We can all agree that the worst part of owning a dog is when they cross rainbow bridge. Suffice to say, we love our pups and want them to be happy and healthy for as long as possible. So, if you have the chance to improve your dog’s quality of life, you should definitely take it up.
The best way to do this- aside from lots of exercise, mental stimulation and love- is to add in a few supplements to their daily diet. Whether you’ve been advised to add in some dog supplements by your vet, or you’re simply looking for the best supplements for older dogs, our top picks and buying guide is the ideal place to start.
We pride ourselves on giving you the best information out there, for all your pet needs, and today’s article is no different. Below, we’ll look into what makes a great senior dog supplements, answer some of your most common questions and even give you our top choices for your senior dog vitamins.
The Best Supplements for Older Dogs
Zesty Paws is one of our absolute favorites when it comes to supplements for dogs and our top pick in supplements for older dogs is no different, with their Senior Advanced Multivitamin for Dogs. Available as small, chewable treats, these were originally designed as a joint aid for dogs, but their 8-in-1 formula make this a great addition to the diet of any older dog.
Known for their extensive research into providing the best dog supplements, Zesty Paws have created these multivitamins for dogs to ensure that your dog lives a long, happy and healthy life, by formulating their products with the highest quality ingredients available, today.
Highly rated
Chewable treats
Highly researched
- Brand: Zesty Paws
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
A highly-rated but slightly more expensive multivitamin for dogs, Extend Pets have produced another highly effective supplement designed specifically to aid in the care of your dog’s joints. These quality supplements aid in the regeneration and repair of joints in older dogs as these are usually the first body part to be affected by old age.
Extend Pets have invested a lot of time and clinical research into providing you with the best joint care that money can buy and therefore this is one of the most popular dog supplements available, today. Indeed, reviewers rave about how well these multivitamins for dogs work as well as how much their dogs love feasting on these little packets of beef-flavored joy.
Find out more about the best joint supplement.
High quality ingredients
Powder format
Highly rated
- Brand: Extend Pets
- Model: FBA_ex-102
- Weight: 1 pounds
Pet MD are one of the most well-known brands in the pet world, due in-part to these great supplements. These advanced multivitamins for dogs work with certified results and high-quality ingredients, making this one of the most loved and highly rated products on the market.
Reviewers love the value for money that comes with buying a full year’s supplements at an amazing price- although it has been mentioned that they aren’t the most appealing to pups. As with all tablets, dogs aren’t too keen on having these added to their diet- but a quick bit of plain meat or cheese will usually have these going down a treat.
Great value for money
Chewable tablets
Highly rated
- Brand: Pet MD
- Weight: 1.55 pounds
Designed and manufactured with hemp oil, Veterinary Naturals have produced a high-quality supplement for older dogs that is ideal for those suffering, or showing signs of, dog dementia. Made with natural, organic ingredients and with a huge focus on Omega fatty acids, this is a dog supplement that is designed to get your dogs’ brain working to full capacity, while still being suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This is a powerful solution of vitamins, fatty acids and hemp oil that will keep your dog feeling and looking young, well into their old age and comes as one of the most loved products online, with over a thousand positive reviews.
Ideal for dementia
Made with hemp oil
Highly rated
- Brand: Veterinary Naturals
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
Vetri-Science take pride in having their work thoroughly reviewed by under the supervision of qualified veterinarians and, as such, have created one of the most powerful formulas to help combat common symptoms of old age in both dogs and cats. In particular, these supplements focus on maintaining a health cardio-vascular system in pets, and therefore perfect for elderly animals who have problems with the heart, blood pressure, cholesterol or circulation issues.
Many reviewers mention the improved health of their beloved animals, soon after taking this product, regularly and give some great anecdotal evidence of an improved cardiovascular system in their pups. There does, however, seem to be a strong preference toward those with smaller dogs, making this a must-have for those with toy breeds.
Great for multi-pet households
Effective
High-quality ingredients
- Brand: VetriScience
- Model: 0900631.090
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
Senilife by CEVA has been designed to help combat the signs and symptoms of dementia in dogs, with a particular interest in the behavior changes associated with senility. The somewhat bland design of the tub doesn’t do justice to the effectiveness of this product, which is highly rated with consumers across America. Indeed, customers have mentioned that one of the most appealing aspects of this particular product is that there are no bold claims- it just works.
You may have some issues with administering these capsules, as they’re not too small and don’t come with a particularly tantalizing smell- however, with some plain meat you’ll notice these go down a treat.
Highly rated
Effective
Great for dog dementia
- Brand: CEVA Animal Health
- Model: D59010B
- Weight: 0.6 ounces
These dog vitamins are full to the brim of a huge range of vitamins and minerals, designed specifically for dogs. This is ideal for those who are looking to really ramp up their dogs’ diet with some added supplements but not great for those who are on a specific diet or already have a lot of added features within their dog’s daily diet. If you’re looking for a complete package, however, then The Institute of Pet Nutrition have really fulfilled every need you could possibly have when it comes to dog supplements.
