Just as we take supplements to increase our intake of vital minerals and nutrients, our dogs can be given a dietary supplement for conditions ranging from joint health to digestion. Pet supplements, along with CBD oil for dogs, is a booming business. In 2020, the global pet supplement market was valued at just under $1.5 billion thanks to a worldwide increase in pet adoption, a better understanding of what dogs require to stay healthy, and consumer willingness to spend on their pets’ well-being. But what do these products do, which ones are the most effective for your pup, and which ones should be avoided? We answer these questions and more to help you decide if a supplement or CBD oil is right for your dog.
What are pet supplements?
Pet supplements are concentrated ingredients that can be added to your dog’s regular diet to relieve health symptoms like arthritis, allergies and anxiety. These include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, and enzymes. Supplements can also be taken as a preventative measure or for overall wellness. Available in pills, chews, tinctures, and more, even the most particular pup can find a way to take their daily dose. While there’s no concrete evidence that supplements are 100% effective, veterinarians around the world have recommended them for a variety of dietary and wellness needs.
Does my dog need supplements?
Healthy dogs who eat a high-quality dry food diet should be getting enough nutrients without the need for supplements. However, research by The Canadian Veterinary Journal suggests fresh, human-grade diets for dogs can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Pups need a variety of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, which can be hard to maintain in a fresh diet. Additionally, dogs who suffer chronic conditions like arthritic pain, flaky skin, digestive problems, allergies, and anxiety can also benefit from supplements. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements into Fido’s diet.
What are the most common pet supplements for dogs?
Before you invest in a pet supplement, it’s important to know what is available and what each one does, so you can avoid buying unnecessary products that can be expensive. The most popular pet supplements in the market are:
Glucosamine
Glucosamine has long been used by humans to combat osteoarthritis, and it has become a popular supplement for canines who suffer from the same condition. Glucosamine is found naturally in the joint fluid and contributes to restoring damaged cartilage. Proponents believe that a supplement containing glucosamine can relieve arthritic and other pain in joints, and can help your dog move more freely. Look for glucosamine supplements also containing chondroitin, a sugar protein found in joint cartilage, and methylsulfonylmethane, which can help build new cartilage. PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews contains all three listed ingredients and is available in soft chew form. Dogs with shellfish allergies should avoid glucosamine supplements, as they are typically made from the shells of crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.
Fish Oil
Fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids is another popular pet supplement. Key to cell structure in animals, omega-3 can help keep your pup’s heart healthy and her coat silky. It can also reduce itching, relieve allergy symptoms and even combat arthritic pain. Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish and flaxseed. Dogs who lack these ingredients in their regular diet could benefit from a fish oil supplement. A study by BMC Veterinary Research found that dogs treated with fish oil improved significantly in many outcome variables, indicating relief from pain symptoms. If this supplement is right for Fido, consider PetHonesty’s Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil Dog & Cat Supplement, which is made using a variety of fish caught in the coastal waters of Iceland.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants can protect Fido’s body from dangerous free radicals that are thought to contribute to heart disease, cancer and more. They appear naturally in foods like blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. If you think Fido could benefit from antioxidants in his diet, try Vetoquinol Select Antioxidant Chewable Tablets, a blend of 74 antioxidants plus vitamins and minerals. If you don’t want to feed your dog another supplement, look out for dog food that contains antioxidants, like Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula.
Probiotics
Probiotics have made headlines in recent years with products like kombucha that supposedly bring balance to our bodies, help with digestion, and aid with bowel issues. This fascination with good bacteria has spread to the animal world. A study by Frontiers in Immunology found that “probiotics could change the gut microbial structure of elderly dogs and significantly increase beneficial bacteria and decrease potentially harmful bacteria.” Get Fido his daily dose of probiotics with Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites, which supports gut function to help with digestion issues and restores equilibrium in his stomach. For food with a boost, Taste of the Wild contains a blend of good bacteria to promote excellent gut health.
Multivitamins
If you feed your dog a plant-based diet or make her food at home, then multivitamins are a way to make sure your pooch is getting everything she needs for a healthy and happy life. This is also a way to conveniently administer multiple supplements in one bite. PetHonesty 10-for-1 Chicken Flavored Soft Chews contain glucosamine, probiotics and omegas. Senior dogs who require a little more help as they get older can benefit from Zesty Paws Advanced 11-in-1 Bites, which is designed for older dogs and is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Can supplements help with travel anxiety?
