The pet supplement aisle has grown a lot in the last few years. What used to be a small section with a handful of options has turned into an entire category, and if you’ve found yourself standing there trying to make sense of it all, you’re not alone.
More and more dog owners are getting curious about natural supplements, what they are, where they come from, and why certain ingredients keep showing up in pet products. Whether you’re already using a few or just starting to explore, it helps to know what’s out there.in
We’ve put together nine natural supplements that have been gaining traction in the dog world. And no, you don’t need to incorporate all of these into your dog’s routine; this is just a look a closer look at each one and why they’ve caught attention.
This one has a bit of an origin story. Green-lipped mussels are native to New Zealand, and they’ve been a part of the traditional diet of the Māori people for centuries. In the supplement world, they’ve gained popularity because they’re a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with a unique combination of glycosaminoglycans.
You’ll find green-lipped mussel in a lot of joint-focused pet supplements, usually as a powder or as part of a chew. It’s often paired with ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which makes it a common addition to formulas aimed at older dogs or larger breeds.
If you’re looking at a product that contains green-lipped mussel, check whether it’s sourced from New Zealand (most of it is) and whether the product specifies how much is in each serving. Like any ingredient, the amount matters just as much as the presence.
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that’s been used as a food source for a surprisingly long time, we’re talking centuries, across multiple cultures. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, which is part of why it’s been a staple in the human health food world for decades.
In the pet space, spirulina has started showing up in supplements, food toppers, and even some dog food formulations. It’s typically sold as a powder, which makes it easy to mix into meals. Some owners like it because it’s a whole food source of nutrients rather than a synthetic one.
It’s important to note, however, that the quality can vary quite a bit depending on where the spirulina is grown and how it’s processed. Contamination with other types of algae is a known concern in lower-quality products, so sourcing and testing are especially important here. If the label doesn’t tell you much about where it came from, it might be worth digging a little deeper.
Flaxseed is a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). If you’ve ever looked at the ingredient list on a bag of dog food, there’s a decent chance you’ve seen flaxseed or flaxseed meal listed. It’s one of the more common natural additions in commercial dog food formulations.
Beyond what’s already in their food, some owners add ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil to their dog’s meals as an extra source of fatty acids and fiber. Ground is generally preferred over whole seeds, since dogs don’t always break down the whole seed well enough to access the nutrients inside.
Flaxseed is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find, which makes it an accessible option if you’re looking to experiment with adding something to your dog’s diet. And note that ground flaxseed can go sour fairly quickly, so follow the package’s storage instructions and whether to refrigerate after opening.
You’ve probably heard of CBD by now, even if you haven’t looked into it for your dog specifically. Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp, and it’s distinct from THC, meaning it won’t have an intoxicating effect on your dog, which is usually the first question people have. It is, however, used by dog owners to help promote calmness and support joint and mobility wellness.
What makes CBD for dogs interesting is how quickly the category has grown. A few years ago, it was hard to find. Now it’s in pet stores, vet offices, and all over the internet, available as oils, chews, and topical products. That rapid growth means there’s a lot of variety out there, which is both a good thing and a reason to be selective.
The biggest thing to watch for with CBD is transparency. Because the market grew so fast, not every product on the shelf meets the same standards. Brands that have clinical research, publish their third-party lab results, clearly list how much CBD is in each serving, and are upfront about where their hemp comes from tend to stand out from the rest. If a company makes it easy for you to verify what you’re buying, that’s a good sign of their quality control.
Most people know chamomile as a tea you drink before bed when you’re trying to wind down. It’s an herb that’s been used in traditional practices for a very long time, and it’s made its way into a number of pet products in recent years.
For dogs, you’ll see chamomile showing up in chews, tinctures, and multi-ingredient blends. It tends to appear alongside other herbs rather than on its own, so you’ll often find it as part of a broader formula.
If your dog is on any medications, speak with your vet before adding any herbs, as they can interact with certain drugs. It’s generally considered mild, but “mild” doesn’t mean “universally compatible,” so a quick conversation is always a smart move.
