Best dog vitamins and supplements in 2022, according to vets

What we love: Zesty Paws Multifunctional 8-in-1 Bites has 35 nutritious ingredients to keep your dog in peak shape. The ingredients support healthy skin, coat, hips, joints, digestive system, heart health, and immune health. The multivitamin is also made in the USA in a cGMP facility and doesn’t have any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavoring. Plus, dogs will love the yummy chicken flavor.

What customer reviews say: Not only does this vitamin help with joint pain, general energy, and wellbeing in dogs, some reviewers said their dog’s fur became shinier and softer, too. Customers also mentioned it helped their dogs lose weight.

🧪  Ingredients: Glucosamine HCL, MSM (OptiMSM), cod liver oil, enzyme blend, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), niacin, coenzyme Q10, vitamin B1 (thiamine), pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), manganese, Folic Acid, biotin, vitamin B-12, chicken meal, coconut glycerin, flaxseed meal, natural chicken flavoring, oat flour, palm fruit oil, powdered cellulose, pumpkin, rice flour, sorbic acid, (natural preservative), and sunflower lecithin.

What we love: Our number one pick for a doggie vitamin is the Natural Dog Company Multivitamin. It comes with 35 different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your dog energetic and healthy. Ingredients like organic tumeric and coenzyme Q10 serve as antioxidants, and the vitamin’s additional minerals and enzymes can help support healthy digestion and improve immune function. Plus, the formula is grain, soy and corn-free, too.

What customer reviews say: Many reviewers say these multivitamins are so tasty they don’t even have to hide them in peanut butter — their pups just gobble them right up! They’re also apt for dogs with allergies, according to other reviews, helping to improve their dog’s irritated or itchy skin.

🧪  Ingredients: Organic turmeric, organic hemp seed oil, cod liver oil, coenzyme Q10, digestive enzymes, organic hemp seed, essential fatty acids, protein, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), curcuminoid, niacin, vitamin B1, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, duck, sweet potato, coconut oil, pea flour, palm fruit oil, flaxseed meal, garbanzo flour, prosurance duck/pea, powdered cellulose, sunflower lecithin, coconut glycerin, sorbic acid, rosemary extract, and mixed tocopherols.

What we love: Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin is one of the most affordable vitamins on the market. Although it’s recommended for dogs of any breed, size, or age, it’s especially beneficial for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. The vitamin boasts 11 vital minerals to help balance your dog’s immune response and maintain a healthy nervous system.

What customer reviews say: Many reviewers expressed that this vitamin was particularly helpful for older dogs. Many customers also loved the affordable price (under $5 for 60 tablets at the time of reviewing). However, many reviews said that dog’s didn’t love the taste, and these vitamins had to be crumbled or hidden into food.

🧪  Ingredients: Brewers dried yeast, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, fish oil, cellulose, natural duck flavor, vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, L-arginine, vitamin B12 supplement, Dl-methionine, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, niacinamide, D-calcium pantothenate, magnesium oxide, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), manganese sulfate, inositol, riboflavin, copper sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin A supplement, sodium selenite, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, folic acid, potassium chloride, and calcium iodate.

What we love: These allergy immune treats contain bee pollen, a natural antihistamine, to help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms and allergic reactions. They help boost dogs’ health and reduce itchy skin, watery eyes, and other common allergy symptoms. They’re also made in the USA and are free of wheat, corn, and preservatives.

What customers say: With 4,800+ reviews on Amazon, many customers say this supplement has helped their dogs’ seasonal allergies. One reviewer noted, “this product didn’t take all his symptoms away, but he is definitely so much much comfortable.” So while it may not 100% cure your pup’s allergies, many reviewers said it tremendously helped their dogs.

🧪  Ingredients: Bee pollen, kelp, vitamin C, organic licorice root, and colostrum.

What we love: The Nutramax Cosequin Joint Supplement Plus is especially formulated for adult dogs that need a little extra joint love and care. The supplement supports cartilage protection and is easy to crush up in your doggo’s food — they won’t even notice it’s there.

