Best Dog Supplements: Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Many ingredients in the supplements that dog owners themselves take for their health are also used in supplements that are made for dogs and their health. These ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and fish oil for skin and fur health, just to name a few.

There are also many vital vitamins and minerals that your dog should be getting in their diet regularly to support their health. 

Dogs should not be taking supplements that are made for humans in order to get health benefits. Instead, dog owners should take some time and learn about the supplements that are made for dogs and their health, and which one might be best for their dogs

Glucosamine and Chondroitin 

Glucosamine Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance used for its pharmacological benefits, also known as a nutraceutical. Glucosamine is one of the more popular and well-known supplements utilized for its bone and joint benefits. It's actually known as one of the best joint supplements for dogs.

This amazing supplement is used for all sorts of animals from dogs and cats to larger animals like horses. Humans also can take supplements that include Glucosamine Chondroitin for their own joint health. Although, a dog should never be given the form of this supplement that is made for humans, as certain ingredients that are mixed into the supplement can be harmful to dogs.

The way that this supplement has been found to work on the joints is that it helps to repair damaged cartilage. Meaning it is great to use in older dogs who have arthritic aches and pains, as well as in dogs who are working to recover from recent joint surgery.

Fish Oil

Fish oil, also known as Omega 3 is one of the more necessary supplements in a dog’s diet, just as it is important for humans to take in on a regular basis. Fish oils help to keep fur or hair coats shiny and healthy.

This also goes for your dog’s skin when taking in omega 3 regularly. Fish oil will help to keep your dog's skin from becoming dry and itchy, preventing further irritation and constant scratching. 

Omega 3 is also beneficial to the health of your dog's heart and entire cardiovascular system at that. For those who do not know, omega 3 is good for keeping cholesterol levels in check. This goes for humans too.

You can find out what the best omega 3 supplement for dogs is by talking to your dog’s vet and they will make a recommendation to you based on your dog’s specific needs.

Important Vitamins and Minerals

Daily vitamin and mineral intake are just as important for your dogs as it is for you and your kids. Although, you wouldn’t want to give them any of your Flintstone vitamins. There are specially made vitamins for your dogs that you can ask your vet about. These vitamins are often found right in the ingredients of your dog's food.

Some of the more crucial vitamins that your dogs need include vitamin A, a variety of B vitamins (Thiamine, B6, Niacin, B12, and many others), vitamin C, E, and K. Each of these vitamins plays an important role in the health of your dog. For instance, vitamin A is important for your dog's vision and their immune system.

The various B vitamins benefit your dog in areas from immune system function to digestive and nervous system health. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a vitamin that dogs can produce naturally, unlike humans. They make it in their liver naturally but can also benefit from some extra vitamin C in their diet as an antioxidant.

Antioxidants 

Vitamin C isn’t the only important antioxidant that dogs need to have in their diet. Vitamin A and Selenium are two other important antioxidants that your dog should be getting.

The role of antioxidants is to reduce “free radicals”. Free radicals occur when your dog is ill or facing any sort of health problem. These free radicals do harm to their cells, making it harder for their body to heal and become just as strong as it was before facing the illness. 

Conclusion

If your beloved canine companion is suffering from joint aches and pains, you will want to get them the best arthritis supplement for dogs on the market. Getting your dog, a supplement that includes glucosamine chondroitin is a great start to help them find relief from joint pains and discomfort. Adding in other vital vitamins is also great for their overall health. 

Most vitamins play a role in supporting the immune system, but some will also help support other systems such as your dog's digestive system or vision. Omega 3, specifically, supports your dog’s cardiovascular system.

Finding foods and supplements that contain just the right number of these vital supplements is important for your dog's health. Just be sure to consult their vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet.

What is the best joint and hip supplement for dogs?

Supplements that contain glucosamine chondroitin are the best supplements that you can give your dog who suffers from hip and joint troubles. There are dozens of supplements on the market that contain these important ingredients. It’s important to look at reviews as well as talk to a vet when deciding which glucosamine and chondroitin supplement would be best for your dog.

What are good supplements for dogs?

There are several supplements that are important and beneficial for dogs to have in their diet. These supplements include glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oil. Many of these ingredients can be found in popular supplements that can be purchased in your local pet store.

Can dogs take human glucosamine?

Dogs definitely should not take human glucosamine. Glucosamine supplements that are made for humans contain an ingredient called xylitol which can be very harmful to dogs. There are also other added ingredients such as sweeteners that can also be dangerous to dogs.