Both commercial and homemade foods lack essential nutrients. They may develop symptoms of scooting or upset stomach due to digestive and nutritional imbalance. To reduce these problems in dogs, one needs to provide extra supplements to keep the nutrient level in balance. It supports the development of all organs and contains antioxidants which help to improve the pet’s coat, skin, and the overall health. Before starting up with supplements, one should always consult a veterinarian to know the pros and cons.
Benefits of Supplements
Expanded Energy
Some pets show signs of lethargy or energy loss due to aging or sickness. In this crucial stage, the added supplement can help to overcome major illnesses and is good for kidneys, heart, eyes, and immune system. However, senior dogs seem to benefit more from the vitamin.
Healthy Coat
Giving supplement provides extra vitamins and minerals which improves their skin health and makes their coat more smooth and shiny. Supplements containing biotin and yeast are known to reduce shedding and improve coat’s health.
Boosted Immune System
Supplements help to boost the immune system and keeps the diseases at bay. Each supplement offers special benefits where some boost the immune system, others keep the pet energized or maintains the shine of their coat.
Disadvantages
Excess Vitamin
When you provide healthy food, the dog does not require supplements. If given, it urinates and releases the excess vitamins, but too much of soluble fat like vitamin A, K, D, and E can be hazardous as the body cannot eliminate these. Like vitamin deficiency is dangerous for the dog, excessive amounts in the blood are also fatal. Mineral imbalance can also be caused by multivitamins.
Some Supplements are dangerous
Few supplements are dangerous and it can be unhealthy too. Hence, only after a thorough checkup, a dog should be allowed to take the supplements.
Basic Supplements
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Bonnie & Clyde Fish Oil (keeps skin & coat healthy and an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids)
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Lifeline Salmon Oil
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Fish and Hempseed Oil
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Fermented Fish stock (better immune and better digestive system, not more than 3 days a week )
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Raw Eggs from pasture-raised chicken for vitamin A, E, D (3 days a week)
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Beef Trachea, Duck Feet for joints and ligaments (3- 4 days a week)
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Coconut Oil and Turmeric paste for healthy skin, arthritis, immune system, digestion, cancer prevention. Coconut oil also helps thyroid health, nutrient absorption, and healthy weight. (4-5 days a week)
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Ester – C for the immune system, healthy joints and Vitamin C (3-4 days a week)
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Spirulina for energy and immune system (4 days a week)
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Milk Thistle for detox and liver health
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Ocean Kelp for thyroid and metabolism (4 days a week )
Tips to choose Supplements
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Before choosing any supplement, do advanced research and only select the ones that are licensed and have completed clinical studies.
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Look for the scientific names on the labels and provide recommended levels of nutrients as more vitamins can lead to blood intoxicating.
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Lot number scans can tell if the company has internal quality control checks or not.
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