What are dietary supplements?
Dietary supplements are substances that you can eat to add nutrients to your diet, fill gaps in your diet, or to reduce your risk of developing health problems associated with nutritional deficiency.
Supplements come in many forms, including pills, capsules, powders, gel capsules and tablets, extracts, and liquids. These supplements can be a single nutrient or a combination of them, and will consist of vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, oils, herbs and other plants, or enzymes.
The nutrients a body needs, and in turn the supplements from which that body may benefit, vary according to individual body requirements and factors such as diet. And just like humans, our dogs can also benefit from various supplements to their regular diets.
Does my dog need supplements?
In a short answer, it depends.
Most dog owners offer commercial food to their dogs, like the kibble found at pet stores. While kibble quality varies greatly between brands, in general such dog foods are often fortified, well-balanced, and formulated to give canines all the nutrients they need.
When it comes to commercial kibble, different formulations are available for dogs of different age groups. If your dog is eating a well-balanced diet from a quality kibble, they do not need any kind of dietary supplement unless recommended by your veterinarian a some specific medical condition.
However, if you’re like me and are feeding homemade food to your dog, there is a possibility that they may not be getting enough nutrients from the core food itself. If you’re feeding homemade or raw food, it’s a good idea to add supplements do your dog’s diet to fill any gaps and keep them from developing any nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient deficiency can cause many health issues.
In short, dogs being fed on a homemade diet rcan benefit from some sort of supplement in their diet to meet their dietary requirements, while supplements may be redundant and unnecessary in dogs being fed a high-quality kibble or commercial food.
What type of supplements do dogs need?
The type of supplement s that may have benefits for your dog depends on many factors, such as:
- Type of food being offered
- Age
- Breed
- Weight
- Activity level
Because there are so many factors that contribute to dietary needs, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian to select the supplement that best suits your dog’s needs.
What are some common supplements for dogs?
The most common dog supplements and their benefits are discussed below.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is the most popular supplement for dogs.
In nature, glucosamine is found in the joint fluid (acting as a cushion) and is also the main constituent of cartilage. That being so, glucosamine is very popular as a joint supplement, particularly for dogs with joint disease or conditions. Glucosamine is helpful in the treatment of arthritis, joint pain and also improves mobility, especially in older dogs.
Glucosamine supplements are typically derived from the shells of shells fish, but can also be synthesized in labs. As the name indicates, it is a sugar and derived from shellfish, so it should be used with caution in dogs with a history of diabetes and shellfish allergy.
Omegas
Omega is the second most popular supplement given to dogs. A very rich natural source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil. It is assumed that it can improve coat quality and shine and relieve skin allergies.
Vitamins
Vitamins are a group of organic compounds or essential micronutrients that are necessary for normal cell function, growth, and maintenance. Vitamins are as important for dogs as for humans. Some important vitamins and their benefits are discussed below.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is responsible for good vision, better immune function, and fetal growth.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is a group of five important vitamins, all of which play a distinct role in maintaining your dog’s health.
- Thiamine helps to regulate the energy and metabolism of carbohydrates and also triggers ion channels in the nervous system.
- Riboflavin also named vitamin B12, with niacin, plays an important role in the proper functioning of various different enzymes.
- Vitamin B6 is especially important for glucose generation, proper functioning of red blood cells and nervous system, regulation of hormones, immune system, and gene synthesis.
- Pantothenic acid is vital to maintain energy metabolism and regulation.
- Folic acid plays a crucial role in the synthesis of protein by mitochondria and the metabolism of amino acids.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. It plays an important role in reducing inflammation improves cognitive health. Dogs can make vitamin C in their livers, on their own, but supplements may be required in some cases.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for bone health as it maintains the proper balance of important minerals like calcium and phosphorus in the body.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects your dog from oxidative damage. It plays an important role in the metabolism of fat and other cell functions. Its deficiency can cause muscle deterioration and reproductive issues.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin and it is required for clotting of blood. Deficiency can lead to internal hemorrhages or death due to excessive blood loss in case of accidents.
Choline
Choline is required for proper liver function and is also essential to maintain mental health.
Antioxidants
Dogs are also given supplements that contain antioxidants. It is believed that these antioxidants can help in dementia and mental dysfunction. These are also responsible for a healthy immune system, proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, and reducing inflammation. Antioxidants also guard the body against free radicals (harmful molecules produced during metabolism).
Probiotics
The use of probiotics in dogs is becoming more popular these days, as they can help dogs struggling with sensitive stomachs. Probiotics are live microorganisms (yeasts and live bacteria) that help in digestion and improve intestinal health. Probiotics are also beneficial for the immune system, but the primary use of probiotic supplements is for treating digestive problems.
What supplements are best for my dog?
Every dog is unique and its requirements are inherently going to be different from other dogs. A dog’s dietary needs are going to depend on the breed, age, size, activity level, and overall health status of your canine friend.
In general, a good supplement is one which has a good combination of all the essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, etc.), which can help to fill out any nutritional gaps in their diet.
Many commercial products are available. So it’s always preferred to consult your veterinarian, as they can advise you which dietary product is best for your dog.
Always remember that every dog is unique, and body requirements vary from one dog to other. So any supplement should be taken in the recommended dose and be tailored to the dog’s individual needs.
For example, excess calcium can cause skeletal issues, and too much vitamin A can lead to dehydration and joint pain. Some supplements have herbs and their ingredients can interact with prescription medicines.
So, while supplements can be very beneficial for dogs, remember they are not usually strictly required, and always ask your vet before starting any supplement.
Do you use any dietary supplements for your dogs? Have you seen results in your dog’s health? Let us know in the comments!