The best part about these, of course, is their attention to detail when it comes to manufacturing quality goods. Produced in the USA, this vet-approved formula is manufactured in a cGMP and NSF certified facility, so you can be sure that these chewable tablets are of the highest quality.
Chewable tablets
Manufactured in certified facilities
Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Brand: Waggedy
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
Created solely with 100% natural, organically sourced mushrooms, this is a dog supplement that contains no GMO’s, no fillers, no sugars, no preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Available in a powdered format, these are also super easy to administer- simply sprinkle over your dog’s usual food at dinner time.
These are great for dogs who are recovering from trauma or surgery, as they are designed to help with rehabilitation and can therefore be used with dogs of all ages. The single ingredient of mushrooms also helps with circulation and acts as an antioxidant- ideal for senior dogs who may struggle in this area.
100% natural
Powdered format
Great for rehabilitation
- Brand: Canine Matrix
- Model: C000MRM200
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Our final choice in our Top 10 is the Multi-Vite Chewables from Nutri-Vet. Another great choice for dogs who need a little bit of a helping hand with everything, these are ideal to maintain the general health and wellbeing of your dog. Naturally, that means that, if your dog has a particular issue you would like to help resolve as they age, these probably won’t be your first choice.
Created with vets, this is still a fantastic option for those looking for a good all-rounder and this is a product that comes at a great price, with great reviews. In particular, customers love how well these tablets work for dogs with vitamin deficiencies and even mention that their pups love the taste, despite their hard tablet format.
Loved by dogs
Great all-rounder
Great value for money
- Brand: Nutri-Vet
- Model: 39981-1
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Best Supplements for Older Dogs
What Traits Should You Look for in a Quality Supplement?
With an increasing demand for quality supplements, the online market has become saturated with some not-so-great copies of the best on the market. If you’re looking for the best dog vitamins for your needs, you should consider the following:
- Ingredients
One of the most important questions you should ask yourself before buying your dog supplements is whether or not your chosen brand includes the right ingredients. It’s not uncommon for dog food to have some added extras within their normal food, so you’ll need to be sure that you’re only getting the right dog multivitamins that their diet is currently lacking.
Without this check, you could be doubling-up on certain added extras, while missing some of the vital ingredients your dog’s diet is currently missing. Check the label to be sure you’re adding in the right amounts of the right stuff- especially if your vet has suggested they may need a specific diet.
- Quality
Not all senior dog supplements are created equal- and not all companies do as they claim. Ideally, you would need to look for vitamins for older dogs that have been clinically commissioned, FDA-approved or certification from approved bodies. Be wary of companies who make claims that are too good to be true- those who claim to cure anything are usually a straight-up no-go.
- Efficacy
There isn’t much need for vitamins for older dogs that don’t help with any of the aches and pains that come with growing older. Check reviews and ratings, while keeping an eye on the quality of the product’s ingredients to be sure that the joint supplements for older dogs, for example, have the effectiveness that they promise.
You should also be careful not to give your dogs any supplements that are designed for humans. Some of the ingredients within these, such as garlic, can absolutely be lethal to dogs- especially those with deteriorating health, as they will be unable to process the toxins these ingredients create. Always buy supplements of multivitamins that are designed exclusively for dogs.
Health Benefits of Supplements for Older Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can sometimes require multivitamins or supplements to make up for a lack of necessary organic compounds usually found through their diet. Each of these has an important role to play in the inner-workings of the body and can have a knock-on effect to other areas, particularly in the digestive system.
The most common vitamins your older dog will need to take supplements for are:
- Vitamin A
Great for immune function, cell production- and therefore growth- and, of course, helping with sight. Usually found in carrots, this tends to be one of the most common vitamins lacking in the general diet.
- B vitamins (biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12)
Vitamin B for dogs is one of the most important parts of an older dogs’ diet. They play a vital role in regulating energy, facilitating enzyme functions and activating ions in the brain tissue. They also help promote a healthy metabolism and protein synthesis.
Most importantly, of all the above, is vitamin B6. This is essential to promoting healthy red cell production, regulate hormones, improve immune response and aid the nervous system- all of which are ideal benefits for older dogs.
- Vitamin C
Acting as an antioxidant, vitamin c works well to process toxins and aid in the anti-inflammatory process, while working against cognitive aging (and keep your dog’s mind sharp).
- Vitamin D
Usually produced from sunlight, taking a vitamin D supplement is a great way to promote healthy bone growth and works to balance minerals such as phosphorous and calcium.
- Vitamin E
A fat-soluble vitamin that helps mobilize cell function and fat metabolism, vitamin E is one of the first lines of defense against degenerative eye and muscle conditions.
- Vitamin K
Another fat-soluble vitamin which works with the bodies digestive system. Vitamin K helps your dog’s blood to clot, when a wound opens.
- Choline
Choline supports healthy brain function and tissue regeneration. It also helps with liver functions and can be prescribed to dogs who suffer from epilepsy.
