The BEST Supplements For Dogs

Whether your large dog is fed a raw or kibble-based diet, there are several nutritional supplements for dogs that will improve their overall health and longevity.

This post contains the supplements I feed my Mastiffs regularly and why I recommend them for all large dogs.

Why Do Dogs Need Supplements – Isn’t the Diet Enough?

Imagine a world where three square meals were delivered to you that contained every nutrient your body needs for optimal health and longevity.  From the most essential nutrients to the nice-to-have, your individualized designer diet holds your key to preventing disease and premature aging. 

I used the word “imagine” because this fantasy world does not exist for us or our dogs.

While I’ve made the case in many other blog posts and videos that if commercial pet food truly was the panacea for perfect health the “experts” would like us to believe it is, why are the rates of disease, allergy, and cancer in dogs rising faster than ever before?

No diet is perfect, or perfectly balanced, all on its own.

So for optimal health, both humans and dogs need individualized supplementation.

For example, in addition to a high-protein, whole-food diet, I take Calcium (with vitamin D), B vitamins, a multivitamin, Magnesium, Omega 3, fiber, probiotics, and electrolytes.

These are the right supplements for me based on my age, health, and fitness based on my research and through consultation with my doctor. 

Choosing the right vitamins and supplements for your dog will require the same degree of due diligence.  

Consider consulting with your veterinarian first before starting your dog on any of the vitamins or supplements we are about to cover.  

My recommendation is just one data point.  Be sure to do your homework. 

Let’s first go through my top recommended vitamins and supplements for dogs and then I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get about dietary optimization. 

I’ve categorized these by body part or condition, not necessarily in order of importance or priority.  

Video: Supplements For Dogs: The Why, The How, and MORE | Raw Feeding TIPS | What I Feed My Dogs

Whole Body

While we like to think Pop-Tarts, Mac & Cheese, and a Mcdonald’s Big Mac provide everything we need for a healthy body and mind, processed foods that predominate our food supply are severely lacking in nutritional quality.  

[Human] doctors accept that our diets are less than perfect.  As such, they often recommend we take a multivitamin to fill any nutritional gaps we may have.  

The dry, processed sugar (i.e. kibble) that most dogs eat is not that far removed from Pop-Tarts, sadly.

And even for dogs eating the most wholesome and nutritionally balanced raw diet, a multivitamin can help mitigate any gaps that inevitably exist in the diet. 

My favorite multivitamin supplement is called Complete by Nature’s Farmacy. 

Dogzymes Complete is the compilation of three of their most popular products: Dogzymes Ultimate, Dogzymes Digestive Enhancer, and Dogzymes Phyto-Flex. 

What I love most about Complete is that it is just that… a complete all-in-one solution for any possible gaps in my dog’s nutrition. 

I trust the quality of the ingredients they use in their supplements, and how the supplements are made, and appreciate supporting a USA-based small business. Over the years, I have fed several Nature’s Farmacy supplements and continue to have a good experience with them. 

Alternatives include Nupro, Zesty Paws 8 in 1 Multivitamin. or Zesty Paws 11 in 1 Senior Bites, and Pet Honesty Multivitamin 10 in 1. 

Of these alternatives, I’ve only used Nupro, which I like and can confidently recommend. With a broad assortment of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes, Nupro promises to boost your dog’s immune system, reduce shedding and improve skin and coat health, promote healthy digestion, and prevent allergies.  

Gut Health 

Did you know that your dog’s gut controls about 70% of its immune system?  

Dysbiosis (imbalance) of the commensal microbiota (friendly bacteria in the gut) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including IBD, obesity, and allergic disorders, in both humans and animals.

For this reason, I recommend ALL dogs take a daily probiotic, not just when your dog is on an antibiotic.  I mean EVERY day!

Now, this does not mean you have to buy a commercial probiotic supplement.  

You could opt to save money and simply make your homemade probiotic yogurt like I teach in How to Make Yogurt for Dogs | Best Homemade Probiotics | DIY DAIRY-FREE & DAIRY-BASED Recipes.   