What customer reviews say: Many noticed a significant change in their older dogs aftering using this supplement. One reviewer noticed their dog had significantly more “spunk and energy” after four weeks of use. Another said their dog was “up and running” once again after having slowed down due to age. It’s no wonder this supplement comes 97% recommended on Chewy with almost 2,000 customer reviews.

🧪  Ingredients: Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl), sodium chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and manganese.

What we love: Pet Parents Tumeric & Curcuma Supplements work on all dog breeds, ages, and sizes, helping with arthritis pain relief and joint health. The company focuses on adding whole meats and veggies to their chewable tablets instead of carbohydrates like rice or oats. Even the inactive ingredients are nutrient-rich, like sweet potatoes and carrots. Plus, natural turmeric and curcumin are anti-inflammatory agents, and the doggie coconut oil helps with joint aches and pains.

What customer reviews say: Pet owners that have dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint issues generally love this product. It’s especially helpful for dogs recovering from injuries or surgery, and reviewers also mentioned the fair price. Some dogs loved the taste, though, while others didn’t.

🧪  Ingredients: Organic turmeric, coconut oil, organic hemp seed oil, CurQmin™, boswellia serrata, and bioperine® (black pepper extract).

What we love: This multivitamin is packed with vitamins and supplements to support 10 health benefits, including joint health, skin and coat, and digestion. This 10-for-1 is designed to proactively help your dog avoid some of the most common health issues by filling in the nutrient gaps that might exist in their diet. Plus, it’s manufactured in the USA to ensure your dog gets premium ingredients, including Krill oil, Vitamin C, and Glucosamine.

What customers say: According to Amazon reviews, you won’t need to hide this vitamin inside peanut butter to get your dog to eat it — the chicken flavor makes this vitamin a treat for many dogs. Reviewers report seeing more pep in their dog’s step, especially with senior dogs, after incorporating this 10-in-1 in their dog’s daily routine.

🧪  Ingredients: Pumpkin, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), egg shell meal, and krill oil.

What we love: These soft, chewable tablets are designed to help with some of the most common health troubles senior pups experience, with ingredients that support urinary tract health, liver function, joint stiffness, and muscular function. Plus, they’ve got the NASC seal of approval, so you know the ingredients are safe and high-quality.

What customers say: Verified purchasers report more spring in their dog’s step and increased playfulness. Even owners of picky dogs say the vitamins were gobbled up like treats.  

🧪  Ingredients: Glucosamine, chondroitin, a gut health Blend, CoQ10, lutein, cranberry, curcumin, omega 3 (from cod liver fish oil), and MSM.

What we love: With a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals, this is a great substitution for less nutritious treats, and your dog won’t know the difference! The chicken flavor makes them easy for dogs to love, while you can feel good about the U.S.-manufactured, premium ingredients like fish oil omegas, amino acids, and B vitamins.

What customers say: Most Chewy reviewers say that their dogs are excited to eat these plain. Some Chewy reviewers report increased mobility and energy, using these multivitamins in lieu of high-calorie treats for weight control.

🧪  Ingredients: Oat flour, rye flour, soy lecithin, fish oil, vitamin E, vitamin B12, zinc sulfate, vitamin A, vitamin D, biotin, and folic acid.

What we love: This daily chew is great for dogs of any age, but specially tailored to give senior dogs a boost in the joint department. Active ingredients like Alaskan salmon oil, turmeric, and New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel are designed to reduce inflammation and support joint health. You can feel even better about these supplements because they’re vet-approved, manufactured in the U.S., and only contain the highest-quality organic ingredients. 

What customers say: Reviewers report improvements for their senior pups with arthritis and hip dysplasia such as swelling reduction, increased playfulness, and reduced stiffness.

🧪  Ingredients: Alaskan salmon oil, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, glucosamine HCL, chicken liver, chondroitin sulfate, purfor MSM flake, organic turmeric, vitamin C, coconut oil, palm fruit oil, and flaxseed meal.

