What Every Dog Owner Should Know about Dog Supplements

Just like most humans should take vitamins every day, dogs need extra help too. Dogs require a balanced diet combined with proper dog supplements in order to prevent disease and joint problems, and improve their overall quality of life as well as the length of their life. Read on to learn what every dog owner should know about dog supplements.

Why do dogs need supplements when commercial dog foods claim to have all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs? Most dog foods really do contain all of the essential vitamins and minerals when they are made, but the high temperatures and long storage times required for processing, along with the unregulated animal byproducts often found in less expensive dog foods, diminish the usefulness of these nutrients, leaving the food short of the nutrition your dog needs.

A dog's natural health defense system will only work well if they are receiving a proper diet, vitamins, and minerals. Dog supplements can provide your dog with the additional vitamins and minerals their current diet may lack, and the right vitamin regimen can return their immune system back to a healthy balance.

What are the benefits of giving my dog supplements?

In addition to the above benefits of helping to prevent disease and extend a dog's life, if your dog is very active, goes running or swimming with you on a regular basis, or is under a lot of physical stress (service dogs, police dogs, etc.) dog supplements can lessen injuries if they occur. They also offer additional benefits depending on the type of vitamins and minerals you give your dog.

Joints Benefits

Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been found to help with arthritis and joint conditions in humans, and it benefits dogs as well. For many adult dogs, especially aging dogs and those prone to arthritis, some dog joint care supplementation can be beneficial to easing those aliments. Omega 3s are also advantageous to improving arthritis symptoms, and adding fish oil to your dog's diet can also help him or her deal with inflammation.

Digestion Benefits

Most dogs, even dogs with the most careful of pet owners, are guilty of eating dirty, disgusting things that they shouldn't eat and that can cause a big time stomach ache. By adding a dog supplement with digestive enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics you can help with digestive problems such as gas, diarrhea and constipation, or boost a low immune system due to antibiotics.

Skin and Coat Benefits

Skin and coat dog supplements with fish oil, vitamin E and Omega 3-6-9s provide the cells of a dog's skin and coat with the necessary nutrients to stave off dry or flaky skin and remain supple, shiny and healthy.

When is the right time to start giving my dog supplements?

Many dog owners only start to consider giving their dog supplements when he or she has a health scare. While this is better than not giving your dog any vitamins or minerals at all, it's best to supplement your dog before "crisis" strikes. By giving your dog proper amounts of nutrients on a regular basis, your dog will enjoy many more healthy and happy days and will be able to fight off illness more easily.

What should I consider before selecting supplements to give my dog?

Just like you would before changing your dog's diet, you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving any extra vitamins, minerals or enzymes to your dog. The vet will consider your dog's age, breed, existing health problems and current health needs to help you pick the best nutritional program for your dog.

Added vitamins and minerals can contribute to your dog's overall vitality, health and longevity, but remember that they are called supplements for a reason - they are supplementary to a healthy lifestyle that includes a premium diet, regular exercise, and yearly veterinary checkups.

Natural Pet Warehouse believes it is our responsibility as humans to care for ourselves, animals and the earth. They provide the healthiest organic pet products and natural pet supplies available to improve the quality and longevity of life for pets and their owners, including dog supplements, natural dog food, dog treats and dog toys.