Best Herbal Supplements for Pets in 2026

With so many herbal supplements on the market, how do you know which ones actually work? Which ones are safe? And which ones are worth your money?

We’ve researched dozens of products, consulted with veterinarians, and analyzed ingredients to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best herbal supplements for dogs and cats in 2026.

Whether you’re looking for anxiety support, joint health, digestive aids, or immune boosters—we’ve got you covered.

How We Evaluated Products

Every product in this guide was evaluated on:

Criteria	Why It Matters
Ingredient Quality	Pure, properly sourced herbs are more effective
Formulation	Proper combinations and ratios matter in TCM
Manufacturing Standards	GMP certification, testing for contaminants
Dosing Clarity	Clear instructions for different pet sizes
Value	Cost per day of use
Customer Reviews	Real-world effectiveness
Veterinary Input	Professional endorsement or formulation

Quick Comparison: Top Picks by Category

Best Calming & Anxiety Supplements

Not sure which calming supplement to choose? Here’s the quick guide:

• Pet Herbs Direct Calming Formula → Your dog panics during storms, fireworks, or car rides (works fast, use as-needed)
• Innovet PurCBD+ → You want multi-pathway calming for dogs OR cats
• Herbsmith Calm Shen → Your pet is always anxious, not just during events (best for chronic anxiety)

1. Nature’s Herbs for Pets - Calming Formula

What makes this work: Contains chamomile, valerian, and passionflower—traditional herbs that calm the nervous system without sedation. Your dog stays alert but relaxed.

Key Ingredients:

• Chamomile - Gentle calming
• Valerian root - Nervous system relaxant
• Passionflower - Reduces anxiety

Pros:

• Fast-acting (30-60 minutes)
• Can use as-needed or daily
• No drowsiness or sedation
• 40 capsules per bottle

Cons:

• Dogs only (cat version sold separately)
• Capsule form may need to be opened for picky eaters

Best For: Dogs who get worked up during specific events (storms, travel, guests)

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2. Animal Essentials - Tranquil Times

Why choose this one: Liquid format means faster absorption and easier dosing. Perfect for picky eaters who refuse capsules.

Key Ingredients:

• Valerian root - Calming nervine
• Chamomile - Gentle relaxation
• Oat (Avena sativa) - Nervous system support

Pros:

• Liquid form - easy to give
• Fast absorption
• Works for dogs AND cats
• Organic herbs
• Can mix with food or water

Cons:

• Alcohol-based tincture (small amount)
• Smaller bottle size

Best For: Dogs who won’t take pills, or when you need fast-acting relief

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3. Ayush Herbs - Ashwagandha Chews

Key Ingredients:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Premier adaptogenic herb
• Supports adrenal function and stress response

Pros:

• Tasty chew format dogs love
• Adaptogenic - builds resilience over time
• Great for chronic/ongoing stress
• Supports adrenal health
• Safe for long-term use

Cons:

• Takes 2-4 weeks for full effect
• Not for immediate/acute anxiety
• Dogs only

Best For: Chronic anxiety, stressed senior dogs, long-term emotional support

Best Joint & Mobility Supplements

1. Nature’s Herbs for Pets - Joint Relief for Dogs

Key Ingredients:

• Du Huo (Angelica root) - TCM joint support
• Boswellia serrata - Anti-inflammatory
• Turmeric (Curcumin) - Pain relief

Pros:

• True TCM-based formula
• High capsule count (90 per bottle)
• Addresses root cause in TCM
• Works for chronic conditions

Cons:

• Higher price point (but 90 capsules)
• Dogs only formula

Best For: Senior dogs with arthritis, large breed dogs, chronic joint issues

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2. Ayush Herbs - Pet Curcumin 97%

Key Ingredients:

• Curcumin (97% concentration) - Powerful anti-inflammatory
• From Turmeric (Jiang Huang in TCM)

Pros:

• 97% curcuminoid concentration (very high potency)
• 90 capsules per bottle
• Pure formula - no fillers
• Good for dogs allergic to shellfish (no glucosamine)
• Works for acute and chronic inflammation

Cons:

• May need to give with food for absorption
• Capsule form

Best For: Dogs with inflammatory joint conditions, those with shellfish allergies, senior pets

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3. Herbsmith Sound Dog Viscosity

Key Ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Phellodendron
• Atractylodes
• Coix seed
• Achyranthes

Pros:

• Unique focus on joint fluid
• TCVM-based formulation
• Good for early-stage joint issues
• Veterinarian-developed

Cons:

• May need to combine with other supplements
• Best for prevention/early stages

Best For: Young to middle-aged dogs showing early stiffness, athletic dogs

Best Digestive Support Supplements

1. Animal Essentials - Slippery Elm

Key Ingredients:

• Slippery elm
• Marshmallow root
• Ginger
• Fennel
• Papaya

Pros:

• Gentle enough for sensitive stomachs
• Works for dogs AND cats
• Liquid form (easy dosing)
• Can be used long-term

Cons:

• Not a true TCM formula
• May not address root causes

Best For: IBD support, food sensitivities, chronic digestive issues

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2. Herbsmith Microflora Plus

Key Ingredients:

• Multiple probiotic strains
• Inulin (prebiotic)
• Atractylodes
• Ginger
• Licorice

Pros:

• Combines probiotics with herbs
• TCVM-informed formulation
• Powder form mixes easily
• Good for post-antibiotic recovery

Cons:

• Requires refrigeration after opening
• Stronger taste

Best For: Pets recovering from antibiotics, chronic loose stools, poor appetite

Best Immune Support Supplements

1. Animal Essentials - Astragalus

Key Ingredients:

• Astragalus (Huang Qi) - Premier immune tonic
• Codonopsis - Gentle Qi builder
• Atractylodes - Strengthens digestion
• Schisandra - Adaptogenic support

Pros:

• Traditional immune formula
• Can be used preventively
• Good for recovery from illness
• Clear dosing

Cons:

• May take 2-4 weeks to see effects
• Should not be used during active infections

Best For: Pets prone to illness, seasonal immune support, recovery from illness

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2. Animal Essentials - Reishi Mushroom (Longevity)

Key Ingredients:

• Turkey tail mushroom
• Reishi mushroom
• Cat’s claw
• Turmeric
• Blessed thistle

Pros:

• Specifically formulated for cancer support
• Research-backed ingredients
• Liquid form for easy dosing
• Used by integrative veterinarians

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Should be used under veterinary guidance

Best For: Pets undergoing cancer treatment, immune-compromised pets

Best Allergy Support

1. Animal Essentials - Seasonal Allergy Powder with Quercetin

Key Ingredients:

• Xanthium
• Magnolia flower
• Siler
• Licorice
• Schizonepeta

Pros:

• Addresses root cause (wind-heat or wind-damp)
• Works for seasonal and food allergies
• TCVM veterinarian formulated
• Can reduce need for medications

Cons:

• Takes 2-4 weeks for full effect
• May need to combine with other treatments initially

Best For: Seasonal allergies, itchy skin, environmental sensitivities

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Supplement

Questions to Ask Before Buying

1. What’s the underlying issue?

   • Symptoms (like itching) may have different root causes
   • Consider getting a TCM diagnosis for complex issues

2. What’s the quality?

   • Look for GMP certification
   • Third-party testing is a plus
   • Clear ingredient sourcing

3. Is it species-appropriate?

   • Cat and dog metabolisms differ
   • Never give human supplements without guidance

4. What form works for your pet?

   • Picky eaters may need liquids or treats
   • Tablets work for easy-going pets
   • Powders are most cost-effective

5. What’s the real cost?

   • Calculate cost per day, not just per bottle
   • Sometimes higher-priced products are more economical

Red Flags to Avoid

❌ No ingredient list - Quality products list everything ❌ Unrealistic claims - “Cures cancer” type language ❌ Human products - Not formulated for pets ❌ Very cheap prices - Quality herbs cost money ❌ No company contact - Reputable companies are reachable ❌ Poor reviews across platforms - Check multiple sources

When to See a TCVM Vet Instead

Consider professional guidance for:

• Complex or serious conditions
• Pets on multiple medications
• When OTC products aren’t working
• Custom formula needs
• Cancer, kidney disease, heart conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give multiple supplements together?

Often yes, but check for overlapping ingredients and consult your vet for complex cases.

How long until supplements work?

• Acute issues: days to 1-2 weeks
• Chronic issues: 4-8 weeks
• Prevention/maintenance: ongoing

Are Chinese herbs safe long-term?

Most are safe for extended use, but some should be cycled. Follow product guidelines.

Should I tell my vet about supplements?

Yes! Always inform your vet about everything your pet takes.

Can I save money buying human versions?

Not recommended. Pet formulations account for species-specific needs and safety.

The Bottom Line

Quality matters more than price when it comes to herbal supplements for your pet. A well-formulated product from a reputable company will be safer and more effective than bargain options.

Our top overall recommendations:

1. For anxiety: Pet Herbs Direct Calming Formula
2. For joints: Innovet Joint Support Plus
3. For digestion: Pet Wellbeing Digestive Support
4. For immunity: Pet Herbs Direct Immune Strength
5. For allergies: Herbsmith Clear AllerQi

Remember: supplements support health—they don’t replace veterinary care. Use them as part of a comprehensive approach to your pet’s wellness.

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Which supplements have worked for your pet? Share your experience in the comments!