"Are you sure your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients from his diet?"
Just like any pet parent, KEEPING MY LITTLE FURBALL IN TIP-TOP SHAPE IS A PRIORITY. So it’s not really a question of whether my dog needs to take daily supplements, it’s “which supplement should I choose?”
As much as I want to shower my furry Fido with squeaky toys, tasty treats, and TLC, one of the best ways to show love is with a nourishing diet that helps her live a long, healthy life.
Here’s what I discovered.
Just like us ‘hoomans’, PETS TAKE SUPPLEMENTS TO FILL IN NUTRITIONAL GAPS OR MEET CERTAIN HEALTH DEMANDS.
Supplements are used in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle to act as A NUTRITIONAL BOOST TO ENHANCE OUR PET’S OVERALL HEALTH. These should never be used as a replacement for nutritious food or prescription medications.
To make this maze of meds more manageable, I’ve put together a list of buzz-worthy, highly-rated, vet-approved supplements meant to help my fellow pet parents out.
The most common supplementary products recommended for pets are those that:
Strengthen the joints
Protect and condition the skin and hair coat
Promote general well-being
Improve digestive health
Reduce inflammation
GLUCOSAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND CHONDROITIN are star ingredients to support your dog’s joint health. If these sound familiar, it’s because these are also used to treat arthritis in humans. Although glucosamine is naturally produced in the body, glucosamine levels decrease dramatically as they age, which can lead to joint deterioration.
This natural-occurring power duo helps:
Promote water retention and elasticity
Ensure appropriate shock absorption
Nourish tissues in joint linings
Prevent damage caused by inflammation
The 3 Omegas are the fatty acids that play the biggest role in giving your dog’s skin and coat a lustrous shine:
Strengthens the proteins of skin and fur
Anti-inflammatory properties
Keep cells within the skin and fur healthy
Regenerates healthy skin cells and hair follicles (aka fur-licles )
Turns out, Antioxidants are essential for us and for our furry family members too. Every day, our pet is exposed to countless toxins that can damage their cells. It’s important to prevent these free radicals from having free reign in their body which can lead to respiratory diseases, allergies, cancer, heart disease, and more.
Provide your puppers with a powerhouse of protection with these antioxidants:
PUPPIES: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Selenium
ADULT DOGS: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Polyphenols
SENIOR DOGS: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene,
Polyphenols
Good gut health is essential for a healthy digestive system and a strong immune system. Enter 3 Omegas – the unsung heroes of the canine gut. Without prebiotics, your poor pupper won’t be able to absorb the proper nutrients from her food. They work to help maintain and produce the ‘good guys’ while fighting the bad bacteria in your dog’s gut.
According to the American Kennel Club, the B Vitamins group are essential to our dog’s general health too:
It has many functions like promoting healthy metabolism and keeping cells in check.
Here’s the thing…
In a picture-perfect dog world, their diet would be so clean and nutritious that they won’t need to take supplements. It’s not.
So as pet parents, our job is to compensate for this elusive dietary dream with supplements. My problem is that with so many options in the market, it can become overwhelming! What should be an easy process has become expensive, time-consuming, and complicated – and because my pet is a picky eater, it can also get pretty messy if the taste is icky!
When I look at the label, they all provide what seem to be the same nutrients, leaving me to wonder which ones should be top of mind. I did a bit of digging and I was surprised to learn that each type of supplement comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks for your dog.
There are plenty of supplements that contain fillers, chemicals, and other junk you wouldn’t want near your woofer. Remember to look for one that’s developed by an expert with extensive knowledge of canine nutrition. Veterinarian Dr. Brian Evans, clinical director of the pet telemedicine service Dutch, says these are some of the things to consider:
Are the ingredients natural?
Is it veterinarian recommended?
Is it designed specifically for dogs?
Is it easy to give to my dog?
And so my search began..
And ended when I discovered Super Pet Total Health.
Basic, simple and honest. I knew EXACTLY what I was giving my furry friend because I could read the label with confidence. Super Pet Total Health is a vet-approved formula containing only two ingredients, yet it hit all the nutritional needs I was looking for! Extra Virgin Olive Oil which contains antioxidants, like Vitamin E, and contains phytonutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Acacia Fiber is an excellent, natural prebiotic that supports digestive health. Each flavorless scoop made it super easy to mix into my picky eater’s wet or dry food.
Here are the other highlights about the product:
Proudly USA-made with sustainable ingredients
Adds luster and sheen to your dog’s coat
Acacia fiber promotes solid poops
Contains antioxidants to fight free radicals
Contains polyphenols for brain health
After just a few weeks, I noticed:
Her energy was up
Her breath smelled fresher (yes!!!)
Bowel movement was always regular, and
Her coat was super shiny.
Here’s my takeaway from this HERO of a health supplement.
No list can take the place of proper pet care and nutrition. But, when making important changes to keep our four-legged family members healthier and happier, you should take the time to research and find a product that supports your pets without compromise.