Updated: November 4th, 2022
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As dogs reach their senior years, their poor bodies need a little extra help to maintain their bones, joints, tummies, teeth, and overall health. If your dog is nearing this time in their life, you may be wondering what the best supplements are for senior dogs.
Not to worry–I’ve got you covered! In this article, I will review five different supplements specifically designed for senior dogs. I have carefully considered what is included in the supplement, the quantity you can buy the supplement in, and the quality of the product.
As dogs reach their senior years (this age differs depending on their size), their bodies do not absorb nutrients from their foods as well as they did when they were younger, and they need added nutrients in their diet that may be lacking from generic food.
Small dogs get their senior citizen card at around 11 to 12 years old, medium-sized dogs at around 10, and larger dogs at about 7 years old. Larger dogs also suffer from more hip and joint related issues due to their bulk and will require supplements tailored to their specific needs.
Read on to find out which supplement suits your dog and your financial needs the best!
Top Pick
Our top pick for the best supplement for senior dogs is Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Supplement for Small to Medium Dogs because it is a complex supplement that supports many different aspects of your dog’s health.
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Review Of Best Supplements For Senior Dogs Products
1. Nutramax Dasuquin – Best Overall
Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Supplement are soft chews that come in packs of 84 or 150. The range of this product provides for small and medium dogs under 60 pounds as well as large dogs over 60 pounds.
This product is top rated and recommended by veterinarians as well as dog behaviorists, as it provides joint support to treat the damage already done to the cartilage as well as prevent future damage.
Key Features
- Soft chews for dogs with sensitive teeth
- Available range for small, medium, and large dogs
- Treats joint damage as well as prevents further damage
- Includes methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) which reduces inflammation and treats pain
The Nutramax soft chew’s ingredients stimulate parts of your elderly dog’s body that produces cartilage, which delays the breakdown of their cartilage in the future.
What makes Nutramax special is that it has added ingredients (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables) that enhance the performance of the base ingredients in many other joint supplements.
In addition to the base joint supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin, these chews are packed with antioxidants that come from natural green tea extracts. These antioxidants reduce oxidative stress on your pooch’s body, which reduces the amount of damage.
Pros
- Tasty and easy to eat
- Recommended and trusted by vets
- Treats pain as well as joint damage
Cons
- Chews can stick together in the package
Dasuquin also has a product without MSM; however, the product that has MSM is far more popular, as it treats inflammation and the pain associated with joint deterioration and not just cartilage damage.
This product is the best for aging dogs who are suffering from pain associated with joint damage. Additionally, this product is the best for dogs who have suffered joint injuries and need some support in reducing inflammation and encouraging new cartilage growth.
Choosing Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Supplement will help your dog heal from joint injuries faster as well as protect from the normal side effects of aging.
2. Movoflex Dog Hip & Joint Support – Best Premium
MOVOFLEX Dog Hip & Joint Support is the premium choice recommended by vets. This product has a completely different ingredient list than other products, as it veers away from using glucosamine and chondroitin in favor of naturally-sourced ingredients.
Movoflex is sold as a 60- or 120-pack, which offers you variety if you are trying out different supplements for a month or two. Movoflex also comes in different ranges for small, medium, and large dogs.
Key Features
- Soft chews perfect for sensitive teeth
- All natural product for dogs with allergies
- Sugar free for dogs with diabetes
Movoflex is made up of egg shell to support joint flexibility, zanthin to protect against joint damage due to free radicals, Boswellia serrata, which supports the production of cartilage and other connective tissues, hyaluronic acid to support synovial fluid production, and vitamin D to support healthy strong bones.
Pros
- Chicken liver-flavored goodness
- No loading dose
- Sugar, shellfish, and gluten free
- Low sodium
Cons
- Chews can become stuck together in package
This product has veered away from traditional supplements for senior dogs and taken a more natural route to make it free from many allergens. As it is free of these allergens, it is generally a healthier ‘treat’ to give your dog every day.
This product is the best for dogs who have recognized allergies to gluten and shellfish, are diabetic, or have high cholesterol.
MOVOFLEX Dog Hip & Joint Support is the premium choice for dogs who need help in the hip department but suffer from other illnesses, too.
3. The Missing Link Original Hips & Joints Powder
The Missing Link Original Hips & Joints Powder is ideal for the home where there are multiple senior dogs of different sizes and weights. As this product comes in a 5-pound bag, the dosage is controlled by you!
This product is free from all artificial flavorants and preservatives but still manages to have a mild smell (which is not off-putting to humans) and a great taste (according to the doggos).
Key Features
- Inclusion of omegas treats and reduces inflammation
- Perfect for joint health
- Flaxseed and nutritional yeast supports heart health
- Probiotics protect and maintain gut health
- Dietary fiber for healthy bowel movements
This product not only contains glucosamine and MSM to aid in joint protection and to reduce inflammation, it also supports the immune system and heart health by including nutritional yeast and omegas. On top of that, it supports good gut health by including dietary fiber and flaxseed as well as probiotics.
