If you’re like four out of five adults in the U.S. who take vitamins or supplements, you may wonder if they’re also a good idea for your furry family member. Do dogs actually need to supplement their diets with vitamins and other nutrients? Which vitamins do dogs need? Are you sure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients from their diet? I help answer these questions and more to help you understand your dog’s dietary needs beyond their regular dog food. I also share my top picks for which products are best and why.
| Best Overall | Runner-Up | For Puppies | For Seniors |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| Zesty Paws | PetHonesty | NaturVet | VetriScience |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| View on Chewy | View on Website | View on Chewy | View on Chewy |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Do Dogs Need Multivitamins?
I spoke to Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed, MRCVS, a small animal veterinarian in Cardiff, Wales, who had this to say about giving dogs multivitamins and why you must speak to your vet beforehand:
In recent years, the concept of a dog multivitamin has become more popular, intending to improve your dog’s health proactively before there’s a problem rather than only giving supplements in response to a diagnosis. While a dog multivitamin can improve digestive health, immunity, skin, coat, and mobility, it’s important to know what you are giving your dog.
Remember, nutritionally balanced dog food will contain the spectrum of nutrients that your dog requires to live, and while there may be scope to tailor their vitamin and mineral intake to their individual needs, overdoses of micronutrients can occur. Therefore, it’s important to do your research, check with your veterinarian, and use a dog-specific product.
– Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed, MRCVS, Veterinarian
In general, if your commercial dog food says it’s complete and balanced, meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines, and is appropriate for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior), your dog should be getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need from their food. This means you do not need a dog multivitamin unless your vet has recommended one.
The exception to this rule is that if your dog eats mainly homemade dog food or a vegan diet, they may not get everything they need. You should consult with your veterinarian to develop a plan to supplement your dog’s homemade food diet. Your vet may recommend adding certain foods to your recipes or using a dog multivitamin supplement.
13 Best Multivitamins For Dogs
Here are some top-rated multivitamins specially formulated for dogs, including puppies, adults, and seniors. Be sure to read the label to determine the correct dosage amount for your pet, as it varies by size and weight.
Best Overall: Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites Review
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Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites contain 20 vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support the skin, coat, joints, heart, digestion, and immune response in dogs of all ages and sizes. Noteworthy ingredients include glucosamine, fish oil, a six-strain probiotic, digestive enzymes, fish oil, and CoQ-10, an antioxidant important for heart and neurological health. This is a highly rated option; only a few reviews mention that their dog wouldn’t try or didn’t like these chews.
Made in the USA, these bites are free of grains, corn, and soy and have no artificial flavoring or preservatives. They’re also certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for safe manufacturing practices. The NASC is a non-profit trade organization committed to setting quality standards for pet supplements, which the FDA doesn’t regulate. These soft chews come in chicken and peanut butter flavors.
Recommended use: one chew daily per 25 pounds of weight (no more than three chews per day)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains 20 vitamins, minerals & nutrients | Only a few dogs didn’t like the taste |
| Supports dogs of all sizes | |
| Free of grains, corn, soy, artificial flavoring & preservatives | |
| NASC certified | |
| It comes in 2 flavors | |
| Soft & chewy texture |
Price
- Starting at $19.97 ($0.22 / Count)
Read our full Zesty Paws review that explores the brand, its product range, and our personal experiences in more detail.
Runner-Up: PetHonesty 10-In-1 Multivitamin Review
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PetHonesty’s multivitamin packs ten benefits into one tasty bite, including help with mobility, digestion, skin health, energy, and more. Like Zesty Paws’ vitamins, they are free from additives like wheat, corn, soy, dairy, harmful chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavoring. These healthy soft chews come in chicken and peanut butter flavors and include 14 vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acids, a 7-strain probiotic, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Made in the USA in good manufacturing practices-certified and FDA-approved facility with NASC certification, you can trust that you’re giving your pup only the best with this daily supplement. They have a money-back guarantee and subscription option to save 20% on auto-shipping. This product is also packed in 100% recycled plastic jars, making this product eco-friendly. The only reason this option didn’t make my top choice is because it is slightly more expensive than Zesty Paws.
