Recommended Supplements

What to Know First

Many supplements used in veterinary medicine are classified as nutraceuticals, meaning they are not regulated in the same way prescription medications are. This creates a “wild west” environment in pet products, where quality, accuracy, and dosing consistency vary widely. Many supplements on the market do not contain what pet owners believe they are giving, or contain amounts too low to provide meaningful benefit.

The supplements listed below are ones we recommend because they have data-driven support, appropriate formulation, and reliable manufacturing standards. With supplements, brands matter.

Joint & Mobility Support

Adequan (Prescription Joint Support)

When joint disease is moderate to advanced, Adequan is often the most effective option for meaningful joint support. Unlike supplements, Adequan is a prescription injectable medication with strong data behind it. It works at the level of the joint itself by helping protect cartilage, reducing destructive enzymes within the joint, and improving joint fluid quality. This addresses the underlying disease process of osteoarthritis rather than simply supporting comfort.

Adequan is unique because it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract entirely. Many oral supplements rely on absorption through the gut, which can be inconsistent and variable between patients. Adequan is administered by injection, allowing it to reach the joints reliably and at therapeutic levels. This makes it especially valuable for pets who cannot tolerate oral supplements, have gastrointestinal sensitivity, or have not responded adequately to nutraceuticals alone.

In clinical practice, Adequan is often used as a foundation therapy for joint disease and can be combined with other supportive strategies such as weight management, physical rehabilitation, mobility support devices, and targeted supplements when appropriate. For many dogs, it provides more noticeable and consistent improvement in comfort and mobility than supplements alone.

While no single treatment reverses arthritis, Adequan remains one of the most evidence-backed options available for slowing progression of joint damage and improving quality of life. For pets with significant mobility challenges, it is often the most impactful step we can take beyond supplements.

Myos

Myos is a muscle health supplement called fortetropin, which is derived from fertilized egg yolk that supports muscle mass and strength. This is especially important for senior pets, pets with arthritis, and pets recovering from injury or surgery, where muscle loss plays a significant role in weakness and mobility decline. Supporting muscle is just as important as supporting joints when it comes to long-term mobility.

Dasuquin / Cosequin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most widely studied joint supplements in veterinary medicine. Products such as Dasuquin and Cosequin provide consistent, bioavailable formulations that support cartilage health and joint lubrication. These supplements work best when given consistently over time and early in the disease process rather than intermittently.

GlycoFlex (Type II Collagen)

Type II collagen works differently than glucosamine and chondroitin. Rather than supporting cartilage structure directly, it helps modulate immune signaling within joints, reducing inappropriate inflammation. Because of this mechanism, Type II collagen supplements are typically used instead of, not in addition to, glucosamine and chondroitin. Using both together does not provide added benefit.

ElleVet

ElleVet products use hemp-derived CBD, which is non-toxic and non-psychoactive. These products are formulated specifically for veterinary use and have some of the strongest safety and efficacy data currently available in pets. CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and can be a helpful adjunct for mobility support in select patients.

New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel Extract

Green-lipped mussel extract shows promise for joint and mobility support due to its naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds. Optimal dosing has not yet been clearly established, and research is ongoing. We will provide updated recommendations as more data becomes available as well as brands you can trust.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Bayer Free Form Fatty Acids (Snip Tips)
Nordic Naturals

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in joint health, skin support, inflammation control, cognitive aging, and kidney disease management. One of the most common issues we see is underdosing. Many over-the-counter fish oil products do not contain a high enough concentration of EPA and DHA — the components responsible for clinical benefit.

We use dosing guidelines from Colorado State University, which focus on the combined milligrams of EPA and DHA (the active ingredients for inflammation control) rather than the total volume of oil. Fish oil should always be increased slowly, as starting at too high a dose can cause diarrhea. Gradual titration significantly improves tolerance.

Anxiety & Stress Support

ElleVet Calm

ElleVet Calm is often recommended for pets experiencing situational or chronic anxiety. It may help reduce anxiety without causing sedation and can be useful during recovery from surgery, environmental changes, or noise aversion.

Zylkene

Zylkene is a milk-derived supplement that supports relaxation by acting on natural calming pathways in the brain. It is well tolerated, making it a good option for pets with mild to moderate anxiety or as part of a multimodal anxiety plan.

