ByPetMD Vet Advisory Panel
Published Aug. 31, 2026
All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Is your dog scratching, slowing down on walks, or acting stressed? Maybe you have a senior dog who is having trouble getting up from the couch? Or perhaps you simply want to support your dog’s overall health. If so, you may be wondering whether a dog supplement could help.
The best dog supplementscombine science-backed ingredients with an easy-to-offer format—all at a reasonable price.
With so many products available, finding a dog supplement that’s truly worth adding to your pet’s routine can be challenging. To help, our veterinarians and vet techs reviewed top options from trusted brands. Drawing on years of clinical experience, they selected the best dog supplements for a range of health needs. While supplements can support certain aspects of your dog’s health, they’re not a substitute for a balanced diet, routine veterinary care, or prescription medications.
What To Consider When Buying Dog Supplements
The best supplement for your dog depends on their age, lifestyle, diet, and individual health needs. As such, here are a few elements to keep in mind when evaluating the options.
Your Dog’s Age
Dogs’ nutritional needs naturally evolve as they age and hit new life stages. Forexample, puppies maybenefit from vet-recommended supplements to support growth and development, while senior dogs are more likely to benefit from supplements and ingredients thatsupport mobility, cognitive function, skin health, digestive health, or heart health.
Breed
A dog’s breed can provide clues about the types of health concerns they may be predisposed to. Large (e.g.,German Shepherds) and giant (e.g.,Great Danes) breeds are prone to joint issues, such asosteoarthritisandhip dysplasia, due to a combination of genetic predisposition and their larger size, which places additional stress on joints.
Some breeds, includingDoberman PinschersandBoxers, have a higher risk of developing heart conditions, while others, such asEnglish BulldogsandLabrador Retrievers, are susceptible to skin and allergy issues.
That said, breed predisposition doesn’t guarantee that a dog will develop a particular health problem—or that they automatically could benefit from a supplement to support certain health functions. Consult your vet about your dog’s individual health needs and whether supplementation is appropriate.
Prior Conditions, Injuries, or Specific Dietary Needs
Targeted supplements are more appropriate for a dog with specific health concerns rather than broad formulas aimed at overall wellness. For example, adog recovering from a torn ACLmay benefit from a joint supplement, a dog with recurringdigestive upsetmay be a candidate for a probiotic, and a dog eating a homemade diet may needsupplementation to cover nutritional gaps.
Supplement Form
Dog supplements come in chewables, tablets, powders, capsules, liquids, and soft gels. The best option depends on your dog’s individual needs and what they’ll actually take.
Picky eaters might more readily accept tasty, flavored chews, while seniors or those withdental issueswho have difficulty chewing may do better with powders or liquids.
Some formulations may be absorbed differently depending on the active ingredient and how the product is manufactured. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, and ask your veterinarian if you have questions about which form of supplement is best for your dog.
Quality and Evidence
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review or approve animal supplements for safety or effectiveness, resulting in a market with widely varying product quality, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing standards.
Look for products manufactured by reputable companies that provide ingredient transparency, quality testing, and, when available, published research supporting their products.
Many of our panelists’ choices below also carry theNational Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal, which means the productadheres to the third-party’s rigorous standards for manufacturing and quality control, whichcan provide additional confidence when choosing a dog supplement.
Dosage Frequency
Some dog supplements may be meant to be taken temporarily, while others are intended for daily, long-term use before you start seeing the benefits. It’s also important to pay attention to serving size requirements, as larger dogs may require multiple servings per day.
Understanding the recommended dosing schedule and serving size can help you choose a product that fits your routine and budget.
Your Veterinarian’s Approval
Always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s routine. Your vet can help you determine whether a particular supplement is appropriate for your pet’s individual needs, especially if they have apreexisting medical condition, allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, or are currently on any medications.
It’s important to remember that supplements are just one piece of your dog’s health puzzle. They’re designed to support your dog’s overall well-being and work alongside routine veterinary care—not act as a cure-all.
How We Selected the Best Dog Supplements
This list of the best dog supplements was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. They were asked to choose the best dog supplements in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Quality and combination of ingredients
- Backed by science-based research
- Brand reputation
- Manufacturing quality, including carrying a NASC Quality Seal or a strong history of veterinary research and quality standards
- Ease of administration
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of veterinarians and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot pay for placement in Vet Verified articles or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your pets.
Dog Supplement FAQs
What is the best overall supplement for dogs?
Ultimately, the best supplement for dogs is the one that is best suited foryourdog’s unique health needs, age, breed, or medical history. While many dog supplements are targeted to support a specific health function, our veterinary panel pickedNutramax Imuquin Immune Support Supplement for Dogsas the best overall dog supplement to support their overall well-being, particularly during times of physical or emotional stress.
Do vets recommend supplements for dogs?
Yes, veterinarians may recommend supplements for dogs in certain situations.Which supplement they recommend depends on various factors, including your dog’s age, health status, lifestyle, diet, and specific needs. However, it’s important to note that supplements are a complementary tool and should not replace regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and exercise.
Because supplements are not regulated the same way as prescription medications, it’s also important to choose products from reputable manufacturers with strong quality standards, and to discuss them with your veterinarian before starting them.
What is the No. 1 joint supplement for dogs?
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Hip & Joint Soft Chews Joint Supplementtook the top spot on our list as the best joint supplement for dogs because of its research-backed, comprehensive formula, which includes glucosamine and chondroitin, and targets joint health from multiple angles.
Are dog supplements really necessary?
Not always. Most healthy dogs who eat a complete and balanced commercial diet don’t need supplements. However, some dogs can benefit from targeted supplementation for specific concerns, such as joint health, digestive health, skin support, or cognitive aging. Your veterinarian can help determine whether a supplement is appropriate based on your dog’s individual needs.
How long do dog supplements take to work?
Most supplements don’t work immediately. Depending on the product and your dog’s individual needs, it may take several weeks of consistent daily use before noticeable benefits are seen. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and speak with your veterinarian if you’re not noticing improvement.
