6 Supplements for Older Dogs: Probiotics, Omega 3s, and More

As our furry companion's age, we want to do everything we can to keep them healthy and happy. But as they enter their golden years, they may need a little extra help. 

Our beloved pets experience the same aging process as we do, and as they get older, they may start to experience joint pain, arthritis, and other health issues. While medications can be helpful, many pet owners are turning to supplements for older dogs as a natural way to support their dog’s health.

There are many senior dog supplements on the market, but we've compiled a list of the top nutritional supplements for senior pups, including their health benefits and how they work.

Keep reading to find out how you can help your furry friend feel their best with these 6 supplements for older dogs.

1. Probiotic Supplements for Older Dogs

When dogs reach a certain age, their microbiome can become unbalanced, which is a problem as this microbiome consists of bacteria, microorganisms, and other biological elements that are responsible for maintaining an optimal level of health.

If the beneficial bacteria start to diminish due to old age, then disease-causing bacteria will flourish causing inflammation, leaky gut, and more chronic illnesses.

Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain live beneficial microorganisms that help restore balance within your dog’s microbiome. Probiotics help to increase the count of helpful bacteria while decreasing the number of dangerous bacteria.

Introducing these good bacteria into your pet’s digestive system will help boost their immunity, digestive health, and overall well-being as they grow older.

2. Digestive Enzyme Supplements for Older Dogs

Digestive enzymes are essential for any dog’s health, but they become especially important as dogs’ age. Senior dogs often don’t produce adequate digestive enzymes to break down and absorb the nutrients in their food properly.

This deficiency can have a huge effect on their overall health. Without the help of digestive enzymes, their bodies can struggle to digest food properly, leading to issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, weight loss, and nutrient deficiency problems.

To ensure your dog stays healthy into old age and continues getting all of the nutrition they need from their food, consider supplements like bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion and may reduce inflammation.

3. Antioxidant Supplements for Older Dogs

As your dog’s body ages, it becomes more vulnerable to oxidative stress and the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that attack other cells in your dog’s body, leading to DNA damage and changes in proteins and cell membranes.

These issues are linked to accelerated aging and chronic diseases that can reduce your dog’s quality of life. Antioxidant supplements may help reduce damage caused by free radicals. 

Antioxidants are natural chemicals that help neutralize free radicals by donating their own electrons, which render them harmless. There are numerous ways to add antioxidants into your dog’s diet such as through senior dog supplements that include ingredients like selenium, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and lycopene.

Many of these antioxidants are also found in healthy foods like sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, and blueberries. A steady stream of antioxidants will help keep your old pup feeling their best.

4. Vitamin D Supplements for Older Dogs

Older dogs can benefit greatly from taking a daily Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important for healthy bones and teeth.

It also helps to boost the immune system, which is particularly important for senior dogs whose immune systems may be weaker than younger animals.

A daily Vitamin D supplement will ensure that your older dog gets the right amount of this crucial vitamin and can help protect their health now and into the future.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements for Older Dogs

Chronic inflammation can be detrimental to your dog's health and is often linked to serious chronic diseases in older dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to reduce inflammation and offer relief from some of the symptoms associated with chronic inflammation.

This makes omega-3s an excellent senior dog supplement, as they can help protect their bodies from the damage of aging. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may also provide a host of other benefits such as improved heart health, better joint health, and reduced risk for diseases like diabetes or autoimmune disease.

Studies suggest that these essential fatty acids may even help boost a senior dog's immune system, aiding in the prevention of future illnesses. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in fish oil and fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon.  

6. Multi-Nutrient Supplements for Older Dogs

 Multi-nutrient supplements for dogs can be an excellent choice for older dogs, as they are specifically designed to meet the needs of senior canine companions.

Multi-nutrient supplements often contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, biotin, zinc, iron, and more. WoundVite for Dogs is an example of a multi-nutrient supplement designed to support your dog's health.*

WoundVite for Dogs from Zen Nutrients contains key ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E as well as minerals like Iron, Copper, and Selenium. These nutrients are well-researched for their effectiveness in reducing inflammation, supporting bone and tissue health, and promoting a healthy immune system.*

Supplements for Older Dogs: Final Thoughts

Supplements for older dogs may be helpful in supporting your elder dog's health, but they are not a replacement for your vet's prescribed medications. You should also not rely heavily on supplements for your dog's nutritional needs.

Dietary supplements are meant to support a healthy diet, not replace one. That being said, potent multi-nutrient supplements like WoundVite for Dogs may greatly benefit your dog's health and well-being and ensure they get the adequate nutrients they need to thrive in its older years.*