4 Popular Dog Supplements

Humans take vitamins all the time, so you may be wondering if your furry friends need to do so as well. Regular dog food may not provide all the nutrients and the dietary balance that your pet needs, so, yes, supplements can be greatly beneficial.

Here are some of the most popular supplements for your dog! 

1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a supplement that is used to help stimulate the growth of cartilage. It is naturally produced in dogs, but over time their natural production can become deficient.

The benefits of supplementing your dog with glucosamine are considerable. It helps lubricate the joints to alleviate painful movements, and it reduces inflammation, improving overall joint health for an increased range of motion. Additionally, glucosamine is helpful for dogs suffering from arthritis and as a preventative measure as well.

2. Fish Oils

Many dogs face problems with their skin and coat. Luckily, fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that act as anti-inflammatory agents, so they can be used to alleviate any kind of skin allergy. This may include dandruff, dull coats, dry and brittle hair, hair loss, excessive shedding, skin diseases and some types of cancer.

Fish oil is given by mouth in liquid or capsule form and may be taken with or without food.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. They are healthy bacteria that balance the gastrointestinal tract to prevent diseases and promote a healthy gut.

Certain strains for probiotics have benefits for dogs. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can help perform the following in our pets:

• Managing yeast and supporting the immune system
• Preventing anxiety and helping dogs to remain calm
• Providing relief from food allergies
• Improving irritable bowels and intestinal inflammation

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are found in vitamin C and E and prevent cell damage from toxins. Our dogs are exposed to more toxins than we think, so antioxidant supplements are important.

Our pets get exposed to environmental toxins by:

• Playing and rolling in lawns that have been treated with chemicals
• Licking surfaces that have been exposed to household cleaners, commercial cleaners, pesticides and other harmful particles
• Breathing in flame-retardant chemicals from carpets and sofas

Thankfully, there are various natural sources of antioxidants for dogs. These include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, steamed broccoli, spinach, carrots, tomatoes and more. However, many dogs can be intolerant to these fruits and veggies and may instead need a supplement to ensure they receive all the antioxidants necessary.

When considering antioxidants for your dog, check for ingredients like lactoferrin, resveratrol, superoxide dismutase and cysteine, as well as vitamins A, C, and E.

What to Look for in a Supplement for Your Dog

If your fur baby needs a supplement, it can be a frustrating experience when trying to find one to give them all the nutrients they need, but also one that doesn’t make them feel poorly.

Some things to consider when looking for supplements include:

• Find a supplement that aligns with your dog’s stage of life
• Look for brands that have clinical studies for their products
• Choose brands with confirmed expertise
• Look for a lot number to ensure that the company uses quality control checks

A few mistakes to avoid when supplementing include:

• Over-supplementing
• Imbalanced nutrient ratios, like calcium to phosphorus, which can cause rickets and osteoporosis
• Negative interactions with other medications
• Randomized supplementing with no clear reason

Have Any Questions? Reach Out to Pet Palace Today!

If you have any questions about supplements for your dogs or any of the services we offer, we are happy to help. Contact our team today!

Categories: Dogs, Tips for Your Pets