• There are some vitamins that dogs cannot produce on their own. Your pup must get the necessary vitamins from a well-balanced diet. High-quality dog food will contain all the nutrition your pup needs.
• Some dogs suffer vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms like weight loss and coat problems could mean your dog has a vitamin deficiency — even if they eat a healthy diet.
• Vet-approved vitamins and supplements can help doggies with deficiencies. If your dog has a vitamin deficiency or a medical condition, there are many supplements on the market.
• Pet supplements are not well-regulated. You must be careful when purchasing over-the-counter products for your dog.
• Natural remedies are already in your kitchen. Certain fruits and vegetables can help with vitamin deficiencies, too.

If your dog is experiencing no health problems and is regularly eating a balanced diet of high-quality commercial dog food, vitamins might not be necessary. But they can help with a variety of health issues, like joint pain, arthritis, urinary dysfunction, dry skin, dull coat, digestive problems, anxiety, memory loss, and low energy. If you’re unsure whether vitamins can help your dog, you should ask your veterinarian. During an exam, they can identify deficiencies and recommend quality products.

Risks to giving your dog vitamins

Unfortunately, the dog vitamin and supplement industry is still unregulated by the FDA. This means you need to be extra careful when picking out a multivitamin for your dog’s body. Just because it’s sold by Amazon or another popular retailer, does not mean it’s safe! If you want to be safe, run anything you’re considering by your veterinarian. And make sure to use a vet-approved vitamin or supplement, like the ones we listed above.

Water-soluble vitamins like B and C are excreted in urine, so it’s not easy to accidentally give your dog too much of them. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, as well as certain heavy metals can be overdosed and cause illness. If after giving your dog a vitamin they are suddenly vomiting, having diarrhea, lethargic, or experiencing skin peeling, contact your vet as these are possible signs of vitamin toxicity.

An alternative: joint supplements

Supplements are any medicinal compound or mix of compounds designed to support health. Joint supplements can help with hip dysplasia, joint support,  arthritis, and general aches and pains. If your dog is eating a nutritious diet and is otherwise healthy aside from one of these conditions, you might consider a joint supplement instead of a multivitamin. It’s best to minimize the ingredients you’re giving your dog, only giving them what they need.

👉  Read our review of the best joint supplements for dogs

If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is vitamin-deficient, we’re right there with you! Being informed about your dog’s health requirements is part of being a great dog owner.  It’s helpful to define some terms and understand what vitamins and supplements are and what they do.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for an animal to grow and to fight off diseases. Vitamins help your dog’s body carry out certain chemical reactions. For instance, vitamins don’t provide energy like calories.  However, some vitamins aid the enzymes that harness energy from the foods your dog eats.

Think of your fuzzy buddy’s body as an adorable, wagging machine. Vitamins are the things that grease the gears and help everything inside run smoothly. Your dog’s body is capable of amazing things — like stealing your sandwich off the table.  However, it’s important to know what your dog’s body cannot do on its own, too.

Your dog’s body cannot create vitamins on its own without the right nutrients. This is why your pup has to eat well-balanced meals. In the case of deficiencies or other health problems, your dog might need to take a dose of a particular vitamin.

There are two types of vitamins — fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Because fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fat cells, they requite fat in order to be absorbed by your dog’s body. Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C,  are not stored in fat cells and do not require fat to be absorbed.

Our veterinarian advisor Erica Irish points out that it’s important to distinguish between fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins because your dog can overdose on fat-soluble vitamins. This is why it’s important to take supplements very seriously.

