11 Immunity Dog Supplements with Real Boosting Power
Updated on July 22, 2024
For both humans and dogs, common illnesses, especially during fall and winter, can slow us down and keep us from feeling our best. The right dog immunity supplements may be very beneficial. A healthy immune system can help ward off these illnesses or help our pets recover quicker when they do become sick.
In addition to feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet, you might be considering certain supplements to strengthen your pet’s immune system. We take a closer look at immune supplements for dogs to help you navigate the landscape.
Our List: Top Immunity Dog Supplements
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- Great Poop Probiotics for Dogs
- Native Pet The Daily Dog Supplement
- Wonder Paws Immune Support Mushroom Powder for Dogs
- Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites
- ION Gut Support for Pets
- Finn Multivitamin
- Life Extension Soft Chews
- Dinovite Lickochops
- Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews for Dogs
- Natural Dog Company Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs
- Pet Honesty Multivitamin Puppy Vitamins
Best Immunity Dog Supplements: 11 Options to Consider
Many of the best immunity dog supplements promise more than just an immune boost. The products on our list may also provide allergy symptom relief, digestive support, and healthier skin and coat, among other perks:
Great Poop Probiotics for Dogs
Great Poop combines enzymes and fiber with pre- and probiotics for the ultimate chicken-flavored chewable immune system booster. Choose from 120 chews or a 240-count container of American-made digestive treats with a purpose. Dogs think they are getting a tasty treat (and they are), but pet parents will enjoy this high fiber treats for regular poops and a boost to the immune system. We consider Great Poop to be one of the best dog immune booster supplements for the reasons listed below.
Highlights
- All-in-one formula promotes a healthy gut, firm stools, and boosts the immune system
- Contains 2 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) for gut health
- Each chew contains oat flour and flaxseed for fiber and omega-3 support
- Contains inulin which feeds your dog’s gut good bacteria
- Tasty chicken flavor dogs love
Things to Consider
- Dogs must be 12 weeks of age or older to use
- Only chicken flavor available
Native Pet The Daily Dog Supplement
This multifunctional powerhouse supplement from Native Pet is packed with probiotics, DHA gold Omega-3’s, glucosamine and more. What these dog immunity supplements don’t contain is any filler or unnecessary ingredients. The powder format makes it easy to sprinkle over your dog’s daily meals. Boasting 11 benefits to your dog’s good health in one scoop, pet parents will appreciate this no-nonsense multivitamin. If your dog has allergies, Native Pet is an immune supplement to consider.
Highlights
- Contains +2500 mg in each scoop including pumpkin, cranberry, glucosamine, and a probiotic blend for digestive and bowel health
- Designed to support energy utilization, heart health, cognition, seasonal allergies, and more
- Unflavored and allergen-free
- Easy-to-administer powder mixes seamlessly with your dog’s meals
- Helps support healthy gut flora
Things to Consider
- Some pet parents may prefer a chewable supplement vs a powder form
- Monitor your dog as it may take a period of adjustment
Wonder Paws Immune Support Mushroom Powder for Dogs
Wonder Paws uses their renowned Mycowelle K9 Organic Mushroom Mycellium Extract to help support your dog’s cellular health, cognition, and longevity. According to the manufacturer, the nine organic mushrooms contained in each jar are formulated into a tasty powder. Reviewers indicate even the pickiest eaters did not mind the Wonder Paws Mushroom Complex mixed into their food.
Highlights
- Nine organic mushrooms including turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, reishi, chaga, lions mane, cordyceps, oyster and royal sun mushrooms
- Manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
- Powder formula can be sprinkled on your dog’s meals
- Shittake mushrooms are designed to support a healthy immune response
- Made in an FDA- registered, GMP Certified Facility
- Wonder Paws is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)
Things to Consider
- Fussy dogs may not care for a powder mixed in their food
- One mushroom powder scoop for dogs under 25 pounds, two scoops for dogs 26-75 pounds and three scoops for dogs over 75 pounds
Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites
Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites are designed for skin health and immune support for dogs. They may also help dogs with allergies such as seasonal allergies. These easy-to-administer immune supplements for dogs are bite sized. They contain dried yeast fermentate, colostrum, wild Alaskan salmon oil, and a five-strain probiotic blend, among other powerful ingredients. Choose from lamb, salmon or peanut butter flavor.
Highlights
- Easy to serve
- Available in peanut butter, lamb, and salmon flavors
- Features blend of ingredients that promote digestive health and overall immune support
- Carries the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) quality seal
- Made in the USA
- 90 bites per container
Things to Consider
- Dogs will require 1 to 3 chews per day, depending on their weight
- Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight
ION Gut Support for Pets
A strong immune system starts in the gut. Using just three simple ingredients – humic extract from ancient soil, purified water, and silicon, ION (Intelligence of Nature) is touted as all-natural and backed by science. The easy-to-use liquid can be added to your pet’s water or dispensed with a syringe before, during, or after meals. Follow the provided dosage instructions to help support your dog’s immune system and more.
