Dog owners must be prepared to make certain changes to their dogs’ lifestyles as they age. Older dogs will benefit from changes in their diets to accommodate different nutritional needs, and supplements can help reduce some effects of aging.
Nutrients, like glucosamine, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids can all help with common issues older dogs start to face, including arthritis and cognitive functioning.1 Discussing dietary changes with your veterinarian can help you determine what kinds of supplements to look for. Our reviews of supplements for older dogs will also help you get familiar with your options and find the best supplements for your older dog.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews M
Supports healthy digestion and immune system
Nourishes skin and coat
Well-rounded formula supports healthy aging
Check Price
Best Value
Bark&Spark Glucosamine Hip & Joint Care Dog Treats Supplement
Suitable for all life stages
Easy to hide in food
Supports hip and joint health
Check Price
Premium Choice
PetHonesty Hemp Hip + Joint Health Senior Chicken Flavored Soft Chew J
Comes in three different flavors
Free of artificial preservatives, steroids, and GMOs
Alleviates arthritis pain and supports healthy joint-related recovery
Check Price
PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Dogs
Budget-friendly option
Suitable for all life stages
Supports bones, joint lubrication, and healthy cartilage
Check Price
NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins Plus Glucosamine Dog Supplement
Covers wide range of health needs
Formulated by veterinarians in the US
Contains boost of glucosamine for joint support
Check Price
The 10 Best Supplements for Older Dogs
Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Multivitamin for Senior Dogs is one of the most well-rounded supplements, making it the best overall supplement for older dogs. This multivitamin is packed with nutrients that support various aspects of aging.
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Psyllium, Glucosamine HCl, Proprietary Multifunctional Blend, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin E
Check Price on Chewy
It contains psyllium husk, digestive enzymes, and niacin to help with digestion and improve healthy immune responses. It has vitamins and minerals to nourish and moisturize the skin and coat. The blend of Zesty’s Cran-Max and B-complex vitamins support bladder, kidney, and urinary tract functioning. You’ll also find plenty of nutrients that support heart health, joint health, and vision.
Considering how much is packed into each soft chew, it’s no surprise that this supplement is on the more expensive side. However, it has many benefits that promote healthy aging, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth with this product.
Pros
Supports healthy digestion and immune system
Nourishes skin and coat
Well-rounded formula supports healthy aging
Cons
Relatively expensive
These Bark&Spark supplements are a more budget-friendly option and a powerful formula that makes them the best supplements for older dogs for the money. The chews have a savory natural chicken flavor and are extremely soft with a crumbly texture. Since the texture is crumbly, you do have to be careful to avoid making a mess. However, this texture makes them easy to break apart and sneak into your dog’s food if it has a particularly picky palate.
Supports healthy digestion and immune system
Nourishes skin and coat
Well-rounded formula supports healthy aging
- Supports healthy digestion and immune system
- Nourishes skin and coat
- Well-rounded formula supports healthy aging
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Omega-3
The chews are safe for dogs of all ages, so it’s an excellent item for multi-dog homes to have. Older dogs will benefit from glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, which all help with hip and joint health. They address inflammation issues and can aid in increasing joint mobility.
Pros
Suitable for all life stages
Easy to hide in food
Supports hip and joint health
Reduces inflammation
Cons
Crumbly texture can make a mess
As man’s best friend, dogs deserve the best, and these PetHonesty supplements for senior dogs are an excellent premium choice that goes above and beyond to support hip and joint health. Chicken is the most popular flavor, but you can also choose from bacon or duck. The chews are soft and easy for dogs with dental issues to swallow.
