Our 5 Best Supplements for Puppies

You want the best for your new puppy, especially when it comes to their nutrition. While most commercial puppy foods are formulated to provide everything your new family member needs, the right dietary supplements can give them a healthy boost of nutrition. Before you start shopping, check out our top five best supplements for puppies—and why I recommend them!

Written by: Angela Beal, DVM, FFCP

You want the best for your new puppy, especially when it comes to their nutrition.

While most commercial puppy foods are formulated to provide everything your new family member needs, the right dietary supplements can give them a healthy boost of nutrition.

Before you start shopping, check out our top five best supplements for puppies—and why I recommend them!

Does my puppy need supplements?

First, it’s important to know that if your puppy eats a complete and balanced dog food formulated for puppies, they are likely already receiving all the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth. So while puppies don’t necessarily need supplements, the ones listed below may provide added health benefits such as:

Healthy skin and coat
Greater immunity and allergy defense
Enhanced digestive health
Better nutrient absorption
Reduced stress and anxiety
Healthy joints

Supplements don’t require a prescription, but that doesn’t mean they’re always safe. Giving the wrong kind or too much can harm your puppy’s health. That’s why we suggest checking with your veterinarian before adding supplements to your puppy’s routine.

5 Best supplements for puppies

Everyday stress and challenges can impact your puppy’s health—even if you don’t see it right away.

High-quality supplements can support your puppy’s development and help protect their long-term wellness. They target important areas like immune function, heart and joint health, digestion, and even emotional well-being.

Our five best supplements for puppies include:

#1: Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA)

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play a key role in your puppy’s early development and long-term health.

For puppies, DHA supports brain development for better learning and behavior As a natural antioxidant source, omega-3s also help reduce inflammation. As your dog matures, omega-3s from sources like fish or krill oil provide big benefits by nurturing joint health, heart health, and skin and coat vitality.

Omega-3 fatty acids are available in liquid form or soft chews.

Pet parents, take note: Too much omega-3 can cause digestive upset. Introduce this supplement slowly and follow dosing directions.

#2: Prebiotics and probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics support your puppy’s digestive tract and overall health. These “good” bacteria help maintain a healthy gut, which is important for puppies after deworming treatments, receiving medications, or experiencing stress.

Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics feed the bacteria to help them thrive. Together, they offer key health benefits that go beyond the gut to build a stronger immune system and overall well-being.

Pet parents, take note: Look for supplements with species-specific probiotic strains formulated for dogs.

#3: Colostrum

Bovine colostrum, the first milk from lactating cows, is packed with antibodies and growth factors that make it an ideal immune support supplement for puppies. This nutritional supplement helps build a strong immune defense and gut health, which may help protect against allergies. As a puppy supplement for healthy growth, colostrum also supports muscle and tissue development, helping your puppy grow healthy and strong. Bovine colostrum is available as chews or powder that can be mixed with your puppy’s food.

Pet parents, take note: Look for ethically sourced colostrum gathered after newborn calves have had the opportunity to nurse.

#4: Digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes help the body break down and absorb fats, complex proteins, and carbohydrates. Adding digestive enzymes to your puppy’s diet can improve digestion and energy, reduce gas and bloating, and support overall health. Enzymes are especially helpful for puppies with specific nutritional needs or sensitive stomachs and can be necessary for adult dogs with certain health conditions.

These puppy supplements are available as powders or soft chews and can be used for short or long-term support.

Pet parents, take note: Look for a dog-specific blend that includes protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase. Add prebiotics and probiotics for complete digestive health support!

#5: Glucosamine and chondroitin

The best puppy supplements for bones and joint health often contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These popular joint supplements may help support healthy joints and pain-free mobility—especially in large-breed puppies or dog breeds with a higher risk of joint issues. These ingredients, sometimes paired with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) or collagen, are commonly used to help protect cartilage and ease stiffness as dogs age.

With veterinary guidance, glucosamine and chondroitin may be a wise addition to your growing puppy’s health plan.

Pet parents, take note: Joint supplements are commonly sold as flavored chewable tablets and chews, which can be a big temptation for puppies. Keep these secured and out of reach to prevent an accidental overdose.

How to safely introduce supplements to your puppy

Dog health supplements can be a helpful and easy way to support your puppy’s growth and development. But when it comes to introducing new things, slow and steady is always best.

Follow these simple steps to ensure you’re giving your new puppy the best possible start.

Ask your veterinarian — They can tell you which supplements are necessary, how to use them, and make recommendations.
Gradually build up to a full dose — When adding the best supplements for puppies, work up to your puppy’s suggested dose over several days to prevent loose stool.
Feed a well-balanced puppy food — High-quality puppy food is the best way to know your puppy is getting what they need.
Monitor your puppy’s growth and wellness — Note any changes and report them to your vet.

Need something?

From the moment you met your new puppy, you were ready to give them the world. With BaxterBoo on your side, you can get pretty close! BaxterBoo’s extensive line of pet health vitamins and supplements and their team of pet experts ensure you have the supplies and knowledge you need to create a healthy, happy, and tail-wagging future for your new best friend.

Still browsing or stocking up before your puppy’s homecoming? Check out The Puppy Shop, BaxterBoo’s curated collection of essential treats, toys, care items, and accessories every pet parent needs.

About Angela Beal, DVM, FFCP

Angela Beal is a veterinarian in Columbus, Ohio who loves using her writing to help veterinarians live more fulfilling lives by helping make practice life more efficient and less stressful. Angela has a background in private practice and academia, and since 2020, she has worked full-time with Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific writing and editing company. Rumpus’ clients include veterinary practices and industry partners, including marketing companies, national corporations, consultants, and several international businesses.
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