Dog supplements and multivitamins can significantly enhance their overall health by filling nutritional gaps in their diet. Benefits include increased longevity, improved coat and skin health, enhanced immunity, and support for cognitive and heart health, and better digestion.
Multivitamins are especially beneficial for older or senior dogs, those with specific health conditions, or dogs on homemade diets that might lack balanced nutrients. By choosing the best multivitamins for your dog’s needs, you can ensure your pup’s optimal health and well-being throughout their life.
In this complete guide by Sploot Vets, we talk about factors to consider when choosing the best multivitamins for dogs, along with some examples of dog supplements you can try, after consulting your vet.
I. The Best Multivitamins for Dogs: Key Ingredients to Consider
Key ingredients to look for in multivitamins for dogs or dog supplements include the following:
- Vitamins A & E — for supporting your pup’s vision, as well as maintaining a healthy skin and coat
- Vitamin C — an antioxidant for dogs and helps boost a pup’s immune system
- Vitamin D — ensures proper calcium absorption thus helping maintain strong bones and teeth
- B vitamins — for healthy energy metabolism and nervous system health.
- Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium — for strong bones and teeth.
- Omega-3 fatty acids — for your dog’s skin and coat health.
- Probiotics and digestive enzymes — for promoting gut health in dogs and nutrient absorption.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin — a mild anti-inflammatory and an ingredient that helps with cartilage repair, respectively.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) helps reduce inflammation and pain in joints.
II. Health Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Supplements
When choosing a multivitamin for your dog, consider factors like the following:
- Common allergens, such as certain proteins, soy, or artificial additives, can cause adverse reactions and gastrointestinal upset.
- The dog’s life stage is also important to note; puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs.
- Any pre-existing conditions must be considered because they can affect how a dog metabolizes and responds to certain vitamins and minerals. Some ingredients in multivitamins might interact negatively with medications or exacerbate existing health issues in dogs.
- Quality and brand reputation also matter. High-quality brands typically adhere to strict manufacturing standards, ensuring the purity and potency of ingredients. Reputable brands are more likely to have undergone rigorous testing and third-party verification, reducing the risk of contamination or incorrect dosages.
III. How to Know If Your Dog Will Benefit From a Multivitamin
Regular vet check-ups (pet wellness exams) every year or twice a year and veterinary blood tests can identify deficiencies and determine the need for multivitamins for dogs. Consult our vets to assess your dog's dietary and nutritional needs based on their health, age, lifestyle, and other key factors.
In addition, watch for signs of deficiencies like a dull coat, lethargy, poor appetite, and digestive issues. Dogs with health conditions, dietary restrictions, or homemade diets may also need extra supplementation.
Note: Consider the brand and type of food your dog eats. Many high-quality or health-specific diets already contain the ingredients found in multivitamins, making additional supplements unnecessary.
IV. Examples of the Best Multivitamins for Dogs
Before, we dive into our top examples of the best multivitamins in the market, here are a few overarching reminders for pet parents regarding vitamin dosages and indications:
- It is ALWAYS best to consult a veterinarian before getting dog supplements; veterinarians can help you find the best multivitamins for your pet’s needs while also preventing overdosing.
- The dose of ANY dog supplement varies depending on the weight or size of the pup (small vs medium vs large).
- Some (but not all) multivitamins for dogs can also be taken by cats. Always make sure to use pet supplements as indicated. Furthermore, for such supplements, recommended dosages vary depending on species (cats vs dogs) — and depending on the size of the dog (small vs medium vs large).
Here is a list of multivitamins for dogs from well-known brands that are commonly preferred by veterinarians:
1. Canine Multi Pro Chews for Dogs
- Available on SplootRX online pet store (depending on availability)
Canine Multi Pro Chews for Dogs is one of the best multivitamins for dogs, providing essential nutrients for immune support, digestive health, and overall nutritional support. This dog supplement contains essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and probiotics.
The chews are formulated to taste appealing to a majority of dogs, making them easy to administer.
