The best supplements to give your dog

Plenty of dog owners are turning to natural supplements to give their pets the best chance of living a healthy, active life for longer. With advances in veterinary science, nutrition, and longevity research, we now know that, chosen wisely, supplements can give our dogs an extra layer of protection for everything from joint mobility and brain sharpness to immune strength and healthy ageing.

Natural supplements are a powerful part of that picture. When carefully chosen, they work alongside a balanced diet to protect against the wear and tear of daily life, support the body’s natural defence, and tap into the latest research into canine ageing The best ones are grounded in both science and nature, combining bioavailable nutrients with proven safety and efficacy.

This guide takes you through the natural supplements with the strongest evidence for keeping dogs thriving, from the tried-and-true omega-3s to emerging ingredients with exciting longevity potential so you can make informed, confident choices for your dog.

How to think about supplements

Supplements aren’t a substitute for good nutrition, they’re the support crew, not the star player. A healthy dog’s foundation will always rest on three pillars: a complete, balanced diet; regular exercise and mental stimulation; and routine veterinary care.

When used well, supplements can fill small nutritional gaps, help manage life-stage needs, or provide additional support during illness, recovery or ageing. The best way to think about them is as a complement to good basics, not a shortcut around them.

Evidence-backed supplements for dogs

Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, herring, krill oil)

If there’s one supplement that consistently earns a spot in the “must consider” column, it’s omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. These are the same healthy fats humans are encouraged to eat for heart and brain health and dogs benefit in much the same way.

Omega-3s help keep the skin supple, reduce itchiness and flakiness and bring a healthy shine to the coat. They also play a key role in controlling inflammation, making them a go-to for dogs with arthritis or other joint issues. Older dogs can see improvements in mobility, while younger ones may benefit from joint support that pays off years down the track. Omega-3s even have a protective effect on the heart and may support brain health, especially in seniors.

Natural sources like salmon and herring not only provide EPA and DHA but also deliver vitamin D and selenium. In our own Fishy One blend, these two oily fish are paired with kelp for a triple benefit: skin and coat health, joint mobility and thyroid support.

Probiotics

We tend to think of probiotics as a digestive aid, and for dogs, that’s certainly true but their influence goes beyond the gut. A healthy population of “good” bacteria helps maintain efficient digestion, supports the immune system and may even have an impact on mood and stress resilience.

Dogs recovering from diarrhoea, switching foods, or taking antibiotics may particularly benefit from probiotics. Certain strains, like Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus, have been shown to reduce digestive upset and improve stool quality. The key is choosing products that clearly list the strain, provide enough live organisms to make a difference and are formulated for dogs rather than repurposed from human supplements.

Glucosamine and chondroitin

Joint health supplements often top the list for older dogs or those in high-impact activities. Glucosamine and chondroitin occur naturally in healthy cartilage, where they help cushion and protect the joints. Supplementation has been shown to reduce stiffness, improve mobility and support repair of damaged cartilage over time.

While many joint supplements are synthetic, natural food sources exist too, notably in bone broth. In our Meaty One blend, dried beef bone broth delivers glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and minerals in a highly digestible form, alongside beef liver for extra nutrient density.

Antioxidants from plants and whole foods

Oxidative stress – the damage caused by free radicals – is a major driver of ageing in dogs, just as it is in humans. In dogs Antioxidants fight the damage caused by free radicals to help maintain a strong immune system, support recovery from illness, and protect brain health in later life.

Vitamin C and vitamin E are well-known antioxidants but whole plant foods bring something extra: phytonutrients. These plant compounds, found in colourful fruits and vegetables, often have unique anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Broccoli, for instance, contains sulforaphane, studied for its ability to support detoxification pathways and reduce inflammation. Pumpkin adds beta-carotene for eye health and immune function. Both appear in our Veggie One blend, along with antioxidant-rich medicinal mushrooms.

Medicinal mushrooms (lion’s mane, reishi)

Once the preserve of herbalists, medicinal mushrooms are now gaining attention in veterinary research. Lion’s mane has shown promise for supporting nerve regeneration and cognitive function, making it of interest for senior dogs or those recovering from neurological injury. Reishi, sometimes called the “mushroom of immortality,” has adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress, and may support immune balance.

While we still need more dog-specific studies, these mushrooms have a long history of safe use and are nutrient-dense additions to a varied diet. They feature prominently in our Veggie One blend for their immune and brain-supporting potential.

Brewer’s yeast

Brewer’s yeast is often included in dog supplements for its rich profile of B-complex vitamins, which support energy metabolism, nerve health, and skin and coat quality. But it also contains a valuable longevity nutrient: selenium.

In dogs, especially larger breeds, a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays a key role in growth and ageing. Higher levels of IGF-1 are associated with faster growth rates and in many studies, shorter lifespans. Research into canine longevity is now looking closely at ways to gently modulate IGF-1 activity as a strategy for extending healthy years.

Selenium appears to be one of the nutrients capable of influencing IGF-1 signalling. By helping to bring IGF-1 into an optimal range, selenium may reduce the metabolic stress associated with high growth rates, potentially supporting longer, healthier lives. While more dog-specific studies are underway, the biological link is compelling — and in this context, brewer’s yeast becomes more than a skin-and-coat supplement. It’s a targeted, natural way to deliver selenium in a form dogs can readily use, with benefits that may go right to the heart of longevity science.

Kelp

Kelp is a sea vegetable packed with trace minerals, including iodine, which supports healthy thyroid function. It can also promote a richer coat colour and shine, thanks to its mineral content. However, iodine is a “Goldilocks” nutrient – too little or too much can cause problems – so measuring matters.

Used in moderation, kelp can be a valuable addition, especially for dogs on homemade diets that may lack certain minerals. In the Fishy One, it complements the fatty acids in salmon and herring for a full-spectrum skin and coat boost.

Supplements with mixed or emerging evidence

Some supplements have encouraging early research but aren’t yet backed by enough high-quality studies to give them a full green light.

Turmeric (or its active compound curcumin) is one example. It has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties in humans and appears promising for dogs with arthritis, but absorption is poor without certain additions like fat and black pepper extract.

Taurine, an amino acid, is another case. Most dogs can make their own from other amino acids, but some breeds, diets, or health conditions may make supplementation worthwhile, particularly for heart health.

CBD oil is perhaps the buzziest newcomer, with early studies suggesting benefits for anxiety, pain and seizures. While the results are encouraging, more research is needed, and product quality is highly variable.

When chosen wisely, natural supplements can help dogs thrive at any age; easing stiff joints, keeping coats glossy, supporting immune function and even sharpening minds. The key is to focus on what’s proven, be curious about what’s emerging and steer clear of the risky or unregulated.

If you stick to evidence-backed options, watch your dog’s response and keep their overall diet and lifestyle in balance, you’ll have the best chance of giving them not just a longer life but a better one.

Our all-natural supplements are made from whole food ingredients to gently support your dog’s health. Find out more here.