Suitable for all life stages
Easy to hide in food
Supports hip and joint health
Reduces inflammation
- Suitable for all life stages
- Easy to hide in food
- Supports hip and joint health
- Reduces inflammation
Crumbly texture can make a mess
- Crumbly texture can make a mess
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Glucosamine HCl, Green Lipped Mussel, Hemp Seed Oil Powder
Every batch of supplements is made in the USA and with natural ingredients. The formula is free of artificial preservatives, steroids, and GMOs. One of the main ingredients is Green Lipped Mussel (GLM), which is a natural food packed with nutrients beneficial to older dogs, like chondroitin sulfate and antioxidants. The supplements also contain a nutritious veggie blend.
Along with addressing arthritic pain, this supplement may help with recovering from joint-related surgeries. With the many benefits and clean and natural ingredient list, this supplement is more expensive than most, but it’s definitely worth the cost.
Pros
Comes in three different flavors
Free of artificial preservatives, steroids, and GMOs
Alleviates arthritis pain and supports healthy joint-related recovery
Cons
Relatively expensive
These PetNC supplements are a more affordable option. However, they do contain some fillers, like caramel color, dried cheese, and mixed tocopherols natural flavors.
Comes in three different flavors
Free of artificial preservatives, steroids, and GMOs
Alleviates arthritis pain and supports healthy joint-related recovery
- Comes in three different flavors
- Free of artificial preservatives, steroids, and GMOs
- Alleviates arthritis pain and supports healthy joint-related recovery
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Vitamin C
Many dog owners have seen improvements in their dog’s mobility after feeding them these supplements consistently. The main ingredients include glucosamine sourced from shellfish and chondroitin sulfate, which support the joints and hips. The formula also contains vitamin C, manganese, and hyaluronic acid, which all further support the bones, joint lubrication, and healthy cartilage.
These supplements are most beneficial to senior dogs, but athletic and working dogs that are in constant movement can also benefit from them.
Pros
Budget-friendly option
Suitable for all life stages
Supports bones, joint lubrication, and healthy cartilage
Cons
Contains filler ingredients
- NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins Plus Glucosamine Dog Supplement
Check Latest Price
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Glycerin, Dried Potato Product, Flaxseed
These daily vitamins by NaturVet cover a wide spectrum of needs specific to older dogs. They were formulated by veterinarians in the US and contain many beneficial nutrients, like omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, and choline. The formula also contains a boost of glucosamine for added joint support. Each chew is infused with a breath aid to help freshen your dog’s breath.
Budget-friendly option
Suitable for all life stages
Supports bones, joint lubrication, and healthy cartilage
- Budget-friendly option
- Suitable for all life stages
- Supports bones, joint lubrication, and healthy cartilage
Contains filler ingredients
- Contains filler ingredients
Check Latest Price
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Glycerin, Dried Potato Product, Flaxseed
The chews contain natural flavors to taste more appealing to dogs, but they don’t seem to pass the picky palate test. So, if your dog is a particularly picky eater, it’s most likely it won’t enjoy eating them.
Pros
Covers wide range of health needs
Formulated by veterinarians in the US
Contains boost of glucosamine for joint support
Cons
Picky eaters may not like these chews
- Natural Dog Company Extra Strength Joint Support Liquid Glucosamine
Check Latest Price
Product Form: Liquid
Ingredients: Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid
This supplement isn’t specifically for senior dogs, but they can still benefit from it. Daily use can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness and nourish bones, joints, and collagen. The formula derives high-quality glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, manganese, and hyaluronic acid from natural sources. It’s free of any additives or preservatives and is safe for all breeds and ages.
Covers wide range of health needs
Formulated by veterinarians in the US
Contains boost of glucosamine for joint support
- Covers wide range of health needs
- Formulated by veterinarians in the US
- Contains boost of glucosamine for joint support
Picky eaters may not like these chews
- Picky eaters may not like these chews
Product Form: Liquid
Ingredients: Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid
The liquid form makes it easy to give it to your dog. You can mix it with either its food or water, and it’s nearly odorless, so it’s a great alternative for dogs that don’t like pills or have dental issues.
