How to Know If Your Dog Needs Supplements

Humans have mostly figured out the secret to a healthy diet. Eating green veggies, getting an ample amount of nutrients daily, and consuming an overall healthy diet have been the most important factors behind our healthy lives. The same applies to dogs, too, as they need optimum nutrition to stay healthy.

As a dog parent, you should always try to give your dog nutrient-rich food. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the holistic development of your dog, so make sure their food includes them. If you are wondering how to know when your dog needs supplements, then this article is for you.

What Are Supplements?

Supplements provide vital nutrients to the food which are lacking in the normal food. Just like humans, some fur babies also need supplements at times to stay strong and healthy. Supplements boost the number of vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc., in the body.

Dogs need different kinds of supplements for different needs. Hence it is necessary to look out for the best pet dog supplements.

Not every dog needs supplements, especially if they are young and healthy. But on the other hand, some dogs need supplements immediately, as it can be helpful in making them healthy and benefit their well-being.

Supplements and Their Usage

Every supplement has its own usage and role in a diet. Supplements treat joints, digestion, allergies, malnutrition, skin problems, behavioral issues, heart problems, and much more.

While, if your dog is feeling weak or isn’t healthy, then supplements might do wonders for their health. The usage of supplements in your dog’s diet depends on several factors such as their age, breed, quality of food they are consuming, lifestyle, medical conditions, etc.

How Do You Know If Your Dog Need Supplements?

If you are wondering whether your dog needs supplements, then you can ask your dog about that. Yes, you read it right. I mean, obviously, you don’t have to sit in front of dogs and ask them whether they wish to have supplements in their food or not.

Instead, try to pay attention to your dog’s health, the food you are giving to them, and the level of nutrients they need daily versus what they are getting daily. Below we have discussed several situations when your dog might need supplements.

Veterinarian-recommended brand

Though we are about to list brands that are vet-recommended, we will advise you to ask for suggestions from your vets as they know you canine the best.

Overall, we found these brands that are making high-quality American made vitamins and supplements for dogs, like American BioSciences’ DGP for Pets.

The Case of Malnutrition

This is one of the significant situations where your dog might need supplements. If your dog isn’t getting the required amount of nutrients from their food, it will lead to malnutrition, i.e., lack of nutrition in the body. Many dog foods that are labelled as rich in nutrients, or a balanced diet for your dog, aren’t always the best choice for your dogs. They might have added chemicals, preservatives, or something else that could affect your dog’s health.

Similarly, if you are cooking your dog’s food at home, you may have prepared something delicious and healthy according to you. But it still can lack the necessary nutrients your dog needs. In such situations, supplements are beneficial, as they boost the level of nutrients in the diet, giving your dog a much better chance to stay healthy and fit.

Inevitable Ageing

Older dogs tend to need supplements more so than younger ones. Just like humans, dogs too get weak as they grow older. Hence, they need all the vitamins and minerals in their diet to stay healthy.

As pooches age, they might be unable to digest every kind of food. During these times, supplements work magically, as they not only provide essential vitamins to your dog but also strengthen their body.

Health Conditions

Health conditions have a severe impact on your dog. Several health conditions such as joint, heart, or digestive problems might lead to your dog needing supplements.

As we have discussed earlier, supplements are used for treating various things. Hence, if your dog is suffering from a health condition, consult the vet immediately, and use the prescribed supplement(s).

Behavioral Changes

If you are witnessing specific changes in your dog’s behavior, such as sudden aggression, depression, too much sleeping, eating too much, or too little, then you must be cautious and pay attention to these changes to know if your dog needs supplements.

Like humans, our paw buddies, too, go through an emotional cycle throughout their lives, which might reflect on their behavior. There are several supplements available for dogs that can help them feel less moody. Although, it is recommended that you consult with the vet first before giving any such supplement to your dog.

Wrapping It Up

Dogs have become an integral part of our lives. The never-ending love from both sides leads to lots of care, as well as worrying a lot about each other. Hence, at times dog parents try too many things when things are not going so well for their dog. Instead, you should stay calm during such situations and consult an expert if such a need arises.

With the case of supplements, pay utmost attention to your dog, and if you are sure enough that they need supplements, then you should add them to their routine.