Recommended use: one chew daily per 25 pounds of weight (maximum of three chews a day)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Packs 10 health benefits into 1 chew | Slightly more expensive than other multivitamins |
| Free from wheat, corn, soy, dairy, artificial flavors & preservatives | |
| It comes in 2 tasty flavor options | |
| Made in an FDA-approved USA facility | |
| NASC certified | |
| Money-back guarantee | |
| 100% recycled plastic jars |
Price
Coupon
Use our exclusive reader coupon PHCANINE25 to get 25% off your Pet Honesty order. Use this link to take advantage of this offer.
Read our full review of PetHonesty, where we look at the brand and full product range in more detail.
For Puppies: NaturVet VitaPet Puppy Daily Vitamins Review
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These high-quality, all-natural VitaPet soft chews are vet-formulated specifically for the needs of growing and active puppies from the age of 12 weeks to one year old. They contain a full spectrum of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. They’re wheat-free and include a bonus breath aid to help freshen your pup’s breath. Only a few customers found the scent too strong. All of NaturVet’s supplements have NASC certification and are made in the USA.
Recommended use: 1/2 chew daily for puppies under 10 lbs, 1-2 chews daily for puppies over 10 lbs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made specifically for the growing needs of puppies | A few customers didn’t like the smell |
| Suitable for 12 weeks to 1 year | |
| Soft chew texture | |
| It contains a breath aid | |
| NASC certified | |
| Made in the U.S.A |
Price
For Senior Dogs: VetriScience Laboratories Canine Plus Senior Multivitamin Review
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VetriScience’s senior dog vitamins are vet-formulated for older dogs to support heart, liver, brain, eye, and immune system function and promote physical and mental well-being that can be challenging for dogs to maintain as they age. These duck-flavored chews or tablets contain A, D3, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, and C vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and omega fish oil. This company is women-owned, and all its products are developed by vets, made in the USA, and NASC-certified. A few customers felt the chews broke up too easily in the pack.
Recommended use: 1/2 chew/tablet daily (under 25 lbs), 1 chew/tablet daily (25-75 lbs), 2 chews/tablets daily (over 75 lbs)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Formulated for senior dogs | Some found the texture of the chews too crumbly |
| Come in soft chew or tablet form | |
| Tasy duck flavor | |
| NASC certified | |
| Made in the U.S.A |
Price
- Starts from $10.00 ($0.17 / Count)
Liquid Form: Rockwell Pets Pro Natural Dog Vitamins Review
Rockwell Pets Pro Natural Dog Vitamins are unique from other vitamins. This liquid-form supplement makes it easy to top your dog’s food with a boost of nutrients and flavor. The beef-flavored, all-natural product supports allergies, better digestion, physical and mental endurance, fighting disease, boosting energy, and more. This product is made in a GMP-certified factory in the USA. Rockwell Pets Pro offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. This product needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Although a few customers found the product messy, many find getting their dog to eat it over chews or capsules much easier. You can also save 20% on a recurring subscription.
Recommended use: Under 10 lbs 1/4 oz, 10 -24 lbs 1/2 oz, 25 – 49 lbs 1 oz, 50 – 100 lbs 1/2 oz, over 100 lbs 2oz
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Liquid form vitamins | Some found it messy to use |
| Easy to administer over food | |
| All-natural product | |
| Tasty beef flavor | |
| Made in a GMP-certified USA factory | |
| 100% satisfaction guarantee |
Our Personal Experience With Rockwell Pets Natural Vitamins
We had the opportunity to try out Rockwell Pets Pro in exchange for an honest review. The vitamin is in a liquid format which is easier to give our dog than chews since we can mix it with his food. Our 11-month-old puppy is using this product along with their probiotics sprinkled on top. The product is an orange color and relatively odorless. Georgie gobbles it up and has shown growth in size and weight with use (he was relatively lean before). Due to his small size, he doesn’t require a large dose. So, the bottle should last us a good 3-4 months, providing a great value.
