Best Dog Supplements | Frequently Asked Questions
If you are the owner of a German Shepherd, you know that they require a lot of care and attention.
Not only do they need plenty of exercise, but they also need the right diet and supplements.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best supplements for German Shepherds, and dogs in general.
We will also cover some of the risks associated with not giving your dog the proper supplements, and who should be taking them.
Please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.
Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for dogs. Please check with your veterinarian before starting any pet supplement program.
Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click on one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.
If you want more helpful info on supplements – including risks and general FDA guidelines – please see our “Supplements and Vitamins – Ultimate Beginner’s Guide”.
Best Supplements for German Shepherd and Other Dogs
- Best Overall – Zesty Paws
- Best Liquid – Nordic Naturals
- Best Price – Life Extension
- Best for Dog Joints – Nutramax
1 – Best Overall – Zesty Paws
- Price = $26.97
- # of Servings = 45-90
- Price per Serving = $0.30 – $0.60
- Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (246 reviews)
- Serving Size = 1-2 soft chews
- Taste / Absorbability = Peanut butter flavor, contains probiotics, digestive enzymes and will support digestive function
- Labeled Effect = Support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes
- Food Allergens = None, very safe
- Pros = #1 top rated Amazon supplement for Dog Multivitamins
- Cons =
About “Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs”:
Multifunctional Supplements for Dogs offers an 8-in-1 Formula that supports physical performance, hip and joint pain relief, heart, immune, skin, liver and gut health in dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes.
This supplement is Amazon’s #1 top rated product for the category “Dog Multivitamins”.
Each chew contains:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Probiotics for gut & immune health
- Omega fish oil with antioxidants and vitamins for skin and heart health
With a low cost per serving, this is the top joint health dog supplement we recommend.
About “Zesty Paws”:
Begun in 2014 in Florida. Emphasizes dog supplements. According to ReviewMeta, Zesty Paws receives a 4.3/5 average adjusted rating from 6,981 verified reviews.
- Start = 2014
- Revenue = $18 million
- Employees = 97
- Mission = to enable and inspire a zest for life in pets and parents
- Third Party Certifications = GMP
- Third Party Reviews = 4.3/5 average adjusted rating from 6,981 verified reviews
2 – Best Liquid – Nordic Naturals
- Price = $35.66
- # of Servings = 30 – 190
- Price per Serving = $0.18 – $1.15
- Product Reviews = 5/5 (67 reviews)
- Serving Size = Depends on weight of dog (see label)
- Taste / Absorbability = fish, bioavailable
- Labeled Effect = Help support healthy skin‚ coat‚ joints‚ heart‚ and the development and maintenance of the brain and eyes
- Food Allergens = Only contains anchovies and sardines so very safe
- Pros = Competitive pricing, sustainably sourced, high quality ingredients
- Cons = Contains no other vitamins, minerals or herbs
About “Omega-3 Pet”:
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Oil provides your dog with the essential omega-3 fatty acids to help support healthy skin, coat health, joints, heart, brain and eyes.
The pure oil is derived from wild anchovies and sardines that are sustainably harvested off the coast of South America.
As a liquid supplement, you can easily add this to dog food to enhance taste and nutrient value.
With a competitive price, if you are looking to supplement your dog’s existing diet with additional nutrients with a quick dash of oil, this is a great supplement to try.
About “Nordic Naturals”:
Founded in 1995 in California, with an emphasis on sustainable fishing and high quality natural ingredients. According to ReviewMeta.com, Nordic Naturals receives a 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 12,469 verified reviews.
- Start = 1995
- Revenue = $61 million
- Employees = 327
- Mission = delivering the world’s safest, most effective nutrients essential to health
- Third Party Certifications = Friend of the Sea Certified, 50 published studies, Certificate of Analysis available from third-party labs
- Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 12,469 verified reviews
3 – Best Price – Life Extension
- Price = $12.75
- # of Servings = 60
- Price per Serving = $0.21
- Product Reviews = 4.6/5 (73 reviews)
- Serving Size = 1 scoop (approx 1.620 ml)
- Taste / Absorbability = Easy absorbability
- Labeled Effect = Promote and maintain your dog’s optimal health
- Food Allergens = Very safe
- Pros = High quality ingredients for a variety of dogs’ physical needs, reputable company, competitive price
- Cons = some dogs may be hesitant to eat
About “Dog Mix”:
Dog Mix is a nutritional supplement that targets your dog’s many nutritional needs.
It contains probiotics, antioxidants and amino acids to help maintain healthy intestinal, metabolic and immune functions. It also provides carnitine for healthy energy levels and body composition.