2. ZM-ULTRA Soft Chews for Cats & Dogs
- Available on SplootRX online pet store (depending on availability)
ZM-ULTRA Soft Chews for Cats & Dogs is one of the best multivitamins for dogs due to its wide range of benefits and versatility of use.
ZM-ULTRA Soft Chews contain joint-support ingredients (e.g. chondroitin sulfate, MSM) — and essential vitamins and minerals (e.g. vitamins A, C, D, B12; calcium; zinc; etc..
This vitamin can be beneficial for both dogs and cats, which means it can be the most convenient choice for multi-pet households. As always, we remind pet parents that it’s best to consult a veterinarian before use and to be mindful of the appropriate dosage for each pet.
3. Pet-Tabs Plus for Dogs
- Available on SplootRX online pet store (depending on availability)
Trusted as one of the best multivitamins for dogs, Pet-Tabs Plus for Dogs provides a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals in one convenient dog supplement. With over 20 essential vitamins and minerals (e.g. calcium; phosphorus; vitamins A, D, E, and B, etc.), this dog supplement supports overall health for pups.
4. Imuquin Immune Health for Dogs
- Available on SplootRX online pet store (depending on availability)
Imuquin Immune Health for Dogs is a multivitamin for dogs that’s formulated to support immune health and vitality like marine lipids and beta glucans. This dog supplement also provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals (e.g. calcium; zinc; vitamines A, D, E, B).
5. Welactin Canine
- Available on SplootRX online pet store (depending on availability)
One of the best multivitamins for dogs, Welactin Canine is a trusted omega-3 supplement that helps promote a healthy skin and coat in dogs and help in reducing inflammation. This dog supplement comes in liquid and soft gel versions, with varying amounts indicated based on a pup’s size.
6. Canine Senior Vitality Pro Chews for Dogs
- Available on SplootRX online pet store (depending on availability)
Specifically formulated for senior or older dogs, Canine Senior Vitality Pro Chews for Dogs this is one of the best multivitamins for dogs that are older or nearing their senior years. This dog supplement offers nutritional support for healthy aging, cognitive function, and immune health, specifically for older or senior dogs.
Note: Most dogs are considered “senior” when they reach 8 years of age, however this can vary depending on other factors iike individual genetics, lifestyle, and diet. The largest dog breeds often reach their senior years sooner, at around 6 or y years of age.
7. Senilife Capsules for Elderly Dogs
- Available on SplootRX online pet store (depending on availability)
Senilife Capsules for Elderly Dogs is one of the best multivitamins for older or elderly dogs that is specifically targeted for helping maintain brain health. This dog supplement contains a variety of ingredients like antioxidants that protect cells and other ingredients that help protect brain function e.g. phosphatidylserine, Gingko Biloba extract). The manufacturer states that this dog vitamin can reduce brain-aging behaviors in as little as 7 days.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Dog Supplements
In conclusion, choosing the best multivitamins for your dog is a vital step in ensuring their overall health and well-being. Whether you have a young, active pup, less than a year old, an adult dog, or a senior dog requiring extra care, integrating high-quality dog supplements can make a significant difference. As always, consult a veterinarian to determine the best type of dog supplements your pup needs!
Note: Get vet-preferred multivitamins for dogs from SplootRX, a trusted online pet store with curated dog supplements and the best multivitamins for dogs. SplootRX also has dog supplements for specific needs, such as joint support, anxiety management, digestive health, cardio support, and many more!
Sploot Veterinary Care: Your Go-To Vet for Comprehensive Care
Do you have a question about multivitamins for dogs or your dog’s overall health? Our experienced veterinarians are here to help!
Sploot Veterinary Care is a go-to provider of comprehensive care: from preventative vet care to urgent and emergency vet services. We are available 365 days a year, for extended hours each day to ensure that we are there for you when you need us most.
Our fully-equipped vet clinics in Denver and Chicago are designed for the utmost pet comfort. Book a vet appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app. Same-day and drop-off vet appointments are welcome.
Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