However, if you don’t have the time to invest in a yogurt maker and cultures, I highly recommend Daily Dog by Full Bucket Health.  It is a powerful probiotic made with Saccharomyces boulardii, a strain of yeast used for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, including diarrhea symptoms.  

Additionally, S. boulardii improves gut barrier function, produces antimicrobial peptides to fight disease-causing pathogens, stimulates the immune system, and inhibits inflammation.

If you would like an alternate bacteria-based probiotic, I highly recommend Probiotic Max by Nature’s Farmacy.  

Probiotic Max is packed with over 10 Billion CFU/gram (colony forming units) strains of bacteria for dogs, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, several key strains of Bifidobacterium, and one yeast, Saccaromyces cerevisiae (from which S. boulardii is derived).  

When you follow the feeding instructions, an average 100-pound dog will get over 38 Billion CFU daily!

It contains the probiotics themselves, prebiotics (food for the bacteria), and important digestive enzymes.  

Skin & Coat

As one of the largest and most complex organs in a dog’s body, the skin and, by extension, the coat are largely a reflection of what is going on inside them. 

With a strong immune system and balanced microbiota, a quality diet of whole foods, and ample exercise, the optimal health of a dog will be exuded through a shiny, luxurious coat and healthy skin. 

Unfortunately, most dogs suffer from one or more conditions related to their skin and coat such as dry or itchy skin, allergies, hair loss, parasites, and skin sensitivities.

As I mentioned above, the solution to these skin issues often lies much deeper than what you see on the surface, so I highly recommend you start there and with your dog’s diet. 

In terms of supplements, there is strong evidence that feeding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can help improve the quality of your dog’s skin and coat. 

My top recommendation and favorite way to give my dogs omega-3 fatty acids is through whole raw sardines.  I purchase sardines frozen through my raw dog food co-op and feed one 4-5 days per week. 

Through my co-op, I’m able to get a 30# case of 15 2# bags of sardines for $105.  While this is by far the most expensive item I feed my dogs, it is cheaper than buying omega-3 supplements for giant breed dogs.  

I used to be able to get a case of sardines for less than half of this price when I lived in Arizona.  

Those were the days… sigh.  

In addition to sardines, I also feed fresh or canned salmon as I have it on hand or cook it for my family. Given the cost, this is more of an occasional treat versus a staple in my Mastiff’s diet. 

If you aren’t sure where to find sardines or don’t want to mess with them, a couple of alternative omega-3 fatty acid supplements I recommend are Dr. Harvey’s Health & Shine Omega 3 and Dr. Harvey’s Health & Shine Alaskan Fish Oil with Salmon and Krill. 

Hips, Bones & Joints

Whether you have a large breed puppy at risk for a breed-specific joint issue or a senior dog with mobility loss due to arthritis, your dog’s skeletal health is a direct result of genetics, exercise, healthcare, and diet, including supplementation. 

A raw diet combined with high-quality nutritional supplements are two ways you can easily care for your dog’s bones and joints as they age.

However, with so many products on the market promising to improve your dog’s joint health, how do you know which ones are the best or worth your money?

The following are the handful of specific ingredients I look for in the joint supplements I feed my dogs:

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a mild anti-inflammatory and is used by the joints to make cartilage

Chondroitin

Chondroitin inhibits the destruction and promotes the production of cartilage components. 

While the evidence supporting daily Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplementation for dogs is inconclusive at best, there is very little downside to giving it due to the potential benefit. (1) 

That said, I do not prioritize glucosamine and chondroitin in the daily joint supplements I feed my dogs, as you will see.  

Green Lipped Mussels

GLM contains a high level of omega-3 and other fatty acids, as well as other naturally occurring compounds that can improve joint lubrication, reduce inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain, and improve mobility and range of motion. They have been shown to provide equivalent pain relief to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  (2)

Hyaluronic acid

A thick, viscous, elastic-like substance (glycosaminoglycan) that naturally fills all the spaces between the joints (synovial fluid). It helps to lubricate and protect joints and absorb shock as your animal walks, jumps, competes, or plays. It also helps manage osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain and inflammation. (3)

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and it eases the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis.

