dietary supplements for dogs

dietary supplements for dogs

Natural food supplements for dogs can support a balanced dog diet and contribute to a vital and active dog life. Vitamins, minerals, trace elements, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics - what should high-quality food supplements for dogs contain, what should you pay attention to when giving them and when are food supplements for dogs even useful?

We have taken on the topic and in the following article we provide a compact overview of the use of dietary supplements for dogs.

Why can dietary supplements be useful?

Just like us humans, dogs also need macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fiber, proteins and fats as well as micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements. As a rule, these enter the body through food or are produced by the body itself. Some specific vital substances are essential and must inevitably be ingested through the feed. This includes, for example, essential fatty acids such as omega-3.

You want to the topic Read omega 3 for dogs? We wrote a full post about it!

Dietary supplements for dogs are primarily used to supplement high-quality dog ​​food and cover a higher nutrient requirement. You can use them preventively to prevent undersupply and possible illnesses or use them in acute situations.

Dietary supplements for dogs are available in different dosage forms such as tablets, powder or liquid. They also differ in their possible uses. It is therefore important that you make sure that you use food supplements for dogs sensibly and individually tailored to the needs of your four-legged friend. We recommend a gift, always clarify in advance with a veterinarian. So you are on the safe side and know that you are supporting your furry friend with the right nutritional supplements.

Which dietary supplements are useful?

Let's take a closer look at which dietary supplements are suitable for dogs.

vitamins for dogs

Vitamins are an essential component of a wholesome diet. They are involved in a variety of processes in the body, regulate metabolism and strengthen the immune system. Vitamins can also contribute to skin health. With sensible food supplements for dogs, you can provide your dog with vitamins such as vitamin B12 and counteract a possible deficiency. Pay special attention to the dosage, because an overdose of vitamins A, D and E can have side effects. Quality and the competence of the manufacturer ensure that a supplement for dogs takes these circumstances into account, just like the dietary supplements for dogs from animaux.

Minerals and trace elements for dogs

In addition to vitamins, minerals and trace elements are also important for your four-legged friend. The most important minerals include magnesium, calcium and sodium. They are important for bones, joints, muscles and teeth. Among the trace elements to be mentioned are iron and zinc. Zinc is essential and cannot be produced by the dog's body itself. Zinc supplements for dogs are a good source to provide your dog with the trace element.

Fatty Acids for Dogs

fatty acids, like Omega 3 and Omega 6 are just as essential, which means that your dog cannot produce them itself, but must ingest them through food. At the same time, the right relationship is important. You can read more about this in our blog post “XYZ”. With food supplements for dogs that bring alpha-linolenic acid and co., you can positively support the immune system and skin health as well as vitality. Oils in the feed such as linseed oil or evening primrose oil are also excellent alternatives.

You will find our high-quality OMEGA COMPLETE for dogs here!

probiotics for dogs

Like us humans, a healthy function of the intestine is a basic requirement for health. Probiotics keep the intestines fit and strengthen good digestion. The intestinal bacteria that settle in the digestive tract are involved in a healthy metabolism and, as a dietary supplement for dogs, even help with problems such as diarrhea or allergies.

Does your fur nose have problems with the intestinal tract? Our GASTRO BALANCE ensures a balanced digestion and can be helpful with diarrhea, flatulence and changes in feed!

Which dietary supplements can help with which symptoms?

Dietary supplements for dogs can be considered for a variety of ailments. A healthy and well-nourished dog usually only needs dog food supplements if you want to use them preventively or avoid a deficiency. In other cases, you can resort to dog supplements when there is an acute situation. Therapy-accompanying dietary supplements for dogs can contribute to a faster recovery. These are then often administered for a limited time as a cure over several days or weeks with meals. But there are also preparations that are suitable for long-term use.

However, there is no general answer as to when food supplements are suitable for dogs. There are too many individual factors involved. So that you can be sure, you should clarify the gift with your veterinarian in advance.

Possible reasons for supplementation for dogs are:

• intolerances
• unbalanced diet
• raw meat feeding
• pregnancy
• a lot of dog sports like agility
• to Strengthen the immune system
• when changing fur
• to keep the musculoskeletal system healthy
• joint problems
• digestive problems
• decrepitude

Are there risks? If so, what must be considered?

One of the biggest risks lies in poor quality dog ​​food supplements. The market for supplements is large and some manufacturers use additives that are unfortunately not healthy for your dog. We at animaux only use natural ingredients and put them in a ratio that is tailored to the dog. As long as you follow the dosage instructions for the dog food supplement, you don't have to worry about overdosing. Vitamins A, D, E and K in particular can lead to damage to the liver or kidneys if taken in significantly higher amounts.

When and how often should supplements be given?

When it comes to food supplements for dogs, you should follow the credo “no more than necessary”. A rule of thumb also states that more than five different dietary supplements have no desired therapeutic or preventive effect. You can take turns administering food supplements for dogs in acute cases. It is also essential to monitor the intake and always follow the recommended intake. It is also important that you coordinate the duration of the administration with the veterinarian. It may well be that chronically ill dogs should be supplemented permanently.

Most dog owners administer the dog supplement through the food. If your dog allows it, you can also put it directly in its mouth.

Does your dog have bad breath? We call you in this detailed post possible causes and present you with detailed solutions!