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The 10 Best Senior Dog Vitamins & Supplements

It's a sad truth of life that every dog becomes old. Worse, many elderly dogs have restricted movement owing to joint problems or other concerns.

But it doesn't have to be that way. If you are concerned about your dog's health, you may provide them with the nutrients they require to remain active well into their golden years. It only needs the right vitamin and supplement routine.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) picked the best senior dog vitamins & supplements. The alternatives on this list range from general multivitamins to specialist nutrients, so you should be able to find something that will help your dog live their best life for as long as possible.

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icon Reviewed & Fact - Checked by

Deborah R. Fletcher (DVM)

Veterinarian

The information provided is current and up-to-date, in line with the latest research conducted in the field of veterinary medicine.

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Reviews

Best Overall: VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins by NaturVet

NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins Plus Glucosamine for Dogs

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Giving your dog NaturVet VitaPet  is the simplest method to help them deal with the aches and pains of senior living.

These chewable glucosamine tablets are so soft that even dogs with dental difficulties may consume them.

But there’s more to it than simply glucosamine. Ingredients like flaxseed, canola oil, and dried shellfish digest provide lots of omega fatty acids. This is in addition to the vitamins and minerals supplied, such as vitamin E, vitamin A, and ascorbic acid.

By chowing down on them, you can even aid your dog’s breath. They offer a breath aid that can eliminate your pet’s halitosis, making their kisses bearable for the first time.

The only drawback we discovered with NaturVet VitaPet is that some dogs dislike the flavor, so you may need to smother them in peanut butter to encourage them to eat it. However, once consumed, they will do your dog a lot of good.

Overall, we believe that these are the best senior dog nutrients and vitamins on the market this year.

Pros

  • High in glucosamine
  • Other vital vitamins and minerals are present.
  • Omega fatty acids in abundance
  • Soft enough for dogs that have dental issues.
  • Breath freshener

Cons

  • Many dogs are uninterested in food.

Best Value: Senior-Vite Dog Chewables by Nutri-Vet

Nutri-Vet Senior-Vite Chewables for Dogs

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Nutri-Vet Senior-Vite has a liver taste that most dogs seem to appreciate, so getting your dog to take them should be easy.

The pills are meant to address any nutritional gaps in your dog’s diet, therefore they include a variety of vitamins and minerals. You won’t find much in the way of joint support, so you’ll have to go elsewhere.

The majority of the components appear to be aimed at improving the animal’s immune system and keeping them intellectually alert, both of which are critical for senior canines.

Best of all, this is one of the most affordable senior supplements on the market. We think it’s the greatest senior dog vitamin and supplement for the money because you receive a lot of pills for a reasonable price.

The tablets themselves are rather big, therefore smaller breed dogs may have difficulty swallowing them.

Nutri-Vet Senior-Vite provides outstanding value for money, but it has a few major drawbacks that prohibit it from topping this list.

Pros

  • Excellent value for money.
  • Fills dietary deficiencies in dogs
  • Beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing
  • Dogs appreciate flavor.

Cons

  • There is little joint support.
  • Pills are too large for little puppies.

Premium Choice: Senior Dog Supplement Zesty Paws Mobility Bites

Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Glucosamine for Dogs

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If you’re ready to pay a little extra money to keep your dog active, Zesty Paws Advanced Mobility  is the best supplement you’ll discover anywhere.

The snacks contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which may also be found in a variety of joint supplements. These also include OptiMSM, black pepper extract, and a proprietary combination of qmin and curcumin. These substances are uncommon in senior supplements.

Inside, there’s also hyaluronic acid, which helps lubricate the joints and keep your dog feeling young. There’s also hemp extract, which is a contentious component that has shown some potential in treating inflammation.

The recipe has no grain, maize, or soy, so it should not cause digestive difficulties in your dog, and it also contains flaxseed for additional omega fatty acids.