MSM is an important constituent of collagen, which helps to make up cartilage.

Turmeric

Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing, and anticancer properties. 

Given alone, in golden paste, or in bone broth, turmeric was one of the supplements that made the most impact on Junior’s hip dysplasia and neurological pain due to Wobbler Syndrome. In some studies, turmeric outperformed ibuprofen in people with arthritis. 

Now that we’ve covered what ingredients to look for, here are my favorite nutritional supplements for dog joint health.  

First, I recommend LubriSyn HA+ with MSM, for all large and giant breed dogs. 

LubriSynHA + MSM is a liquid supplement for animals that mimics the hyaluronic acid found naturally in their bodies that helps to lubricate and protect joints and absorb shock as your dog walks, jumps, or plays. Made in the USA, LubriSyn uses a high molecular weight HA which maintains its viscosity, keeping joints lubricated and pain-free. 

LubriSyn has special formulas for pets, horses, livestock, and humans, however, according to the company, 

Because the human formula is a little less expensive, this is the one I use for my 200+ pound Mastiffs. For them I use a loading dose of 2 TBSP (6 tsp) for 10 days, then 1 TBSP after that.  

For their anti-inflammatory benefits, I also give Raw Paws Pet Food Green Lipped Mussels powder just about every day and I occasionally add a little bit of frozen golden paste that I keep in the freezer.

A few other options you may consider are Dogzymes Phyto-Flex or Bone and Joint or even Nupro Joint Support for a good all-around supplement for bone and joint health.

Allergies & Immune System Support

For many dogs, allergies can be debilitating.  

Whether they are seasonal or year-round, the effects of allergies can range from atopic dermatitis to full-blown hair loss, ear infections, digestive disorders, and chronic anal gland issues, just to name a few. 

Both Junior and Sulley have suffered from occasional bouts of allergic symptoms.  Junior exhibited some patchy hair loss and seasonal dermatitis, while Sulley is allergic to chicken, causing frequent ear infections and anal gland inflammation.  

Getting a formal diagnosis of the exact allergic trigger should be your top priority if your dog is suffering from allergies.  Eliminating common triggers in the environment and doing a food trial are a couple of good places to start. 

Beyond that, I recommend two nutritional supplements that will help boost your dog’s immune system. 

Raw Paws Pet Food makes my favorite Organic Sea Kelp, which I have been feeding my dogs for years.  

Kelp is known to support dental health, digestion, thyroid health, metabolism, the immune system, and healthy skin and coat.

This particular product is sold in a 3-bag bundle which lasts me several months.

As with most of the supplements I feed, I don’t give the full amount suggested on the bag.  I usually just put in one scoop of kelp per dog per day, in my opinion, the most cost-effective way to feed it to a 200+ pound dog. 

The next dog supplement I recommend is colostrum.  You can find colostrum through many sources, but my two favorites for the cost and quality are Raw Paws Pet Food and Nature’s Farmacy.  A great alternative is this one from Four Leaf Rover.

Colostrum is collected from cows during the first day milking when antibodies, immune factors, and growth factors are at peak levels. When fed it is a great source of protein that supports the immune system and overall health in an easy-to-serve powder. 

Digestion & Anal Glands

What is an optimal diet without a healthy digestive system through which to process it? 

You can do everything right and still your dog suffers from occasional bouts of loose stool or anal gland issues. 

As I mentioned earlier, in my experience, anal gland issues are often a result of some sort of allergy.  This is not always the case, but very often it is. 

If your dog (and you) are dealing with this rancid malodor, I highly recommend taking a critical look at your dog’s diet and any potential food allergies. 

In Sulley’s case, it’s chicken.  I have known for years that Sulley was allergic to chicken, so I avoided feeding it.  Thinking that it might just be an issue with the amount of chicken, I attempted to re-introduce it in very small raw quantities.  

