Supplements are common in dogs, Dog Aging Project data suggest

Supplement use appears to be routine for many dogs in the Dog Aging Project cohort, according to a newly published analysis in the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Reviewing enrollment survey data from 40,367 dogs collected from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022, researchers found that 52% of dogs were reported to receive at least one supplement. Among dogs getting supplements, the most common products were omega-3 fatty acids and joint supplements, each used in more than half of supplement-taking dogs. The work builds on earlier Dog Aging Project research showing joint supplements alone were already common, with 40% of nearly 27,000 adult dogs reported to receive them in a 2022 analysis. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the takeaway is less about a single product category and more about how widespread supplement use has become in routine canine care. The AJVR authors said veterinary teams should consider spending more time discussing supplement use and efficacy with pet parents, especially for senior dogs. Because Dog Aging Project data are based on pet parent survey responses at enrollment, the study is best read as a picture of real-world behavior and demand, not proof that commonly used supplements are effective for the conditions they’re meant to address. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: Expect follow-up work to dig further into which supplements are being used for which conditions, and whether longitudinal Dog Aging Project data can clarify how supplement use tracks with outcomes over time. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)