As a high-quality product, it’s no surprise that this supplement is relatively expensive. We do wish that we could see Natural Dog Company produce a more well-balanced liquid supplement for older dogs. However, there’s no denying that many customers are satisfied with the performance of what this product promises to do.
Pros
Addresses joint pain and stiffness
Safe for all breeds and ages
Easy to mix with food and water
Cons
Relatively expensive
These VetriScience soft chews for seniors are a more affordable multivitamin for dogs than Zesty Paws. It has more mixed reviews than Zesty Paws’ multivitamins for senior dogs, but many dog owners have reported significant improvements in their dogs’ health.
Addresses joint pain and stiffness
Safe for all breeds and ages
Easy to mix with food and water
- Addresses joint pain and stiffness
- Safe for all breeds and ages
- Easy to mix with food and water
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Oat Flour, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Glycerin, Rye Flower
Each chew contains over 25 balanced ingredients to help with daily bodily functioning. The formula includes biotin, which promotes skin elasticity and moisturizes the skin and coat. It also contains inositol, which supports cardiovascular and cognitive systems.
The chews have a veggie flavor, which some dogs may like. However, many have turned their noses from them. Fortunately, they have a soft texture, so it’s easy to break them apart and sneak them into your dog’s food or a pill pocket.
Pros
Budget-friendly multivitamin for senior dogs
Improves skin elasticity
Supports cardiovascular and cognitive systems
Cons
Inconsistent results among users
Dogs may not like veggie flavor
This supplement is specifically formulated to support the joint health of senior dogs. Dogs of all breeds and sizes can benefit from it, and the texture is extremely soft. The chews are easy to break, and dogs that have dental issues or difficulty chewing will have an easy time eating them.
Budget-friendly multivitamin for senior dogs
Improves skin elasticity
Supports cardiovascular and cognitive systems
- Budget-friendly multivitamin for senior dogs
- Improves skin elasticity
- Supports cardiovascular and cognitive systems
Inconsistent results among users
Dogs may not like veggie flavor
- Inconsistent results among users
- Dogs may not like veggie flavor
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Yeast Extract
The ingredient list is also very simple, which can be both good and bad. The short ingredient list makes it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. However, the formula only supports joint health and mobility. So, if your dog has other age-related concerns, like cognitive issues, this supplement won’t be of much help.
Along with containing glucosamine and chondroitin, this supplement uses methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as one of the main ingredients. MSM addresses joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties and can also reduce muscle damage and stress after exercise.
Pros
Soft texture is easy for senior dogs to chew
Simple ingredient list suits dogs with sensitive stomachs
MSM helps reduce muscle damage and stress
Cons
Only addresses joint and mobility issues
This supplement is specifically formulated for adult dogs in need of extra joint and mobility support. It contains glucosamine to help lubricate the hip and joints and make movement easier for dogs. Fish oil and krill are excellent sources of omega fatty acids that further support the condition of cartilage and connective tissues.
Soft texture is easy for senior dogs to chew
Simple ingredient list suits dogs with sensitive stomachs
MSM helps reduce muscle damage and stress
- Soft texture is easy for senior dogs to chew
- Simple ingredient list suits dogs with sensitive stomachs
- MSM helps reduce muscle damage and stress
Only addresses joint and mobility issues
- Only addresses joint and mobility issues
Product Form: Soft chew
Ingredients: Glucosamine HCl, Fish Oil, Krill, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
The formula uses all-natural ingredients and has real chicken flavor to appeal to picky dogs. Its main purpose is to address mobility issues. So, if you’re looking for a more well-rounded supplement that also addresses other health concerns, like cognition and digestion, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Pros
Helps make movement easier
Supports cartilage condition and connective tissue
Uses all-natural ingredients
Cons
Only supports joints and mobility
- Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete Powder Multivitamin
Check Latest Price
Product Form: Powder
Ingredients: Organic Kelp, Organic Flaxseed, Fish Protein Powder, Calcium Ascorbate
While this multivitamin isn’t specifically formulated for older dogs, it’s beneficial for dogs of all ages. So, it’s a great option for multi-dog homes. Older dogs will benefit from the essential fatty acids and antioxidants. The probiotics and natural enzymes in the formula will also promote healthy digestion.
