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

1. Pet Herbs Direct - Calming Formula

Key Ingredients:

• Bupleurum (Chai Hu) - Relieves liver qi stagnation
• Suan Zao Ren - Calms the heart, improves sleep
• Longan - Nourishes heart blood
• Poria - Calms spirit, supports digestion

Pros:

• Authentic TCM formulation
• Clear dosing by weight
• Works for situational and chronic anxiety
• Fast-acting (within 30-60 minutes)

Cons:

• Only available for dogs (not cats)
• Higher price point

Best For: Dogs with thunderstorm phobia, separation anxiety, or general nervousness

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2. Innovet PurCBD+ with Calming Herbs

Key Ingredients:

• Full-spectrum hemp extract
• Valerian root
• Chamomile
• Passionflower
• L-theanine

Pros:

• Multiple pathways of action
• Good for dogs AND cats
• Organic hemp sourced in USA
• Third-party tested for potency and purity

Cons:

• Hemp products still have legal gray areas
• More expensive than herb-only options

Best For: Pets who need multi-faceted anxiety support

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3. Herbsmith Calm Shen

Key Ingredients:

• Bupleurum, Jujube
• Biota seed, Albizzia flower
• Poria, Polygala

Pros:

• Developed by a TCVM veterinarian
• Time-tested formula
• Available in tablet and powder forms
• Works for both dogs and cats

Cons:

• Slower onset than some options
• May need to give with food

Best For: Chronic anxiety, fearful pets, long-term emotional support

Best Joint & Mobility Supplements

1. Innovet Pet Joint Support Plus

Key Ingredients:

• Boswellia serrata
• Turmeric (Curcumin)
• Glucosamine sulfate
• Green-lipped mussel
• Devil’s claw

Pros:

• Combines Eastern and Western approaches
• High bioavailability formulation
• Soft chews dogs love
• Third-party tested

Cons:

• Contains shellfish (glucosamine source)
• Higher price point

Best For: Senior dogs with arthritis, large breed dogs, post-surgical joint support

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2. Pet Herbs Direct - Mobility Formula

Key Ingredients:

• Corydalis (pain relief)
• Eucommia (strengthens sinews)
• Acanthopanax (joint flexibility)
• Boswellia
• Myrrh

Pros:

• Pure herbal formula (no glucosamine)
• Addresses root causes in TCM
• Good for dogs allergic to shellfish
• Works for acute and chronic pain

Cons:

• Dogs-only formula
• Powder form may need mixing

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

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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. Pet Wellbeing Digestive Support

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. Pet Herbs Direct - Immune Strength

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. Pet Wellbeing Life Gold

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. Herbsmith Clear AllerQi

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!