Supplements for working dogs: what does the research actually say?

We are continually bombarded with social media, advertising and publicity about food, supplements and products for our four-legged family members. How do we tell which supplements for working dogs are legitimate, and which simply make expensive urine?

I will be honest about my own starting position: I have been skeptical of oral supplements, largely because of how acidic a dog’s stomach is. What follows is some of the research that moved me.

Detection dogs

One controlled trial followed fourteen German Shepherd drug detection dogs, two to three years old. Seven were fed a basal diet alone. Seven were fed the same diet plus a daily supplement, amino acids, carnitine, vitamins and octacosanol, for three months.

The supplemented dogs showed lower post-recovery heart rates, better heart rate decay, and reduced markers of muscle damage, including creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase. The authors concluded that supplementation improved physical fitness in these dogs by acting on heart rate recovery, energy metabolism and biomarkers of muscle damage.

Fish oil

A separate fish oil trial in dogs conditioned on treadmills found lower heart rates both before and after exercise, lower post-exercise rectal temperatures, and greater thigh circumference in the supplemented group.

Sled dogs

A krill meal study in Iditarod sled dogs found that supplemented teams had higher omega-3 indices and reduced post-race inflammation. It is a smaller body of evidence, and more work is needed before anyone should treat it as settled.

Where that leaves me

I am not completely converted. But the research does show beneficial effects that may aid performance and recovery in dogs who are genuinely working, and that is a more interesting answer than either of the ones usually on offer.

Anything you are considering adding is worth discussing with your own veterinarian first, particularly alongside existing medication.

Choosing supplements for working dogs

If you are thinking about trying something, a few habits help separate the useful from the expensive:

• Look for the research behind the product, not just the ingredient. A dose that worked in a trial is only useful if the product actually contains it.
• Choose brands that test independently and can tell you what is in each batch.
• Change one thing at a time, and give it several weeks before deciding whether it helps. Otherwise you will never know which change made the difference.
• Keep simple notes on recovery, stiffness and how your dog works, so you are judging by more than a feeling.
• Talk to your veterinarian first, especially if your dog is on medication or has a health condition. Some supplements interact with medicines, and some are not suitable for dogs with certain conditions.

Supplements are the smaller part of the picture. Conditioning, warm-ups, rest days and good body condition do more for a working dog than any powder. Our rehabilitation exercise programs are built around exactly that.

Related reading: Which dogs benefit from chiropractic care? · Post-operative knee surgery, what do you need to know?

Questions Pet Parents ask

Do working dogs need supplements?

Not always. A complete diet suits most dogs. The research suggests some supplements may help dogs doing genuinely demanding work, but they are an addition, not a requirement.

Is fish oil good for working dogs?

It is one of the better researched options. Studies in conditioned dogs have shown some benefits for heart rate and recovery, but the right dose depends on your dog, so ask your veterinarian.

How long before a supplement makes a difference?

Most studies ran for weeks to months. If you try something, give it at least several weeks and keep notes before deciding.