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What “boosting” really means for dogs

Supplements do not create immunity. At best they nudge markers like antibodies (which fight pathogens) or inflammatory mediators (that reduce inflammation). In a controlled study, adult dogs fed an antioxidant-supplemented diet showed stronger antibody responses after vaccination (Jewell et al., 2024). This signals a potential benefit for vaccine-related immunity, not proof of broader disease protection. Immune support sits alongside the foundational basics: a complete, nutritious diet, weight control, low stress, and up-to-date necessary vaccinations.

Probiotics: strain specific, not one size fits all

Probiotic supplements for your dog's health are a fascinating area of research. As well as the antioxidant study mentioned above, a probiotic called Enterococcus faecium SF68 was associated with higher distemper vaccine-specific antibodies in puppies (Benyacoub et al., 2003). It’s understood that some probiotics strains cue the gut immune system to produce more protective antibodies: your body's way of working from the inside out.

Yeast beta glucans: handy around vaccines

Beta glucans (1,3/1,6) from yeast products have also been shown to temporally change immunoglobulin patterns after immunisation, including a decrease in total IgA (Stuyven et al., 2010). In simple terms, this means they might be able to temporarily ‘prime’ parts of the immune response, in the run up to a vaccine window. 

Quick science pit stop: IgA is an antibody type found mainly in mucous membranes such as the gut, airways, and saliva. It forms part of the body’s first-line defence, helping block pathogens from attaching to and penetrating these surfaces. In dogs, changes in IgA levels often reflect how the immune system is reacting at mucosal barriers like the gut or respiratory tract.

Antioxidants for adult dogs: tidy up the wear and tear

Older dogs can have slower immune responses, i.e. how quickly their bodies can react to being unwell, and start getting better. Sensible Vitamin E and C additions, within a complete diet, may help tidy up free radical damage and support vaccine responses (Jewell et al., 2024), although it’s advised not to ‘megadose’, and use products that state an amount per scoop or capsule based on your dog’s weight. 

What about omega 3, colostrum or “super blends”?

Dogs given a diet rich in omega-3s (the EPA and DHA found in fish oil) showed lower levels of certain inflammation signals after a mild immune challenge: basically, their bodies reacted in a calmer, more balanced way (LeBlanc et al., 2008). 

Colostrum, super blends and botanicals are interesting, but evidence in dogs is less clear, and uneven. These things might be treated as optional extras.

Picking a product: fast label checks

Specific, named actives beat vague blends, and immune-directed signals are clearest where the active and context are well defined (Benyacoub, 2003; LeBlanc et al., 2008). Note strain names for probiotics, clear beta glucan 1,3/1,6 labelling for yeast sources, and references to EPA plus DHA amounts in oils.

How to judge progress and when to speak to your vet

Studies typically report modest biomarker shifts rather than dramatic clinical changes.(Le Blanc et al., 2008), so it’s important to track small, repeatable signals, and pair them with a vet plan (Stuyven 2010). Stop and speak to your vet if there is vomiting or diarrhoea, or your dog is on regular medication.