–Sadie Cornelius, Parent of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Creative Marketing For Canine Journal
Price
Best Dog Vitamins & Supplements For Specific Conditions
Typically, multivitamins for dogs aren’t as important as supplements to target specific conditions (as long as your pup gets all the daily nutrients they need). If your pet has specific issues, some of the following supplements can help target that area or problem. Here’s what Dr. Godfrey has to say on targeted supplements:
As a vet, the majority of vitamins and supplements that I recommend for dogs are in response to a specific problem. For example, if I diagnose a dog with joint problems, like hip dysplasia, arthritis, or cruciate disease, I might suggest a joint supplement that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, or boswellia. Whereas, if a dog had low vitamin B12 levels or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (where there is a deficiency of digestive enzymes), I would suggest supplementing what’s missing.
– Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed, MRCVS, Veterinarian
Joint Health: Nutramax Dasuquin Review
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If your dog suffers from joint or hip issues, these Dasuquin chews could help strengthen their joints and ease aches and pains. A top vet-recommended product, Dasuquin is a proprietary blend of ingredients that helps inhibit cartilage breakdown, improve cartilage production, and reduce inflammation and pain. They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), and other key ingredients that help maintain hip and joint health. Many dog owners say they see a big difference when they give their pups these chews regularly. Some customers felt they were too hard for their dogs to chew.
Recommended use: Dasuquin comes in two formulas for small/medium dogs and large dogs
- 10-29 lbs: 1 chew daily for the initial 4-6 weeks, then 1 chew every other day (S/M dog formula)
- 30-59 lbs: 2 chews daily for initial 4-6 weeks, then 1 chew daily (S/M dog formula)
- 60 lbs and over: 2 chews daily for initial 4-6 weeks, then 1 chew daily (L dog formula)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Targets several problems linked to hip issues | Some customers found the chews were too hard |
| Contains high-quality ingredients | |
| Vet-recommended | |
| Many customers see a notable difference | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
If your dog suffers from hip problems, see our reviews of the best joint supplements for dogs for more in-depth information and tips.
Joint Health: Ollie Hip & Joint Chews Review
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Ollie, the popular all-natural dog food subscription service, now offers supplements as an optional add-on to give dogs the nutrients they need. Their Hip & Joint chews are formulated with glucosamine HCl (from shellfish), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), vitamin C, chondroitin sulfate (porcine), vitamin E, kelp powder, and organic turmeric. These all-natural ingredients help support the health of your dog’s hips and joints. They’re made in the U.S. in GMP-certified facilities using a cold extrusion process to preserve the potency of every active ingredient. These chews have a tasty turkey flavor, and they were previously called Ollie Zoomie chews.
Recommended use:
- 1 chew daily for dogs up to 30 lbs
- 2 chews daily for dogs 30-60 lbs
- 3 chews daily for dogs 61-90 lbs
- 4 chews daily for dogs over 90 lbs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with high-quality active ingredients | Some customers said the tub’s seal was faulty on delivery |
| An all-natural product | |
| Made in the U.S.A. in GMP-certified facilities | |
| Made via a cold-intrusion process to preserve potency | |
| Tasty turkey flavor chews |
Price
Read our full review of Ollie, where we explore their full range of products, including human-grade fresh dog food and more supplements.
Joint Health: VetSmart Advanced Hip + Joint Complex With MSM Review
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Pet Wellness Direct offers the VetSmart Formulas Advanced Hip + Joint Complex for dogs that need additional support for their joints and hips. The formula contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which you often find in high-quality joint supplements. It also contains additional anti-inflammatory ingredients, including green-lipped mussels and angelica sinensis, also known as “dong quai” in traditional Chinese medicine. Sea cucumber is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps soothe achy joints. It’s important to note this supplement contains blood thinners. So, it is crucial to speak to your vet about its suitability for your pup before giving it to them.
Recommended use:
- 1 chew daily for dogs weighing 1 to 10 lbs
- 1 chew twice daily for dogs weighing 11 to 30 lbs
- 2 chews twice daily for dogs weighing 31 to 80 lbs
- 3 chews twice daily for dogs weighing 81 to 100 lbs
- 3 to 4 chews twice daily for dogs weighing over 100 lbs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains glucosamine, chondroitin & green-lipped mussels | Pricey option |
| Advanced formula for hips & joints | |
| Sea cucumber is a natural pain reliever | |
| Made in the U.S.A |
Price
Head over to our Pet Wellness Direct review, where Canine Journal’s holistic nutrition expert explores this brand and their products in more detail.