If you’re ready to spend top cash for your dog’s care, Zesty Paws Advanced Mobility is probably the best option for you.

Pros

  • Uses unusual ingredients
  • Hyaluronic acid is used to lubricate joints.
  • Easy on the stomach
  • Omega fatty acids are included.

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some individuals may object to giving hemp extract to their dogs.

Canine Plus Senior Multivitamin by VetriScience

VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs

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VetriScience Canine Plus is a complete-health multivitamin that tackles many of the most frequent difficulties that older dogs have, but it has a few small flaws that keep it from making the top three on this list.

There are over 25 nutrients within, each picked because it is something that elderly dogs frequently lack. They support everything from the cardiovascular system to the liver, so your dog’s overall health should improve as a result of these treats.

Biotin, which is beneficial to both skin and hair, and vitamin B8, which is beneficial to heart health, are among the constituents. There are also fish and canola oils within, so your dog should get plenty of omega fatty acids.

Because they seem like miniature treats, your dog is inclined to test them. They do, however, get hard after a few days (or hours, if you forget to put the lid back on). As a result, they are unsuitable for puppies with terrible teeth.

They also have a very strong odor. You might have to hold your nose when presenting them, and the stench can put your dog off eating them.

If your dog can consume them without difficulty, the VetriScience Canine Plus vitamins are excellent nutrients for any elderly dog.

Pros

  • Each dish contains over 25 nutrients.
  • Biotin is included for skin and hair health.
  • Has vitamin B8 to help maintain a healthy heart.
  • It contains omega fatty acids.

Cons

  • Pieces harden fast.
  • A strong odor is unpleasant.
  • Many dogs are hesitant to consume them.

21stCentury Essential Pet Daily Senior Chews Multi-Vitamin

Essential Pet Products Senior Chews Complete Daily Multi

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The third ingredient of 21st Century Essential Pet  chews is liver meal, which gives them a savory flavor that most dogs adore. If you have trouble getting your dog to take their medication, this is a nice supplement to try.

It also contains 8% protein, which is plenty for them. These chews should not be used in place of a high-protein kibble, but they will provide your dog with a short burst of energy.

The vitamins within are quite basic, which is a good thing – they’re called essentials for a reason. Inside are vitamins A, B, and E, which should keep your dog’s heart, brain, and coat healthy. Still, there’s not much in here that you won’t find in a variety of other multivitamins.

It’s a little tricky to dose them. Your dog should have one pill for every 20 pounds of body weight, however splitting the tablets is problematic if your dog is a multiple of 20. You’ll also go through a lot more if you have a larger dog, which raises the price proportionally.

If you want an excellent, basic multivitamin that your dog will probably eat, 21st Century Essential Pet is a good option. However, nothing about it distinguishes it enough to place it higher on our list.

Pros

  • Dogs appreciate the savory liver flavor.
  • A sufficient quantity of protein
  • Has all of the necessary nutrients
  • Vitamins A, B, and E are abundant.

Cons

  • Dosing is a little difficult.
  • With a large dog, you’ll go through a lot of them.
  • The formula is nothing exceptional.

Only Natural Senior Ultimate Daily Vitamin for Pets

Only Natural Pet Senior Ultimate Daily Canine Vitamin Supplement for Dogs Complete Holistic Health Support

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Only Natural Pet Ultimate Daily may be an excellent option if your dog absolutely refuses to take a pill or tablet.

It comes in powder form, so you can just mix it into your dog’s food and serve. It has a turkey flavor that dogs can either love or loathe, so your pooch will probably love food or despise it.

The powder contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics for digestive assistance. Inside are also New Zealand green-lipped mussels, which are high in glucosamine.

However, the jar is little, so don’t expect it to last long if you provide it every day. This drives up the price, and this product isn’t cheap to begin with.

Only Natural Pet Ultimate Daily has its advantages and disadvantages, but it should be your first choice if your dog refuses to take medications for any reason.