Supplements

Now, about those supplements. The term ‘dietary supplements’  is less specific than the category of vitamins. Some supplements do have vitamins in them. Others can also include any of the following or a mixture of several of these compounds:

• Amino acids (arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine)
• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin
• Enzymes (lipase, amylase, protease, papain, bromelain, cellulase)
• Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine)
• Probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus, enterococcus faecium, bifidobacterium lacti, lactobacillus casei, bifidobacterium breve)
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Coenzyme Q10
• Herbs/botanicals (milk thistle, ginger, valerian root, chamomile, California golden poppy, cranberries, CBD)

Antioxidants

The term ‘antioxidant’ comes up a lot in conversation surrounding canine supplements. It’s also a category that includes any compound that fights against cellular damage.  In dogs, antioxidants are often used to treat inflammation. A common antioxidant is ascorbic acid. You might know it better as vitamin C.

You will also come across phytochemicals a lot. They are antioxidants that are produced by plants.  It’s good to know what words on labels really mean when you’re looking for the best supplement for your pup. Because these labels can be confusing, always talk to your vet before giving your pup any over-the-counter pet product.

Dietary fiber

Dietary fiber exists in two forms: insoluble and soluble. They each have different benefits. Insoluble fiber is not digested by your dog. It is passed through their system. Insoluble fiber can make your dog feel more full without the extra calories. It can help with constipation.

Soluble fiber, on the other hand, is able to be digested. Intestinal bacteria break down soluble fiber and turn it into energy that fuels the cells in the intestines. Soluble fiber can help treat some forms of diarrhea. Both types of fiber exist in the same foods, such as pumpkin.

Note that your dog should be getting enough of both kinds of fiber from their meals. However, if your pup is having digestive issues, your vet might suggest a small amount of pumpkin. Companies even make pumpkin treats for your dog. If your dog has anal gland issues, your vet might recommend some fiber-rich treats for that condition.

Like any good dog owner, you want to be choosy about what you’re allowing your dog to put in their body. Here is our best advice about how to decide what essential nutrients your dog needs.

What vets say

Veterinarians stress that not all dogs need multivitamins, supplements, or digestive enzymes. Most young, healthy dogs get all that they need from a healthy diet. Some adult dogs may need extra supplements, which can be identified with the help of a veterinarian. Senior dogs and dogs with deficiencies are most likely to benefit from multivitamins. As far as specific vitamins, here’s what our veterinary consultant said:

• Great for most dog’s well-being — Omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B, Vitamin C
• Use sparingly — Vitamins A, D, E,  and K 

Tips for shopping for dog multivitamins

1. Consult your veterinarian — It’s best to rely on the experts for anything that involves your dog’s health.
2. Be minimal — Try to only give your dog what they need. Maybe that’s nothing, or maybe that’s a few supportive vitamins or supplements. Less is more.
3. Look for NASC approval — The National Animal Supplement Council is a nonprofit group that identifies quality, safe products for pets.

The FDA does not consider supplements to be foods or drugs. Therefore, their regulation is much less comprehensive. This means that you have to be very careful when purchasing an over-the-counter supplement for your dog.

According to VCA Hospitals, the FDA does have some requirements, which is good news. All the ingredients must be listed on the label. None of the ingredients can be known to be harmful. The FDA also prohibits products from making concrete claims. This is why you will often see language such as, “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.” You must be very careful when picking a pet product. This is also why it is always best to get your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Now that we know what to avoid, let’s dive into what dogs require. If your dog is suffering from a vitamin deficiency, it could be because they aren’t eating enough food to get as many vitamins as they need. Your dog could also just be naturally deficient and need a little extra boost. It’s ok, pupper, we’ve gotcha covered. According to the AKC and NomNom, dogs need the following vitamins to maintain their health.

• Vitamin A.  Similar to its effects on people, Vitamin A is good for skin and eye health. It also promotes weight loss.
• B vitamins. B Vitamins is a category that includes biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, B-6, B-12, and Choline. B vitamins are good for healthy cell growth and cell maintenance. One thing to note here is that choline is not technically a vitamin (or a mineral), it shares similar effects with B vitamins.
• Vitamin C. This one won’t surprise you. Vitamin C supports the immune system.
• Vitamin D. That good ol’ vitamin D is great for keeping those bones and teeth nice and strong.
• Vitamin E. For eyes and skin health, vitamin E is most important.

