11 Natural Products That Can Help Your Dog Live Longer

Integrative veterinarian Dr. Lindsey Wendt’s recs for products that can help your pet sail into their golden years in good health.

by Sio Hornbuckle

September 11, 2024

The ideal length of a dog’s life is, obviously, literally forever. But adorable puppies grow into beautiful seniors, and at some point, every pet parent finds themself wondering just how they can ensure their pet sticks around as long as possible. As much as we may not want to think about our pets’ mortality, it’s important to consider the ways that we can help give them more — and happier — senior years.

“My own dog is 13 and a half, so this is something that’s very near and dear to me, because I’m always doing everything I can to keep her alive as long as I can,” integrative veterinarian Dr. Lindsey Wendt says.

Dr. Wendt has dedicated her career to providing well-rounded, customized veterinary care beyond mainstream treatments. Over her years of experience, she’s found some life-extending and life-improving supplements and methods that she stands by.

Dr. Wendt adds the caveat that, while some ingredients have proven benefits, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to keeping a dog in their best health — and no one product can carry all the weight. “It’s really a combination of things,” she says. “Every pet is going to have a different set of genetics and a different environment — their lifestyle, their diet, the supplements we’re choosing… all of that affects their longevity and their wellness.”

Below are some of the ingredients, strategies, and products that Dr. Wendt recommends using throughout your dog’s life so they stay in good health for as long as they can.

Antioxidants

Dr. Wendt recommends providing your dog with a supplement that contains antioxidants. Every day, our bodies produce free radicals, Dr. Wendt explains. “Free radicals can damage our DNA and our organs. The only way to combat that is to have antioxidants. Free radicals oxidize and cause those changes, and antioxidants will combat that.” She adds that antioxidants are especially important for senior pups.

Many people know that antioxidants can help with cancer reduction, but Dr. Wendt additionally stresses antioxidants’ role in combating cognitive dysfunction. For 12 years, Dr. Wendt has helped with end-of-life care for pets. “The amount of times I’ve seen people whose dog’s body is healthy, but their brain is not there anymore — you know, they’re stressed, they’re anxious, they’re not able to get around. It’s hard on the whole family,” she says. “I think for a lot of those people, if they were able to have access to things like this earlier on, they can slow or even stop some of those changes.”

VetriScience Golden Years Clear and Bright Supplement

$27

$23

“This supplement is specifically marketed for seniors and eye health,” Dr. Wendt says. The chew contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that Dr. Wendt highly recommends. Astaxanthin has been proven to have a variety of effects, including immune system support, heart function improvement, and even dental disease prevention.

$23 at Amazon

RestoraPet AM Formula

$39

$35

This all-natural, organic supplement by RestoraPet is designed to be given in liquid form. “Their AM formula is packed with antioxidants,” Dr. Wendt says. It combines 12 different antioxidants to support cellular health, joint health, organ function, and more.

Sustainable

$35 at Amazon

Omega-3 fatty acids

Veterinarians have long raved about the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, and Dr. Wendt is no exception. Omega-3s support heart, brain, joint, and skin health — and they can even slow the development of certain cancers.

Not all fish oils are created equal, Dr. Wendt advises. “I actually discourage people from using salmon oil unless it is wild caught,” she says. “The salmon oils that you’ll see in some commercial supplements are farm salmon, and they’re not necessarily testing them for heavy metals or any sort of toxins.” Instead, she recommends sourcing fish oil from sardines, anchovies, mackerel, herring, and menhaden.

Another thing to look out for is how the oil is purified. “There needs to be proper steps taken so that it doesn’t oxidize by the time we’re giving it to our pets, because then we’re giving them an inflammatory product when we think we’re reducing inflammation.”

Fera Pets Algae Oil Omega-3, 6, 9

$33

Dr. Wendt highly recommends algal oil because it’s a more sustainable option. “I love Fera Pet Organics. They are so careful with everything that they do,” Dr. Wendt says. “The parts of omegas that make them really effective is EPA and DHA, and you want to have those in as high of an amount as possible. Most algal oils are really high in DHA and not EPA, but Fera Pets was able to source one that is better matched.”