Dogs who are reluctant to hop in the car may need a little help to embark on an adventure. Anti-anxiety medications like Alprazolam, Amitriptyline, and Clomicalm can keep them calm but are thought to have side effects like depression, hyperthermia, and rapid heart rate. For occasional travel anxiety, supplements can be used in place of medication. Calming treats that contain ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, L-theanine, and CBD are widely used to combat occasional anxiety. Phelps Wellness Collection Keep Calm & Canine On is made with chicken and will help your pup chill without CBD. Or, try Pet Honesty Calming Hemp, which can help reduce stress in dogs in under an hour.
What supplements can help my dog prepare for my return to work?
Are you preparing for your return to work? If your dog is still suffering from unpleasant symptoms of separation anxiety like aggression, accidents, and destructive or compulsive behavior, then supplements may be the answer. PremiumCare Calming Chews are designed to relax your dog without unwanted side effects like drowsiness. The delicious duck-flavored treats contain a combination of organic hemp and other calming nutrients.
Does CBD work for dogs?
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol or hemp oil, is a non-psychoactive chemical found in cannabis plants. CBD activates receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which is associated with the central nervous system that controls pain and well-being throughout the body. These receptors help the body produce serotonin, which contributes to your canine’s happiness. Unlike THC, CBD is extracted from male hemp plants and won’t get your pooch high. CBD can be used in dogs for pain management, controlling seizures, arthritis, and even cancer. A study by Cornell found that canines with cancer who took CBD alongside a standard chemotherapy drug had better results than those without it. In addition, research by the University of Western Australia tested dogs after 15 days of CBD use and noted lower aggression toward humans. CBD may not have an instant effect and can take two weeks or more to build up in a dog’s system.
Verma Farms uses high-quality ingredients grown in Hawaii to make a variety of CBD oils for pets. Pet Honesty Hemp Mobility focuses on joint pain and also contains glucosamine and turmeric.
Are pet supplements and CBD safe?
Pet supplements go through a much less meticulous vetting process than pet pharmaceuticals, often not requiring tests for effectiveness or quality before being sold. Be sure to stick to reputable brands that are lab-tested and have plenty of reviews. If your pet is eating a balanced, dry-food diet, additional supplements can cause toxicity. Always consult your veterinarian before investing in these products, and follow these best practices:
- Never give your dog supplements that are meant for humans. A large dose of vitamins like calcium, vitamin D, iron, or xylitol can be harmful to canines.
- Avoid pet supplements with NaCl, or sodium chloride, on the label if administering to a pup with high blood pressure.
- Do not use glucosamine and chondroitin alongside blood thinners, as certain breeds may suffer from bleeding problems.
- Stick to the recommended dosage to avoid upset stomachs.
- Keep track of your pet’s behavior to see if there are improvements, and stop giving the supplement if there are any adverse reactions.
CBD is not actually classified as a supplement. According to the FDA, “CBD products cannot be dietary supplements because they do not meet the definition of a dietary supplement under the FD&C Act.” The unregulated nature of the CBD industry means you should be especially diligent as to which brand you purchase for your dog. If the product seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Super cheap options may not contain as much CBD in each treat as they claim or come from high quality strains of hemp. Instead, choose a brand like The Anxious Pet, which is veterinarian formulated, lab-tested by a third party, and handmade with quality ingredients.
Due to the limited amount of research on CBD for dogs, the side effects listed are based on the human response, which includes dry mouth, diarrhea, lowered blood pressure from a high dose of CBD, and drowsiness. Always consult your veterinarian first, especially if your dog is taking prescribed medications. Does pet insurance cover supplements and CBD?
The jury’s still out on whether CBD and pet supplements are 100% effective in dogs, but certain pet insurance plans do cover them. If your veterinarian recommends a prescription food or supplement, ASPCA’s Complete Coverage offers reimbursement when supplements are used to treat a covered condition. Embrace’s Wellness Rewards add-on reimburses for preventive prescriptions, including nutritional supplements. For more information, check out our guide to pet insurance.
If you’re still unsure which supplements to feed your dog, ask your veterinarian for more information and recommendations based on your pup’s dietary needs.