Dog supplements can be beneficial in certain situations to support your dogs’ overall health and address specific needs. Here are some common supplements and why they should be considered:
1. Omega Oils:
Commonly found in fish oil supplements such as Salmon Oil, Omegas can support skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to joint health. They may be beneficial for dogs with skin conditions, allergies, or arthritis. When looking at Omega content in a complete food, look for correct proportions between Omega 3 and Omega 6. Ideally, it should contain higher Omega 3 levels, as the primary benefits of this anti-inflammatory oil include skin, coat, vision, mobility, heart health and more.
2. Joint Supplements:
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are often used to support joint health, especially in older dogs or those with arthritis. These supplements may help alleviate joint pain and promote joint flexibility. For larger breeds, it may be beneficial to supplement their diet from a younger age as a preventative, rather than as a reaction when such issues arise.
3. Probiotics & Prebiotics:
General digestive supplements should contain probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can support a healthy digestive system. They may be recommended for dogs with gastrointestinal issues, food sensitivities and loose stools/wind.
4. Turmeric:
Turmeric can come in various forms such as paste, powder or in treats. It is just as beneficial for dogs as it is humans. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, aiding in pain relief, joints/arthritis, digestion, liver function and much more. There are some well kept secrets though, such as adding a small amount of black pepper – which increases the absorbency into the system by up to 2000%. Turmeric can be a very beneficial overall health supplement for your dog, made easier in the form of treats such as our Turmeric Cookies.
5. Fiber Supplements:
Fiber supplements may be advised for dogs with digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhoea. It will be commonly recommended if your dog struggles with anal glands or is scooting frequently. Rather than using a specific supplement for this, we advise mixing 2 teaspoons of canned pure pumpkin in with your dogs’ daily meal and monitoring any improvements.
6. Medical Specific Supplements:
Some medical or health conditions will require specific supplements, either to boost/support your dogs’ immune system or to make up for a deficiency in a particular area. Examples of these would be antioxidants or calcium supplements. These may be recommended by your Vet upon the diagnosis of such a condition.
7. Remember the following important points:
Dosage Matters: Always follow the recommended dosage provided by the supplement manufacturer.
Quality Matters: Choose high-quality supplements from reputable sources to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Not a Substitute for a Balanced Diet: Supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced and nutritious diet.
Supplements can be a valuable addition to your dogs’ care, but they should be used judiciously. You are always welcome to contact us at Bentley’s for unbiased nutritional advice, we will be honest if we feel our food would not be suitable for you and your dog. Our philosophy is simply to see more dogs on a healthier diet.