In addition to ear drainage, Sulley’s anal glands would get inflamed and start to smell.  As soon as the chicken was removed completely from his diet, both of these symptoms resolved without treatment. 

I’m lucky that I have been able to pinpoint Sulley’s exact issue, but for many dogs, it’s not that easy.  

https://geni.us/XLRygTo help improve digestion and anal gland expression naturally, in addition to raw meaty bones, I recommend two supplements, psyllium husk, and GlandEx.

Psyllium husk is the husk of psyllium seeds and is what is put in fiber supplements for humans.  The husks are coated with mucilage that swells and thickens into a gel when exposed to water. This helps increase the weight of the stool and trigger a bowel movement.  

The net effect of psyllium husk supplementation in dogs is improvement in anal gland expression, constipation, and diarrhea.

I have used a few different brands of psyllium husk.  Just look for one that is organic and only contains one ingredient, psyllium husk.  Here is one I like from Anthony’s.

Dosages are going to vary by the size of your dog, so be sure to consult your veterinarian before feeding it.  I typically shoot for about 1 tsp once a day, 3-4 days a week as a regular maintenance supplement.  For dogs who are over 200+ pounds like mine, this is a very low dose.  

You will also want to make sure you are providing plenty of fresh water for your dog while giving this supplement.  Since I feed a raw diet, this hasn’t been an issue for me. 

Additionally, if your dog has chronic anal gland inflammation, you may also consider these GlandEx chews.  Sulley loves the taste of them and they helped!

Considerations for Raw Fed Dogs

Feeding a raw diet is one of the absolute best things you can do to optimize your dog’s health if it is sufficiently balanced.

I have covered at great length my feelings on the concept of “balance” in pet food, however, when I say balance, I’m simply referring to the basics.  

Here’s what I mean…

Most dogs need between 10-15% bone content, typically fed through raw meaty bones or groundup bone.  For dog owners who are unsure how to calculate the amount of bone to feed or how to feed it, I recommend opting for a bone meal supplement. 

I like Nature’s Farmacy Bone Builder supplement as well as Better Bones by Four Leaf Rover.

A good economical alternative is this pork bone supplement from Upco.

I would not necessarily follow the directions for how much to feed off any of these supplements.  Please try to do the math to make sure you are giving enough, but not too much. 

Keep in mind that giant breed puppies need a ratio of 1.2: 1 Calcium: Phosphorus.  When feeding raw meat, your dog is getting phosphorus.  These bone meal supplements provide the calcium needed.  

The next category of nutritional supplements I recommend for most raw-fed dogs is some sort of vegetable supplement.  I do feed a veggie mixture that I make using my Instant Pot and blender, however, I’m confident that the amount I’m feeding isn’t enough for 200+ pound dogs. 

When prepping my dogs’ raw meals, my priority is balancing the raw meat, bones, and organs.  The veggie component is an important addition, but not one I over-analyze.  

I simply throw in the Instant Pot what I have on hand at the time – usually, kale, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, apple, blueberries, sprouts, etc.  

It is because of this somewhat haphazard approach to feeding many of the micronutrients and phytonutrients that my dogs need, that I also feed a product called Cornucopia by Nature’s Farmacy. 

Cornucopia contains an organic proprietary blend of vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and botanicals, delivering powerful phytonutrients and nutrients for both dogs and cats. 

In fact, according to the company, each pound of Cornucopia is equivalent to 18 pounds of produce!  

While I would not say this supplement is necessary if you are feeding enough variety of (cooked) veggies and produce, how many of us really know if we are feeding enough?  

For this reason, I recommend raw feeders feed some sort of vegetable supplement.  

You can choose Cornucopia or an alternative like Green Rover from Four Leaf Rover.

