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Multi-vitamins for everyday consumption is common in humans, but how about dog supplements?

Is it really needed?

While the importance of have a complete, balanced diet is not questioned, a lot of experts saw that there are lacking nutrients which are essential for them.

Generally, dietary supplements for dogs are prescribed by the vets in order to compliment his diet and attain optimum health. And that even the most healthiest, natural, organic dog food is not enough.

Another thing is that supplements are also given to pets who have ailments like joint issues, arthritis, and other related diseases. Letting a dog drink supplements proved to be helpful especially to the seniors who doesn’t have the energy to play and exercise anymore.

Dog Supplements

Dog supplements for the modern dog. Chances are, if you’re feeding your dog a widely known brand of commercial dog food, your pet is getting adequate nutrition. But today, more pet owners are turning to dog supplements, to give their animals the kind of added nutritional benefits that are often processed out of commercial dog food. Dogs have different nutritional needs at different life stages, and dog supplements can pick up where dog foods leave off. In addition, some medical conditions, like arthritis, or hip dysplasia, can be treated with dog supplements. Source: Pet Product Advisor, http://www.petproductadvisor.com/buyers-guide/dog-supplements—how-to-select-the-best-dog-supplements/167/page1.aspx

Some General Recommended Pet Supplements

Salmon Oil/Fish Oil. These are important sources omega 3 essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA. The Omega-3 EFA’s proved to be important to the nervous system, immune system, the heart, the nervous system and even stop allergies and arthritis. This also supports the brain development of human babies and puppies alike. This is most probably the most important supplement to give, no matter what quality dog food you give him. Omega-3 EFA’s are quite hard to find since they are highly perishable thus unable to survive even if added in commercial foods.

Recommended dosage is 1000mg (contains 300mg EPA/DHA combined) fish oil per 30 lbs of body weight. Experts also stated that you can use sardines in place of fish oil supplements; 1 small sardine is equivalent to 100mg EPA/DHA.

Cod Liver Oil. These also provides omega-3 EFA’s, however it is mostly high in vitamins D and A.

Vitamin E. When tou are giving oil supplements, then vitamin E should be also given. Just 10 IU of vitamin E is enough to balance 5ml or 1 tsp of oil. Most experts would recommend giving 1-2 IU of vitamin E per pound of body weight. If you are giving big doses of vitamin E then you can give it less often, not everyday.

Synthetic Supplements vs Whole Food

Whole food supplements are composed of beneficial herbs and foods compared to the synthetic vitamins. Green blends are basically green foods like alfalfa, spirulina, kelp, etc… On my point of view, whole food supplements can benefit dogs that are on commercial diet since those kind of diet already contain synthetic vitamins in them. Green blends are also recommended for pets that are on homemade diets that doesn’t contain any form of vegetables. To sum it all up, synthetic supplements have very high amounts of vitamins thus your pet is prone to becoming overdosed. Take note that synthetic supplements that contains high doses of minerals may be too much to give if your dog is on a commercial diet, your pet can be overdosed from it.

Human Supplements

Human medicines are fine to give as long as you know how to adjust the proper dose according to their size. Give half the human dosage to a 50-lb dog and a quarter of the human dosage to a 25-lb dog. Toy breeds and other small dogs such as the pekingese would need products that are made for them in order to get the appropriate dosage. Do not in any way give children’s medication to dogs that contains Xylitol, it is very toxic to them!

Dog supplements are a trend for the modern dogs and it is also nice to have them as long as you seek guidance first from your Vet. I have always believed in the old saying: “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” If your vet would say that your pet is good without supplements, then let it go. Giving the wrong dose of supplements may even cause harm to your beloved pet.

What are pet supplements that you are using now? How would you rate it? Leave a piece of your mind with us.