VetriScience Calm & Confident

Calm & Confident combines several calming nutraceuticals like L-Theanine, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), and Colostrum Calming Complex (C3), which promote relaxation, support nervous system health, and aid cognitive function without causing drowsiness, alongside others like Ashwagandha, Tryptophan, and probiotics to manage stress and anxiety. It is commonly used for stress-related behaviors such as travel anxiety, veterinary visits, or routine changes.

VetriScience Golden Years Calm & Confident for Senior Dogs

As dogs age, anxiety often increases due to cognitive decline, sensory changes, or discomfort. This senior-specific formulation supports emotional balance and adaptability without sedation and is commonly used for nighttime restlessness, pacing, increased vocalization, and sensitivity to routine changes in older dogs.

Vision & Eye Health

Ocu-Glo

Ocu-Glo is recommended for ocular support in pets with cataracts or age-related eye changes. It contains antioxidants and nutrients that may help reduce oxidative stress within the eye. While supplements cannot reverse cataracts, Ocu-Glo may help support ocular health and slow progression in some patients.

Cognitive Dysfunction & Sleep Regulation

Melatonin

Melatonin can be helpful for senior pets experiencing cognitive decline, particularly when sleep–wake cycles become disrupted. When given at night, melatonin may help regulate circadian rhythms and improve nighttime restlessness. Dosing and timing are important and should be guided by your veterinarian.

VetriScience Golden Years Calm & Confident for Senior Dogs

As dogs age, anxiety often increases due to cognitive decline, sensory changes, or discomfort. This senior-specific formulation supports emotional balance and adaptability without sedation and is commonly used for nighttime restlessness, pacing, increased vocalization, and sensitivity to routine changes in older dogs.

Liver Support

Denamarin

Denamarin is a well-studied liver support supplement that combines SAMe and silybin. It supports liver cell health, antioxidant activity, and detoxification pathways and is commonly recommended for pets with liver disease or elevated liver enzymes.

Kidney Disease Support

Diet and targeted supplements are the mainstay of preserving remaining kidney function and supporting quality of life in pets with chronic kidney disease. IRIS, the International Renal Interest Society, is a group of veterinary specialists that develops evidence-based guidelines for diagnosing and managing chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats.

IRIS created the Stage 1–4 kidney disease system used by veterinarians to guide treatment. This staging helps determine when to introduce specific therapies, such as renal diets, phosphorus control, hydration support, and targeted supplements, allowing care to be adjusted as kidney disease progresses while prioritizing both longevity and quality of life.

Using IRIS staging, Bedford Animal Hospital tailors recommendations based on disease severity and laboratory targets. As kidney disease progresses, additional supplements are typically layered in to address phosphorus control, hydration, inflammation, electrolyte balance, and metabolic complications.

Prescription Renal Diet

While this is not a supplement and it is a prescription, it felt important to add this information here. IRIS guidelines emphasize nutrition as the foundation of chronic kidney disease management once disease is staged. In cats and dogs, prescription renal diets are the primary way we control phosphorus intake and support long-term kidney health. The diets that are best studied, most widely recommended, and typically best tolerated include Hill’s k/d, Purina NF, and Royal Canin Renal. Newer veterinary formulations, such as Farmina Vet Life Renal, may also be beneficial, but the three listed above have the strongest body of research supporting their use.

Cats (and sometimes dogs) with kidney disease are often selective eaters, and appetite fluctuations are common as disease progresses. For this reason, rotating between multiple prescription renal diets rather than relying on a single formula is often the most successful long-term strategy. Offering variety within renal options can improve acceptance and caloric intake while preserving kidney-protective benefits. In dogs, renal diets are often introduced as early as IRIS Stage 2; in cats, they are commonly introduced once phosphorus control becomes necessary, typically from Stage 2 onward.