Tips for Feeding Nutritional Supplements to Dogs

My philosophy on vitamin supplements for dogs is moderation, both in what I am willing to spend my money on and how I feed it.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over my many decades as a giant-breed dog owner:

1. Diet is King (or Queen)

Unfortunately, no supplement on the market will turn a poor diet into a good one.

Feeding a trash diet of Iams, Purina, and Science Diet and thinking supplements are going to redeem it is like eating a Big Mac and thinking the Diet Coke will negate the calories. 

It’s nonsense.

Start with feeding the highest quality diet you can afford, then use your supplements as an enhancement.

2. Question Every Recommendation

Do your due diligence and research to determine what is best for you and your dog. 

Remember, every supplement is being marketed with a great sales pitch; Linking the BUY button to the devoted and loving dog owner, condemning all other dogs to a life of lackluster health and unhappiness.

Of course, this is a dramatization.  But you know what I mean.  That’s how we as dog owners are made to feel.

My advice is to ignore the sales pitch and do your own homework. 

Never forget #1. You are better off spending a little more for a better diet than on a multitude of supplements.  

3. Read the Label 

For example, some supplements will advise feeding on an empty stomach.  Things like probiotics and colostrum fall into this category. 

For these, I typically feed them 1-2 hours before a meal, with or without my homemade yogurt.

4. Dosing is a Crap Shoot for Giant Breeds

If you look at the dosing for nearly any nutritional supplement for dogs out there, the dosing for dogs over 100 pounds is somewhat comical. 

For example, the directions will say to give 1 scoop per 25 pounds… that would be 8-9 scoops for a giant breed Mastiff! 

How long would a 1-pound container last at that rate?  I can tell you… not long at all! 

For this reason, I refer you back to my philosophy on feeding supplements… moderation.  Depending on the product, I will often just give one or two scoops and call it good. In this way, I can optimize my dog’s health while retaining what’s left of my budget.

5. Advice for Picky Dogs

If your dog regularly turns their nose up when you add powders to their food, consider mixing the powder into fresh raw tripe, a raw egg, or bone broth. 

Ranked List of Recommended Vitamin Supplements for Dogs

Based on everything I have shared, here is my ranked list of the best supplements for large dogs. 

I would prioritize these in order from 1 to 10, however, keep in mind your dog is not my dog.  Your dog may have unique special needs that justify changing this order, and that’s ok.

Best Multivitamin For Dogs

Complete by Nature’s Farmacy is my top recommendation for a comprehensive nutritional supplement for dogs. If you can only afford one, consider Complete.

Best Joint Supplement For Dogs

LubriSyn HA +MSM is an excellent joint supplement with proven results. I recommend buying the human version of LubriSyn HA to save money.

Best Supplement For Allergies

Organic Sea Kelp by Raw Paws Pet Food is my top recommendation if your dog suffers from allergies.

Best Nutritional Anti-Inflammatory For Dogs

For inflammatory conditions and pain, I recommend Green Lipped Mussel Powder by Raw Paws Pet Food or Turmeric Powder.

Best Immune System Supplement For Dogs

For optimal immune system support, I recommend either Colostrum by Raw Paws Pet Food or Nature’s Farmacy. Both are all-natural, high-quality, and made in the USA.

Best Supplement For Digestive & Anal Gland Health In Dogs

There are many brands to choose from. I recommend finding an organic powder that contains only psyllium husk powder, with no added preservatives or ingredients.

Best Phytonutrient Supplement For Dogs

I highly recommend Cornucopia by Nature’s Farmacy for dogs on a homemade or prey-model raw diet. While it doesn’t replace the necessity of feeding whole fiber, it can help fill in inevitable gaps in any raw diet.

Best Bone Replacement For Raw-Fed Dogs

If you are feeding a raw diet without whole bone, you need to supplement with a bone meal powder. I recommend this one by Nature’s Farmacy, or this one on Amazon.

FAQs

References

1. Study of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine-based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis: A prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

2. Green-Lipped Mussels: Can They Help Your Dog’s Joints?

3. Effects of Oral Hyaluronic Acid Administration in Dogs Following Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury