Did you know that 67% of U.S. households (III), which equates to 85 million families, own a pet?
Dogs are the most popular pets in America, with many households stating that they own one.
Having a pet is great because it can help improve your health, boost your mental health, encourage children to learn about responsibility, and always have a friend.
But to keep your dog healthy, you must meet its nutritional needs.
Discover the best dog supplements you can give your pooch for a happy and healthy life.
What Are Dog Supplements, and Does Your Dog Need Them?
Supplements for dogs are similar to supplements that humans take.
You can find many pet supplements, including multivitamins, supplements to help with arthritis and joint pain, and fatty acid supplements to reduce coat shedding.
These supplements can be added to a balanced diet and might help to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Your dog may need supplements if they aren’t receiving enough vitamins and minerals from their diet or if they has health problems.
Nutritional supplements for dogs can be beneficial for some dogs. However, you should always consult your veterinarian or a nutritionist before giving your dog supplements.
If you give your dog too many vitamins or minerals of a certain kind, then your dog could become unwell.
For example, too much calcium in a dog’s diet can lead to skeletal problems.
How to Choose Supplements for Your Dog
You might also choose to ask your vet which supplements they recommend.
A range of options are available, but some could work better for your dog than others.
To help you choose the right supplements, we’ve created some guidelines of what to do:
The first thing you can do is read the products’ labels before purchasing them.
Familiarize yourself with ingredients that are good for your dog and look for these in the products you want to buy.
To ensure that you’re getting products that have been tested, look for those that have a lot number on them.
This is a sign that the company has done quality checks.
You also can look for brands that have commissioned clinical studies on their products.
You can also try to look for certification from a third-party organization that has verified the supplement’s content.
An additional thing to look for is a contact number for the company.
You can call and ask them about their products, how much experience and expertise they have, and any other questions you might have.
Another way you can be sure that your dog’s supplements are of high quality is by buying them from a known seller or reputable location, such as the vet office.
What Are the Best Supplements for Dogs?
The products you should get for your dog depend on why he/she needs supplements.
Remember to consult your vet before giving your dog any supplements.
But if your vet recommends giving your dog supplements, these are the best ones available right now.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a popular supplement for dogs and is used to help improve their coat and help to prevent skin allergies.
Fish oil supplements can also be given to dogs who suffer from inflammation.
Some studies had mixed results about the effects of using fish oil to help treat arthritis, heart health, and joint health.
Fish oil Supplements are available as pills, powders, and dog treats.
You can find a specialty dog food with glucosamine and chondroitin for maximum joint health benefits.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a popular supplement for dogs who suffer from joint pain.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar found in the fluid around the joints.
It helps to build cartilage.
But as dogs get older, they might experience a decrease in the naturally-occurring of glucosamine, so they may require a supplement.
Glucosamine supplements can help reduce joint pain and could also help to make your dog more mobile.
Supplements are available as pills, powders, and dog treats.
Probiotics
Probiotics live naturally in humans and animals, usually in the form of yeast and live bacteria.
Probiotics help you and your dog digest food and can also help intestinal health.
Probiotic supplements are often advised for dogs who are experiencing diarrhea and other digestive problems.
The probiotics’ live bacteria can help settle upset tummies and keep your dog happy.
You can find these supplements in many forms, including powder, treats, capsules, yogurts, and some dog food.
Antioxidants
Some people believe that antioxidant supplements can help slow down the effects of aging, such as memory loss.
Antioxidants can also be used to help reduce inflammation in dogs and help treat heart disease.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is commonly used for dogs.
It helps fight free radicals and contains natural antioxidant properties that aid in converting food into energy.
You might also want to think about giving your dog CBD oil; CBD could help your dog.
According to Modern Dog Magazine, this is particularly effective for pain relief such as joint problems.
Find the Best Dog Supplements
Use our guide on the best dog supplements and find the ones that your dogs need today.
Remember always to read the label and find out what ingredients are in the supplements.
If you aren’t sure what supplements to give your dog, then speak to your vet about which ones will be best for your pooch.
If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure you have a read of our other articles on pet care.