Supplements For Dogs - Balancing What's In Their Bowls

Throughout the life of your family pet, there will be times that you find they need something from the line of supplements for dogs, either because they have a specific problem or condition, or just as an extra measure to insure continued good health.

Rightly or wrongly, some vegetarian pet owners prefer that their dogs eat the same kind of diets. Those pets will need dog vitamins, specifically vitamin D, along with supplements of calcium and possibly protein, to make up for their normal carnivore-type diet. They may also be short on L-carnitine and taurine, two essential amino acids.

Other pet owners are concerned with skin and coat health, and one of their supplements for dogs may be a homemade blend of olive, canola, cod liver and flax seed oil, to be added in small measure, to wet or dry food.

The most widely used dietary supplement, is likely the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of arthritis in the aging dog. However, owners should be aware that while this additive can reduce inflammation, and allow damaged tissues to repair themselves, it cannot alter or reverse changes to the joint which take place with the progress of the disease.

Vitamins for dogs, are also part of a healthy diet, whether they come as a food component, or are given as supplements. Vitamin B12 is known to enhance the appetite, and is useful for older dogs, or those recovering from illness or surgery. Moderate doses of Vitamin C will bolster a dog's immune system and help to keep their skin healthy. Vitamin E has been found helpful in maintaining healthy footpads for the active dog, and also appears to have some properties as an anti-inflammatory. Keep in mind though, that vitamins and other dog supplements, are canine specific, and should not be substituted with those made for humans.

Dog nutrition is a growing concern, as vets see more and more obese pets. One of the keys to having a healthy dog, is to buy a premium quality food. You may spend more for the same amount as another brand, but your dog will also get more "use" out of it.

Most dog foods have stamps or testimonies saying they are nutritionally complete. While that may be true, what is not explained on food bags, is how such filler as corn or by-products can "push" the food through the dog's system before they get a chance to absorb the good stuff. Lower quality foods like this, have to be fed at a higher volume, and as a consequence, produce more stool.

So when considering the diet of man's best friend, make sure they have a quality food, the vitamins and supplements to maintain the health of skin, coat and organs, and lots of love, to keep that tail wagging.