Reference database

Every dog supplement rated by research quality.

30 supplements graded on the strength of published canine evidence. No marketing claims. No affiliate bias. Just what the science actually supports.

Strong Evidence Multiple well-designed canine studies
Moderate Evidence Supportive canine data with limitations
Limited Evidence Primarily from other species
Insufficient Evidence No meaningful canine data yet

30 supplements

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) Strong Evidence

Anti-inflammatory, skin/coat, joint support

40-75 mg EPA+DHA / 10 lbs

Bauer 2011, JAVMA: reduced inflammatory markers in dogs with osteoarthritis

Glucosamine + Chondroitin Strong Evidence

Joint cartilage support, osteoarthritis

20-25 mg glucosamine / 10 lbs

McCarthy et al. 2007: significant improvement in pain and weight-bearing scores

Probiotics Strong Evidence

Gut health, immune modulation, diarrhea prevention

1-5 billion CFU / 10 lbs

Schmitz & Suchodolski 2016: modulated gut microbiome composition in healthy dogs

SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) Strong Evidence

Liver support, cognitive function

18-20 mg / 10 lbs

Center et al. 2004: improved liver function markers in dogs with hepatopathy

Milk Thistle (Silymarin) Strong Evidence

Liver protection, antioxidant

5-10 mg silymarin / 10 lbs

Avizeh et al. 2010: hepatoprotective effect in experimentally induced liver injury in dogs

Green-Lipped Mussel Moderate Evidence

Joint support, anti-inflammatory (omega-3 + GAGs)

15-25 mg powder / 10 lbs

Rialland et al. 2013: reduced clinical signs of osteoarthritis in a blinded trial

CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) Moderate Evidence

Cellular energy, cardiac support, antioxidant

1-2 mg / 10 lbs

Harker-Murray et al. 2000: improved cardiac function markers in dogs with heart disease

Turmeric / Curcumin Moderate Evidence

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

5-10 mg curcumin / 10 lbs

Colitti et al. 2012: reduced inflammatory cytokines in canine cell cultures; bioavailability remains a limitation

CBD (Cannabidiol) Moderate Evidence

Pain management, seizure reduction, anxiety

1-2 mg / 10 lbs

Gamble et al. 2018: reduced pain and increased activity in dogs with osteoarthritis at 2 mg/kg BID

Melatonin Moderate Evidence

Sleep regulation, anxiety, alopecia support

0.1-0.3 mg / 10 lbs

Arendt 2005 (human/veterinary extrapolation): regulates circadian rhythm; veterinary use supported by clinical consensus

L-Theanine Moderate Evidence

Calming, anxiety reduction

2-4 mg / 10 lbs

Dramard et al. 2007: alpha-casozepine + L-theanine combination reduced anxiety behaviors in dogs

Vitamin E Moderate Evidence

Antioxidant, skin/coat health, immune support

1-2 IU / 10 lbs

Hennet et al. 2007: improved oxidative stress markers in dogs fed vitamin E-enriched diets

Digestive Enzymes Moderate Evidence

Nutrient absorption, pancreatic support

Per product / 10 lbs

Wiberg et al. 1998: pancreatic enzyme supplementation improved nutrient absorption in dogs with EPI

NMN / NAD+ Limited Evidence

Cellular energy, anti-aging, DNA repair

3-8 mg / 10 lbs

Mills et al. 2016 (mouse): restored vascular function; canine-specific studies are in early stages

Resveratrol Limited Evidence

Antioxidant, sirtuin activation

2-5 mg / 10 lbs

Baur et al. 2006 (mouse): improved metabolic markers; no completed canine RCTs

Fisetin Limited Evidence

Senolytic, anti-inflammatory

2-5 mg / 10 lbs

Yousefzadeh et al. 2018 (mouse): reduced senescent cell burden; canine studies pending

Quercetin Limited Evidence

Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory

5-10 mg / 10 lbs

Karuppagounder et al. 2016: neuroprotective effects in vitro; veterinary application extrapolated from rodent data

Berberine Limited Evidence

Blood sugar regulation, gut health

5-10 mg / 10 lbs

Zhang et al. 2012 (human/rodent): improved glucose metabolism; no published canine RCTs

Astaxanthin Limited Evidence

Antioxidant, eye health, skin support

0.1-0.5 mg / 10 lbs

Park et al. 2013: reduced oxidative stress markers in dogs given astaxanthin-enriched diet

