Dog Dietary Supplements

There are a number of reasons why experts recommend dog dietary supplements and there are many alarming things that you should know. 

Jump straight to the best dog supplements on the market at the bottom of this page

Why do Experts Recommend Dog Supplements?

While the importance of a healthy balanced diet is never questioned, many veterinarians have recognized the lack of certain essential nutrients in some of their patients’ diets.

Dog dietary supplements are prescribed by veterinarians to compliment the diet and maintain optimal health.  Even the healthiest of natural organic dog food may not be enough.

Supplements are also prescribed to dogs who suffer from joint problems, arthritis and other types of skeletal problems.  They have been found effective when used in aging dogs that lack energy for play or daily tasks.

(back to top)

Why Does Healthy, Natural Organic Dog Food Need to Be Supplemented?

Unfortunately, the fresh foods that we eat today do not have the same nutritional benefits as the foods grown 50, 100, 200 years ago.

According to the Earth Summit Report of 1992, the soils on North American farms and free range have been depleted of over 85 percent of their natural minerals.

Yes, it’s true, the soil that our fresh crops are grown in is so over used that it no longer allows the food to carry many of the essential minerals we hope to transfer into our bodies.

But is this the only cause of depleted nutrients in our dog’s diets?  Actually there are a few contributors to this problem: 

• Storage and cooking methods cause our foods to loose essential vitamins and minerals.  When foods are stored at extremely high or low temperatures, they tend to loose essential nutrients.  Also, when foods are cooked at very high temperatures they can loose up to 70% of their nutrients.

• The complications associated with acid rain have been making things difficult for our growing plants.  It decreases their ability to take minerals from the soil which in turn yields plants with a much lower mineral content.

• The extremely high demand for fresh foods has forced farmers to use tactics such as artificial fertilizers to speed up the growth process.  This accelerated growth does not give the plants adequate time to absorb the necessary minerals.

Which Ailments Can be Helped by Dog Dietary Supplements?

Dr. Pitcairn recommends, “For animals that are not in the best of health, mineral supplements are an essential part of the diet.”

Dogs who suffer from the following can reap benefits from dog dietary supplements:

• Joint problems

• Minor to severe arthritis

• Skeletal problems

• Teeth, mouth or gum disease

• In-active lifestyle

• Digestive problems

• Hair loss or damage

The list can truly go on and on when you consider the possible benefits of a daily multi-vitamin for your dog.  Veterinarians recommend a multi-vitamin to keep your dog healthy and to strengthen the immune system.  Herbal remedies are also a great option.

When your dog is healthy they are less likely to be the carrier of an illness or chronic condition.  If supplements can keep your dog healthy then why not give them a shot? 

(back to top)

Which Supplements Do Experts Recommend?

There are numerous dog dietary supplements that can benefit the health of your dog. 

Selecting supplements for your dog requires adequate information and a safe supplier.  The following is a list of some of the most highly recommended dog dietary supplements and excellent sources of each.

Please see the supplement links below for additional information...

• Calcium supplements -  Bone meal, seaweed, Di-calcium phosphate, calcium tablets or powder, eggshell powder

• Oil and Fat supplements - Omega-6, omega-3, dried beans, certain fish

• Vitamin supplements - Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E

• Vitamin C for Dogs - While dogs make their own Vitamin C, some can have a deficiency of this important Vitamin.  Click the link to learn more.

We also recommend picking up Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Richard Pitcairn.  It contains a wealth of information about specific supplements and when they should be used.

If there is a specific issue that you are trying to address with supplements, you can also ask our veterinarians directly through
My Online Vet MD.  In addition to the right supplements, they will also tell you what other options you should consider.

A daily multi-vitamin or herbal supplement is also recommended for most dogs.  Click here to jump to the bottom of the page for our recommendations.

(back to top)

Are the Dog Dietary Supplements Offered Online and In Stores Safe?

You can rest assured that the majority of dog dietary supplements are quite safe and free from harmful ingredients.

With that said, though the dog’s safety might not be an issue, the quality of the ingredients used in the supplement may very well be.

Many suppliers attempt to cut costs and use ingredients that may not yield all the healthy benefits they claim. 

According to an article entitled, “Does your pet need a dietary supplement,” found on CNN.com, many supplements tested do not contain exactly what they list on the label.

Dr. Cooperman also stated, "We have repeatedly found the quality of supplements for pets to be worse overall than for supplements for people."

As pet owners are informed about the potential benefits of supplements, many of them express excitement and make purchases before researching the necessary details.

The FDA urges pet owners to talk with their veterinarian before ordering and feeding supplements to their pets. Though they are relatively harmless, extreme overuse or misuse of supplements can be harmful to your dog. 

The Internet is full of very useful information, but occasionally sellers with ulterior motives will try to mislead buyers into purchasing unfit products.

Luckily, we have done the research for you!

(back to top)

What Should I Consider When Purchasing a Supplement?

Here’s a list of four important things to consider before purchasing a dog dietary supplement:

1. Product quality- First examine the intended active ingredient(s) and then check to see the amount of those ingredient(s) in the supplement.  A reputable supplier will provide an 800 number on the packaging that you can call with additional question

2. Efficacy- It is important to note the research and testing that has been done to prove the effectiveness of the desired supplement.  Information regarding the product testing should be accessible through the company’s website or elsewhere.

3. Tolerance- Always check the list of ingredients before giving the supplement to your dog.  You should know whether or not your dog has any allergies or does not tolerate certain foods very well.  It is also a good idea to consult your veterinarian to make sure the ingredients will not react with any other medications your dog may be taking.

4. Safety- Make sure that the company has done numerous clinical tests of the supplement.  Don’t be fooled by false reports, do some serious investigating and make sure the supplement is totally safe for your dog.  

We are in the midst of researching and compiling the best vitamins and supplements on the market. Please let us know if you would like to be notified when our analysis is complete.

Can Dogs Take the Same Dietary Supplements as Humans?

As a general rule, it is best to purchase or prepare supplements specifically made for animals.By doing so you reduce the risk of “over doing it” and giving them too much of a good thing.   Supplements purchased for animals provide accurate dosage according to size, age and breed.  It takes all of the guess work out!

If you prefer to grow, mix or prepare your own dog dietary supplements, it is best to consult your veterinarian for exact dosage recommendations.

Certain vitamins and supplements prepared for humans can safely be given to your dog if you pay very close attention to the dosage.  In general, if your dog weighs one-third of your total weight, serve them 1/3 of the supplement. But, again, please check with your veterinarian before feeding human supplements.  

Dog Supplements Analysis - Best Choices on the Market

C-Caps should be your choice if your dog tends to be a picky eater or doesn't eat as much as he should for his weight.  Benefits include:

DetoxPlus is better for dogs who live in areas where they are more likely to get sick (for example, if they are around a lot of other dogs or are going to be, if you take your dog to places where many other dogs and people visit, etc.):

Go with Energy Tonic if your dog is low-energy, appears depressed or if you live in higher elevations:

Performance Plus is your best bet if you are about to begin or are in the middle of training your dog.  It is also perfect for any dog that participates in competitions:

Back to 10 Best Dog Food Choices & Dog Food Ratings Topics from Dog Dietary Supplements

Back to Organic Pet Digest Dog Care Home Page