When Should We Feed Dogs Supplements?
- Tail Blazers
- February 23, 2022
When should we feed dogs supplements? When will they be most effective, and when might they make the largest difference? What exactly is a supplement, anyway?
A supplement is basically something that enhances something else, or supplements it when added. A dietary supplement usually contains some sort of combination of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to support one of the millions of physiological functions.
When Should We Feed Dogs Supplements?
You’ll have to first ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish with your supplements! Then ask yourself, at what age would this become most effective?
Mitosis (the copying and replacement of old or damaged cells) begins to slow down like a dog in age. The same is true for humans and is ultimately the reason most of us eventually die. As mitosis slows with age, an animal is more susceptible to injury and often won’t recover as quickly.
With that reasoning, an older or ageing dog would benefit from most supplements much more than a younger animal!
Supplements for Vision
Young or young adult dogs will normally receive all the nutrition they need to support healthy eyesight from a well-balanced diet, and supplementing that diet to support eyesight might not really yield many benefits.
As a dog ages however, the lenses of the dog’s eyes can thicken and begin to cloud over. This is called cataracts, and most dogs that reach an advanced age will get them!
- A dog’s eyes can begin to suffer issues around 7 years of age, so you should feed your dogs supplements for vision at 7 and beyond!
Joint Supplements
In between our (and our dog’s) joints, we have a cushioning fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid acts to prevent joints from directly grinding against each other and make movement easy! We also have several ligaments that surround our boned and hold them together.
As both humans and dogs age, that cushioning synovial fluid begins to disappear. This ultimately leads to an extremely common condition in both humans and dogs, called osteoarthritis. If you have an older relative, you’ve probably heard of it!
Injuries can also lead to those cushioning tissues disappearing. Osteoarthritis can be very uncomfortable, even painful!
- If your dog suffered a joint or ligament injury at any age, supplements are helpful for recovery.
- Degenerative joint conditions (like arthritis) are found in about 80% of dogs 8 years old and above! Feed dogs supplements for joint health prior to eight. It’s even better to begin a year or two earlier.
- Glucosamine is among the most popular dog supplements, meant to support joint health.
Fish Oils for Dogs
Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, and are probably the second most common supplement for dogs! For puppies, Omega 3s are important for brain and eye development. These can help with cognitive disorders in older dogs, and have been shown to support joint health and stability.
- Fish oils are highly recommended for dogs with arthritis!
So again, fish oil supplements can benefit dogs of any age, but you’ll probably see the most benefit in dogs around seven years and older.
Multivitamins for Dogs
Are you afraid your dog doesn’t get enough nutrition? Is your meal plan lacking in a certain area? Or do you just want to make sure all your bases are covered?
Multivitamins are great for dogs, but particularly helpful if you think your dog isn’t getting enough of something. Dogs born or suffering additional abnormal health problems could benefit from multivitamins. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits these can have for your dog!
When Are Supplements Best for Dogs?
Too much of anything can be a bad thing, but as long as you avoid overdosing, or at least avoid overdoing the supplements, they can help at any age. That being said, most supplements are more helpful as a dog’s body ages and begins to break down.
Have you consulted your veterinarian?
Remember, by offering supplements, you’re adding to your dog’s existing nutritional plan. This is basically the definition of dietary supplements. You never want to add too much of anything!
A high quality, diverse, highly nutritional meal plan is your most important goal. This will include various kinds of meats, fruits and vegetables, and even some grains.
Your veterinarian can advise you on what direction to take and tell you what supplements can benefit your dog most!
Tail Blazers Dog Supplies
Are you looking for quality dog supplies for your dogs alike? Are you confused by all your options available? Take a look at Tail Blazers! We offer several fantastic products your dog will love, especially during training time!
Gingivitis is actually common in many dogs over three, and the mere act of chewing can help!
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