Pros

  • Excellent for dogs that refuse to take medicines.
  • Probiotics are included for digestive assistance.
  • Contains natural glucosamine

Cons

  • The jar is little.
  • On the expensive side
  • Dogs can have opposing tastes.

Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Dog Supplement

Dr. Harvey's Herbal Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Supplement for Dogs

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Dr. Harvey's Herbal is another powdered choice that contains natural components rather than synthetic vitamins. As a consequence, your dog may absorb the nutrients within more effectively than some of the other products on our list. You could also like to give them something absolutely natural.

The list of components is lengthy, including kelp, flaxseed meal, and spirulina. There are also natural herbs such as ginkgo biloba leaf and dandelion root.

While all of those dried plants are obviously beneficial to your dog, they are unlikely to like eating them, and there is no practical method to combine them with food. They will adhere to kibble, causing it to become clumpy and unappealing. You’ll also notice leftover food sticking to the dish after your dog has done eating.

The labeling is also a little strange. It gives a breakdown of all the components, but not their nutritional value. You have no notion what each one brings to the table unless you investigate it separately.

Dr. Harvey’s Herbal appears to be a nice supplement, but we can’t determine how excellent.

Pros

  • Ingredients that are entirely natural
  • Natural vitamins are more likely to be absorbed than manufactured vitamins.
  • brimming with delicious meals

Cons

  • There is no nutritional information on the label.
  • It has a tendency to clump to meals and make it unappealing.
  • Wasted product was adhered to the bowl.
  • It is difficult to combine

Pet-Tabs Plus Vitamin-Mineral Supplement for Dogs

Pet Tabs Plus Advanced Formula Vitamin Supplement

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Pet-Tabs Plus has a lot of critical nutrients in each dose, however the formula also contains a lot of superfluous substances.

The first component is wheat germ, which is frequently used as a low-cost filler. However, most dogs have difficulties digesting it, and it is high in empty calories.

However, the calories don’t end there. Corn syrup is the third component, and sugar isn’t far behind. This is a vitamin disguised as sweets. However, your dog is likely to accept it without complaint (the pig liver meal inside doesn’t hurt either).

It’s a cheap multivitamin, so that compensates for some of the sugar. Nonetheless, Pet-Tabs Plus is difficult to suggest owing to the unnecessary trash mixed in with the important nutrients.

Pros

  • The majority of dogs readily consume them.
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Uses difficult-to-digest wheat germ
  • Contains empty calories
  • High in sugar
  • Full of corn syrup

Lifetime Vitamins for Health

Health Extension Lifetime Multivitamin and Minerals for Dogs & Puppies

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As the name implies, Health Extension Lifetime  is intended to be a vitamin that your dog may take from puppyhood to their golden years. As a result, it isn’t specifically designed for senior dogs, although it does include nutrients that older dogs require.

Inside is blue-green algae, which aids in immune system health. This is especially essential for elderly dogs, who might become more prone to illness as they age.

However, there isn’t much else that senior dogs require. The majority of the chemicals are designed to help pups grow up strong and healthy.

It contains dubious components, such as egg yolk. This will provide protein for your dog, but many puppies have difficulties digesting it.

The pills also have a very strong odor, which may be unpleasant for both you and your dog.

Health Extension Lifetime is an excellent multivitamin, however it is not the greatest choice for senior dogs.

Pros

  • Blue-green algae is included for immunological support.

Cons

  • The recipe is aimed toward the needs of younger canines.
  • Contains difficult-to-digest egg yolk
  • The tablets have a distinct odor.
  • Many dogs will not eat them.

Canine Tabs by Pet MD

Pet MD - Canine Tabs Plus 365 Count - Advanced Multivitamins for Dogs

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Even if the contents list is unimpressive, Pet MD Canine Tabs  are a reasonably priced option. It’s still firm and packed with all the essential components you’d expect to find in a multivitamin. These are high in B vitamins and should provide your dog with lots of energy throughout the day.