The formula contains key ingredients like L-carnitine, probiotics and antioxidants to support the health of the immune system, metabolism and digestive tract.
With a competitive price and many ingredients, you won’t need to buy another separate probiotic dog supplement.
About “Life Extension”:
Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 verified reviews.
- Start = 1980
- Revenue = $168 million
- Employees = 500
- Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
- Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
- Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 reviews
4 – Best for Dog Joints – Nutramax
- Price = $23.99
- # of Servings = 60
- Price per Serving = $0.39
- Product Reviews = 5/5 (9 reviews)
- Serving Size = 1 Chewable Tablet
- Taste / Absorbability =
- Labeled Effect = Support, nourish and maintain the health of your pet’s joints and cartilage
- Food Allergens = Very safe
- Pros = Specifically designed for joint support
- Cons = doesn’t contain many other nutrients, no probiotics
About “Cosequin”:
Cosequin is a hip and joint supplement that helps maintain the health of your pet’s joints and cartilage.
Cosequin supports joint structure and function while nourishing cartilage.
It can be used to help pets with arthritis or dogs recovering from surgery or injury.
Dogs of all sizes can benefit from Cosequin.
If your dog is struggling to jump or climb stairs, you may want to try Cosequin as it’s one of the best joint supplements out there.
About “Nutramax”:
Founded in 1992 and located in South Carolina, Nutramax emphasizes devotion and purpose. According to ReviewMeta.com, Nutramax receives a 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 8,646 verified reviews.
- Start = 1992
- Revenue = $110 million
- Employees = 800
- Mission = research, develop, manufacture, and market products that improve the quality of life for people and their pets
- Third Party Certifications = cGMP, SOP
- Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 average adjusted rating from 8,646 verified reviews
What factors do we use to rank supplements?
1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?
- At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration.
2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?
- We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.
3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission?
- We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.
4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?
5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?
6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?
7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?
8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?
When should dogs take their supplements?
The best time to give your dog a supplement is with their meal. This allows them to best absorb the nutrients in the supplement. You should also give them the recommended dosage on the bottle. If you have any questions, you can always speak to your veterinarian.
Which dogs may not benefit from supplements?
Dogs that are already eating a balanced diet may not need supplements. You should always speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements, as they can have side effects. Dogs with kidney or liver disease, pregnant or nursing dogs, and young puppies should not take supplements without you talking to a vet first.
Please remember cats are different than dogs! While many supplements are for pets in general, read here if you are looking for cat supplements as these can be different than what’s best for dogs.
Finally, many ailments that impact humans also impact animals. However, do not give your joint supplements to your pets, even if you both are feeling stiff!
Risks
Giving your German shepherd the best supplements can help it stay healthy and active. However, you need to be aware of the risks involved in giving supplements to your dog.
Dogs with kidney or liver disease, pregnant or nursing dogs, and young puppies should not take supplements without you talking to a vet first.
Dogs can also have adverse reactions to supplements, just like humans.
The most common side effects are diarrhea and vomiting. If your dog has any adverse reaction to a supplement, you should stop giving it to them and speak to your veterinarian.
How soon after taking supplements will my dog feel better?
This depends on the supplement and the reason your dog is taking it. Some supplements take longer to work than others.
For example, if your dog is taking a joint supplement for arthritis, it may take several weeks for them to see any improvement.
If your dog is taking a vitamin C supplement for immunity, they may see an improvement within a few days. Always speak to your veterinarian about how long you should expect to see results.
What if my dog won’t eat the supplements?
There are a few things you can do if your dog won’t eat the supplement. You can try mixing it with their food, hiding it in a treat, or crushing it up and adding it to their water. If you have tried all of these things, don’t stress first of all, just hang tight and be patient.
If your dog still won’t take the supplement the next day, you should speak to your veterinarian.
What’s good for German Shepherd hips?
Dogs are susceptible to hip dysplasia, which is a condition that can be painful and lead to arthritis. German shepherds are especially prone to this condition. There are a few things you can do to help prevent hip dysplasia in your dog.
You can give them supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. You can also feed them a diet that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. This includes fish oils, flaxseed oil, and evening primrose oil.
You should also make sure they get plenty of exercise, but avoid high-impact activities like jumping. If your dog is already showing signs of hip dysplasia, you should speak to your veterinarian about treatment options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, giving your German shepherd the best supplements can help them stay healthy and active.
However, you need to be aware of the risks involved in giving supplements to your dog.
Always speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement, as they can have side effects and can interact with other medications
