Anybody who is the proud parent of a fur baby knows that dogs come with their own variety of health-related issues, especially as they age. However, you can combat these issues by introducing supplements into your dog’s diet. A vitamin and supplement routine can be started at any time in a dog’s life but should continue to be a long-term part of their diet. Having the right nutrients will help your dog develop properly and keep them in excellent health. When they’re in that rangy puppy stage where they grow like a weed, it’s vital to ensure they get the proper nutrition to help them mature into a well-rounded and healthy dog.
Where Can You Find the Best Supplements for Your Pup?
An essential piece of introducing supplements into your dog’s diet is finding superior quality vitamins that best fit your dog’s breed and unique health issues. An excellent supplement brand to try out for your furry pup is Pet Parents. To check out the dog supplements from Pet Parents, you can go to their website and browse their selection of premium dog supplements, all of which are specifically designed to combat different health issues. They have options available for calming, allergies, and hip and joint, to name a few. There’s also a general multivitamin that is chock full of all the nutrients dogs need and don’t get with a dog kibble diet.
What Kinds of Dogs Need Supplements in Their Diet?
Every dog can benefit from taking multivitamins and supplements. They provide an excellent way to boost their diet, but some dogs can benefit from the help more than others. For instance, if your pup could qualify for doggie AARP, adding a supplement to their diet is necessary to keep them in good health. A senior dog can be at risk for hearing and eyesight problems, hip and joint inflammation, and can even suffer from memory loss.
Any senior dogs with arthritis can benefit from adding vitamin C and E into their daily food. If your dog has a dull, lackluster coat and itchy skin, they may have allergies or another skin problem. In that case, they would benefit from a supplement that encourages healthy skin and a glossy coat. However, you should always consult with your veterinarian to find the best supplement regimen for your beloved pup.
What Are the Different Kinds of Supplements Available?
Though there are many supplements available on the market today, five of the most common include glucosamine, digestive enzymes, fish oil, antioxidants, and probiotics. Each provides a different unique benefit, whether they’re a puppy or starting to go grey around the muzzle.
Probiotics
Probiotics are also available as a supplement for humans, and their primary job is to aid digestion and intestinal health. They are tiny bacteria and yeast living inside the gut and gastrointestinal tract and can treat various stomach discomforts and digestive issues. Probiotics also help build up a dog’s immune system and are critical for fighting off disease. They can be purchased in powder form, chews, tablets, capsules, or even regular ol’ dog food.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are similar in function to probiotics. If your dog has trouble digesting food or suffers from chronic stomach issues, adding digestive enzymes to their kibble could be the solution. They work by helping your dog’s body break down food more efficiently, which is essential towards keeping them in good digestive health and ensuring they can absorb the necessary nutrients from their food. An unchecked stomach issue can be dangerous for your dog because it can make them lose weight, give them a poor appetite, and turn them off from eating entirely.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is crammed full of the super beneficial fatty acid called omega-3 and is also available over the counter for people. Omega-3’s keep your dog’s coat healthy, thick, and super glossy and prevents allergies and other skin conditions. Fish oil is also used for joint health and heart health and can reduce swelling and inflammation too.
Glucosamine Chondroitin
Glucosamine chondroitin is by far the most commonly purchased supplement for dogs. It’s a naturally-occurring amino sugar found in the fluid around your dog’s joints, but as they age, levels begin to decline, which reduces their agility. It helps build cartilage and can treat joint issues, including arthritis, and improve overall mobility. Though it’s a naturally occurring substance found in crustacean shells, it can also be produced in a laboratory and is available in pills, powders, and chewable treats.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are probably something you have heard of already. It’s a popular active ingredient in anti-aging products and is thought to help fight the harmful free radicals in your skin that damage cell membranes and cause wrinkles and premature aging. In dogs, they are used for counteracting memory loss, heart disease, and treating cognitive health issues. Antioxidants are found in vitamins C and E, so if you’re looking to add them to your dog’s diet, look for a supplement with those two vitamins as the main ingredient.
Vitamin D is another important vitamin your dog needs to help them balance and retain calcium and phosphorous, but be careful to give them only the recommended amount. If they ingest too much, they could suffer from vitamin D toxicity, which is very dangerous for dogs. If you think your dog is suffering from vitamin D toxicity, you should immediately bring them to the vet.
What Are the Benefits of Supplements?
Adding a supplement regimen to your dog’s diet is a form of preventative care. By taking a proactive stance to keep their health in top condition, you give them the tools they need to live a happy and healthy life. Keeping their immune system in good condition also helps them fight against illness and disease better than if they had no vitamins or minerals in their diet.
It’s also imperative that your dog get regular checkups from your vet. Schedule a freestanding appointment every three months for a doggie physical. By having them evaluated regularly, you can catch any issues before becoming a costly fix or a chronic condition. Also, keeping your dog healthy sets them up for a long and happy life by your side.
Add A Supplement Regimen To your Dogs Diet
While most pet food provides the minimum of nutrients that a dog needs, adding a supplement to their diet gives them the extra vitamins necessary not just to survive but to thrive and grow. They come in pill, powder, capsule, or chewable form for convenience since they can be added to kibble or fed to your dog as a treat. The five most widely available supplements for dogs are glucosamine, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, probiotics, and fish oil, all of which benefit the brain, heart, skin, and coat. Supplements are recommended for all dogs, but if your dog is old or has health conditions, it’s particularly important to give them the range of nutrients they need. Consult with your vet today and find the right supplement regimen for your beloved pup to keep them playful, happy, and healthy for a long time.