Phosphate Binders

IRIS identifies phosphorus control as one of the most important modifiable factors in slowing kidney disease progression. After staging and transitioning to a renal diet, phosphorus levels are reassessed. If serum phosphorus remains above IRIS target ranges, phosphate binders are added — most commonly in IRIS Stage 2 through Stage 4, though decisions are driven by lab values rather than stage alone. Phosphate binders work in the gastrointestinal tract to bind dietary phosphorus and prevent absorption. At Bedford Animal Hospital, we commonly use Phos-Bind, mixed with meals and adjusted based on follow-up phosphorus measurements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

IRIS recommends omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for dogs with chronic kidney disease, citing evidence that EPA and DHA may reduce inflammation and improve renal blood flow. Omega-3s are often introduced early — frequently in IRIS Stage 1 or Stage 2 — and continued through all stages as part of long-term support. While evidence in cats is more limited, omega-3s are commonly used as supportive therapy across stages. We typically recommend Bayer Free-Form Omega-3 or Nordic Naturals for consistent dosing and purity.

Hydration Support

Maintaining hydration is critical at all IRIS stages. As kidney function declines, pets lose the ability to concentrate urine, increasing water loss and the risk of dehydration. Purina Hydra Care is a palatable, nutrient-enriched liquid designed to encourage voluntary fluid intake for cats. It is commonly introduced in IRIS Stage 1 or Stage 2 and often continued through later stages — particularly in cats — to support hydration, appetite, and comfort.

Potassium Supplementation

Potassium imbalances are specifically addressed in IRIS recommendations, particularly for cats. Hypokalemia is common in feline CKD and is most often identified in IRIS Stage 2 or Stage 3, though it can occur at any stage based on labs. Low potassium can contribute to muscle weakness, poor appetite, and decreased quality of life. When indicated, we frequently recommend Renal K+, with dosing guided by serial bloodwork.

Alkali Therapy

With advancing disease, some dogs and cats develop metabolic acidosis due to reduced renal acid excretion — most commonly in IRIS Stage 3 and Stage 4, after diet and phosphorus control are optimized. Alkali therapy is initiated only when bloodwork confirms low bicarbonate (total CO₂). Potassium citrate is typically selected when acidosis coexists with low potassium, while sodium bicarbonate is used when potassium levels are normal. Veterinary potassium citrate options include CitraVet or K‑Cit‑V, with dosing adjusted based on repeat monitoring.

Probiotics

IRIS recognizes the importance of gastrointestinal health and managing uremic toxin burden for quality of life. Probiotics are commonly used as supportive therapy from IRIS Stage 2 through Stage 4, especially in pets with nausea, inappetence, or GI upset. Certain formulations may also support enteric elimination of uremic toxins and help stabilize appetite. We commonly recommend FortiFlora ProSA, Proviable, or Visbiome, selected to fit each patient’s needs and tolerance.

Cancer Support (Adjunctive, Case-Dependent)

For certain types of cancer, specific supplements may be used as adjunctive support alongside conventional diagnostics and treatment. These supplements are not curative and are not appropriate for every cancer type.

I’mmunity

I’mmunity contains lion’s mane mushroom extract, which is being studied for immune-modulating effects. Some cancers appear to respond to immune system support rather than direct cytotoxic therapy. Research is ongoing, and use is case-dependent.

Yunnan Baiyao

Yunnan Baiyao was originally developed for its anti-bleeding properties and has historically been used in Vietnam and other parts of Asia. In veterinary medicine, it is most commonly used to help manage bleeding risk associated with certain tumors, particularly those prone to spontaneous hemorrhage.

Immune Support in Cats with Respiratory Disease

VetriScience Lysine Chews

Research on lysine supplementation in cats with upper respiratory disease is mixed. While definitive benefit has not been proven, lysine is considered safe and does not appear to cause harm. For this reason, it is often recommended as a low-risk option for cats prone to respiratory flare-ups.

Skin & Coat Support

Dermaquin

Dermaquin supports skin barrier function and coat health using a combination of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It is commonly recommended for pets with chronic skin disease or poor coat quality.

Wellactin

Wellactin is another excellent option for skin and coat support and provides a consistent, veterinary-formulated source of omega-3 fatty acids. It can be used alongside or as an alternative to Bayer Free Form Fatty Acids (Snip Tips) and Nordic Naturals, depending on tolerance and dosing needs.

Antihistamines Commonly Tried at Home (Not Supplements)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Cetirizine (Zyrtec) are medications, not supplements, but are commonly tried at home for mild allergy symptoms.

Antihistamines are not well tolerated in cats and often cause excessive drooling. They are generally not recommended for feline patients.