They are, nevertheless, high in sugar. Molasses is the third component stated, so your dog will be on a sugar high the entire day. That’s not ideal, especially if your dog is overweight or diabetic.

All of the vitamins appear to be synthetic. This reduces the likelihood of effective absorption, so many of the nutrients you’re paying for will just flow through your dog’s system.

These are meant to be chews, but they’re quite tough. If your dog has dental problems, you should consider another choice.

Pros

  • B vitamins provide energy.

Cons

  • Contains a lot of sugar
  • Not recommended for overweight dogs.
  • Mostly synthetic vitamins are used.
  • Fairly costly
  • Extremely difficult

Choosing the Best Senior Dog Supplements: A Buyer's Guide

It might be difficult to identify a good supplement from a bad one unless you are well-versed in canine nutrition. To assist you in making a better educated decision, we’ve put up a concise guide that covers all of the questions you should ask before making a purchase.

When Does My Dog Become a Senior?

That is determined by the breed. As a general rule, larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs, therefore a Great Dane will reach senior status considerably sooner than a Shih Tzu.

When you observe your dog slowing down, whether physically or cognitively, you may begin to think of them as seniors. It’s a safe bet that they’ve entered their senior years if they appear calmer and less lively (less puppy-like) than they used to.

That said, you don’t have to wait until your dog is officially a senior citizen to start giving them senior vitamins. Many of the nutrients are beneficial to them at any age, and by providing them with correct nutritional support, you may avoid many of the diseases that affect older dogs from occurring.

What Qualities Should a Senior Vitamin Have?

Older dogs require the same vitamins as younger dogs, such as vitamin A, calcium, iron, and others.

However, there are a few nutrients that senior dogs require much more than younger dogs. These are some examples:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive function
  • Glucosamine for joint health
  • Fiber promotes regularity.
  • Protein can help you lose weight.
  • Prebiotics for intestinal health

Ideally, any supplement you give your dog should have all of the following ingredients.

There are a few ingredients in your vitamin that you should avoid. Added sugar is a negative indicator since it can contribute to weight gain or diabetes, and you should be wary of anything that could create digestive troubles.

My dog will not take vitamins. How Should I Proceed?

You have several alternatives. One option is to just smear the pill with peanut butter, believing that the odor will mask any medical odors and that the taste will be difficult to resist. This is typically successful, but it gives your dog more calories.

Another alternative is to get a powdered supplement rather than a pill. These may be mixed in with your dog’s food and water, and many are flavored to appeal to dogs. However, if your dog refuses to consume it in their food, there isn’t much you can do to disguise it.

You might wish to invest in pill pockets. These are sweets with holes cut in them to hold a pill or tablet. This might be a costly choice, but it is quite simple. Of course, you could always make a regular treat yourself and save money.

There is no certain technique to persuade a dog to take their medication, and your best approach may just be to experiment with different vitamins until you discover one that your dog will stomach.

Conclusion

NaturVet VitaPet is our favorite senior dog supplement because it contains glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and a variety of other nutrients that every aged dog requires. They’ll even help reduce stinky dog breath.

Try Nutri-Vet Senior-Vite for a less expensive but still excellent alternative. It has a liver taste that dogs appreciate and will address any nutritional deficiencies in their diet.

It’s not simple to keep your senior dog healthy and comfortable, but it’s definitely worth it. Having an efficient multivitamin or supplement is obviously beneficial, and we at BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hope that our evaluations have helped you select the best senior dog vitamins & supplements for your dog.

They have, after all, spent their entire life caring for you. The very least you can do is reciprocate.

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Dr. Barry Buttler

Dr. Barry Buttler, DVM, MS, DACVIM, is an experienced veterinarian who specializes in the care of small animals, specifically dogs. Dr. Barry K. Buttler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and holds multiple certifications in small animal emergency medicine and geriatric pet health.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Barry Buttler

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