Pet supplements are a common treatment used by dog owners to support their dog’s health needs. In this blog, we take a quick look at the basic facts of supplementation for dogs. Then, we discuss three of the most effective recommended supplements for addressing canine health needs.
Supplements as Part of Dog Nutrition
The utilization of pet supplements is very common among pet owners in the U.S.A. Research shows that one-third of all dog owners in America give their dog some sort of supplement. Their usage has continued to increase in recent years. It is important to give your dog supplements with safety and nutritional efficacy in mind, and ideally with supplements already supported by research.
There are a few main health benefits which dog owners commonly seek to bestow to their dogs using supplements. The most common one is to benefit their joint health. Other commonly sought benefits include heart health, healthy skin and coat, and digestive health.
It should be mentioned here that supplements are helpful for a dog when used in the context of a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet, and in the appropriate portions, is essential for a dog’s health and its general wellbeing. This means choosing a dog food that is of a good quality and meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Healthy, digestible proteins and carbohydrates are essential. It is important to choose a supplement with the ingredient(s) that also provide(s) sufficient amounts of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Recommended Supplements for Dogs
Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds which can benefit the joint health of dogs. These two compounds are commonly found in a complex supplement designed for dogs, along with other beneficial nutrients. They are distinctly different from regulated medications intended for canine consumption, because glucosamine and chondroitin are most commonly recommended for dogs with arthritis. Together, they can help to repair a dog’s joint cartilage which has worn down, and actually rebuild cartilage. This makes the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin a potentially crucial supplement for dogs who have experienced joint damage and arthritis. These compounds are contained in many dog foods, but a supplement is necessary in order to attain a therapeutic level of them.
Slippery elm bark powder: Many herbs are not to be given to dogs, because they can be risky and dangerous. Slippery elm is one of the few exceptions because it is safe and non-toxic. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree has a soft texture and, in powdered form, it can be beneficial in both internal and external use for dogs. Slippery elm bark powder, combined with water, is most often given to a dog for its ability to soothe the stomach and aid digestion. It forms a mucus-like texture which helps lubricate the mucus membranes in the digestive tract, which in turn can help dogs work through colitis and other inflammatory bowel issues. It might also benefit the urinary tract in dogs. Externally, slippery elm bark paste can sooth skin abrasions and minor cuts, and assist in the healing of these abrasions.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient for dogs, meaning that a dog’s body cannot innately produce it, and so it must be consumed. It is routinely added to dog foods, but there is also good reason to supplement with it. Vitamin B12 is necessary for major processes in the dog’s body, making it useful in multiple ways. These include the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates into energy, and the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is also necessary for the production of myelin, the fatty layer which covers nerves; this makes B12 necessary for a healthy nervous system in dogs. A b12 supplement is most often useful and recommended by veterinarians for dogs who are deficient in vitamin B12. B12 is available on this website as “PET Factor B12”, combined with other healthy nutrients for dogs.
Your dog’s health is always a priority, and these supplements provide impactful benefits and generally applicable for many dogs. Think about which – if not all – of these three might benefit your dog. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any of these supplements to discuss the pros and any possible cons for that particular canine.