In dogs, allergic skin disease follows a different inflammatory pathway than human allergies, which is why antihistamines are often only modestly effective. Diphenhydramine is effective in approximately 30% of dogs with mild allergies, while cetirizine performs slightly better, with about 50% response in mild cases. These medications are still reasonable to try in dogs with mild, seasonal symptoms.

Diphenhydramine is typically given by mouth every 12 hours at a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight. Cetirizine is given by mouth every 24 hours at a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight. It is imperative that these medications be given in plain formulations only. Combination products, anti-drowsy formulas, or products containing decongestants can be toxic to dogs and should never be used.

Gastrointestinal Disease

Targeted supplements and supportive therapies play an important role in managing gastrointestinal (GI) disease in pets, especially when used alongside appropriate diagnostics and dietary adjustments. Testing helps guide therapy, and treatments are often layered based on the underlying cause, severity of signs, and the pet’s response over time.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 supplementation is recommended after testing confirms deficiency, which is common in pets with chronic intestinal disease, malabsorption syndromes, or certain pancreatic and intestinal disorders. Oral B12 supplementation can work well, particularly in mild cases; however, injectable B12 is typically absorbed more reliably and is often preferred in moderate to severe disease. Our staff can easily teach owners how to administer B12 injections at home, making this an effective and low-stress long-term option for many pets. Levels are often rechecked to ensure an appropriate response.

Folate

Folate levels are evaluated through bloodwork and supplemented only when abnormalities are identified. Low folate may indicate malabsorption, while elevated folate can suggest bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Folate results help guide diagnosis as well as treatment planning, and supplementation is used in a targeted, monitored manner when indicated.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a cornerstone of supportive care for pets with gastrointestinal disease. They are typically recommended during periods of active GI upset and continued for several weeks afterward to help reestablish healthy gut flora. Different probiotic strains have different effects, and some pets respond better to one formulation than another. If a probiotic does not lead to improvement, switching to a different strain is often recommended.

At Bedford Animal Hospital, our preferred probiotic is FortiFlora ProSA, which we carry in-hospital. FortiFlora ProSA is different from over-the-counter FortiFlora products in that it is formulated specifically for GI disease and includes immunomodulatory effects, meaning it helps regulate and calm inappropriate immune responses within the gastrointestinal tract, not just add beneficial bacteria. It is also highly palatable, making it easier to give to pets that are not feeling well.

Other well-researched options include Proviable, one of the best-studied veterinary probiotics with strong evidence for treating diarrhea, and Visbiome, a high-potency, multi-strain probiotic often used in more chronic or severe GI cases. The primary downside of Visbiome is that it must be refrigerated, which can make shipping, storage, and travel less convenient.

Constipation Support (MiraLAX – Cats)

For cats experiencing constipation, MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a gentle and effective option that we commonly recommend. It works by drawing water into the stool, helping to soften feces and promote more regular bowel movements. A typical starting dose is ⅛ teaspoon mixed into food twice daily, adjusted as needed to achieve at least every-other-day stool production in constipated cases. Dosing is individualized based on response, and many cats tolerate long-term use very well.

Endosorb

Endosorb is a non-medicated adsorbent used to help manage acute, simple diarrhea, most commonly in dogs. It is made from purified clays that bind excess fluid, toxins, and intestinal irritants within the gastrointestinal tract, helping to firm stools. Endosorb is available here in the hospital for pick-up at any time. It is less commonly used in cats, as the tablets can be difficult for cats to consume due to their size and taste.

Final Note on GI Supplements

For the first 24 hours of uncomplicated diarrhea, we commonly recommend starting a bland diet, adding FortiFlora ProSA, and using Endosorb to help support stool consistency. You can always come by to pick these things up to start home therapy. If gastrointestinal signs persist beyond 24 hours, or are accompanied by more concerning symptoms such as blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, lethargy, or poor appetite, an appointment is always recommended so we can evaluate for underlying causes and tailor treatment appropriately.

A Final Note on Supplements & Medications

Supplements and over-the-counter medications can be valuable tools when chosen thoughtfully and used correctly, but more is not always better. The right product, at the right dose, from a trusted manufacturer matters far more than the number of products being given. If you are ever unsure what is appropriate for your pet — or whether a supplement is needed at all — we are happy to help guide you based on your pet’s individual needs, medical history, and stage of life.