Pet Nutrition: Everything You Need to Know About Pet Supplements

As dog parents, it’s understandable that you want to do right by your pet. The thing is, pet nutrition can be complicated. How much food should they be consuming? Do their needs depend on their size and breed? Does dog food have enough nutrients to give your pup a balanced diet? While there’s nothing wrong with ensuring that your pup is living a safe and fulfilling life, the reality is that there’s a lot of work that goes into learning even just the basics of pet nutrition.
Fortunately for you, we’re here to help! We did the heavy lifting and put together a quick guide about pet nutrition and the many benefits of pet supplements. Keep reading to find out more!

 

What are pet supplements for?

Let’s start with the most basic question: What exactly are pet supplements for? Fortunately, the answer is pretty straightforward. Pet supplements, like dietary supplements for us humans, provide your pets with the necessary vitamins and minerals that they are not getting from their overall diet. The benefits of these pet supplements can range from a healthier skin and coat to a stronger immune system.

 

Does your dog need supplements?

In general, supplements are only recommended if you think your dog is not getting enough nutrients in their diet. However, there are some cases where supplements may be more of a requirement than a suggestion especially if you have an aging dog. If you’re unsure, the best course of action to take is to talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to provide you with the necessary information about which supplements to give your dog as well as the proper dosage.

 

How to Choose the Best Pet Supplements

Choosing the right supplements for your pet can be a little overwhelming since there are a plethora of brands to choose from. Keep in mind that you would have to also do your own due diligence to determine which supplements would support your pup’s nutritional needs. If you’re seriously considering giving a supplement to your pup, here are the first things you should do:

 

• Consult your veterinarian - As mentioned above, it would be best to consult your veterinarian before giving your pup any type of supplement. The main reason why is that veterinary professionals have the necessary knowledge about which supplement would be best for your pet’s unique needs. Your vet would also determine the proper dosage depending on the weight of your pup.
• Only buy from a reputable brand - The great thing about this day and age is that you can check a company’s reputability with just a few clicks. Make sure to check if the brand has an online presence and if you can contact them with your queries and concerns.
• Pick a natural supplement - While both natural and synthetic supplements have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, many vets would tell you that natural supplements may be a better option for your pet. Natural supplements are derived from natural ingredients and contain concentrated amounts of vitamins and minerals that are found in natural food.

What are some of the most common pet supplements?

 

Hip & Joint Soft Chews

Why does your pet need hip & joint supplements? The truth is that joint issues are common in dogs of all breeds and ages. Hip and joint supplements, according to the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), are safe, natural, and could potentially improve your pet’s quality of life. Key ingredients such as glucosamine HCL, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM all support joint and cartilage health, reduce inflammation, and support overall nutrition.

Calming Chews

Why does your pet need calming supplements? Calming supplements help your dog manage stressful situations from visiting the vet to separation anxiety.

Skin & Coat Soft Chews

Why does your pet need skin & coat supplements? As the name implies, skin and coat supplements promote healthy skin and coat. If your pup is regularly experiencing itchy skin and inflammation, this type of pet supplement would also help moisturize your dog’s coat and support their overall immune function.

Allergy Soft Chews

Why does your pet need allergy supplements? Like us, dogs can be allergic to a number of different things. Thankfully, there are allergy supplements specifically designed to reduce allergy symptoms in dogs. Look for an allergy supplement that uses natural ingredients such as kelp, colostrum, bee pollen, and other ingredients that are known to help alleviate allergic reactions.

Multivitamin Soft Chews

Why does your pet need multivitamins? Pet multivitamins usually contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that cover five different areas of your pup’s health: skin & coat, hip & joint, immunity, digestion, and heart health. There are also some multivitamin options out there that contain CFUs that help regulate your pup’s overall digestive and immune system while naturally supporting their gut health.

Digestive Care Soft Chews

Why does your pet need digestive supplements? Digestive supplements are needed to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your dog’s intestines. It also assists the body when breaking down essential nutrients to quickly jumpstart digestion and offer fast relief to the most common digestive problems.

Final thoughts

Now that you have a clearer understanding of pet supplements, you can make an informed decision about what’s right for your dog’s overall well-being. If you’re unsure about anything, check with your veterinarian. They will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make sure that your dog is getting the nutrition they need, when they need it. After all, we only want what’s best for our pets, right?