Can I Give My Dog Vitamins or Supplements?

A lot of people take vitamins or supplements, and more and more, they’re giving them to their pets too.

In fact, about one-third of dogs and cats in the U.S. may be getting some kind of supplement. The most common ones include multivitamins, joint support for arthritis, and fatty acids to help with shedding and make their fur shinier. Some pet owners also give probiotics for digestion or antioxidants to slow down aging and support brain health, according to a 2006 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

With more dogs getting older and struggling with weight issues, the demand for pet supplements has been rising. In fact, market research firm Packaged Facts predicted a 37% increase by 2012, bringing the industry to $1.7 billion.

Veterinary nutritionist Dr. Susan Wynn, who practices near Atlanta, says she sees plenty of pet owners bringing in bags full of vitamins and supplements for their dogs. “They come in with bags full sometimes,” she says.

But do dogs really need all these supplements? And are they even safe? Experts say some can be helpful, some don’t do much, and others might even be harmful.

“Most people give their dogs vitamins because they want to, not because they actually need to,” says Dr. C.A. Tony Buffington, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University.

1. Does My Dog Need Vitamins?

Most dogs get all the vitamins and minerals they need from commercial dog food, according to the FDA. But if your dog is on a homemade diet, they might need supplements.

“It’s really important, but you have to do it right,” says Dr. Susan Wynn. “You can’t just throw together a meal and add a vitamin. The diet and supplement need to match.” If you’re not sure what your dog needs, check with a vet or pet nutritionist.

Also Read: What are the Best Foods for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs?

2. Are Vitamins Safe for Dogs?

Sometimes, but too much of certain vitamins can be harmful. If your dog already eats a balanced diet, adding extra vitamins could do more harm than good.

For example:

• Too much calcium can cause bone problems, especially in large-breed puppies.
• Excess vitamin A can lead to joint pain, dehydration, and blood vessel damage.
• Too much vitamin D can make a dog stop eating and weaken their muscles and bones.

3. Should I Talk to My Vet First?

Absolutely! Some health problems that seem simple—like a weak back end that looks like arthritis—could actually be something else, like a neurological issue.

“A poor coat might not mean a vitamin deficiency,” says Dr. Dawn Boothe. “It could be a skin, metabolic, or hormonal problem.”

She also warns against skipping traditional treatments for serious illnesses. “Supplements should be just that—supplements, not replacements for proper care.”

Some ingredients, like herbal supplements, may interact with medications, so it’s always best to check with your vet first.

“If your dog is eating a balanced diet and is healthy, they don’t need supplements,” says Wynn. She suggests fresh fruits and veggies for pet owners who want to add extra nutrients naturally.

“The only thing I’d really recommend for long-term use is probiotics,” Wynn adds.

4. Do Dog Supplements Actually Work?

It depends on the supplement. Some work, some don’t, and some have little research behind them.

For example:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin (used for joint health) showed mixed results in studies. Some dogs with arthritis improved, while others saw no difference.
• Fish oil can help reduce inflammation and make coats shinier.
• Antioxidants like vitamins C and E may help with aging and memory problems in older dogs.

The issue? Most supplements haven’t been tested for long-term safety in dogs.

Also Read: What are Common Food Allergies in Dogs?

5. Do Supplements Contain What They Promise?

Not always. A study by ConsumerLab.com found that 60% of pet glucosamine supplements failed quality tests, compared to 25% of human versions.

The National Animal Supplement Council also tested joint supplements and found that one in four didn’t match what the label claimed.

Probiotic supplements also had issues—only one out of three tested in 2006 contained enough live bacteria to be effective.

6. Who Regulates Dog Supplements?

The FDA oversees pet supplements, but there’s not much research on their safety.

The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) has stepped in to improve labeling and quality control. Companies that don’t meet standards are required to investigate and fix issues.

Still, Dr. Boothe warns: “The quality of these products is a major concern.”

7. How Do I Pick a Good Supplement?

Here are some tips from experts:

• Stick with brands that specialize in one area or have done clinical studies.
• Read labels carefully—know what ingredient you’re looking for and watch out for misleading names.
• Look for a lot number—this means the company has quality control checks in place.
• Check for a contact number and call to ask about their expertise and how long they’ve been in business.
• Avoid miracle claims—if a supplement promises to cure cancer, parvo, or hip dysplasia, it’s probably a scam.
• Look for independent testing or certification from reputable organizations.
• Be careful with human supplements—some, like garlic, can be dangerous for dogs.
• Buy from a trusted source—Cooperman from ConsumerLab.com says vet-sold supplements tend to be more reliable.

Also Read: How to Handle a Dogs Food Intolerance?

8. What About Supplements in Dog Food?

Some commercial dog foods add supplements like glucosamine, but the amounts are often too low to be effective due to regulations.

Prescription dog foods, however, may contain higher, therapeutic doses of these ingredients. Some brands also add botanicals like cranberry (for urinary health) or DHA (for brain development in puppies).

“If it’s in pet food, I have more confidence in its safety and effectiveness,” says Boothe.