Does Your Dog's Diet Need To Include Supplements?

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for a long and happy life with your pet. But how do you know if your dog's diet needs supplements? What types of supplements should you add to your dog's diet?  

Assuming you feed your pet a diet formulated by a reputable dog food company, such as Royal Canin or Hills Science Diet, your dog's food is specially designed for a healthy balance to ensure excellent health for your pet. 

Occasionally, some low-quality dog foods will increase the need for extra supplementation. Your vet may recommend that you give your dog's diet a little boost. Adding extra amounts of vitamins A and D to your dog's diet can help to maintain good bone structure and healthy eyes, Vitamin B supports healthy skin and muscles, Vitamin E wards off immune system deficiencies, and Vitamin K will help to enhance your dog's blood clotting abilities.

Supplementing your dog's diet can be risky if not done correctly. You may think you are providing your pet excellent vitamins and low calories by tossing your dog a few grapes or raisins, but some dogs have been known to die from renal failure due to consuming such fruit. Always seek advice from a professional before supplementing or changing your dog's diet in any way just to be on the safe side. 

And well, that's what I'm here for! Wellnergy Pets provides great supplements for dogs AND cats that have been veterinarian developed and approved. Listed below are some of my favorites:

Hip & Joint Care -  Made with New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, a powerful natural occurring super food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin crucial for decreasing inflammation, rebuilding cartilage, increasing lubrication, and promoting cartilage regrowth. 

Skin & Coat Support - Made with Real Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil to relieve irritating skin & coat problems, promote hair growth, reduce shedding, and keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Probiotics - Contains Bacillus Coagulans - the only probiotic strain proven to be stable long-term in a soft chew. Balances and protects the gastrointestinal tract, aids in allergy prevention, and strengthens the immune system. Plus a delicious hydrolyzed duck flavor that your dog will LOVE.

If you have decided to personalize your dog's diet by cooking at home for your pet, or just want to make sure your dog's diet is at its best, you will want to know exactly what you're putting in their food. A website I like to recommend to my clients is Just Food For Dogs that provides recipes, food, and even a calculator to compute how much you should be feeding.

All in all, always talk to your vet about the supplements and diet you are considering. Your vet can advise you on the appropriate amounts of each supplement to add to your dog's diet because both you and your vet care for your pet and want what is best for your dog. Providing a healthy and nutritious diet is one of the easiest ways to ensure good health for your furry friend.

I hope that helps answer any questions you might have about your dog's diet and supplements, but if you need anything, feel free to reach out to our team on Facebook, Instagram, E-mail, or in the comments section for any other questions. Happy New Year everyone!

About the Author:

Dr. Zonram Liao D.V.M. is a Southern California native, and earned his undergraduate degree from University of California, San Diego before obtaining his veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is not only a firm believer in the use of supportive care supplements to improve the health and happiness of his patients, but also is a strong advocate of the benefits of preventive care medicine for his patients as well. During his free time, Dr. Liao enjoys spending his time outdoors fishing and hiking, playing basketball, watching movies, cooking, traveling, and trying new foods.