$33 at Fera Pets

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid Supplement

$15

“Nordic Naturals is the gold standard,” Dr. Wendt says. “I mean, the amount of science that they put in. Even the way they run their facility — they run energetically off of the waste from the fish oil. It’s the best. Human-wise, if you talk to most physicians who are really knowledgeable about supplements, Nordic Naturals is what they recommend. Nordic offers Omega-3 pet, which has a capsule and a liquid version.”

$15 at Chewy

Joint support

Joint support is a topic that Dr. Wendt holds close to her heart. “ My dog’s a tripod, and that’s why I’m a physical therapist and acupuncturist,” she says.

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are commonly known properties that promote good joint health, Dr. Wendt says, but they don’t stand alone. “They shouldn’t be relied on to provide all the joint health benefits we need,” Dr. Wendt explains. “While they do help with reducing inflammation and pain, their primary role is supporting cartilage repair and maintaining joint structure. To really boost the anti-inflammatory effects at the joint level, I typically recommend supplementing with green-lipped mussel as well.”

When it comes to giving dogs joint supplements, Dr. Wendt suggests starting at early stages of the disease. This allows for better results than trying to treat joint pain after it has already progressed to severe stages.

Super Snouts Joint Power

$28

$24

“Super Snouts Joint Power stands out by offering a pure, cold-processed green-lipped mussel supplement without fillers or additives, ensuring maximum potency and bioavailability for superior joint support in dogs,” Dr. Wendt says. “Many other products on the market are extracted oils, which have less bioactive compounds.” The supplement comes in both powder and chew form.

Women Owned

$24 at Amazon

Adaptogens

Stress can lead to all kinds of adverse health effects, which is where adaptogens come in. “Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance, promoting overall well-being,” Dr. Wendt says. “In dogs, adaptogens can support the immune system, reduce anxiety, and improve energy levels, making them particularly useful for managing stress, aging, or chronic health conditions.”

Dr. Wendt recommends looking out for ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, eleuthero astragalus, rhodiola, schisandra, holy basil, and ginseng — with the caveat that holy basil and ginseng can be more difficult to find in pet products.

Pet Wellbeing Calming Care

$37

Pet Wellbeing Calming Care eases agitation without causing drowsiness. “Pet Wellbeing is a really cool company. I’m obsessed with them. I use their products all the time,” Dr. Wendt says. As a bonus, this liquid supplement comes in a yummy vegetarian bacon flavor.

Gives Back

$37 at Amazon

Functional mushrooms

It’s hard to overstate the healing power of mushrooms. They’ve been found to improve the outcomes of dogs with cancer, keep illness at bay, and improve cognitive function — and those are just some of their many benefits.

“I’m obsessed with these, personally and professionally. If I had one supplement to take to a desert island, it would 100 percent be a high quality mushroom blend,” Dr. Wendt says. “Functional mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, beta-glucans, and other bioactive compounds that help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases, supporting overall health and longevity in dogs.”

Super Snouts Super Shrooms

$45

This supplement contains seven powerful mushrooms: chaga, Cordyceps militaris, lion’s mane, maitake, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail. “What sets this product apart from others on the market is its use of both the mycelium and the fruiting body, providing a full spectrum of nutrients and enhancing the blend's overall efficacy and balance,” Dr. Wendt says. “The organic certification is crucial because mushrooms are bioaccumulators, meaning they absorb and concentrate pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants from their environment. By choosing organic, we ensure that dogs are not exposed to these harmful substances.”

Women Owned

$45 at Amazon

NAD+ booster

“As we age, our natural NAD levels drop off,” Dr. Wendt explains. She adds that to slow the effects of aging, dogs can be given NAD boosters to supplement their levels once they start to dip.

She continues: “NAD boosters are beneficial for dogs because they support cellular energy production and repair, which can help combat the effects of aging and improve overall vitality. By enhancing NAD levels, these supplements may also promote better cognitive function, healthy metabolism, and improved resilience to age-related diseases.”

Leap Years

$70

“Leap Years is by far the stand-out NAD product, because they have a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial at a university,” Dr. Wendt says. “I’ve been privileged enough to know some of the dogs that were in the clinical trial and actually be able to see their responses — older dogs that were wandering around the backyard, confused, having trouble getting around, literally within a month were galloping across the backyard, responding to their name, and sleeping through the night.”

$70 at Leap Years

Dental care

Protecting a dog’s teeth is a vital component of keeping them healthy into their old age. “Periodontal disease is the most common disease in adult dogs, and it only gets worse as they get older,” Dr. Wendt says. “It can lead to not only pain and discomfort in their mouth, but liver and kidney and heart issues down the line — and beyond that, inflammation in general, which will spread through their body.”

HICC Dental Wipes

$17

“I never make anyone feel bad about not brushing their dog’s teeth. It’s hard to do it daily, and that’s what they need,” Dr. Wendt says. “This company makes these really natural dental wipes. They’re finger wipes, and you just run them over their teeth. They work really well to break up the material — not the calcified tartar, but the plaque that turns into tartar. I love it because it’s positive reinforcement for me, because when I use it and see the stuff coming off, I’m like, I have to do this again tomorrow.”

$17 at HICC Pets

Nutrients

A balanced diet is necessary for any dog to live their healthiest life. When it comes to nutrition, Dr. Wendt is an advocate for Chinese food therapy. “Many of our dogs live in a state of inflammation due to conditions like allergies, cancer, or anxiety,” Dr. Wendt says. “By carefully selecting foods that not only nourish the body but also address these imbalances, we can significantly impact resolving these issues and improving their overall wellbeing.”

Side by Side Chicken Munchies

$15

“This company is doing a phenomenal job of educating people on how to choose food, and they’re making it really simple,” Dr. Wendt says. “They have warming foods, neutral foods, and cooling foods, and they’ll explain why one is more important than the other for your dog. Even if you don’t know much about Chinese food therapy, Side by Side could be the right choice for your pet.”

She adds that their products are made with with whole food ingredients, which supports their nutritional and energetic health. They target issues like inflammation, allergies, and anxiety.

Side by Side sells stews, patties, and treats. These chicken treats have no additives or artificial flavors. They include pumpkin puree, a warming ingredient that promotes healthy digestion.

$15 at Side by Side

Liver detoxifier

Dr. Wendt is an advocate for intermittent liver detoxification, which can help a dog’s liver eliminate toxins and waste products.

“By periodically supporting the liver and digestive system in their natural detoxification processes, you reduce the burden on these organs, allowing them to function more efficiently and prevent the buildup of harmful substances,” Dr. Wendt says. “This practice can improve energy levels, support immune function, and promote long-term health and vitality by reducing the risk of developing conditions related to toxin overload, such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.”

Adored Beast Liver Tonic

$30

“I use this for my patients with liver issues, intestinal disease, cancer, and any chronic inflammatory condition,” Dr. Wendt says. Adored Beast gives all natural, herbal support for both dogs and cats.

$30 at Adored Beast

Maintaining a healthy weight

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can add years to their life; obesity in pets can lead to health issues like diabetes and heart disease. “Maintaining a healthy weight for your pet reduces the chronic disease over time, it’s less wear and tear on their joints, and they’re in less of an inflammatory state,” Dr. Wendt says. “Some people are like, ‘But I like them chunky; it’s so cute.’ Yes, it is. But also, if you want them to live longer, you need to prioritize them being a healthy weight.”

Exercise

It almost goes without saying, but exercise is vital for pets. “Exercise is huge not just for physical health, but for cognitive health, too,” Dr. Wendt says. “Exercise helps keep a dog’s brain active, enhancing their problem-solving skills, memory, and overall mental sharpness.”

Not to mention, exercise has massive physical health benefits. “Physical activity also supports cardiovascular health, improves joint function, and reduces stress, contributing to a longer, happier life,” Dr. Wendt says.

Keeping your pup active by taking them on walks and providing plenty of playtime is a free way that all pet parents can help their pup live well into their golden years.