle strength with age, reducing muscular support around the joints. “It’s crucial we use supplements containing specific ingredients to help cushion the joints and alleviate pain, making it easier for senior dogs to remain active,” Aguilar says.

Once you identify the areas where your dog needs additional support, you can begin your search for the best supplements for senior dogs. 

7 Supplements and Vitamins for Senior Dogs

From joint health to immune support, here is a range of senior dog supplements and vitamins for older dogs that you may want to consider. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s health and unique needs before beginning any nutritional supplement.  

VetriScience Senior Vitality Pro Healthy Cognition Soft Chews

Similar to aging humans, older dogs may experience confusion, sleep disruptions, and anxiety. They may also show signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (also called dementia in dogs). VetriScience cognition chews are designed to support healthy aging in senior dogs who are dealing with cognitive challenges. This cognitive supplement for senior dogs contains omega-3 fatty acids to promote brain function, magnesium to support memory, and resveratrol to nurture healthy aging, among other beneficial ingredients.

Highlights

• Chews are easy to give as a treat, and many dogs find duck flavor appealing.
• Contains choline and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) to support brain function.
• Also contains DMG and resveratrol help build immune system strength and support healthy aging.

Things to Consider

• Larger dogs require two chews daily, which means you’ll go through the whole bag in a month.
• If you have a picky dog who doesn’t enjoy duck flavor, you’ll need to look for an alternate option.
• VetriScience is rolling out new packaging for all its products, so you may receive old or new packaging during this transition.

Covetrus Omega-3 and Vitamin Supplement

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help arthritic dogs with achy joints get around better. They are also known to boost the immune system and improve skin and coat health. These Covetrus fish oil softgels also contain vitamin E for added immune and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Pros

• The 60-count softgel capsule bottle comes in two strengths: one for small dogs and another for medium dogs. 
• Also available as a twist cap, with strength options for small dogs and medium/large dogs.
• Contains fish oil as the source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins E, A, and D3
• This supplement for older dogs helps with the immune system and joints, in addition to promoting healthy coat and skin benefits.
• You can give the softgels whole or puncture and squeeze the contents onto your pet’s food. With the twist caps, you can twist or clip off the tip.

Things to Consider

• The fish oil flavor might be off-putting to picky animals. In this case, you can try hiding the capsules in your pet’s treats.
• If you have a large dog, consider the twist cap formula, which comes in a 250-count bottle.

VetriScience Bladder Strength

Aging dogs can struggle with bladder control, frequent urination, and urinary tract infections (UTI in dogs). Having a senior dog supplement designed to address this issue specifically might save your dog from having accidents and can help ease bladder-related discomfort, especially in dogs with a history of bladder issues. VetriScience bladder health supplement contains pumpkin seed powder to support urinary tract health, soy protein extract to help reduce bladder leaks, and saw palmetto to support muscle tone. 

Benefits

• Ingredients to promote bladder control, strengthen bladder muscles, and support urinary tract function.
• Made in a smoke-flavored tablet that’s easy to hide in a pill pocket or in food.
• Especially helpful for supporting bladder health in spayed and senior dogs.

Things to Consider

• If giving more than one tablet daily (for dogs over 30 pounds), you’ll need to divide the amount between morning and evening.
• Doesn’t contain cranberry extract, if that’s an ingredient you’re looking for in supplements for aging dogs.
• VetriScience also has a soft chew for bladder health that is recommended for spayed females and senior pets.

Covetrus Joint Mobility Pro Soft Chews

Joint supplements can significantly benefit senior dogs experiencing occasional joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort due to arthritis. These Covetrus joint support soft chews are formulated to maintain dog joint health and resilience. Key ingredients include glucosamine HCI, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, EPA and DHA to help reduce inflammation, lubricate joints, and repair cartilage.

Benefits

• Formulated with glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, EPA and DHA to help maintain joint health.
• Omega-3s also support healthy skin and coat.
• Easy to chew with a tasty, chicken flavor.
• Available in 60-count and 120-count packages.

Things to Consider

• Choose between under 60-pound and over 60-pound formulations.
• To reduce the risk of GI upset, give the chew with a meal or after your dog has eaten (on a full stomach).
• Dosages need to be doubled during the first 4-6 weeks (follow your veterinarian’s recommendations).
• Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children and animals.

Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement Chewables

This senior dog supplement helps support normal vision in aging pets. The “GLO” in Ocu-GLO stands for grape seed extract, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids. The ingredients work on a cellular level to support ocular health and protect against free radical damage. This vision supplement for dogs comes highly recommended by veterinary ophthalmologists. 

Benefits

• Active ingredients include taurine, omega-3 EPA/DHA, grape seed extract, and lutein to support optimal eye health.
• Enhanced antioxidant support also comes from vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, Co-Q10, astaxanthin, and rutin.
• Palatable chicken flavor is artificial, making this product suitable for pets allergic to chicken or soy.

