3 Dog Supplements That Actually Work
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The following is intended as anecdotal only and is not medical advice. Please consult your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement to your dog’s diet.
Like many other dog moms, I enjoy living a more adventurous lifestyle with my dogs. We hike regularly and my dogs enjoy dog sports, including barn hunt, FastCAT, weight pull, and wall climb. Because they are so active, I like to make sure their bodies are functioning as healthily as possible.
And like every other dog mom, I wish my dogs would live forever. My last dog had significant neuromuscular issues and I desperately wanted to maintain his health as long as I could.
Dietary supplements for dogs have the potential to improve our dogs’ physical and emotional health. Joints, skin and coat, anxiety, muscle development, urinary tract…there’s a supplement for almost every health concern. Supplement companies have latched onto pet parents’ commitment to their dogs’ health in their marketing. Many dog supplements promise improved health and wellness for your pup – but do they actually work?
I have always been a bit skeptical of many of these health supplements. The marketing is so targeted and I question how much truth there is behind the companies’ claims. Nevertheless, I have tried many supplements in my nine years as a dog mom. Most didn’t show any noticeable difference, but there are a few that did. This is my list of dog supplements that actually work:
MYOS Muscle Formula
MYOS Muscle Formula is probably my favorite supplement for dogs. I was constantly on the lookout for products to help my last dog, Starsky, while he was a senior. His neuromuscular problems were genetic but I wanted to alleviate the symptoms. After seeing a vet who specializes in seniors recommend MYOS, I gave it a try.
MYOS contains Fortetropin, a nutrition product developed from chicken egg yolks. Fortretropin is designed to build and maintain dogs’ muscle, and to reduce muscle loss from aging or injury. Multiple clinical studies have shown that MYOS is effective in these goals.
I gave Starsky, my old senior dog, MYOS with every meal. I mixed it with a little water and he would lap it right up, so it must taste good! I credit MYOS with giving me a few more months with Starsky. Once I started giving him MYOS consistently, he seemed to move a little more easily and his muscle loss seemed to stagnate.
Although Starsky is no longer alive, I still regularly use MYOS. My Golden Retriever, Ginsburg, loves dog sports, and especially the more intense ones. To keep her muscles in tip top shape and avoid injuries, I make sure she has MYOS in her breakfast and dinner for at least two days before and two days after any dog sport trials or practices. She’s an intense dog, so I want to give her the added protection against injuries that MYOS provides.
Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UC-II Dog Joint Supplement
Sadly, joint issues are not uncommon among dogs, especially among large or active breeds. My senior dog, Starsky, experienced joint weakness as a symptom of his neuromuscular issues. Most senior dogs I know suffer from some degree of arthritis.
Fortunately, we can help by giving our dogs quality joint supplements! As Starsky got older, I wanted to get him on a joint supplement to improve his mobility. I tried numerous supplements, but didn’t see any mobility improvements, despite promises by the supplement brands.
It wasn’t until I spoke with my friend T.L., who is my personal senior dog guru, that I found a supplement that worked. T.L. recommended Flexadin Advanced with UC-II, telling me it was the only supplement she trusted. Since she is a volunteer at Starsky’s rescue and specializes in senior dogs, I took her word for it.
Within two weeks of starting daily Flexadin, I noticed that Starsky had improved mobility. Flexadin Advanced has a whole host of great ingredients, but it’s the UC-II – undenatured chicken collagen type II – that T.L. swears by.
Since my Golden Retriever is into dog sports, she gets Flexadin Advanced for at least two days before and two days after dog sports trials or practices. Bonus: she tells me it’s delicious and always scarfs it down!
Vetriscience Perio Support Teeth Cleaning Dental Powder
Dental health is incredibly important for dogs! Neglecting our dogs’ oral health can lead to bad breath, periodontal disease, tooth loss, abscesses, infection, and even heart disease!
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to keep our dogs’ teeth clean. Brushing their teeth, giving them regular dental treats and other chews, as well as getting regular professional cleanings with you veterinarian will keep your dog’s oral health in tip-top shape.
And for those dog parents who want to go the extra mile, add Vetriscience Perio Support Teeth Cleaning Powder to your dog’s meals. All you need to do is sprinkle it on top of your dog’s food (I like to add a little water to make it easier to consume).
Perio Suport has a ton of great ingredients, including zeolites and probiotics, and other ingredients with fancy names. But what you really need to know is that it helps prevent plaque and tartar from forming on your dog’s teeth. It also helps soften existing plaque, so it’s never too late to add it to your dog’s supplement rotation.
My senior dog, Starsky, had terrible plaque. I didn’t realize just how important canine oral health was when he was younger, and I had no idea that dogs should have regular dental cleanings. Even though he was older, I added Perio Support to his meals and it really did soften the plaque, which made it easier to scrub it off when I brushed his teeth. Just check out this transformation!
I tend to think of dog supplements as a mixed bag: most are just good marketing, but a few can really make a difference in your dog’s health. MYOS, Perio Support, and Flexadin Advanced all really help my dogs and I can see noticeable benefits from giving them to the dogs. The key is to identify your dog’s specific health needs and to find quality supplements that address those needs.
I am not a vet and none of this is intended at veterinary advice. Please consult your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement to your dog’s diet. And remember, supplements are supplemental, and should not replace a balanced diet and regular veterinary care!