Highlights
- Three simple ingredients, made in the USA
- Simple to dispense liquid
- Designed to support nutrient absorption, support the kidneys, and more
- For use with dogs or cats
- Made to support a healthy microbiome
- Convenient subscription program with savings
Things to Consider
- Best to start with one dosage a day for the first week
- A bit costly, but you get a lot of product for the price
Finn Multivitamin
20% off all orders with code VETSTREET20 at Petfinn.com
Finn’s multivitamin packs a healthy punch of daily benefits for dogs of all ages. Designed to promote overall energy, as well as joint, digestive, and skin and brain health, these soft chews contain the perfect blend of ingredients to keep your furry friend feeling happy and healthy. As an added bonus, the beef liver flavor is sure to be a hit!
Highlights
- Promotes overall vitality, energy, and immunity
- Glucosamine for joint support
- Probiotic blend helps with gut health
- Omega 3s (like DHA and EPA) help maintain skin and brain health
- 100% recycled/recyclable steel packaging
- Can be used during all life stages
- Finn maintains high quality/safety standards for every batch
Things to Consider
- Some customers mentioned an overpowering smell
Life Extension
From a company that has been in business for over 40 years come delicious soft chews that deliver the supplements your dog needs. Life Extension offers skin and coat, hip and joints, multivitamin and probiotics, and stress and behavior options. They are designed for dogs of all breeds and sizes in flavors like beef, salmon, and chicken. Each container is filled with 90 to 120 soft chews so you won’t have to worry about running out. The convenient chewable format means your dog gets a tasty treat packed made in the USA.
Highlights
- Contains no artificial colors or flavors
- Several formulations depending on your dog’s specific needs
- Easy-to-administer chewable immune boosters for dogs means no struggling to hide pills
- Made in America
- Available on auto-shipment
- Easy, everyday way to support your dog’s health
- Not for dogs under one year of age
Things to Consider
- Dogs over 20 pounds require more than one chew per day
- Each flavor is specific to the formula (i.e., Skin and Coat available in salmon only)
- Must be stored in a dry, cool place
Dinovite Lickochops
Buy on Dinovite and Save 10% with Code DV10
Dinovite provides a whole host of supplement options for dogs and cats to promote many different aspects of their health. Their Lickochops product specifically helps promote a strong immune system, digestive health, and skin and coat health through a formula that’s packed with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, microbial cultures, and vitamin E. Simply mix 1-2 teaspoons into every cup of your pet’s food. Some pet parents also pair this product with Dinovite’s supplement powder for extra oomph. Lickochops Amazon is a great place to purchase or directly from Dinovite using the discount code above.
Highlights
- Designed as a liquid meal topper to boost meals
- Contains omega-3 from fish oil and omega-6 from chicken fat
- Ingredient blend helps support immune, skin and coat, and digestive health. Other benefits may include less itching and shedding and shinier fur
- A price point of approximately $32 for a 3-pack makes this a good value option for pet parents
Things to Consider
- If your dog is finicky, they may not enjoy a liquid meal topper
- Shake well before use
- May take a couple of weeks to notice results; the most obvious benefits may include less itching and shedding and a softer, shinier coat
- Packaging may vary as the brand updates its look but the product is the same
Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews for Dogs
20% off first auto-ship order with code VETSTREET
Open Farm has a long track record of providing sustainably and ethically sourced meal options for dogs that feature all traceable ingredients. Their newer dog immune booster supplements line delivers on that same promise. The Immune supplement chews for dogs are formulated with chaga and reishi mushrooms, bromelain, quercetin, a six-strain probiotic blend, and much more to support overall immune health. These tasty chews are also designed to help with seasonal allergies and promote healthy skin and normal digestive function.
Highlights
- Ethically sourced and traceable ingredients
- Recognizable brand equity with Open Farm
- Ingredient list includes turmeric, apple cider vinegar, reishi mushrooms, and more
- No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
Things to Consider
- A little pricier at $34 for 90 soft chews
- There’s only one formulation available (no flavor options)
- Dogs will require 1 to 3 chews per day, depending on their weight
- Begin with half the recommended amount for the first week, then increase to the recommended daily amount. Dose may be split between morning and night
- Do not use if your dog is on blood thinners or other drugs or has pre-existing health issues (e.g., bleeding disorders, diabetes), unless directed by a vet
Natural Dog Company Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs
Natural Dog Company is devoted to providing natural-based wellness products for pets. Their wild Alaskan salmon oil liquid meal topper can help boost a dog’s immune system while also promoting healthy skin and shiny coat. No fillers, additives, or preservatives—just 100 percent pure, potent salmon oil that’s rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. We considered this a best immune system booster for dogs because it’s easy to administer, veterinarian formulated, and is all about the omegas.