Things to Consider

• Do not use this product if your dog is taking anticoagulant medications.
• For a medium to large dog (31 to 60 pounds), you’ll need to give four chewables over the course of a day. Since the product comes in a 60-count jar, this means you’ll go through a container every 15 days.
• These chewables can support and protect eye health but can’t correct existing vision problems.

Rx Vitamins Ultra EFA Liquid Supplement

This potent liquid supplement from Rx Vitamins features a marine lipid concentrate that’s ultra-rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Potential health benefits for senior dogs may include improved joint function, enhanced cognition, reduced inflammation, and an immune system boost.

Highlights

• With liquid vitamins for senior dogs, you simply add to your dog’s daily meal to support their overall health and wellness.
• Includes lecithin and zinc for added nutritional benefits.
• Also contains rosemary extract, vitamin E, and other natural antioxidants to protect the product against oxidation.
• Available in 8-oz and 16-oz bottles.

Things to Consider

• The directions on the bottle suggest giving ¼ teaspoon for every 15 pounds of body weight, twice daily. Speak to your veterinarian about the appropriate dose for your pet.
• To avoid an upset stomach, give during or after your dog has eaten.
• Shake well before using.
• Store in a cool, dark place (out of direct sunlight).

Rx Vitamins Immuno Support

If your senior pet is stressed, sick, or could just use a little boost, Rx Vitamins Immuno Support can help strengthen their immune system. These capsules feature natural fiber prebiotics to support healthy immune activity and shiitake mushrooms to support the body’s natural defenses. 

Benefits

• Formulated with natural ingredients to maintain immune system balance and function.
• Also contains lutein, which is beneficial for eye health.
• Good price point for a 60-count bottle.

Things to Consider

• The directions suggest two capsules daily for each 15-30 pounds of body weight. This means larger dogs might need to take up to four capsules daily.
• As with many of these supplements, you should give the capsule to your dog during their meal or after they’ve eaten to help avoid GI upset.
• Your pet should get a veterinary exam prior to using this product.
• Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

Tips and Safety for Giving Supplements to Senior Dogs

As always, before starting any new supplements for senior dogs, talk to your veterinarian first. Senior dogs often have multiple underlying medical issues; a supplement given to correct one problem can, in some cases, make another problem worse. Your veterinarian will help you assess the risks and benefits of specific supplements in your individual dog. 

Once you get the green light from your veterinarian, take the time to read the ingredients on the bottle or package. If there are a lot of additives or artificial ingredients, you might want to seek out a different product, Aguilar suggests. “Make sure it carries the active ingredients that you’re looking for and that it has a good percentage of them in the product.”

Aguilar recommends looking for research-backed brands that collaborate with veterinarians, nutritionists, and other experts. In addition, “look for a NASC seal (National Animal Supplement Council), which is a good indicator of quality control,” she says.

Safety concerns when giving senior dogs supplements or vitamins can include dosing too high or taking multiple products that overlap in ingredients. This can lead to GI upset or excess vitamin levels, Dr. Han says. Dogs on prescriptions should always have vitamin use cleared by their vet first to avoid interactions with existing medications, our experts advise. Some senior dog diets already have supplements incorporated into the diet, so it is important to use caution to avoid overdosing on specific ingredients.

“Overdosing can occur and cause serious health problems,” Aguilar warns. Examples include:

• Vitamin D toxicity: May cause vomiting, increased thirst, or kidney failure.
• Too much fish oil: Can cause blood clotting issues or an upset stomach.
• Iron or calcium excess: May lead to constipation, liver issues, or skeletal problems.

Make sure your veterinarian is aware of your dog’s diet and all medications your dog is taking (including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and any other supplements you may be giving) when discussing whether or not to give a new supplement. 

Larger tablets or chewables can be hard to get down, especially if senior dogs have dental issues, reminds Dr. Han. Palatability is also important: “If the dog won’t eat it, it’s not worth fighting over,” Dr. Han says. If your dog tends to spit out pills, you’ll be left wondering whether they ate it. Fortunately, many of today’s supplements come in soft chews, powders, and liquids that are easier to give or, they can be hidden in tasty pill pockets.

Senior Dog Vitamins as Part of a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Senior dog supplements and vitamins for older dogs won’t stop the aging process. But they can help provide nutritional support and protective benefits for dogs with specific health issues, while also complementing a healthy diet and exercise plan.

If you have a pet with no underlying health concerns, talk to your veterinarian about a senior dog diet with fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight, Aguilar says. “Our senior friends are slowing down and aren’t as active as they used to be. So, gaining weight is a huge factor that we have to keep an eye on. We don’t want to add more weight to their joints if they are already having a hard time walking.” Senior diets are formulated to be nutritionally complete for most senior dogs. 

Always check with your veterinarian before adding a new supplement to your dog’s daily routine, especially if they’re already on medications or have existing health conditions. What works for one senior dog may not be right for another.