Crash Course in Natural Pet Supplements Without the Confusion

I’ll be honest with you, when pet parents first start looking at natural supplements, it can feel like a rabbit hole of confusing claims and hard-to-pronounce ingredients. I know when I first started researching and including supplements into Zaner's diet, I wasn't sure where to start or how to make sure the supplements I was choosing were actually beneficial for his health.
So let’s break it down.
Supplements aren’t magic pills. They don’t instantly “fix” things the way a drug might appear to. But here’s the truth: most pharmaceuticals don’t fix the problem either, they suppress the symptom. Basically, that's like putting a band-aid on diabetes. In order to fix the problem, we have to address the root cause and provide the body the right tools.
What natural remedies do is support your pet’s body to actually heal.
They gently nudge the immune system, calm inflammation, strengthen tissues, and restore balance from the inside out. And yes, they work! But like any real healing process, they take time and consistency. For most pets, you’ll see changes within 3 to 10 days, and more significant improvements in 3 to 6 weeks depending on the issue.
So how do you know which ones to choose?
Here’s your crash course in 8 of the most effective, well-studied natural remedies and when to reach for them.
🍄 Medicinal Mushrooms
Immunity, cancer, allergies, aging, and more
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to support health in people and animals alike. These aren’t your average button mushrooms, they’re functional superfoods that help the body adapt, heal, and stay strong. They’re especially helpful for pets dealing with chronic illness, allergies, aging, and immune challenges.
💥 Why They Work:
Each mushroom brings its own benefits, but all share common properties that make them valuable:
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Modulate the immune system, not overstimulate it
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Contain beta-glucans, antioxidants and prebiotics that support immune function and gut health
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Provide adaptogenic support to help the body manage stress and inflammation
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Enhance organ function (liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, etc.)
🍄 Mushrooms are Best for:
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Itchy skin or seasonal allergies
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Low energy or immune issues
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Cancer support
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Anxiety or aging changes
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Chronic inflammation
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Asthma or respiratory support
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: Apoquel, prednisone, anti-anxiety drugs
✅ Bonus Tip:
Any mushroom you can buy in the grocery store for you, are perfectly safe and beneficial for your furry family! Just like your other supplements, rotation or multiple mushroom options is always beneficial.
🦪 Green Lipped Mussel
Nature’s ultimate joint soother, straight from the sea
Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) is harvested from the pristine waters of New Zealand and is one of the most powerful natural joint supplements for dogs and cats. Unlike single-ingredient options, GLM offers a full spectrum of joint-supportive compounds, all in one highly absorbable, real-food source.
🌿 Why They Work:
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ETA (Eicosatetraenoic Acid): This rare omega-3 only found in GLM is a potent anti-inflammatory, even more powerful than EPA and DHA alone. It helps calm the inflammatory response that causes stiffness and pain.
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Glucosamine & Chondroitin: These are natural building blocks of cartilage and connective tissue. GLM contains naturally occurring forms, which the body recognizes and absorbs more easily than synthetic versions.
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Hyaluronic Acid: Supports joint lubrication, helping ease movement and reduce that stiff “getting up after a nap” struggle many pets experience.
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Minerals & Antioxidants: Zinc, copper, and manganese support tissue repair, while antioxidants combat joint-damaging free radicals.
🦪 Green Lipped Mussels are Best for:
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Stiff joints
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Limping
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Hip or elbow dysplasia
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Seniors or large breed dogs
- Joint support for any breed at any age is always our recommendation
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: Metacam, Galliprant, Rimadyl
✅ Bonus Tip:
Green lipped mussel pairs especially well with cold water fish oils or bone broth to create a full-spectrum joint support plan. If your pet is stiff in the mornings, slows down on walks, or struggles with stairs, try rotating GLM with a collagen-rich broth for both immediate comfort and long-term joint rebuilding. For picky eaters, look for GLM in powdered form and mix into wet food or freeze-dried toppers because it's a total palate enhancer!
🍒 Cranberry
For urinary tract health, bladder support, and inflammation relief
Cranberries aren’t just for holiday dinners, they’re a powerhouse when it comes to supporting urinary health in pets. While they won’t treat a serious infection on their own, they’re a safe, effective way to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and maintain a healthy bladder, especially in pets prone to recurring issues.
🌿 Why They Work:
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Proanthocyanidins (PACs): These unique plant compounds are what make cranberries so effective. PACs help prevent bacteria (like E. coli) from latching onto the lining of the urinary tract, which means bacteria can’t multiply and cause infection.
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Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Cranberries help reduce inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract, which is especially helpful for pets with frequent irritation or inflammation-based urinary symptoms.
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Mild Diuretic: This helps flush out the urinary system, keeping things moving and reducing the chance of bacterial overgrowth.
🍒 Cranberries are Best for:
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Recurrent UTIs
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Senior pets with leakage
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Cats with urinary issues
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: Antibiotics, urinary prescription diets (when combined with a moisture rich diet)
⚠️ Important Notes:
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Always consult your integrative vet if your pet has blood in their urine, fever, or straining to pee, these require medical attention.
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Be sure to use pet-specific cranberry products, human supplements can be too strong or contain added sugars.
🥚 Eggshell Membrane
Cartilage support, joint repair, and mobility restoration
Eggshell Membrane is one of the most underrated joint-supporting supplements in the pet wellness world. It’s the thin, filmy layer you find on the inside of an eggshell and it’s a natural source of the building blocks your pet’s joints need to stay flexible, strong, and pain-free. Eggshell Membranes are Mother Nature's perfect joint supplement!