Highlights
- Promotes immune health and skin and coat health
- Vet formulated
- Rich in EPA and DHA
- Certified sustainable and GMO free
- Made in the USA in a USDA and FDA registered facility
- Available in 16- or 32-ounce bottles
- Shelf stable
Things to Consider
- Shake bottle before using
- Use within 90 days of opening for best results
- Recommended serving is 1-3 pumps per day, depending on your dog’s weight. It’s wise to start out slow when introducing fish oil to your dog’s diet
Pet Honesty Multivitamin Puppy Vitamins
Start your puppy off on the right paw with Pet Honesty’s Multivitamin for puppies between 4 months and 12 months of age. These American-made chews are packed with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and omegas for immune system support and more. Simply give one tasty chew for every 10 pounds of your puppy’s body weight daily. This puppy immune system booster looks and smells like a treat with a tasty hickory bacon flavor, too.
Highlights
- PetHonesty touts these puppy vitamins as ‘made with an exclusive natural pure vitality blend’
- Contains fish oil, probiotics, and vitamins for added digestive and immune benefits
- Just 7.1 kcal/per chew
- Tasty hickory bacon flavor most puppies love
- Generous 90-count supply in every jar
- Crafted by a nutritionist and veterinarian approved
- Contains no artificial filler
- Pet Honesty is an NASC member company
Things to Consider
- Larger puppies may require several chews per day
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
- Once puppies are a year old, PetHonesty has a multivitamin for adult dogs
How Immunity Dog Supplements Work
Dog immune supplements can play a vital role in helping boost your dog’s overall immunity. This can provide a natural way to fight infection and potentially lower your pet’s risk of chronic diseases as they age. Immunity dog supplements are meant to be given in conjunction with a complete and balanced diet.
Common ingredients in immune supplements for dogs include fish oil, flaxseed oil, and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation. Turmeric, another popular ingredient, also provides anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce recovery times from some illnesses. Additionally, ingredients like colostrum and probiotic blends can aid in promoting digestive health.
Before introducing any new supplement into your pet’s diet, talk with your veterinarian. Generally, however, you can consider giving your dog an immunity supplement if they have a weaker immune system or suffer from pesky allergy symptoms. Dogs who eat a homemade diet may also be good candidates for an immune supplement, as they may not be getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need to support their immune health through diet alone.
If your dog seems to have any itchiness, watery eyes, sneezing, or runny nose, it may be seasonal allergies or year-round issues. Consider talking to your veterinarian about allergy supplements.
How to Boost Your Dog’s Immune System
It helps to understand what the canine immune system is in order to help boost it. Your dog’s immune system, by definition (1), is “a network of white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances that fight off infections and reject foreign protein.”
The immune system also include your dog’s thymus gland, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. Amazingly, your dog’s gastrointestinal tract contains at least 70 percent of their immune system (2).
A multifactorial approach is ideal to support your dog’s immune system throughout their life. This includes feeding dogs the right food, providing regular exercise, mental stimulation, veterinary care, and stress management.
As you can see from our list, immunity supplements for dogs span the gamut – from omega-3 fatty acids to probiotics, herbal supplements to chewable forms and flavor boosters added to food. There is no one size fits all, which is why we’ve included a variety of selections in a variety of formats.
Lifestyle and genetics have a lot to do with your dog’s immune system. Keeping dogs at a healthy weight promotes overall well-being. Unfortunately, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (3) report at least 60 percent of dogs are considered to be obese or overweight.
Dogs who are exposed to continual stress or anxiety may show effects in the immune system (4). Think about when you feel stress or get nervous. People can express that their stomach hurts or that they are having difficulty breathing, for example. The same holds true for dogs. The old saying about ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is accurate when it comes to stress management and a healthy immune system.
Immunity Dog Supplement Buyer’s Guide
First and foremost, when it comes to the best dog immune support, pet parents should look for supplements that are specifically formulated for pets. Human immune supplements may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs and cats.
Immune boosting supplements for dogs can be found in a variety of forms, such as chews, liquids, powders, or capsules. Depending on the type, immunity supplements may be given during regular meal times or after eating. Many manufacturers recommend starting slow with a lower dose and then slowly increasing to the daily recommended amount after your dog has had time to adjust. This can help avoid gastrointestinal upset. Follow the recommended dosing instructions on the label or ask your veterinarian if you are unsure.
Additionally, pet parents should be aware that the market for dog immune system supplements, like the market for human supplements, is wide ranging. Before making a purchase, do some research on the brand to see if their products are tested by a third-party lab. You can also look for special certifications on the label, such as the National Animal Supplement Quality Seal (NASC), to ensure the brand is committed to quality standards and transparency.
Again, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on any new supplement, especially if they have a pre-existing health condition, such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or gastrointestinal ulcers. In addition, dog immune supplements may not be necessary for dogs who already receive proper nutrition through their diet.
Most dog immune supplements are designed to provide long-term benefits, not to address an immediate issue or provide a quick overnight fix. While they can help provide immune system support for dogs, they should not be perceived as a cure-all that will ward off any and all illnesses. The reality is that dogs can and will get sick from time to time, just like we do, regardless of the supplements we use.
Resources
(1) https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/immune-disorders-of-dogs/the-immune-system-of-dogs
(4) https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=7054740&pid=12886