Skin & Allergy Health: Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites Review
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Does your dog suffer from skin, seasonal, or environmental allergies? These grain-free soft chews contain salmon oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin, and colostrum, which helps boost immune health and improve inflammation. They also include a five-strain probiotic for more robust gut health, which has been shown to promote a healthy immune response to allergens. These soft chews come in several yummy flavors, including lamb, peanut butter, and salmon. They’re NASC-certified and made in the USA. See our other reviews of the best allergy supplements for dogs.
Recommended use: one chew daily per 25 pounds of weight (no more than three chews per day)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft chews come in 3 flavors | There are mixed reviews on the chew’s smell |
| A grain-free option for allergies | |
| Includes probiotics for gut health | |
| NASC-certified | |
| Made in the U.S.A |
Price
- Starting at $24.97 ($0.50 / Count)
Dog Allergy Testing
Consider doing an at-home dog allergy test if you suspect your dog may have intolerances to food or environmental substances. By analyzing a simple saliva or hair sample, these kits can be an affordable start to identifying what’s causing your pup’s skin or digestive problems. Then, you can consult your vet for further diagnostics and a treatment plan.
Digestive Health: Vital Planet Flora Dog Probiotic Review
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Giving your dog a daily probiotic can help regulate their digestive system, especially if they have problems with diarrhea, an upset stomach, or constipation. Vital Planet Flora Dog Probiotic contains a prebiotic and ten probiotic strains to help maintain normal digestive and immune function and improve intestinal tract health. This powder formula contains a therapeutic dose of 20 billion live cultures per scoop. Manufactured in the USA and NASC-certified, it contains no GMOs, grain, gluten, soy, artificial ingredients, or artificial colors. You can buy this option in four forms: powder, chews, tablets, or capsules.
Recommended use: Mix one level scoop of the powder into food once daily
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides prebiotic & probiotic strains | It is pricier than some options |
| It contains 20 billion live cultures per scoop | |
| Made in the U.S.A | |
| NASC-certified | |
| Free from grain, gluten, soy & artificial ingredients |
Price
See our reviews of the best probiotics for dogs to learn how probiotics can improve your pup’s overall health and well-being.
Urinary Health: Native Pet Bladder Chews Review
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Does your furry friend get recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)? You may want to consider Native Pet’s Bladder soft chews to support your pup’s urinary tract, bladder, and kidney health. The active ingredients in this vet-formulated supplement include cranberry extract, B. Subtilis, a probiotic known to support UT health, and D. Mannose. This natural extract binds to “bad bacteria” and carries it through the urinary tract.
Featuring only seven all-natural ingredients, these chews are made in the USA and are air-dried to preserve nutrients and freshness. They also include real chicken and pork bone broth, so take note if your pup has allergies to one or both of these animal proteins. Only a few customers felt these chews were too hard for their dogs.
Recommended use: Give 1 chew daily for every 25 lbs. of your dog’s weight
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Targets urinary health | A few customers found them too hard |
| It contains cranberry extract & other active ingredients | |
| Made with only 7 all-natural ingredients | |
| Air-dried for potency | |
| Made in the U.S.A |
Price
- Starting at $14.99 ($0.50 / Count)
Read our full review on Native Pet, where we explore more products and share our personal experiences.
Eye Health: Animal Necessity Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement Review
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If your dog suffers from age or illness-related vision problems, such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, you may want to consider these Ocu-GLO liquid gelcaps. Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists formulated these capsules with essential vitamins, minerals, grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein for optimal eye support.
This NASC-certified supplement is non-GMO, grain-free, and soy-free and made in the USA. Many customers say their veterinarians recommended this supplement for various eye problems. Ocu-GLO also comes in soft chews if your pup isn’t a fan of pills. A few customers mentioned the capsules were quite big for small breed dogs. Otherwise, these are highly rated and recommended.
