What Supplements Should I Add to My Dog's Food?

The advantages of giving natural supplements to your pet are many, and may vary based on the desired result. Most commercial foods contain the bare minimum of nutrients, and your canine friend may need some supplementation for ideal health. Supplements will add the missing ingredients to your dog's diet to improve their nutrition.

Supplements You Should be Adding to Your Dog's Food Bowl

Joint Supplements

The joint supplements originate from the common fluids, joint capsules, and the bone's cartilage caps found in animals that will nourish the dog's joints and produce building blocks such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid improve joint health. Veterinarians usually recommend supplements from glucosamine, hydrochloric acid, and chondroitin to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. This condition causes pain and immobility, affecting the quality of life, daily functioning, and comfort level of dogs, affecting their ability to stand, walk, and play. Studies also indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are essential in reducing inflammation causing pain in the joints of dogs. It is also important to note that if your dog is only eating dry food, there is an elevated need for an alternative source for joint fluid. For example, you can add raw chicken necks or fermented fish stock to their food, or get a joint supplement that gives adequate therapeutic levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory herbs to improve the joints.

Omega Supplements

Some essential omega supplements are Omega 3 and Omega 6, also known as fatty acids. These supplements are vital to your dog because Omega 3:

• Reduces inflammation associated with heart infections
• Improves the health of the brain as your dog grows
• Ensures the health of joints by reducing swelling and pain at the joints
• Helps moisturize your dog's skin to reduce irritation, shedding, and prevent the existence of dandruff

The source of Omega 3 mainly depends on the type of fatty acid your dog requires. The three main sources of this supplement are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The EPA and DHA oils are found in fish such as sardines, anchovies, and salmon, while ALA oils are found in specific nuts and seeds, are the most preferred for puppies. On the other hand, Omega 6 is equally essential for the growth of your dog because it:

• Promotes the growth and development of the dog, including the expansion of skin and bones
• Provides energy for the normal functioning of the dog
• Helps in reproduction
• Enhances immunity

Vitamin Supplements

Dogs need vitamins for a completely balanced diet. Their body does not produce these vitamins naturally, so they need to eat food rich in vitamins for proper nutrition. Dogs have specific vitamin supplements that include:

• Vitamin K for the synthesis of proteins needed for adequate blood clot
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin) for carbohydrate metabolism for the proper functioning of the brain
• Vitamins B2 for the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates for the appropriate growth of the dog
• Vitamin B3 for treating inflammatory skin infections such as lupoid or pemphigoid
• Vitamin B6 for glucose production, improving the functions of the red blood cells, nervous system, immune response, and hormone regulation.

Probiotics

Probiotic supplements for dogs, much like probiotic supplements for humans, are used to improve digestive health and regularity. Probiotic nutritional supplements assist in controlling the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, which aid in the breakdown of dog food and the extraction of nutrients. They may also prevent the development of harmful bacteria that can cause illness in both people and dogs, such as E. coli.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants support a healthy immune system by preventing the weakening of cell lines by electron theft due to excess free radicals. Antioxidants, when combined with colostrum for dogs, may benefit dogs with allergies and skin issues. They also support agility and memory in old dogs.

How to Feed Your Dog Supplements

The best way of feeding your dog with a supplement is to mix it into the food. However, while doing this, ensure you have the correct dose as prescribed by the manufacturer or Veterinarian.

Get Your Supplements from Cornucopia Pet Foods

At Cornucopia Pet Foods, we specially formulated our supplements for dogs to include a combination of superfoods, chelated minerals, probiotics, enzymes, vital vitamins, and antioxidants to help strengthen their immune system, develop stronger bones, give them a healthy coat, and keep their digestive tract healthy. If your pet is suffering from joint, muscular, or nerve pain, or if they have a chronic disease that causes these symptoms, our vitamin supplements can help. We also offer supplements to help your dog relax throughout the day and encourage better sleep. Your dog will also love our healthy treat options created from our food products and dried into a crunchy delicacy.

Contact us at 631-427-7479 or check out our online supplement inventory and buy your desired supplements now!