Supplements for <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-to-care-for-senior-dog">senior dogs</a> can help your pup age gracefully. Pet parents often give supplements to help keep their dog’s joints healthy and their immune system in top shape.

Senior dog supplements may support heart and liver health, cognitive function, eyesight, and skin. If you’re shopping for dog supplements, consider the ingredients, whether your dog has any <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/food-allergies-dogs">allergies</a>, the form of the supplement, flavor, dosage, and safety certifications.

Our expert panel of veterinarians rounded up their top picks for the best supplements for senior dogs, based on their personal experience when helping pet parents find the best option.

Our veterinarians outlined which products they recommend for specific needs, while also considering taste, quality, ingredients, dosage, and more.

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Nutramax® Cosequin is the only dog supplement on our list that is crafted specifically with senior dogs in mind. It’s made with <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/glucosamine-for-dogs">glucosamine</a>, <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/vet-talks-about-best-ingredients-joint-supplements-dogs">chondroitin</a>, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids, all ingredients that help support healthy joints in dogs.

Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a healthy heart, kidneys, and normal cognitive function. Since senior dogs are at an increased risk for these conditions, these fatty acids may help support their overall health.

Our vets recommended this product to maintain joint health and&nbsp; to support healthy cartilage. This supplement is only available in soft-chew form, which may be difficult to administer to dogs that don’t enjoy taking chews.

Nutramax® has their own rigorous internal quality controls with 30 years of experience, so while they do not carry the <a href="https://www.petmd.com/nutrition/what-is-national-animal-supplement-council-nasc">National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)</a> quality seal, our vets recognize them as a trusted brand.

Nutramax® Cosequin Soft Chew Immune & Joint Supplement for Senior Dogs, 60 count

Well-rounded senior dog supplement with MSM, glucosamine, and omega-3s for all-around support. 

This senior dog joint supplement, which comes in two formulations, has similar ingredients to Cosequin® but is made with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2688188/" target="_blank">avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU)</a> and higher MSM levels, which both support joint health.

According to our vets, this product can be used to support joint health by providing nutrients that help maintain cartilage in the joints. Our vets also recommend this product for dogs and certain breeds that are known to have joint issues, to help maintain healthy joints and cartilage.

ASU and MSM provide nutrition to support your dog’s joint health, many of our vets suggest Dasaquin to help maintain joint and cartilage health in aging or large breed dogs.

Nutramax® has their own rigorous internal quality controls with 30 years of experience, so while they do not carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal, our vets recognize them as a trusted brand.&nbsp;

Nutramax® Dasuquin Hip & Joint Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Large Dogs, 84 count

Formulated with ASU and MSM for joint health, this supplement is best for larger dogs. 

Pet parents who have heart health concerns for their senior dog may like this supplement from VetriScience®. It includes ingredients like arginine, dimethylglycine, coQ10, L-Carnitine HCl, L-Taurine, and magnesium to support cardiac health and function.

Our vets recommend this supplement for heart health because it supports circulation and heart muscle health. In fact, our vets say they’d recommend this product for dog breeds that are predisposed to cardiovascular stress, dogs with pre-existing sub-optimal cardiovascular function, and senior dogs. This is because the nutrients help support metabolic pathways and the structural integrity of the cardiovascular system.

The chicken liver flavoring, however, may be an issue for dogs with specific <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/food-allergies-dogs">food allergies</a>.

VetriScience® Vetri Cardio Canine Soft Chews Heart Supplement for Dogs, 60 count

A liver-flavored soft chew supplement for senior dog heart health.

This supplement was created in collaboration with a <a href="https://www.ocuglo.com/about-us/" target="_blank">board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist</a> to support healthy eyes in dogs. Our vets recommend this supplement specifically for breeds that have a high risk of eye issues, to promote healthy vision.

Ocu-Glo®, carries NASC’s quality seal is formulated with grape seed extract, lutein (a carotenoid), antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, that work together to fight free radicals and support normal cellular health and function. (Note: While <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-grapes">grapes are toxic to dogs</a>, grape seed extract is not.)

Ocu-Glo® is chicken flavored but with an artificial chicken flavoring so this chew may still be a good option for dogs with chicken or animal protein food allergies.&nbsp;

Animal Necessity® Ocu-GLO Optimal Vision Support Soft Chew Dog & Cat Supplement, 15 count

A chicken- and soy-free vision supplement created by a veterinary ophthalmologist. 