Recommended use: Ocu-GLO comes in two formulas for small dogs and large/medium dogs
- Under 11 lbs: 1 gelcap daily (S formula)
- 11-30 lbs: 1 gelcap daily (M/L formula)
- 31-60 lbs: 2 gelcaps daily (M/L formula)
- 61-100 lbs: 3 gelcaps daily (M/L formula)
- Over 100 lbs: 4 gelcaps daily (M/L formula)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Targets illness-related vision problems | Some customers felt the capsules were too big for small breeds |
| Formulated by board-certified vet ophthalmologists | |
| NASC-certified | |
| Made in the U.S.A | |
| Available in capsule or chew forms |
Price
Prenatal Health: Revival Animal Health Oxy Mate Prenatal Vitamin Review
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Revival Animal Health Breeder’s Edge Oxy Mate prenatal vitamins are fortified with vitamins, minerals, and elevated levels of iron, folic acid, and zinc to provide pregnant dogs and their developing embryos with the optimal nutrients for healthy growth. Made in the USA, these high-quality, soft chews are suitable for both dogs and cats.
Once your pup has given birth, you may want to consider Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma postnatal vitamins while your new furry mom is lactating. They contain essential ingredients to stimulate and enhance milk production and help your pup’s body recover from birthing.
Recommended use: Oxy Mate and Oxy Momma come in two formulas for small dogs (and cats) and large/medium dogs
- Under 20 lbs: 1 chew daily (S formula)
- 20-60 lbs: 1 chew daily (M/L formula)
- Over 60 lbs: 2 chews daily (M/L formula)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prenatal vitamins fortified with essential pregnancy nutrients | Pricier than some other prenatal options |
| Benefits moms & pups | |
| Soft chews | |
| Follow-on formula for lactating moms available | |
| Made in the U.S.A |
Price
6 Essential Vitamins Dogs Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the essential vitamins all dogs need and a refresher on which foods contain these vitamins. Remember that this is not an all-inclusive list of all the nutrients dogs need; it’s just the basics.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin important for dogs’ normal vision, immune system, growth, fetal development, and proper organ function. Foods rich in vitamin A that are safe for dogs include carrots, eggs, fish oil, liver (in minimal amounts), pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, and turnip greens.
2. Vitamin B
B vitamins are vital for maintaining good dog health and directly impact brain function, energy levels, and cell metabolism. Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and helps support and promote cell health. Foods rich in vitamin B that are safe for dogs include whole grains, beans, some kinds of nuts,* leafy green vegetables, beef, pork, liver, and dairy products in tiny amounts.
3. Vitamin C
All parts of a dog’s body tissue require vitamin C for growth and repair. It’s also necessary for many body functions, including the immune system, wound healing, cartilage maintenance, bones, teeth, and iron absorption. Foods rich in vitamin C that are safe for dogs include certain fruits,* some vegetables,* and organ meats.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your dog’s body regulate minerals like calcium and phosphate. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. Foods rich in vitamin D that are safe for dogs include fatty fish, marine fish oil, egg yolks, beef, and liver and dairy products in very small amounts.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for cell function and fat metabolism. If your dog doesn’t get enough vitamin E, they could develop muscle and eye degeneration and reproductive problems. Foods rich in vitamin E that are safe for dogs include leafy green vegetables, some seeds,* wheat germ, whole grains, salmon, and trout.
6. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s vital for normal blood clotting. Foods rich in vitamin K that are safe for dogs include leafy green vegetables, green beans, beef liver, chicken, and pork.
*Some foods aren’t safe to feed your dog. See which foods are safe for dogs.
Can I Give My Dog Human Vitamin Supplements?
Never give your dog human vitamin supplements. Dogs have very different nutritional needs than humans, and too much of certain vitamins can make dogs very ill. If you’re considering giving your dog species-specific vitamins, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian. This ensures your dog gets everything they need without overdoing it on vitamins they may already be getting from their diet.
Why Does Homemade Dog Food Need Nutrient Supplements?
This brief video from a certified dog nutritionist does a fantastic job explaining why your dog may need a multivitamin and nutrient supplements if they’re on a homemade dog food diet.
Should I Consider A Premium Dog Food Delivery Service?
Are you concerned about the quality of your commercial kibble? Or are you worried that your homemade dog food is nutrient-deficient? If so, introducing fresh dog food to your pup’s diet could be a great option. These services not only deliver human-grade dog food right to your door, but many also tailor your dog’s food for age, weight, health concerns, and other factors. See our reviews of the best dog food delivery services for excellent options.
Do you feed your pup any of the above vitamins? Perhaps you use another option that we should consider adding to our guide. If so, let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners at Canine Journal. We test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.