Pros
- Cold-pressed to maintain nutritional integrity
- Developed by a veterinarian
- Not specific to weight or size of dog
- Easily added to any food
Cons
- Takes human effort to administer
The Missing Link Original Hips & Joints Powder has stayed with the times and latest scientific discoveries as it includes MSM, chondroitin, probiotics, and added calcium to be a more well-rounded supplement for your senior dog.
This product is the best for senior dogs who need an all-round supplement to help get them moving and give them some of their puppy-like energy back.
The Missing Link Original is ideal for all dog breeds and is kind on the budget, as it lasts a long time.
4. Zesty Paws Advanced Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement For Senior Dogs
Zesty Paws Advanced Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement for Senior Dogs contains all-natural products designed to help your senior dog live through their golden years in comfort and happiness.
Key Features
- Grain, corn, and soy-free for dogs with allergies
- Supports joint health and lowers inflammation
- Certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)
- No artificial flavors or preservatives used
The inclusion of curcumin helps to support joint mobility while reducing inflammation. By adding in BioPerine, a black pepper extract, Zesty Paws has ensured the curcumin will be absorbed by your doggo’s digestive system and not just pass through.
Pros
- Delicious chicken flavor
- Not weight or size-dependent
- Contains MSM to reduce inflammation and support muscle flexibility
Cons
- The larger your dog, the more chews they will need; therefore, larger dogs will go through the product faster
The product comes in a 90 and 180 count and is friendly on the budget to help you and your dog live your best lives. This product is the best for smaller or lighter dog breeds, as it is more affordable for them.
Zesty Paws Advanced Mobility Bites Hip & Joint Supplement for Senior Dogs is an excellent choice for dogs who have allergies and need some assistance in getting around.
5. NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins Plus Glucosamine Dog Supplement – Best Budget
NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins Plus Glucosamine Dog Supplement is a full-spectrum joint and general health supplement that contains all of the necessary vitamins and minerals as well as added glucosamine to support joint health.
Key Features
- Soft chews for sore or sensitive teeth
- Full spectrum general and joint care
- Suitable for pregnant and nursing dogs
This product comes in a 60 and 120 count, so you can test it out and see if your dog likes it and shows improvement without having to commit to six months worth of chews that will end up lost to the back of the food cupboard.
Pros
- Freshens breath
- Supports immunity and heart health
- Supports joint health
- Includes minerals to aid in the absorption of vitamins
- Formulated by veterinarians
Cons
- Not grain-free
This is a tried and tested product that is well-loved by vets and fur-parents. NaturVet VitaPet’s tasty soft chews also include a breath freshening ingredient to help keep your aging dog’s mouth smelling good and maintain gum health.
This product is the best for senior dogs who need all-round support and pet parents who are on a budget.
NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins Plus Glucosamine Dog Supplement is a phenomenal choice for any dog who needs a little bit of help in getting around, maintaining their energy levels, and being more alert.
Buying Guide For The Best Supplements For Senior Dogs
When looking out for the best supplement for your senior dog, make sure you are not simply getting what is cheapest. Many of the cheapest options often contain filler ingredients that do not benefit your doggo’s health.
Look through the ingredient list of every product you consider carefully; it should not be excessively long or contain too many preservatives. Be wary of the word ‘organic,’ as this does not mean it is preservative-free.
The advantage of starting your dog on a supplement just before or as they hit their senior years is it helps them avoid as much damage to their joints caused by old age as possible. However, if you start your dog later on in their senior years, then you will still help ease the pain and confusion caused by old age.
Consult your vet when looking for a supplement for your old best furry friend; they will recommend a product that they trust. However, you do not have to just trust that one recommendation. Ask your vet for a range of products they would use for their own dog, and consider them all carefully.
FAQs About The Products
How do I give my senior dog a supplement?
The product that you buy will have a recommended dosage of their supplement for your dog depending on their weight. To have a look at how much your golden should weigh depending on their age, have a look at our growth chart!
Depending on the product, you may have to mix it up with water or wet food if it is a powder, feed it to them as a treat if it is a chew, or disguise it in a piece of cheese, ham, or liver if they do not like the taste of a pill.
To have a look at what you can hide their supplements in, check out our feeding guide for goldens from puppy to aged pooch.
Can I use any supplement off the shelf or only what my vet recommends?
There are many good-quality supplements for senior dogs available in stores. However, if you have consulted your vet about your dog’s care, then using their recommended product is the best course of action.
If you don’t like only having a single product to choose from, ask your vet for three other recommendations and why they would recommend them. This way you can have a variety to choose from that are all recommended by your vet.
Are there side effects of taking supplements?
There are side effects to ingesting any supplement, food, or medication.
If your dog starts salivating excessively, their urine starts smelling particularly strong, they are lethargic, incredibly thirsty, or chewing at their stomach then they may be having a reaction to the supplement.
Stop the supplement and wait a day. If the symptoms go away, then you know this supplement is not the one for your senior dog. However, if the symptoms persist, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Merrily Wagging Away…
Choosing the best supplement for senior dogs can be difficult because there are so many on the market, and not all of them are made equal in terms of quality and purity of product.
While all the products mentioned here are great options, I believe Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Joint Health Supplement is the best product overall. However, if you are on a budget, then NaturVet VitaPet Senior Daily Vitamins Plus Glucosamine Dog Supplement is the perfect choice.
