Do Pets Actually Need Supplements?
Most commercial pet foods are nutritionally complete, but they are formulated for the average healthy adult pet. Senior pets, active breeds, large dogs prone to joint problems, and pets with specific health conditions often benefit significantly from targeted supplementation.
The most impactful supplements for pets are joint support (especially for large breeds and seniors), omega-3 fatty acids for coat and inflammation, probiotics for digestive health, and dental products for oral hygiene, which directly affects heart and kidney health.
Top 5 Pet Health Products in 2025
Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites for Dogs
The best-selling pet supplement on Amazon and one of the most reviewed products in the entire pet category. Zesty Paws Multivitamin covers eight health areas in one chew: joints, heart, immunity, digestion, skin, coat, eyes, and energy. Dogs love the taste and results are typically visible within 4 to 6 weeks.
- 140,000+ five-star reviews
- Covers 8 health areas in one
- Dogs love the flavor
- Visible results in weeks
- Made in USA
- Premium price per chew
- Not for cats
- Some dogs have loose stools initially
Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement
The number one vet-recommended joint supplement for dogs in the USA. Cosequin contains glucosamine and chondroitin, the two most clinically proven ingredients for joint health. Essential for large breeds, senior dogs, and any dog showing signs of stiffness or reduced mobility.
- Number one vet recommended
- Clinically proven ingredients
- Noticeable results in 4 weeks
- Great for senior dogs
- Takes 4 to 6 weeks to work
- Dogs only, not for cats
- Higher price point
Grizzly Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
Pure wild Alaskan salmon oil that works for both dogs and cats. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, improve coat shine dramatically, support joint health, and boost brain function. Simply pump over food once daily. Most pet owners notice a shinier coat and less shedding within two weeks.
- Works for dogs and cats
- Dramatic coat improvement
- Wild Alaskan sourced
- Easy pump bottle
- Strong fish smell
- Can stain surfaces
- Picky pets may refuse
Vet's Best Dental Gel Toothpaste Kit
Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over age three and directly impacts heart and kidney health. Vet's Best Dental Kit includes enzymatic toothpaste and a finger brush, the most effective at-home dental care routine available. Flavored to be palatable for most dogs.
- Most affordable dental care
- Enzymatic formula works
- Kit includes brush
- Prevents costly vet cleanings
- Takes patience to train
- Some dogs resist brushing
- Daily routine required
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora
The number one probiotic recommended by vets for dogs and cats. FortiFlora contains a guaranteed level of live active cultures that restore gut balance after illness, antibiotic treatment, or dietary changes. Also works as a palatability enhancer; picky eaters suddenly love their food when FortiFlora is sprinkled on top.
- Number one vet recommended probiotic
- Works for dogs and cats
- Individual sachets stay fresh
- Fixes picky eating too
- Expensive per day
- Not for long-term daily use
- Results vary by pet
Ellevet Sciences CBD + CBDA Soft Chews: A Vet-Formulated Wellness Option
Most of the picks above target one specific health area, but the Ellevet CBD + CBDA Soft Chews take a broader wellness approach. Ellevet is a veterinary-founded brand whose hemp chews support joint comfort, stress, skin, and cognitive health in one product, with glucosamine and chondroitin added for mobility. It is backed by a Cornell University clinical trial and carried by thousands of veterinary clinics across the US. The trade-offs are the price, around $89 to $99 for a 62-chew bag, and the fact that it is a hemp-based product, so check with your vet first if your pet is on other medication.
Check Price at Ellevet SciencesQuick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Price | Dogs & Cats | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zesty Paws Multivitamin | Overall health | $25-$35 | Dogs only | 4.9 |
| Nutramax Cosequin | Joint support | $28-$45 | Dogs only | 4.8 |
| Grizzly Salmon Oil | Coat & inflammation | $18-$28 | Both | 4.8 |
| Vet's Best Dental Kit | Dental health | $10-$15 | Dogs only | 4.6 |
| Purina FortiFlora | Gut health | $28-$38 | Both | 4.9 |
Our Final Verdict
For most healthy adult dogs, start with Zesty Paws Multivitamin; it covers the most ground in one product. For seniors or large breeds already showing joint stiffness, add Nutramax Cosequin immediately.
For cats, Grizzly Salmon Oil and Purina FortiFlora are the two most impactful products you can add to their routine.
Get Zesty Paws on AmazonShipping to the Netherlands or elsewhere in the EU? Two brands worth a look outside the US-Amazon picks above: Kattensupplement, developed with vets specifically for cat health, and Vital Pet Life for their wider supplement range. I haven't run these against the Amazon picks above yet, so treat them as EU-shipping alternatives to check out rather than a head-to-head recommendation.
For the wider picture, see Best Dog Dental Chews: Keep Your Pup's Teeth Clean, Best Flea Treatment for Dogs: Complete Guide to Keeping Your Pup Itch-Free and Hondensupplement Review: Dutch Dog Supplements Compared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Willemijn has kept animals for around 45 years. She did not have these particular items in her own home. What follows is her read on them, put together from research and from what she has seen at other owners' houses. We keep it separate from her hands-on notes on purpose, because the two are not the same thing.
Vet's Best Dental Gel. Does not work all that well. Drawback: The effect. 2 out of 5.
ElleVet CBD + CBDA Soft Chews. Drawback: The price. 4 out of 5.
Willemijn is a friend of the founder and is not paid for this.