Not only humans, dogs are sometimes given supplements by their owners. Generally supplements are given for joint support, fatty acids, and to reduce shedding and increase coat shine. But. do dogs really need supplements?
Most dogs receive a complete and balanced diet, along with the necessary vitamins and minerals, from the special dog food you buy. According to the FDA (Food Drugs Administration) dogs that are fed homemade food may need supplements. This is important, but must be given according to the dog’s diet or diet.
Best Time to Give Supplements to Dogs
If there are signs of an underlying medical condition, such as arthritis, the dog has a fatty rump, and there is a possibility of a neurological problem, then it’s time to give the dog supplements. A dog’s coat that doesn’t look good can indicate skin, metabolic, or hormonal problems, so this is also a reason you should give your dog supplements.
It’s just that, before giving supplements to your beloved dog, make sure you first discuss it with the vet through the Halodoc application and use the supplements recommended by the doctor. Ingredients in some supplements, such as herbs, can interact with other medications your animal is taking. Veterinarians can also assess whether your pet dog needs supplements.
If the dog is eating a complete and balanced diet and the dog looks healthy, then the dog doesn’t really need supplementation. Usually the doctor will recommend fruits and vegetables to you as a pet owner who wants to provide additional nutrition.
You also need to know, too much of certain vitamins and minerals can also be bad for dogs and cause other health problems. Sometimes conditions treated with supplements are a symptom of a more serious problem. You also need to know the following types of dog supplements:
• Multivitamins
Multivitamins for dogs are very similar to multivitamins for humans. These supplements contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that dogs need to support general health. Dogs also need vitamins such as vitamins A, B (B-12 and B-6), C, D, E, K, and several other minerals. It’s just that dogs need it in different amounts.
• Glucosamine
Glucosamine supplements are necessary when dogs experience joint pain. This supplement helps relieve pain caused by inflammation and degradation of cartilage in joints.
• Antioxidants
High amounts of antioxidants can be found in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Selenium, and in many other vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants can donate electrons to free radicals without becoming free radicals themselves.
• Probiotics
Probiotic supplements for dogs are used to help with digestive health. These supplements can also help regulate the good bacteria in the digestive system which helps break down dog food so nutrients can be better extracted. Probiotics can also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that can make dogs sick.
• Omegas
This supplement is known to be good for skin and hair health, including in dogs. You should know that dogs cannot make omega-3s themselves, so they need to get them from supplements.
The most important thing is to know what is in the dog’s food before giving additional supplements. This is so that you know what ingredients and nutrients are already contained in it, so you also know what nutrients are lacking and you need to add supplements.
Even if you use supplements at the correct dosage according to what is listed on the package, if your beloved dog has enough of his daily diet, then adding supplements can actually make him sick. For that it is important to always ask the vet to get the right advice.
