As a dog parent, you want to make sure your dog has all the essentials to live a happy, healthy life. And if you’re one of the 77% of Americans taking a daily supplement, you might be wondering what benefits dog supplements have to offer. Just like anybody else, our dogs age and they eventually feel the negative effects of getting older. This can be unhappy moods, metabolic/hormonal problems, and in extreme cases disease. Many owners will consider dog supplements to counteract these effects and prolong the life of their pet. But, it can be hard to know if they’re necessary, if they even work, or if they’re a safe option for your dog.
What Are Dog Supplements?
A daily dog supplement is a dietary product aiming to improve the overall health of your dog. They can provide additional nutrients, vitamins, and health benefits that are usually not offered by a dog’s regular diet. Such as a bowl of kibble. Dog supplements can be anything from a generic multivitamin to a specially formulated dog chew offering specific benefits. According to the American Kennel Club, joint support and skin/coat health formulated supplements are two of the most commonly purchased.
Many people use fortified dog foods and treats to give their dog a balanced nutrition. However, this can make it hard to know if your dog is receiving sufficient vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients every time they eat. Fortunately, incorporating a daily dog supplement can help maximize the health benefits that may be missing from typical dog foods.
Do They Really Work?
There’s a broad range of dog supplements to choose from that all can deliver a different health benefit. If your dog has a medical condition (such as joint issues or pain) or you suspect a deficiency within their diet (low appetite), then daily supplementation can be very effective. Make sure to choose a dog supplement that has ingredients catered to the benefits you’d want for your dog. For instance, dog supplements with the ingredient Glucosamine have been seen to assist joint/hip related issues. Fatty acids or fish oils, aid inflammation support and help enhance skin/coat health. Antioxidant vitamin-C and vitamin-E, with the help of probiotics, helps boost immune system function and maintain a healthy digestive system.