Collagen Peptides Limited Evidence

Joint, skin, gut lining support

10-20 mg / 10 lbs

Bello & Oesser 2006 (human): improved joint symptoms; canine-specific data limited to open-label observations

Spirulina Limited Evidence

Immune support, antioxidant, nutritional density

5-15 mg / 10 lbs

Satyaraj et al. 2020: spirulina supplementation showed immune-modulating effects in dogs

Turkey Tail Mushroom Limited Evidence

Immune modulation, cancer adjunct support

10-25 mg / 10 lbs

Brown & Reetz 2012: extended survival in dogs with hemangiosarcoma in a small pilot trial

Boswellia Limited Evidence

Anti-inflammatory, joint support

5-10 mg extract / 10 lbs

Reichling et al. 2004: combination with curcumin reduced osteoarthritis signs in dogs

Urolithin A Insufficient Evidence

Mitophagy, mitochondrial health

Not established / 10 lbs

Ryu et al. 2016 (C. elegans): extended lifespan via mitophagy; no canine data published

Spermidine Insufficient Evidence

Autophagy activation, cellular renewal

Not established / 10 lbs

Eisenberg et al. 2009 (yeast/mouse): induced autophagy and extended lifespan; no canine studies

Rapamycin (Dog-Specific) Insufficient Evidence

mTOR inhibition, anti-aging

Not established / 10 lbs

Dog Aging Project TRIAD trial: 580-dog RCT underway; preliminary results pending

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Insufficient Evidence

Antioxidant, nerve support

Not established / 10 lbs

Hill et al. 2004: ALA is potentially toxic to cats; canine safety profile requires more study at therapeutic doses

DHEA Insufficient Evidence

Adrenal support, hormonal balance

Not established / 10 lbs

Clinical use in Cushing disease (Plumb 2018); insufficient evidence for anti-aging use in healthy dogs

Carnosine Insufficient Evidence

Anti-glycation, antioxidant

Not established / 10 lbs

Boldyrev et al. 2013 (in vitro/rodent): anti-glycation properties; no published canine-specific data

Creatine (Dogs) Insufficient Evidence

Muscle support, energy metabolism

Not established / 10 lbs

Human athletic data extensive; canine studies limited to laboratory models, not companion dog protocols

How we rate evidence

Each supplement is graded based on the strength, quality, and directness of published research in dogs. We prioritize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in companion dogs, followed by large observational studies, then data from laboratory animals or other species.

We do not accept manufacturer-funded studies as sole evidence. When multiple studies conflict, we note the inconsistency and default to the more conservative rating. Evidence levels are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as new data is published.

Dosage ranges are derived from published studies and veterinary pharmacology references. "Per 10 lbs body weight" is a simplified reference point. Always consult your veterinarian for individualized dosing, especially for dogs with health conditions or those taking medications.

Frequently asked questions

How are evidence levels assigned?
Evidence levels are based on the quality, quantity, and directness of published research in dogs. Strong evidence means multiple well-designed canine studies (RCTs or large cohort studies) support the use. Moderate means supportive canine data exists but with limitations (small sample sizes, open-label designs). Limited means evidence comes primarily from other species with minimal canine-specific data. Insufficient means no meaningful canine evidence is available yet.
Does "limited evidence" mean a supplement is useless?
No. Limited evidence means the research in dogs is early-stage or primarily extrapolated from other species. Some supplements with limited evidence in dogs have strong evidence in humans or rodents, and canine-specific trials may be underway. It means caution and veterinary guidance are warranted before use.
How often is this database updated?
We review the evidence database quarterly and update entries as new canine-specific studies are published. The supplement landscape is evolving rapidly, especially in the longevity space, so evidence levels may change as new data emerges.
Are the dosages listed here safe for all dogs?
Dosages listed are general ranges per 10 lbs of body weight based on published research and veterinary guidelines. Individual dogs may require different dosing based on age, health status, medications, and breed. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement, especially for dogs on medications or with pre-existing conditions.
Why are some well-known supplements rated as limited or insufficient?
Popularity does not equal evidence. Many supplements marketed heavily for dogs have never been tested in well-designed canine studies. Our ratings reflect what the published research actually shows, not what marketing claims suggest.
Can I combine multiple supplements?
Some combinations are well-supported (e.g., glucosamine + chondroitin, omega-3 + probiotics). Others may interact with each other or with medications. Check our Interaction Checker and consult your veterinarian before stacking supplements.

This database is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Evidence ratings reflect published research available at the time of last review. Supplement efficacy can vary by individual dog, formulation quality, and health status. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement regimen.