🌿 Why They Work:
Eggshell Membrane is rich in:
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Collagen (Type I, V, X): Critical for joint structure, skin elasticity, and overall connective tissue health
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Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Help reduce inflammation and promote cartilage regeneration
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Hyaluronic Acid: Enhances joint lubrication and may help reduce stiffness
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Elastin: Supports flexibility and the ability of tissues to "bounce back"
Together, these nutrients work synergistically to repair damaged cartilage, reduce pain, and improve joint function naturally, without synthetic additives.
🥚 Eggshell Membranes are Best for:
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Early signs of arthritis
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Injury recovery
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Preventative joint care
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: NSAIDs, joint injections
⚠️ Important Notes:
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Consistency is key, expect results in 7–14 days, with ongoing improvement over weeks
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Make sure your supplement is pure eggshell membrane, ideally with no fillers or binders
🌱 Turmeric (Curcumin)
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant powerhouse, cancer support
Turmeric, specifically its active compound curcumin, is one of the most well-researched and widely used natural remedies for inflammation, pain, and disease prevention in both humans and pets. It’s a vibrant yellow root that’s been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries and has serious modern science to back it up.
💥 Why It Works:
Curcumin, the main bioactive compound in turmeric, is known for:
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Blocking inflammatory pathways by inhibiting COX-2 and other enzymes that trigger inflammation
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Acting as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and oxidative stress
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Supporting liver detoxification and healthy metabolism
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Helping slow the growth of cancer cells and preventing angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels tumors need to grow)
🌱 Turmeric is Best for:
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Pain or stiffness
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Itchy skin
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Digestive inflammation
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Pets with cancer
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: Steroids, Apoquel
✅ Bonus Tip: Golden Paste
Golden paste is a popular way to give turmeric, made with turmeric, coconut oil, and black pepper. Just a small dollop added to meals can make a big difference. Get recipe here.
💡 Start slow (1/8 to 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight), and increase as tolerated. Too much too fast can cause loose stools.
🍃 Olive Leaf
Antibacterial, antifungal, immune strengthener
Olive leaf powder is a natural immune booster made from dried and ground olive tree leaves. While not as concentrated as the extract, it still contains beneficial compounds like oleuropein that help the body fight off bacterial and fungal infections without harming the gut microbiome, making it a great choice for daily immune support or for pets prone to chronic flare-ups.
💥 Why It Works:
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Immune Modulator: Helps balance the immune response over time, not overstimulate it
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Mild Antimicrobial: Supports the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and fungus without being as harsh as conventional antibiotics or antifungals
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Gentle Detoxifier: Assists the body in clearing waste and oxidative stress
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Supports Gut Flora: Doesn’t wipe out good bacteria like some meds, making it gut-friendly for long-term use
🍃 Olive Leaf is Best for:
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Chronic ear infections
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Yeasty paws or skin
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Minor respiratory bugs
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Recurrent skin issues
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: Antibiotics, antifungal meds
✅ Bonus Tip:
If your pet struggles with ear infections, paw licking, or itchy skin that keeps coming back, look into olive leaf. Especially when paired with a yeast-fighting diet, it can help break the cycle for good.
🌾 Milk Thistle
Liver detox, medication support
Milk thistle is one of the most respected herbs for liver health, used for centuries in both human and animal medicine. Its active compound, silymarin, acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect liver cells from damage while encouraging the body to regenerate new, healthy ones. It’s especially valuable for pets taking medications, exposed to toxins, or dealing with chronic liver stress.
💥 Why It Works:
Milk thistle helps the body by:
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Neutralizing free radicals that damage liver cells
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Stimulating regeneration of liver tissue
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Increasing glutathione levels (the body’s master detoxifier)
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Supporting bile production, aiding digestion and fat metabolism
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Reducing inflammation throughout the liver and digestive system
🌾 Milk Thistle is Best for:
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Pets on seizure meds or NSAIDs
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Vaccine detox
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Liver support for seniors or any age
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: Prescription liver support (Denamarin, Denosyl)
✅ Bonus Tip:
If your pet takes medications daily or shows signs of sluggish detox (like tear stains, bad breath, or gunky ears), milk thistle is a game-changer. Combine with bone broth or goat milk to support hydration and overall recovery.
🌿 Slippery Elm
Tummy troubles, IBD, acid reflux
Slippery elm is a mucilaginous herb, meaning it becomes slick and gooey when mixed with water. That sticky texture is exactly what makes it so healing. It coats and soothes the entire digestive tract, making it an ideal remedy for pets with tummy troubles, vomiting, acid reflux, or chronic GI conditions like IBD.
💥 Why It Works:
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Creates a protective barrier over irritated or inflamed tissue
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Reduces acidity and calming heartburn or GERD
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Stimulates mucus production to repair the gut lining
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Absorbs toxins and helps to firm up loose stools
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Supports gentle detox through the bowels
🌿 Slippery Elm is Best for:
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Diarrhea or constipation
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Vomiting or reflux
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Sensitive bellies
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IBD or colitis
💊 Could Reduce the Need for: Antacids, anti-diarrheal meds, Pepcid
✅ Bonus Tip:
Slippery elm is a go-to for road trips or stressful events that upset your pet’s stomach. Keep it on hand like you would Pepto for yourself, only safer and natural for pets!
✨ How Long Until I See Results?
You may notice subtle shifts in 3 to 10 days, but give new supplements at least 3 to 6 weeks for more chronic concerns. Healing takes time, but it’s worth it.
If you ever feel unsure, that’s what we’re here for. Come chat with us about what your floof is going through, and we’ll help you choose the right fit, no guesswork required.
Here’s to choosing natural, and letting the body do what it was made to do: heal.