As a pet parent, you want to see your baby active and kicking. To ensure optimal health for your four-legged buddy, it is important to focus on a healthy diet rich in vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K. if their diet lacks nutrition, it helps adding supplements to boost their health and keep their coat shiny and soft.
#1. Fish Oil
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is an important part of a dog’s supplementation, improving coat quality and shine. Omega-3 is also known to alleviate skin problems, especially allergies. Research claims that fish oil is a kind of anti-inflammatory, which is useful in reducing inflammation in pets and might help with joint problems, arthritis, and heart health.
In addition to omega-3, some fish oil supplements comprise of omega-6, which is known to boost skin cell membranes and restore ceramides, which help in moisture retention. Professional vets suggest looking for fish oil supplements with EPA and DHA fatty acids.
#2. Glucosamine
Glucosamine supplements for dogs are used to treat joint health problems. Glucosamine is naturally found in the cartilage that cushions joints. With growth, cartilage wears down, and so does the production of glycosaminoglycan. As a result, a dog might experience poor joint health and arthritis. Glucosamine supplements can help pets keep moving as they age. If your pet has slowed down and seems to experience problems in running or jumping, they might need extra supplementation. Glucosamine assists with swollen joints, problems with sitting down or standing up, limping, taking shorter steps, refusing to take the stairs, or favoring a leg.
#3. Probiotics
If your fur baby shows signs of constant tummy problems, they might have some intestinal complications. Probiotics might help resolve this. These live bacteria live naturally in the body and help with digestion and intestinal health. A healthy balance of good bacteria is essential for better digestion and to treat diarrhea. Probiotics can aid digestion by helping improve the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals that help with food absorption. A dog with a well-nourished body enjoys strong immune health and can better fight disease.
Plus, you can choose to supplement a dog diet with probiotics when they have frequent episodes of gas, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, which is a sign of an increased amount of bad bacteria in the gut.
#4. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are believed to offset the effects of free radicals and prevent damage to cell membranes. Healthy cells support vitality and youthfulness, slowing down the aging process and counteracting the effects of aging. Coenzyme Q10 is known as one of the most powerful supplements for dogs, which acts as an antioxidant and helps the conversion of food into energy. If your furry friend is faced with health challenges, such as respiratory diseases, eye problems, heart disease, skin allergies, arthritis or joint problems, supplementing their diet with antioxidants might help. Since your pet is exposed to more toxins than you, antioxidant supplementation can help mitigate the risk.
#5. B Vitamins
If your pooch suffers from frequent gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, fatigue, excessive shedding, dry skin, and watery eyes, they might be deficient in vitamin B. From promoting metabolism to skin health, B vitamin supplementation can help your canine stay healthy and active.
Supplementation is essential as a dog’s body cannot make B vitamins independently. With adequate B supplements in a dog’s diet, they can experience healthy skin and hair, and a better metabolism. B vitamins also help keep fleas and ticks away. An anemic dog can benefit significantly from B vitamin supplementation.
A healthy dog is a happy dog. You want to see them active and playful all the time. Supplements for dogs can come in handy if your dog’s diet lacks in nutrients. Always consult with your dog’s vet to find the best supplements, so that they get all of the nutrients and vitamins they need to live a healthy life.
