Are Dietary Supplements Necessary For Dogs?

Supplements are nutrients that dogs may not get from their food. Dog supplements are given to dogs in addition to their meals, just the way you take protein shakes and multivitamins for your wellness and vitality.

In these modern times, there is a fad for taking dietary supplements, and 80% of dog parents are giving dog supplements to their dogs. But, as with anything we put in our dogs’ bodies, we want to be sure we’re making the healthiest choices possible.

So, does your dog really need supplements? Which supplements should you give your dog? Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of dietary supplements.

Does your dog need supplements?

Most dogs receive a comprehensive and balanced diet, containing essential vitamins and minerals. Supplements may be required for dogs that might not get these crucial vitamins and minerals from what they eat, for dogs with certain medical conditions or to support specific bodily functions of dogs.

By and large, supplements can be extremely beneficial for dogs. However, due to the negative effects involved with using them incorrectly, one must always consult with the veterinarian whether or not their pet requires supplements.

Which dietary supplements should you give to your dog?

The following are the conditions and supplements that can be beneficial for dogs.

Dog Supplements for Digestion

As the gut health of dogs is directly related to their immunity, healthy digestion in dogs is very crucial to keep them happy and healthy. If your dog’s digestive system is not functioning properly, it cannot absorb nutrients efficiently. So no matter how many high-quality meals you provide, your dog will lack nutrients.

The following supplements aid digestion in dogs:

1 – Protexin Paste

It is a probiotic paste with live microbial feed that improves intestinal microbial balance for efficient digestion.

Key benefits:

• Treats intestinal dysfunction
• Controls scouring and diarrhea
• Suppresses pathogenic bacteria
• Helps in weight management

2 – PAW Digesticare SB

It contains CFU Saccharomyces boulardii, a bacterium that boosts your dog’s digestive system with good bacteria.

Key benefits:

• Improves digestion
• Boosts gut microflora
• Treats acute GI symptoms
• Reduces episodes of diarrhea

Dog Supplements for Skin and Coat

Do you want your furry friend’s coat to be silky, shiny and lustrous? Omega oils and antioxidants make coats naturally shine, but if your dog is not getting enough skin and coat food from his regular meals, supplements can be really helpful. A supplement prevents dry skin and dull hair and brings a natural luster.

The supplements that support healthy skin and coat are:

1 – Paw Coat, Skin & Nails Multivitamin Chews

It is a highly palatable multivitamin chew with essential skin and coat care ingredients like biotin, silica and chia seeds.

Key benefits:

• Highly palatable
• Supports shiny fur and coat
• Maintains strong nails
• Treats dry, flaky skin and cracking paws

2 – Essential 6

It is best for the treatment of dry, scaly and dull skin of dogs. It also aids in the treatment of different dermatological skin conditions.

Key benefits:

• Contains antioxidants
• Reduces bad body odor
• Moisturizes and prevents dry and itchy skin
• Maintains shiny fur

Dog Supplements for Immunity

Good immunity fights infections and illnesses and keeps dogs healthy. If your pet’s immunity is not at its best, various bacteria, toxins, parasites, and viruses present in the environment can easily harm them, and even minor illnesses and infections may put your dog at risk.

Supplements for boosting a dog’s immunity include:

1 – Bark Naturals Vitamin C Boost Powder

It is a natural health supplement with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and various vitamins that boost immunity and prevent diseases in dogs.  

Key benefits:

• Boosts immunity
• Lowers anxiety
• Maintains skin, coat, gut and joint health
• Controls anxious, excitable or aggressive behaviors

2 – PAW Wellness & Vitality Multivitamin Chews

These are low-fat kangaroo-based chews containing superfoods including spirulina and organic kale to maintain the wellness and vitality of dogs.

Key benefits:

• Tasty multivitamin chews
• Contains antioxidants for immunity
• Enriched with vitamins and minerals
• Strengthens the bones

Bottom Line

All in all, supplements are highly beneficial for dogs. However, your dog’s veterinarian can only tell you which supplements you should give to your dog. Therefore, always consult your vet before using them.