Helps make movement easier
Supports cartilage condition and connective tissue
Uses all-natural ingredients
- Helps make movement easier
- Supports cartilage condition and connective tissue
- Uses all-natural ingredients
Only supports joints and mobility
- Only supports joints and mobility
Product Form: Powder
Ingredients: Organic Kelp, Organic Flaxseed, Fish Protein Powder, Calcium Ascorbate
This multivitamin comes in powdered form. It’s easy to sprinkle and mix in your dog’s food or water, making it a considerable choice for picky eaters.
The nutrients in this supplement are derived from healthy natural foods, like flaxseed and kelp. It does contain a small amount of organic garlic. Garlic contains properties that boost the immune system, and it’s safe for most dogs to eat in small amounts. However, if your dog has anemia or other related issues, you may want to pass on this supplement.
Pros
Benefits all life stages
Formula contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants
Can sprinkle in food and water
Cons
Not specifically formulated for older dogs
Contains small amount of garlic
Benefits all life stages
Formula contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants
Can sprinkle in food and water
- Benefits all life stages
- Formula contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants
- Can sprinkle in food and water
Not specifically formulated for older dogs
Contains small amount of garlic
- Not specifically formulated for older dogs
- Contains small amount of garlic
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Supplements for Older Dogs
As a dog gets older, the focus of its diet shifts to addressing conditions related to aging. While a dog’s diet and nutrient intake won’t guarantee immunity to certain health issues, they still play a role in maintaining its health. So, it’s important for dog owners to familiarize themselves with common supplements given to older dogs. Here are some ingredients and nutrients that you can usually find in supplements for older dogs.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are common compounds that veterinarians will recommend for dogs experiencing joint pain or arthritis. They may also help alleviate pain from hip dysplasia or be used as a supplemental treatment for spinal disc injury.
More research needs to be completed to determine the exact effects of glucosamine and chondroitin and how they benefit older dogs. However, some studies show promising effects of glucosamine and alleviating pain related to osteoarthritis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in fish, and they contain DHA. DHA is a component that may help with cognitive function. So, older dogs that are starting to display canine cognitive dysfunction may benefit from fish oil supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help with treating arthritis pain and chronic kidney disease.
Antioxidants
Many benefits are associated with antioxidants. They help boost a dog’s immune system and can also help alleviate inflammation associated with arthritis.
Antioxidants may also help with cognitive functioning and be used to treat age-related behavioral issues.
Green Lipped Mussel (GLM)
Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) is a common ingredient found in supplements for older dogs. It’s an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals, including iron, selenium, and B vitamins. It also contains high volumes of chondroitin sulfate and may have anti-inflammatory effects that inhibit inflammation and pain produced by certain enzymes and proteins.
Hemp or CBD Oil
Hemp products are becoming more available in pet supplements. Hemp oil and CBD oil don’t contain amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that cause psychoactive effects in dogs. Hemp oil is a good source of omega fatty acids and is known to nourish the skin and coat.
CBD oil may also produce a calming effect in some dogs and may help address age-related obsessive behaviors and alleviate joint pain.
Conclusion
Out of all our reviews, Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites Soft Chews Multivitamin is the best supplement for older dogs. It supports their overall health and promotes healthy aging.
Bark&Spark’s supplements are an affordable option that’s great for dog owners that are just starting to enter the world of supplements with their older dogs. PetHonesty’s soft chews for seniors combine premium-grade ingredients to support healthy aging.
Supplements for older dogs can positively impact their quality of life. So, make sure to consult your veterinarian to determine the best time to give your dog supplements.
Featured Image Credit: SeventyFour, Shutterstock