This vegetable-flavored soft chew contains 25 ingredients to help support mental well-being and brain function due to its omega-3s, EPA, B8, and DHA ingredients. While it’s our vets’ top pick to help support cognitive function, this product is also a multivitamin, so it can help support heart, liver, and eye health, too.

Our vets recommend this supplement to pet parents looking to target brain and cognitive health support in their senior pup, because it contains omega fatty acids derived from <a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/fish-oil-dogs">fish oil</a> and biotin to promote healthy skin and coat&nbsp;.

Pet parents looking for a cognitive supplement for senior dogs may be interested in this product, especially for dogs with food allergies. Our vets recommend checking with your dog’s veterinarian as this multivitamin contains added calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which may not be ideal for dogs with certain medical conditions.

VetriScience® Canine Plus Soft Chew Multivitamin for Senior Dogs, 60 count

A cognitive supplement for senior dogs, containing calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B8, and potassium.

If your dog’s coat is looking dull or you find them scratching at their skin a bit too much, a multivitamin could help. This product from Nutramax® contains omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA, ingredients that help support healthy skin. &nbsp;

Our vets love this product, especially for the omega-3 ingredients, which are also good support for joint, heart, kidney, brain, and eye health.

Veterinarians consider Nutramax® products a trusted brand due to their 30 years of experience and rigorous internal quality control.

Since these liquid softgels are not a chewable treat, your pet may not be convinced to take them, but the pills can be punctured, and the oil applied directly to your dog’s food to help motivate a picky eater.

Nutramax® Welactin® Omega-3 Fish Oil Skin Liquid Softgels Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs, 120 count

A fish-flavored liquid softgel containing Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA.

Support your pup’s immunity with this easy-to-use powder supplement for senior dogs. It contains beta glucans, omega-3 fatty acids, and a mix of vitamins and minerals. Our vets recommend giving this to your senior dog during times of stress to help support their immune system.

Our vets specifically recommend this supplement for dogs of any age and for puppies since their immune systems are still growing and may need extra support. It’s worth noting that the powder might cause a food aversion for your dog.

Nutramax® has their own rigorous internal quality controls with 30 years of experience, so while they do not carry the <a href="https://www.petmd.com/nutrition/what-is-national-animal-supplement-council-nasc" target="_blank">National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)</a> quality seal, our vets recognize them as a trusted brand.

Nutramax® Imuquin Immune Support Powder Immune Supplement for Dogs, 30 count

A powdered supplement for dogs, to support immune system health containing beta glucans, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

This supplement for senior dogs can provide support for the overall health of your dog’s liver.

Our vets recommend this product for liver support in a senior dog because it contains s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and glutathione, which help to keep the liver healthy. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027041/#:~:text=Although%20all%20mammalian%20cells%20and,all%20transmethylation%20reactions%20take%20place." target="_blank">The liver normally produces SAMe</a>, but as dogs age, it could produce less, so supplementing with manufactured SAMe may help support normal liver function.

Our vets also like that this supplement is enteric coated, to protect the ingredients from stomach acid and ensure they are delivered intact to the small intestine where they can be effectively absorbed.

VetriScience® VETRI SAMe 225 Tablets Liver Supplement for Dogs, 30 count

A tablet containing S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and the antioxidant glutathione to support liver health in dogs.

8 Best Supplements for Senior Dogs

The product reviews in this article are compiled from feedback provided by a panel of veterinarians that are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. 
 
Veterinarians are asked to provide honest reviews of the products based on their knowledge and practical experience and review information published by the manufacturer. The opinions expressed are their own and not reflective of Chewy. Manufacturers cannot pay to be included in Vet Verified, and product reviews are never made available to manufacturers before publication. Similarly, the veterinary review panel does not receive any external compensation of any type for their review. Product links are to Chewy’s website where the product can be purchased.

Supplements for senior dogs can help your pup age gracefully. Pet parents often give supplements to help keep their dog’s joints healthy and their immune system in top shape. Senior dog supplements may support heart and liver health, cognitive function, eyesight, and skin. If you’re shopping for dog supplements, consider the ingredients, whether your dog has any allergies, the form of the supplement, flavor, dosage, and safety certifications. Our expert panel of veterinarians rounded up their top picks for the best supplements for senior dogs, based on their personal experience when helping pet parents find the best option. Our veterinarians outlined which products they recommend for specific needs, while also considering taste, quality, ingredients, dosage, and more.

Our veterinary advisory panel rounded up their top choices for the best supplements to give senior dogs. Learn which dog supplements are best depending on your senior dog’s health and other factors.

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