Apple cider vinegar has both a passionate fan base and an equally skeptical crowd. And honestly, both sides have fair points. It’s made by fermenting apple juice, and the version you’ll most often see recommended is the raw, unfiltered kind with “the mother” (that cloudy stuff at the bottom of the bottle).
Dog owners use it in a variety of ways. Starting out with proper water dilution for safety, some may add a small amount to their dog’s water or food. Others use it topically as a rinse after baths or as a natural cleaning agent for the ears. It’s one of the more DIY-friendly options on this list, which is part of its appeal.
We do want to caution that apple cider vinegar is acidic, and too much of it, whether ingested or applied topically, can cause irritation. Because of this, definitely check with your vet first, especially if your dog has any existing sensitivities. And always do so with a diluted solution, starting with a very small amount to see how your dog responds.
Kelp is a type of seaweed that grows in ocean waters, and it’s one of the most mineral-rich foods found in nature. It contains iodine, iron, calcium, and a range of trace minerals that aren’t always easy to find in other food sources. While the research on the application of seaweed in dog food is still ongoing, one study published in PubMed found that “dietary supplementation with seaweed extract can improve antioxidant capacity and alleviate loose stools in dogs.”
In the pet supplement space, kelp is usually available as a dried powder that gets mixed into food. It’s also a common ingredient in multi-ingredient supplements and some natural dog food brands. Owners who are drawn to whole-food nutrition tend to gravitate toward kelp because it’s minimally processed and nutrient-dense.
The main thing to be aware of with kelp is the iodine content. While iodine is an essential mineral, too much of it can be problematic, especially for dogs with certain sensitivities. Dosing matters here, so if you’re adding kelp on your own rather than using a pre-formulated product, do the research on how much is appropriate for your dog’s size.
Biotin is a B vitamin, specifically B7, and it’s one you’ve probably seen in human hair, skin, and nail supplements. The same general concept applies in the dog world, where biotin is a common ingredient in supplements designed to support their skin and coat.
Most dogs get some biotin from their regular diet, since it’s present in many common dog food ingredients, such as eggs, liver, and certain grains. But some owners choose to supplement with additional biotin, especially if their dog has a dull coat or dry, flaky skin.
Biotin is water-soluble, which means the body doesn’t store excess amounts the way it does with fat-soluble vitamins — whatever isn’t used gets flushed out. That makes it relatively low-risk from an overdose standpoint, but it’s still worth being intentional about how much you’re giving and why.
Salmon oil is similar to general fish oil but specifically sourced from salmon, and it’s become one of the most popular coat-focused supplements for dogs. It’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and a lot of dog owners swear by it as a food topper.
You’ll find it in liquid form (usually with a pump) and in soft gel capsules. The liquid version is especially popular because it’s easy to drizzle over food, and most dogs seem to enjoy the taste. It’s one of those supplements where you’ll often hear owners say they noticed a difference in their dog’s coat within a few weeks.
As with any fish-based product, sourcing and purity matter. Wild-caught salmon oil is generally preferred over farmed, and you’ll want to look for products that have been tested for heavy metals, PCBs, and other contaminants. A good salmon oil should also be stored properly because it can oxidize and go rancid if left out, so keeping it refrigerated after opening is usually recommended.
No single supplement is going to transform your dog’s life overnight, and none of them are required for your dog to be happy and healthy. But if you’re curious about what’s available and want to explore natural options, knowing what each ingredient actually is puts you in a much better position to make informed decisions.
Every dog is different, and what works well for one might not be the right fit for another. It’s a good idea to speak with your vet first. They’re the best resource you have when it comes to figuring out what makes sense for your specific dog. From there, start slow with anything new and always pay close attention to how your dog responds.
And remember, the best thing you can do is stay curious without feeling pressured. There’s no rush to try everything on this list. Just knowing what’s out there is a solid first step.
