What Are the Best Supplements for Your Senior Dog?

As your dog grows older, their needs naturally change. But just because they are getting up there in dog years doesn’t mean they have to slow down! 

Elderly dogs experience shifts in their bodies that can impact their day-to-day comfort. Metabolism slows, making it tougher for them to maintain a healthy weight, energy levels dip, and their once-efficient digestion may need extra support. And just like us, their fur starts to grey—though on them, it’s even more adorable! 

Senior dogs often face common age-related issues like stiff joints, arthritis, decreased mobility, and even cognitive decline. Studies have shown that around 80% of dogs over the age of eight have some form of arthritis, and cognitive changes can begin as early as seven years old for some breeds. 

These challenges can affect their quality of life, but there’s plenty we can do to support their well-being. A healthy, species-appropriate diet is a good starting point, but adding the best supplements for your senior dog can make a difference.

The right supplements can support everything from joint health to digestion and brain function, helping your elderly dog stay active and comfortable. In this blog, we’ll explore 6 of the best senior dog vitamins and supplements to help your dog feel their best so they can enjoy plenty of tail-wagging days ahead.  

 

Finding Stress in an Elderly Dog

As your dog ages, it’s common for different body systems to show signs of stress. Since they can’t talk and say, “Hey, I’m not feeling well,” pinpointing exactly where support is needed can be tricky, especially if elderly dogs experience multiple health challenges at once. 

Pain is something that pets try to hide. It takes a keen eye to see if there are changes in a pet’s behavior that indicate pain. Changes in daily habits, along with physical signs, may indicate pain. The art of observation is key to detecting pain in pets. 

This is where bioenergetic testing becomes valuable. The Full Scan evaluates your senior pet’s overall health by identifying which body systems are under stress—whether it’s joints, digestion, hormones, or immune function. Understanding where imbalances lie can help you take a more targeted approach to their care.

Or the Remedy Scan zones right into a specific regimen of supplements to best support your dog’s needs at this time! Whether herbs, homeopathics, or nutritional supplements, the Remedy Scan customizes a regimen to bioenergetically align with your pet’s body. 

Let’s look at some of the best supplements for your senior dog.

6 Best Supplements for Your Senior Dog

1. Fish Oil – Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil is one of the best supplements for your senior dog. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids—especially EPA and DHA—fish oil can do wonders for your senior pup. These nutrients aren’t just helpful; they’re essential since dogs can’t produce them naturally. That means it’s up to us to ensure they get enough through diet or supplements.

Why Your Senior Dog Needs Omega-3s

As dogs age, many of them experience stiffness and slower movements. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, which can be a big help if your dog is dealing with arthritis or joint pain. In fact, research shows that omega-3s can improve mobility and make life easier for dogs with osteoarthritis.

But it’s not just their joints that benefit. Omega-3s also play a role in keeping your dog’s heart healthy. Studies suggest that these fatty acids help lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, and maintain a strong, steady heart.

And for senior dogs who may be more prone to heart problems, a little extra heart support goes a long way.

Brain Boosting and Mental Sharpness

Have you noticed your senior dog seeming a little forgetful or confused? That could be a sign of cognitive decline, which can happen as dogs age. Omega-3s—especially DHA—are like brain food! DHA supports brain health, helping your dog stay sharp and mentally engaged as they age. 

Softer Skin, Shinier Coat

Another bonus? Omega-3s are great for your dog’s skin and coat! If your dog’s fur has lost some of its shine or their skin seems a little dry, fish oil can help bring back that soft, healthy look. Omega-3s nourish the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness while promoting a sleek, shiny coat that will have your dog looking (and feeling) their best. It’s especially useful if your dog is prone to allergies.

 

2. Glucosamine & Chondroitin

If you’ve noticed your senior dog slowing down, struggling to jump up on the couch, or avoiding their usual playtime, stiff joints could be to blame. Aging brings wear and tear on your pup’s cartilage—the cushion between their joints—which can lead to discomfort and decreased mobility. Luckily, Glucosamine and Chondroitin can step in!

Why Glucosamine & Chondroitin Work Better Together

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are often paired in supplements because they complement each other perfectly. Think of them as a “power couple” for joint health! Here’s how they work:

• Glucosamine acts as the building block for healthy cartilage. It supports the repair and regeneration of cartilage, which helps cushion the joints and absorb impact.
• Chondroitin keeps cartilage flexible by helping it retain water and stay spongy. It also blocks enzymes that break down cartilage over time.

When used together, these two compounds create a synergistic effect, offering double the support. While Glucosamine works on rebuilding and maintaining joint structure, Chondroitin swoops in to protect and hydrate the cartilage, keeping it strong and cushioned. This powerful combo can make a world of difference for senior dogs dealing with arthritis or general stiffness.

Joint Relief and Beyond

For many senior dogs, joint supplements can mean the difference between struggling with discomfort and moving more easily. This combination helps reduce inflammation, supports cartilage repair, and improves joint function.

How to Give Glucosamine & Chondroitin

These supplements often come in easy-to-administer chewable tablets or powder you can mix into your dog’s food—convenient and tasty for your dog! It’s important to be patient, as these supplements may take a few weeks to show noticeable improvements.

