Pet supplements are having a major moment. Social media is packed with products promising everything from healthier joints to increased energy and longevity.
For pet parents, sorting through those claims can be a challenge. New products appear constantly; each marketed as a must-have. Some are backed by meaningful research; others have gained popularity much faster than the science behind them.
As a veterinary sports medicine and physical rehabilitation specialist, I know how hard it can be to sort out what is real. When clients ask how to know what is best, I tell them to check for research showing that the supplement has been proven to work in dogs or cats. Smart supplementing also means choosing supplements that go beyond what the diet can provide and target your pet’s needs. For example, starting a muscle supplement when your dog is recovering from surgery or losing strength with age, or a joint supplement if your pet has arthritis.
Not all supplements are created equal, and some are far better supported by evidence than others. Here are three that should be lower on your list, and what to reach for instead.
Hold Off on NAD+ — Here’s Why
The idea behind this supplement is sound — NAD+ is critical for cell energy and levels decline with age. But research suggests that only a small amount of NAD+ reaches the tissues, and dog studies are limited. For my mobility patients dealing with arthritis or are slowing down, there is currently no clinical evidence showing oral NAD+ supplementation helps. Research could develop over the next few years, but as of now, I would skip.
The Whole Food Upgrade Your Glucosamine Needs
Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most purchased joint supplements but also the most misunderstood. Research has shown mixed results on the benefit of only glucosamine and chondroitin to improve mobility in dogs with arthritis.
The current thinking is that glucosamine and chondroitin sourced from whole food sources — like eggshell membrane — may be better absorbed. When shopping for a glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplement, look for one that lists eggshell membrane as a source rather than synthetic glucosamine hydrochloride or sulfate alone. Even better, find one with ingredients that have strong clinical evidence like green lipped mussel, Fortetropin, or omega-3 fatty acids. That combination approach is best for joint support.
Mobility Supplements That Deserve a Closer Look
The supplement aisle can feel overwhelming, but a few stand out because they have strong evidence to address problems I see in practice.
Green-Lipped Mussel
Green-lipped mussel (GLM) is a supplement gaining attention as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike traditional fish oil, green-lipped mussel delivers omega-3s with the addition of vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium, making it a more nutrient-rich option than fish oil. It can also be found as a food topper, which can be easier to give compared to an oil capsule or liquid and may be better tolerated for dogs with digestive sensitivities or picky appetites. For active dogs and aging pets, it’s a valuable addition to an overall mobility-support plan.
Muscle-Support Supplements
One category that is trending — and for good reason — is muscle-support.
Muscle loss is common in aging pets, post-surgical patients, and even younger pets recovering from injury or who are inactive. Yet many pet parents do not address muscle decline until it impacts their dog’s ability to walk upstairs, jump on and off the couch, or go on long walks.
One ingredient that has been studied extensively for muscle health is Fortetropin, a bioactive compound derived from raw fertilized egg yolk. More than a dozen clinical studies have evaluated Fortetropin’s role in supporting lean muscle mass and muscle recovery in pets. Veterinary research involving dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery demonstrated improved muscle recovery, while additional studies involving cats showed increases in lean muscle condition without reported adverse effects.
In my own practice, I ask pet parents with senior, post-surgery, and active dogs to start supplementing to support muscle. I recommend MYOS PET products, which contain Fortetropin, because they are the only muscle supplement currently on the market supported by more than a dozen clinical studies.
Muscle support is not just for senior or post-surgery pets. Young and active pets benefit too. Muscles stabilize joints, support lifelong mobility, and reduce injury risk. Waiting until your pet is already weak may be too late — I’ve seen the best results with pet parents who start muscle-support supplements before their dog is struggling.
Like humans, pets experience age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia occurs even in pets that are active, eating well, and at a healthy weight. This is a normal part of aging that begins earlier than expected. In dogs, muscle loss starts at 6 to 8 in large breeds and 7 to 10 in small breeds, in cats, it begins around 11.
Many veterinarians may forget to mention that senior pets are losing muscle, so share the results of the studies on Fortetropin with your veterinarian to start the conversation.
Muscle and Joint Supplements Work Best Alongside Exercise
Even the best supplements cannot replace exercise and a healthy weight.
Many pet parents think exercise begins and ends with a walk, but exercises like sit-to-stands, balance work, doggy squats, figure-eights, and hill walks build muscle. No equipment needed and most can be done at home in just a few minutes a day.
Seasons like summer and winter can make outdoor activity difficult, making indoor exercise a good option. Consistent training also prevents the “weekend warrior” pattern — dogs that rest all week and then overdo it on weekends are prone to injury.
Just like with our own health, exercise, healthy body weight, good nutrition, and good muscle condition are key. Those habits add up and make a meaningful difference in how your pet moves through every stage of life.
