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Like people, many dogs suffer from various diseases, and sometimes, supplements instead of meds might help deal with them.
By Guest Blogger, Beata Hardzei
A dog is the best companion in the world: he’s with you all the time, wherever you want to go, having fun, protecting you, wagging his tail, jumping out of joy. Cuddly and loyal, he’s your best friend. And you need to do your best to be as good a companion for him as he’s for you.
Owning a pet can be challenging: taking care of his health and needs, dealing with his problems, and the consequences of his action. You have to walk your dog every day, wash him, clean after him – and, of course, feed him. Choosing the best food for your dog always takes time and knowledge, and sometimes even it’s not enough. You want only what’s best for your furry friend – and you reach for supplements. But are you making the right decision?
We’ve asked the MySweetPuppy blog owners what does everybody needs to know about the best dog supplements. Read on! In this article, you’ll find all the information about when to give your dog the supplements and how to choose the best nutrition supplements for your pet.
Does Your Dog Need Them?
Like people, dogs don’t need supplements if they have a balanced diet and don’t have any health issues. So, if your dog’s food is healthy and balanced, it should get all the necessary vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other nutrients from it. However, if your dog is eating home-cooked meals and you see a loss in sleep or if you’re not sure about your pet’s diet, don’t hesitate to consult your vet about getting some dog supplements. Keep in mind that very often, adding certain foods to your recipes can be enough to keep your dog healthy.
Like people, many dogs suffer from various diseases, and sometimes, supplements instead of meds might help deal with them. Of course, you have to be careful and consult the veterinarian beforehand. Supplements are only an addition to your pet’s diet, not treatment, and if your dog suffers, the doctor must prescribe a medicine.
Supplements for dogs can be a boost to their nutrition and their health. However, you have to be careful and give your dog the only quality products that it needs.
What Vitamins Do Dogs Need?
First of all, never give your dog human vitamins or supplements. Your pet and you have different nutritional needs: the number of vitamins you take can make your dog very ill. If you’ve consulted your vet about the necessary supplements for your dog, make sure to buy them only from reputable manufacturers and in trustworthy stores.
You can find several types of dog supplements on the store’s shelves, but not all of them are necessary for your pet. Dogs have specific nutritional requirements. Here are some of the nutrients your furry friend might need:
- Vitamins, including vitamin A, different vitamin B varieties (thiamine, riboflavin, B12, niacin, B6, pantothenic and folic acids), vitamin C, E, K. All of them help your dog grow and stay healthy.
- Antioxidants – substances that destroy free radicals (harmful molecules that are regularly produced by the body) and, this way, prevent slow cell damage. They support your dog’s immune system and mental functions.
- Probiotics, which are necessary for your pet’s digestion. And gut health is vital for your dog’s and your immune systems!
- Omegas, or omega-3 fatty acids – they’re essential for your dog’s fur, skin, and also heart health.
- Glucosamine, one of the most often used supplements for healthy joints.
How to Choose Supplements for Dogs?
When it comes to finding the best supplements for your dog, there are several things you need to consider before purchase.
First, consult your vet to know the right dosage of any supplement. For this, you’ll need to know your pet’s weight, what it’s allergic to, and what’s in its food – so that you don’t give him too many nutrients. With supplements, overdoses are possible, and your dog can get very sick.
Second, buy only from trustworthy brands about which you can find information on Google, read about them, and only decide about the purchase.
Third, think of the way of administering the supplements. Many manufacturers produce the supplements in the form of chews – your dog won’t have problems eating them.
To Sum Up
Many people take supplements nowadays, and many people want to give them to their dogs. And it’s natural – you want your dog to stay healthy, you’re looking for ways to make this happen. However, in some cases, not giving your dog supplements can be more beneficial than purchasing everything from the pharmacy shelves. For example, if your dog has a healthy and balanced diet and doesn’t suffer from any diseases, it doesn’t need anything more than your love to stay in good shape.
Nevertheless, very often, your dog may need some essential vitamins and nutrients. In such a case, make sure to consult your veterinarian about getting supplements, choosing the right dosage, and only buying products from trustworthy brands. And don’t forget to spend time with your dog and take care of it – the owner’s love is the best medicine for every pet.
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Welcome to Spike’s Dog Blog by Acme Canine. Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals.