Have you ever wondered which dog supplements are actually worth it and which ones are just ✨expensive treats✨?
As a veterinarian, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be. Every brand promises shinier coats, better joints, calmer behavior, or stronger immunity. The truth is, some supplements really do make a difference, while others don’t live up to the hype.
That’s why I put together this guide: to highlight the best dog supplements I actually recommend—products that are safe, effective, and easy for pet parents to use. From multivitamins and probiotics to fish oil and joint chews, these are the ones I trust and have seen help pets in my own practice.
Dogs are living longer, healthier lives than ever before, and supplements can play a role in supporting that health. As a veterinarian, I don’t recommend throwing every product at your dog—but I do see real benefits when supplements are chosen wisely.
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Best Dog Supplements
Here are the best dog supplements I recommend most often to pet parents:
1. Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Fish Oil for Dogs & Cats
Zesty Paws Fish Oil blends pollock and salmon oils into a tasty formula pets actually enjoy. Packed with Omega-3s (EPA and DHA), it supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall immune health for cats and dogs of all ages. This supplement makes it easy to keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best.
2. Zesty Paws Solid Poop Support Bites
The Zesty Paws Probiotic Poop Support Bites combine fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, and pumpkin seed to support digestion and firm up stool. With M-Fiber, digestive enzymes, and pumpkin seed, these chews promote healthy bowel function and gut balance. They also include clinically studied probiotics to maintain intestinal health and boost immune support for dogs.
3. Zesty Paws Flavored Calming Squares
Lil’ Zesties Calming Squares are tasty, grain-free chews that help dogs feel calmer in stressful situations like fireworks, storms, car rides, or separation. Made with Sensoril Ashwagandha, they support relaxation, focus, and better behavior for anxious or hyper pups. Dogs love the smoked chicken flavor, making it an easy way to promote peace and comfort.
4. Zesty Paws Pill Wrap & Probiotic Paste
Zesty Paws Pill Wrap Probiotic Paste makes giving your dog pills easy by wrapping them in a tasty bacon-flavored paste they’ll love. It not only hides medications but also includes probiotics like DE111, a clinically studied Bacillus subtilis that supports digestive function and the immune system. Simple to use and delicious for pups, it turns medication time into a treat.
5. Zesty Paws Cranberry Supplement
Urinary tract health matters, especially for dogs prone to bladder infections. The Zesty Paws Urinary Tract Bites are tasty chews made with cranberry, D-Mannose, and other natural ingredients to support your dog’s bladder and kidney health. They help keep the urinary tract working normally while also boosting the immune system.
I often recommend this for female dogs who get recurrent UTIs.
6. Zesty Paws Tear Stain Support
Some dogs—especially white-coated breeds like Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Poodles—develop unsightly tear stains. The Zesty Paws Tear Stain Bites are chicken-flavored chews that contain cranberry, lutein, and omega fish oil. to help reduce staining from the inside out. They help maintain normal eye moisture, reduce tear stains, and also support vision and immune function. Dogs love the taste, making it an easy daily supplement.
7. Zesty Paws Weight Management Bites
Weight management is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s health. The Zesty Paws Weight Management Bites are soft chews that help support fat metabolism, digestion, and a healthy weight in dogs. They contain fiber, B-vitamins, and L-Carnitine to promote fullness, energy, and proper weight when combined with exercise. With added postbiotics and a full B-complex, these chews make weight support simple for dogs of all sizes.
8. Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Bites
For senior dogs, large breeds, or those with arthritis, the Zesty Paws Hip & Joint Bites are one of my go-to recommendations. They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to support mobility and joint comfort.
9. Zesty Paws Cognition Soft Chews
Just like people, dogs can develop age-related cognitive decline. The Zesty Paws Cognition Soft Chews contain DHAgold® (plant-based DHA), antioxidants, and acetyl-L-carnitine to support brain health and keep older dogs mentally sharp.
👉 Veterinarian’s Note:
Supplements are never a substitute for veterinary care or a balanced diet, but they can support your cat’s health in targeted ways. These are products I trust because they’re made with cat-friendly formulations and quality ingredients that are safe and effective.
Even though this article is mainly about dogs, I know many pet parents have cats too (like me!). Here are the cat supplements I recommend until I release a dedicated cat supplements guide.
Best Cat Supplements
1. Zesty Paws Cat Multivitamin
Not every cat needs a multivitamin, but picky eaters, senior cats, or cats on raw/home-cooked diets may benefit. Zesty Paws Cat Multivitamin provides taurine (vital for heart and eye health), B vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a simple way to help cover any nutritional gaps.
2. Zesty Paws Fish Oil (Pump or Chews)
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of my favorite supplements for cats. They help with itchy skin, kidney support, and joint comfort. The Zesty Paws Fish Oil Pump is easy to mix into canned or wet food. Either way, omega-3s can keep coats shiny and reduce inflammation.
3. Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune Mousse
For cats with seasonal allergies or frequent upper respiratory flare-ups, the Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune Mousse is a great option. It combines probiotics, colostrum, and antioxidants to support both the immune system and gut health.
4. Zesty Paws Hairball Chews
If you share your home with a long-haired cat, you know the struggle of hairballs. The Zesty Paws Hairball Chews use fiber and omegas to help hair move smoothly through the digestive tract, reducing the hacking and discomfort.
Final Thoughts – Best Dog Supplements
As a veterinarian, I believe supplements can be a valuable addition to your cat or dog’s wellness plan—but only when chosen thoughtfully. Not every pet needs them, and they’re never a replacement for proper nutrition and regular veterinary care.
The key is choosing high-quality products from trusted brands—like the ones listed above—that use ingredients backed by science. Always introduce one supplement at a time, and talk to your veterinarian if your pet has underlying health conditions or is on medication.
👉 Bottom line: When used correctly, supplements can help your pets live healthier, happier lives—and make your job as a pet parent just a little bit easier.
Before starting any new supplement, make sure you’re not doubling up on nutrients your dog already gets from their food. You can read more about that here: Do Dogs Really Need Vitamins?
❓ FAQs About Dog Supplements
Do dogs really need supplements?
Not all dogs do — but many benefit, especially seniors, large breeds, and those with allergies, tummy troubles, or stress.
Are supplements safe for all dogs?
Most are safe, but always check with your vet before starting, especially if your dog is on medications.
Can I give my dog more than one supplement at a time?
Yes, but check for overlapping ingredients (like giving two products that both have glucosamine). Your vet can guide you on combining safely.
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