Health Tips for Older Dogs
As your dog gets older, they may begin to suffer with the usual degenerations of bodily functions in the same way us humans do, so it’s important to schedule regular visits with your local vet in order to keep on top of any problems as they arise. This will help nip them in the bud before they become much worse and lead to the general ill-health of your pooch.
Always remember that it’s much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to cure it. So, even though these trips may cost you a little, it’s totally worth it when it comes to your dog’s health. Some places should also offer a scheme where the general health of your dog is checked for free, every six months.
You should also keep on top of your dog’s health by feeding them a high-quality diet, combined with the necessary supplements for older dogs. This will help keep your dog in tip-top physical condition, while also managing their weight which, in turn, will also help their joints. You may also like our guide on the best dog food for senior dogs.
Even though they’re older, your senior dog will still appreciate regular walkies- even if it’s only down the road and back again. That little added exercise will help keep their joints well-oiled and help to maintain their weight, which is one of the biggest issues older dogs have to deal with.
Don’t forget to take their mental wellbeing into consideration. Lots of mental stimulation, with their favorite dog toys or games should keep their mind sharp. Be advised, however, that your dog may not always be up for fun and games and you should, naturally, make considerations for their age- especially if their senses are suffering.
Best Supplements for Older Dogs FAQ:
Q: What is considered a senior dog?
A: The exact age at which your dog is considered a senior depends, mostly, on the breed of your pup. You might also notice that the general human to dog ratio in years has differences which are based on the weight of your dog- a chihuahua may naturally have a longer lifespan than a Bullmastiff based on its breed, size and lifestyle, for example.
What’s important is how well your dog ages. A dog can be considered geriatric when they begin to have physical and mental health issues that weren’t prevalent in their younger years. Watch out for signs such as urinating more often, weight issues and cognitive dysfunctions, all of which are indicators of becoming geriatric.
Q: Should I give my senior dog supplements?
A: Supplements are great for dogs of all ages. Indeed, it’s one of the best parts about multivitamins and probiotics, in that you can supplement their main diet with regular, added extras- even when you have a young puppy.
Always check with your vet before giving your dog any supplements, to ensure that there won’t be any adverse reactions- especially if they are currently on medication for any illnesses or diseases. Of course, once they give the go-ahead, you should have no issues with supplementing your older dogs’ diet with multivitamins and probiotics for dogs.
Take a look at our articles on Calcium Supplements for Dogs, Cranberry Supplements For Dogs, and Dog Vitamins for Skin Problems.
Q: What are the functions of vitamins?
A: As mentioned above, the health benefits of vitamins for dogs can vary depending on how you’re your dog is before use- as well as whether or not you’re able to add high-quality supplements to your dogs’ diet.
In general, the majority of vitamins are designed to assist in the digestion of food and should always be used in conjunction with a healthy diet. Through this, you’ll be able to help your dog create a good balance of hormones and antioxidants, both of which aid in fighting any nasties which can cause your dog to become poorly, while aiding your dog in creating the best immune system and healthy digestive system, possible.
Q: Can I give my dog too many vitamins?
A: This depends entirely on what you’re giving to your dog, which is why it’s important to check your supplements against your dog’s current diet, to ensure that they’re not receiving too much of any one vitamin.
At the very least, too much exposure to one particular vitamin can simply create a very expensive wee if too many vitamins are used. On the other hand, there are some supplements which are absolutely vital to get right. Vitamin A, for example, can harm blood vessels, causing dehydration and joint pain, while too much calcium causes skeletal problems (especially in puppies).
As such, you should always check what has been added to your dog’s kibble before buying supplements, since you could be causing more harm than good- even with the best of intentions!
Q: Is my dog becoming senile?
A: Dementia affects a dog’s memory, motor functions and learned behaviors, so symptoms will always relate to these three areas. There are five main symptoms of doggy dementia that you should look out for, if you’re concerned about the mental wellbeing of your pet. These consist of:
- Disorientation
- Altered interactions with family members
- Sleep cycle changes
- Activity level changes
- House soiling
These symptoms become worse over time and so may not be noticeable at first. If, however, you notice any of these issues becoming more frequent, it is likely that your dog may be suffering from mental degeneration caused by dementia.
The good news, however, is that studies have shown that regular exercise, mental stimulation and lots of love help to fight off these symptoms and keep your dog happy and healthy, for longer.
Our Top Pick
Known for their thorough research and high-quality ingredients, Zesty Paws have created another firm favorite with pet owners, with their 8-in-1 multivitamins designed specifically for older dogs. This is another highly-reviewed offering from the masterminds at Zesty Paws and it’s not hard to see why.
These multivitamins for dogs are made with quality ingredients, that have been sourced from the best manufacturers and produced for you at an affordable price. It’s no wonder that these chewable treats are both highly effective and loved by dog owners, everywhere- and therefore it stands at its rightful place as our Top Pick.
Sources:
- What Should I Know About My Senior Dog?, American Animal Hospital Association
- Senior Dog Care: Caring for Older Dogs, Best Friends Animal Society
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