Do dogs need vitamin supplements? As a loving pet parent, you may have asked yourself this question. Because we all want the best for our beloved dogs.
Your dog’s dietary needs change as they move through each stage of their life; boisterous puppies need support to grow and develop, while more mellow senior dogs may have aching joints and inflammation that requires dietary attention.
Supplements are widely favoured by pet parents as a way to support canine health and wellbeing, with up to a third of dogs fed a regular dietary supplement in the United States.
If you’re wondering what dog supplements are used for, they can actually help to address a range of health concerns. This includes osteoarthritis, heart health, anxiety, digestion, coat care…the list goes on!
In fact, a recent 2022 study on the efficacy of dietary supplements in dogs with osteoarthritis highlighted positive results, revealing improvements in pain, mood and lameness. Plus an increased willingness to move, play and jump after just 60 days of treatment.
So, let’s explore some of the most common dietary supplements and the conditions they can help to treat.
The benefits of inulin and prebiotics for dog health
Inulin is a soluble dietary fibre found in many plants. Due to the structure of its molecules, it isn’t absorbed by the small intestine, instead travelling to the lower gut where it acts as a powerful prebiotic.
But what’s a prebiotic and what can it do for my dog’s health? Good question! A prebiotic essentially feeds the good bacteria in your gut. These good bacteria are then converted to fatty acids which nourish colon cells.
Overall, it…
- Improves digestive health
- Prevents constipation, and
- Leads to firmer stools
It can also help with blood sugar control and diabetes, increases bone density and has been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
The benefits of kelp for dog health
Low in calories and full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, kelp is a highly nutritious seaweed that is perfect for the maintenance of dog health.
Especially high in iodine and calcium (it contains 10 times more calcium than milk!), it’s also packed with protein and amino acids, meaning there are so many benefits to this increasingly popular ingredient.
Are you always battling with the toothbrush? It can be hard to keep your dog’s teeth clean, but seaweed is a secret weapon when it comes to sparkling gnashers. It helps to decrease tartar and calculus that can easily build up on a dog’s teeth, thus preventing decay and gum disease which can lead to more serious health concerns.
It also supports…
- Skin health
- Thyroid function
- Metabolism
- Hormone regulation
- Tissue repair and immunity
It’s a nutrient powerhouse!
The benefits of bilberry for dog health
You may be wondering ‘what’s a bilberry?’
This little-known fruit is a wild blueberry. The bilberry is a close relative of the more popular blueberry that we are used to seeing on supermarket shelves - and it’s even more nutritious. It’s bursting with a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanins.
One of its biggest benefits is its role in eye health. It helps to prevent…
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy, and
- Cataract formulation
…which can begin to affect dogs as they approach their senior years.
It’s also thought to have a role in stabilising blood sugars, while its high flavonoid content…
- Protects against toxins
- Benefits circulation
- Improves capillary strength
- Protects against gastric ulcers, and
- Can assist pets with arthritis
The benefits of spirulina for dog health
A massively nutritious microalgae (a cousin of seaweed and kelp), Spirulina is known for its wide range of health benefits due to its high content of chlorophyll, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It also contains more protein per gram than meat!
A superstar for overall wellbeing and vitality, it has many advantages, including…
- Immune system support
- Allergy relief, and
- Improved thyroid function
Meanwhile, it is ideal for gastrointestinal health, helping with the absorption of nutrients. It suppresses all the nasties - such as Candida yeast and e-coli - while boosting beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria.
How to make sure your dog is receiving the right nutrients
So, how can you be sure your dog is getting the right combination of micronutrients to boost their long-term health, especially if you are following a natural real food diet?
A supplement is an easy and highly effective solution, providing all the nutrients your dog requires for general wellbeing and vitality.
The good news? Wellbeing Essentials Complete 22 contains all of the ingredients above…and so much more!
A research-based nutrient blend that was developed by food scientists and veterinarians, it’s safe, natural and sourced from quality human food sources.
All you need to do is add it to your dog’s food everyday, so there’s no stress and no guess. Just confidence and complete peace of mind.
In Conclusion
Just like humans, dogs require a combination of micronutrients in order to thrive, but it can be tricky to know if you’re getting it right through food alone. Even more so if you’re following a real food diet.
Supplements are the perfect solution to this challenge and ensure your dog is receiving all they need for long-term health and vitality.
Keen to introduce a natural diet alongside supplementation for optimal wellbeing? Download our free eBook for all the tips and information you need to get started with real food.
