The Four Most Important Supplements for Your Dogs: A Guide on What to Give and Why.

Supplements are an important part of your dog’s daily nutrition intake. Amongst our friends in Singapore who have furkids, they all agree that the diet that you are feeding will require these essential nutrients for a healthy lifestyle for your dog. However, most pet parents were unsure of which supplements to give to their furkids and why they should give when they started. This is also especially difficult in Singapore, because all of these supplements are made overseas and there is a lack of information on these supplements for doggy nutrition.

We did all the research for our fellow pet parents so that you can have a quick understanding of the essential supplements you should be feeding your dogs!

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are known as anti-ageing supplements for humans as well as for dogs. These are found commonly in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Selenium, which protects the body from free radicals that mutate cells and cause cell death. Therefore, antioxidants are also known as anti-cancer supplements and are essential nutrients for our pups in prevention against dog cancer.

Aged dogs will benefit more from antioxidants as their immune system is weakened as they grow older. Pups who have multiple allergies and skin problems can also boost their immune system through consistent consumption of antioxidants. Blueberries, strawberries, carrots, broccoli and pumpkin are some great sources of antioxidants that are safe to feed your dog in small quantities daily.

Glucosamine for Hips and Joints

Joint health is important for all breeds of dogs, especially large breeds and dwarf breeds. Glucosamine promotes joint health in a natural way, especially for dogs with arthritis. This supplement can be found in natural, healthy treats such as mussels, elk antlers, and shark cartilage.

Glucosamine is known for providing speedy joint recovery to pups who underwent surgery or injury. It can also help to slow down Canine Hip Dysplasia, or help in early intervention of its symptoms.

The easiest way to give glucosamine is through natural dog food, treats, natural dog supplements, or chews that have it as an ingredient. You will never have to worry about overdose as it is safe for long-term use in most dogs.

Probiotics

Just like with humans, probiotic supplements for dogs are used to aid digestive health and regulate good bacteria in their digestive tract. Probiotic nutritional supplements aid in digestion and reduce the risk of diarrhoea in dogs.

However, always consult your vet before giving any probiotic supplements to your pup as an overdose will cause indigestion. There is no hard and fast rule so far as to how much probiotics to give, it is a healthy balance of flora in your puppy’s gut that will help in their digestive system.

Omega-3

Fish oil, mussels, tuna, and seafood in general are filled with fatty acids called Omega-3. These promote fur and coat quality, and also makes them shinier over time.

Omega-3 is also widely used for reducing inflammation and alleviating skin allergies in dogs. Dogs can have allergic reactions to grooming products, food, and environmental irritants, such as pollen or insect bites. A dog with allergies may scratch relentlessly, and a peek at the skin often reveals an ugly rash. Omega-3 filled chews such as Natural Dog Company’s Skin & Coat supplement, and also healing balms such as Skin Soother can help with itchy rashes too. Alternatively, you can supplement Omega-3 by adding Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil into their daily meals.

What about Multivitamins and other supplements?

Traditionally, multivitamins have been a supplement for humans, but it has been recently used by some pawrents for their furkids. Dogs need vitamins in very different amounts as humans. Therefore, it is difficult to administer the right dosage for your dog due to varying breed sizes and health conditions.

Additionally, always consult your vet for recommendations on the best multivitamin supplements, or other supplements to provide your furry friends with. This will ensure that they have the best essential nutrients required for their size, breed, and any existing ailments that they may have.

Want to learn more about supplements for your pet?

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xo

Nellie