3. Eggshell Membrane

Another option for joint and connective tissue pain that may show up in Locomotor System Stress is eggshell membrane. This is that thin, papery lining of your eggshells! These tiny but powerful membranes are fibrous and contain many different proteins, including type one collagen.

These membranes also contain chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, which are also used to support humans with joint pain. 

How to Give Eggshell Membrane

You can add this in as a supplement or an easy tincture. Using the fresh membrane or grinding up eggshells to a powder and feeding it along with your dog’s regular food is an option as well.

 

4. Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are powerful allies for keeping your senior dog healthy. 

Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, and maitake are loaded with antioxidants, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides—fancy words for compounds that boost the immune system and help the body fight off inflammation and stress.

For senior dogs, whose immune systems may not be as strong as they used to be, these mushrooms can offer a natural way to help keep illness at bay and support overall vitality.

How Medicinal Mushrooms Help Elderly Dogs

These mushrooms don’t just target the immune system; they’re full-body supporters:

• Reishi: Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi can help calm inflammation and reduce stress, supporting heart health and promoting calmness. Reishi is commonly given to senior dogs prone to anxiety or restlessness.
• Shiitake: Rich in lentinan, shiitake mushrooms can boost the immune system and may support liver health, possibly helping older dogs with sluggish detox pathways.
• Turkey Tail: This mushroom is renowned for its cancer-fighting properties, especially in immune-compromised pets. 
• Maitake: Known to regulate blood sugar, maitake mushrooms can be especially beneficial for senior dogs that may be at risk for diabetes or have issues maintaining healthy glucose levels.

How to Give Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are often available in powder, tincture, or capsule form and can be easily mixed into your dog’s food.

5. Green Tea

You might be surprised to learn that decaf green tea can be a fantastic supplement for senior dogs! Packed with antioxidants, it’s a gentle way to support your dog’s health and fight the effects of aging.

Why Decaf Green Tea?

Green tea is famous for its high levels of antioxidants, particularly a compound called EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate). These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals—tiny molecules that can cause damage to cells and speed up the aging process.

For senior dogs, this can translate to better protection against diseases and a boost to overall health. Plus, since it’s decaf, you don’t have to worry about the caffeine that regular green tea contains.

How Decaf Green Tea Benefits Senior Dogs

Decaf green tea can support your dog’s heart health, improve circulation, and help maintain healthy skin and coat. It’s also great for fighting inflammation, which can help with arthritis and other age-related issues. Plus, some studies have shown that the antioxidants in green tea may have cognitive benefits, supporting brain health as your dog ages.

EGCG also has strong antibacterial properties. These compounds can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, particularly those that contribute to plaque formation and gum disease in elderly dogs. 

How to Give Decaf Green Tea

You can brew a mild tea at home and add a little to your dog’s water or food.  Just be sure it’s decaffeinated, and always start with a small amount to see how your dog tolerates it. There are also supplements in tincture form that contain green tea extract that could be helpful for your dog.

6. Digestive Enzymes

As dogs age, their digestive systems can become a bit sluggish, and that hearty appetite they once had might shift into digestive discomfort. That’s where digestive enzymes come in—like a little helping paw for your dog’s gut!

Why Digestive Enzymes Matter

When dogs are younger, their bodies produce plenty of enzymes to break down food and absorb nutrients efficiently. But as they get older, their enzyme production naturally slows down.

Plus, if you’re not giving them species-appropriate food and scraps from the dinner table – this can lead to issues like bloating, gas, or even trouble digesting their meals fully.

A digestive enzyme supplement can act like a backup team, helping your senior dog get the most out of their food by breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates more effectively.

How Digestive Enzymes Support Senior Dogs

Adding digestive enzymes to your dog’s diet can improve nutrient absorption. When food is broken down properly, it’s easier for your dog to stay nourished and energized without feeling weighed down by indigestion or upset tummies. This means less gas, less bloating, and more comfort during and after meals.

How to Give Digestive Enzymes

You can usually find digestive enzyme supplements in powder form, which can be sprinkled on your dog’s food at mealtime. Make sure to choose a high-quality product that includes enzymes like protease (for proteins), lipase (for fats), and amylase (for carbs).

Your senior dog will appreciate the extra digestive support, and you’ll appreciate fewer tummy troubles. Additionally, there are herbal digestive formulas that help aid digestion and nutrient absorption.

 

 

Aging doesn’t mean your furry friend has to slow down! With the right support—whether omega-3s for joint mobility, medicinal mushrooms for immune health, or digestive enzymes for gut support—your elderly dog can enjoy happier days ahead. The best senior dog vitamins target specific age-related challenges, helping them feel their best.

One of the last “supplements” you can give your senior pet is patience. Like humans, they may take longer to jump up on car seats or even need a ramp to travel to the vet. They lose hearing and may startle more when you enter the house or come up from behind. 

By giving your dog the love, care, and supplements they need, you’re not just supporting their body but allowing them to live out their golden years with comfort and vitality. 

Here’s to more pawsitive aging!