February 8, 2023, 12:37 pm | Read time: 8 minutes
Are dietary supplements for dogs unnecessary, or do our four-legged friends benefit from them? PETBOOK explains which animal supplements can improve dogs’ health–and which have no place in their bowl.
To boost health or prevent diseases, we humans often turn to supplements like vitamins or minerals. But do our dogs also benefit from so-called supplements? PETBOOK explains which vitamins, superfoods, and more can improve dogs’ health–and which supplements have no place in their bowl. Additionally, owners will learn which dog supplements can be replaced by food.
Overview
Are dietary supplements for dogs useful?
A complete, species-appropriate, and high-quality complete feed generally covers all essential macro- and micronutrient needs. Therefore, additional supplementation is not necessary–provided the dog is in excellent health. It’s different when dogs are fed specifically, especially if they are on a raw diet or even a meatless diet. In this case, dog food must be specifically enriched with ingredients to eliminate the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Additionally, animals suffering from diseases or absorption disorders, showing specific behavioral abnormalities (such as anxious dogs), or on a special diet benefit from supplementation. Moreover, there are individual needs and situations throughout a dog’s life where a supplement can optimize the dog’s well-being and health. For example, very active dogs engaged in sports activities like agility require an extra portion of nutrients for muscles, heart function, and more.
Lastly, much has happened in nutritional science over the past decades, and some study results and dietary tips are transferable to dogs. For instance, four-legged friends can also benefit from antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. It’s no wonder that more and more veterinarians are pursuing additional training as pet nutritionists.
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In these situations, dietary supplements for dogs are useful
The dog is on a diet
Although the term diet is often associated with weight loss, it simply means “special nutritional form” for both humans and animals. Dog owners who feed their dogs a raw or vegan diet must enrich the base of the respective “food diet” with raw diet supplements, vitamin flakes, etc. Special vitamin and mineral mixtures are offered, containing everything the dog needs per daily dose. Dogs with intolerances that can only tolerate a few foods or types of food often require supplementation to balance the one-sided feeding.
The dog is sick
Especially chronically ill dogs rely on special dietary supplements. This can positively influence the well-being and disease progression of dogs with diabetes, digestive disorders, joint problems, or dementia. The same applies to heart and circulatory diseases, immune deficiencies, inflammatory diseases, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
The dog is old or underweight
As dogs age, the risk of diseases increases, and nutrition-related complaints become more apparent. Particularly very old dogs, which develop underweight due to declining appetite or dementia, often suffer from nutrient deficiencies. At this point, a supplement with high palatability can provide an extra portion of concentrated micronutrients. The same applies to undernourished or malnourished dogs, such as those from animal shelters or poor conditions. To support the dog during recovery, tasty pastes or a tonic with micronutrients as a supplement to a high-calorie diet are vital.
The bitch is pregnant
During pregnancy, bitches need an extra portion of nutrients to support their offspring. A lack of essential micronutrients during the developmental phase can lead to dangerous deficiencies, increasing the risk of brain damage, miscarriages, and physical disabilities.
The dog is anxious or prone to stress
Traumatized dogs from poor conditions or animal shelters may suffer lifelong from the effects of abuse. To support anxious dogs, psychological help from dog trainers or animal psychologists and a loving home are primarily needed. Additionally, special “Relax” or “Calm” mixtures with calming ingredients have proven effective.
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These dietary supplements are useful for dogs
Probiotics
Probiotic cultures can support the digestive function and protective barrier of dogs’ intestines–even preventively for healthy dogs. If animals frequently suffer from diarrhea, administering probiotics can lead to improvement. Naturally, it should be clarified by a veterinarian beforehand whether a serious illness is present.
As an alternative to probiotic powder or tablets, a dog’s gut flora can be strengthened through natural foods. Lactose-free sour milk products like buttermilk or natural yogurt in small amounts are suitable. To optimally multiply the probiotic cultures, prebiotics like inulin (fiber) should be added: e.g., grated carrot, apple, or small amounts of psyllium.
Vitamin and mineral mixtures for dogs
Special mixtures that provide dogs with all essential vitamins and minerals are generally unnecessary with a species-appropriate, varied diet. It’s different if dogs have digestive problems, low appetite, or chronic illnesses. Recurrent infections or increased susceptibility to infections also suggest (temporary) supplementation with micronutrients.
The same applies if owners choose a raw or vegan diet. Enriching raw meat or the plant-based base of vegetables, legumes, and more with vitamins and minerals ensures the dog receives all essential micronutrients. While raw diets require supplements like calcium from eggshells or algae lime, vegan dogs need taurine and vitamin B12, among others.
Essential fatty acids for dogs
Due to numerous positive effects on dog health–including for the brain and immune system–high-quality oils are generally beneficial as supplements for all dogs. Dogs with chronic inflammation and skin problems particularly benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of the oils.
Natural supplements include oils rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are also marketed as expensive treats for a shiny coat, but they are not necessary.
Tip: It’s much cheaper and more natural to simply buy high-quality salmon oil. The same goes for linseed oil, which is more affordable as organic linseed oil from the supermarket than from pet stores. Depending on the dog’s size, simply mix 1 to 2 teaspoons into the food.
Dietary supplements for dogs with joint problems like arthritis
For older dogs and susceptible breeds like German Shepherds or Dachshunds with back problems, supplements with anti-inflammatory green-lipped mussel extract have proven effective for joint issues and more. These supplements are often enriched with additional ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, devil’s claw, and MSM.
Tip: To be safe, the preventive or therapeutic benefits and possible dosage should be discussed with a veterinarian before administration.
What you need to consider when using dietary supplements for dogs
To ensure the beloved dog truly benefits from a supplement, owners should consider a few important aspects. Otherwise, well-intentioned supplementation can turn into a health risk for the dog!
Consult the vet first
Before giving your dog dietary supplements, a veterinary consultation should determine whether supplementation is advisable. The veterinary consultation can also clarify whether certain nutrients can simply be provided through food. Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can ideally be mixed into food with salmon oil. The need for vitamins or minerals can also be met through vegetables and more in the food bowl, making a supplement not always necessary.
Only buy supplements specifically for dogs
Supplements for humans and animals are now marketed on a large scale. Special caution is needed when ordering vitamins, superfood mixtures, and more from the internet. Avoid cheap products from countries like China to prevent health risks, overdoses, genetic engineering, or contaminants. To be safe, only buy supplements made in Germany that are strictly controlled and certified without artificial additives, manufactured under veterinary supervision.
Choose the optimal form of administration
While pet owners often supplement with capsules or tablets, there are more suitable forms of administration for dogs. Liquid products like oils, powders, or vitamin-rich flakes are particularly suitable.
Pay attention to dosage
As with dog food, “The dose makes the poison.” Instead of the motto “More helps more,” dosage and feeding recommendations on the packaging should be explicitly followed–in the sense of “Less is more!” While an accidental excess of water-soluble micronutrients like B vitamins or vitamin C is unproblematic, chronic overdosing of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin D, or vitamin E can be risky. The reason: While excess water-soluble vitamins are excreted through the kidneys, fat-soluble micronutrients can accumulate in the body–and become a health risk. Lastly, the optimal dosage depends on whether it’s a preventive supplement for disease protection or a therapeutic supplementation due to a diagnosed deficiency.
Dietary supplements for dogs: Short-term or long-term?
Depending on the individual situation, it’s important to decide whether a dietary supplement should be given short-term, over a longer period, or permanently. While dental issues like gum inflammation may require temporary supplementation with an easy-to-swallow tonic, chronically ill dogs rely on supplements for life.