Best Anti-Inflammatory Supplements for Dogs (2026)

Understanding Inflammation in Senior Dogs

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. In the short term, it is a helpful process that promotes healing. But when inflammation becomes chronic, persisting for weeks, months, or years, it can contribute to ongoing discomfort and affect your dog's quality of life.

Chronic inflammation is a common companion to aging in dogs. As joints experience wear over the years, low-grade inflammatory processes can develop around the affected areas. This ongoing inflammation contributes to stiffness, reduced mobility, and the visible discomfort that many senior dog owners observe.

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements aim to support the body's ability to manage this inflammatory response through nutritional means. They are not replacements for veterinary care or prescribed medications, but they can be a useful part of a broader approach to keeping your senior dog comfortable. Let us look at the options that have the most evidence behind them.

Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)

Fish oil is arguably the most well-supported natural anti-inflammatory supplement for dogs. The active compounds in fish oil are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), two omega-3 fatty acids that play important roles in managing the body's inflammatory response.

How It Works

EPA and DHA compete with omega-6 fatty acids (which promote inflammation) for the same enzymes in the body. When your dog has adequate levels of EPA and DHA, these omega-3s can help shift the balance toward a less inflammatory state. This is not a dramatic, drug-like effect but rather a gradual modulation of the body's inflammatory processes.

What the Research Shows

Multiple studies in dogs have demonstrated that omega-3 supplementation can support joint comfort. A well-known study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs with joint issues who received diets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids showed improved weight-bearing and activity compared to a control group. Several other studies have reported similar findings.

Dosing Guidelines

For anti-inflammatory support, the dosing is higher than basic nutritional supplementation. A commonly cited veterinary guideline is 75 to 100 mg of combined EPA and DHA per kilogram of body weight daily. For a 50-pound (23 kg) dog, that translates to roughly 1,725 to 2,300 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. Consult your veterinarian for precise dosing for your dog.

Forms Available

• Liquid fish oil: Allows precise dosing and can be pumped directly onto food. Generally the most cost-effective option per milligram of EPA/DHA.
• Soft gel capsules: Convenient and easy to administer. Can be given as-is to dogs that will swallow them or punctured and squeezed onto food.
• Fish oil treats: The most palatable option but typically contains less EPA/DHA per serving than liquid or capsule forms.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric, the bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, contains an active compound called curcumin that has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory properties in human medicine. Interest in turmeric for dogs has grown significantly in recent years.

How It Works

Curcumin inhibits several molecular pathways involved in inflammation. In laboratory and animal studies, it has shown the ability to reduce markers of inflammation. The challenge with curcumin is its poor bioavailability, meaning the body does not absorb it well on its own.

Improving Absorption

To be effective, curcumin needs help getting absorbed into the bloodstream. Two common approaches are:

• Piperine (black pepper extract): Studies show that piperine can increase curcumin absorption by up to 2,000 percent. Most quality turmeric supplements include piperine for this reason.
• Fat-based delivery: Curcumin is fat-soluble, meaning it absorbs better when taken with a fat source. Mixing turmeric with coconut oil or fish oil can improve uptake.

Dosing for Dogs

A general guideline is 15 to 20 mg of curcumin per pound of body weight per day. However, dosing varies by product formulation and concentration. Dog-specific turmeric supplements simplify this by providing weight-based dosing charts.

Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)

Boswellia serrata is a tree resin that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The active compounds, called boswellic acids, have been studied for their ability to inhibit specific enzymes involved in the inflammatory process.

What the Research Shows

A study published in the Veterinary World journal examined the effects of boswellia extract in dogs with joint stiffness and reported improvements in lameness scores and mobility. While the body of research in dogs is smaller than for fish oil, the available studies are encouraging.

Boswellia is generally well-tolerated by dogs. Mild digestive upset is the most commonly reported side effect. It is sometimes combined with turmeric in supplement formulas, as the two are thought to have complementary mechanisms.

Dosing

Typical dosing ranges from 5 to 10 mg of boswellic acids per pound of body weight daily. As with other supplements, start at the lower end and increase gradually based on your dog's tolerance.

Other Notable Options

Yucca Root

Yucca schidigera is a desert plant that contains saponins, compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in pet supplements and is sometimes added to joint formulas. Evidence in dogs is limited, but yucca is generally considered safe at recommended doses. It should be used in moderation, as excessive amounts can irritate the digestive system.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in algae and the seafood that consumes it (like salmon and shrimp). It is a potent antioxidant that may help manage oxidative stress associated with chronic inflammation. Research specific to dogs is limited but growing, and astaxanthin is becoming a more common ingredient in canine joint support formulas.

Building a Supplement Strategy

Rather than throwing every supplement at the problem, a thoughtful approach is more effective and easier on your dog's digestive system.

1. Start with fish oil. It has the strongest evidence base, is widely available, and is generally well-tolerated. Give it 4 weeks of consistent use.
2. Consider adding turmeric or boswellia. If fish oil alone does not provide enough support, adding one of these can complement the omega-3s. Introduce one at a time and allow 4 to 6 weeks to evaluate.
3. Combine with joint supplements. Fish oil pairs well with glucosamine-chondroitin, addressing different aspects of joint support simultaneously.
4. Monitor and adjust. Keep a simple log of your dog's activity, stiffness, and general comfort. This helps you objectively evaluate whether a supplement is making a difference.

Important Precautions

Natural does not always mean harmless. Anti-inflammatory supplements can interact with medications, particularly blood thinners (as omega-3s and turmeric both have mild blood-thinning properties) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If your dog takes any prescription medications, consult your veterinarian before adding anti-inflammatory supplements.

Additionally, some dogs have sensitive digestive systems and may not tolerate certain supplements well. Introduce any new supplement gradually, starting at a lower dose than recommended and increasing over the course of a week or two. If your dog develops persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, discontinue the supplement and consult your veterinarian.