We compiled a list of the most common canine afflictions along with what vitamins and supplements can be effective in treating these doggie downers.

1. Joint issues and arthritis. Glucosamine help relieve joint pain. If your pup has arthritis, your vet has likely already prescribed a supplement to help with the aches and pains. The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is common, too.
2. Urinary issues. It’s glucosamine to the rescue, again! Our betterpet expert Erica Irish, DVM, notes that glucosamine has protective effects inside the small intestines and urinary bladder. It is great for dogs (and kitties!) with recurring UTIs.
3. Itching and coat issues. Omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil or flaxseed oil can help improve skin and coat health.
4. Anxiety. Probiotics and even cannabinoid products like CBD can be used to help a stressed-out pupper relax.
5. Diarrhea & other digestive problems. Probiotics are often used to treat upset doggie tummies. Fiber-rich treats might also help.
6. Memory loss. Antioxidants including vitamin A and vitamin E might help doggie brain function in senior pooches.

Your dog doesn’t necessarily have to get extra vitamins in pill or powder form. Lots of ‘people foods’  are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Remember when your parents told you to eat your vegetables? Well, you can now tell your fuzzy BFF that, too. For a comprehensive list,  check out this handy guide to help you determine what tasty treat to split with your pooch.

For a quick reference guide, here are some delicious ‘people foods’ that are healthy for your pup. Just remember to be moderate when feeding your dog these tasty snacks. We don’t want any upset tummies.

• Carrots. Bite into a delicious carrot and split it with your dog for a crunch of Vitamin A.
  
• Apples. An apple a day is full of Vitamin A (and Vitamin C).
• Salmon. This fish is swimming with omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B.
• Blueberries. Don’t be blue and worry about vitamin C and antioxidants.  Pop a couple of blueberries!
• Sweet potatoes.  This tuber roots for proper consumption of  Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and B6. Sweet potatoes should always be served soft/boiled.
• Bananas. Your dog will go bananas for all the magnesium and potassium in this smooshy treat.
• Watermelon. Along with a nice dose of hydration, this vine-grown treat is chock full of Vitamin A and  B-6. Watermelons should be served without seeds and rinds to avoid the potential for choking.
• Cucumbers. Sure ‘cucumber starts with a c’, but it’s full of vitamin K.
• Green beans. This type of bean really is magical. Green beans are a great source of calcium, iron, and vitamin K.

👉 Here’s a complete list of all the household foods that dogs should and shouldn’t eat.

Can dogs take human vitamins and supplements?

No. Products formulated for humans often contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

What form do dog vitamins and supplements come in?

There’s a wide variety including pills, capsules, powders, chews, treats, and liquid forms.

How will my dog’s vet diagnose a vitamin deficiency?

Your vet might be able to tell just by your dog’s symptoms. When you take your dog into the vet’s office, be prepared to answer questions about your dog’s health, including their diet. Blood tests are not widely used in diagnosing vitamin deficiencies.

I keep hearing that CBD pet products are miracle drugs. Is that true?

Sadly, miracle drugs don’t really exist. Cannabinoid products like pet CBD oil and treats are popular. Until proper testing is done, we won’t really know just how well cannabis works in dogs. Marijuana products for humans are harmful to dogs. THC is toxic to dogs.

👉 Read our guide to CBD for dogs for more information about what’s safe and legal.

Are there any specific dog breeds that benefit more from supplements?

Even within the same breed, each dog is unique. You know this already about their personalities, of course. While some breeds have to deal with skin issues more so than others, it’s not usually nutrition-based.

For example, American bulldogs and other breeds with lots of skin folds are more prone to skin infections. Using supplements to treat a topical infection won’t do much good. One thing to remember is that, in some cases, too much of a good thing can be bad.  Large breed puppies sometimes get too much calcium which can lead to issues with bone growth. Therefore, calcium supplements for large-breed puppies are a bad idea. Long story short: Doggie biology is complicated — and best left to the experts.