In recent years, the market for dog supplements has grown as pet parents strive to give their dogs the healthiest, happiest lives possible. While many dogs do quite well on a AAFCO-approved diet, others may benefit from additional nutrients to address their specific health concerns or predispositions.
If you're considering adding supplements to your dog's diet, you should first ask your vet for advice. Your vet will be able to help you pick out supplements that will work best for your dog (depending on their size, pre-existing health issues, and breed).
Whether your dog needs extra support for their joint health, digestion, or anxiety, Under the Weather has got you covered when it comes to dog supplements. We’ll be discussing the importance of dog supplements in this article, as well as reviewing a few of our favorites. Let’s get started!
What Are Dog Supplements?
Dog supplements are dietary supplements that may be added to a dog’s regular diet to improve (or simply enhance) their health. These supplements come in different forms—soft chews, powders, gels, or capsules—and are specially formulated to address a dog’s specific health issues or provide additional nutrients.
While dog supplements should not be viewed as a type of “cure” for a dog’s health issues, many supplements for dogs contain scientifically supported ingredients that may slow disease progression, improve immune function, or help prevent certain conditions.
However, the effectiveness of any supplement depends on your dog's needs, so always ask your vet for advice before giving your dog a new supplement.
Why Do Veterinarians Recommend Supplements for Dogs?
Veterinarians often suggest supplements as a way to complement prescribed treatments or support overall health. For instance, a dog diagnosed with arthritis might benefit from supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, while puppies predisposed to heart disease might benefit from omega-3 fatty acids.
In some cases, supplements help address nutrient gaps in homemade diets. If your dog's meals are not balanced or lack essential vitamins and minerals, a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist may recommend supplements to meet their nutritional needs.
Similarly, senior dogs or those with chronic health issues can gain extra support from supplements tailored to their specific conditions.
How Do Dog Supplements Work?
Supplements work by enhancing your dog’s diet with additional nutrients that may support their body’s natural processes. For example:
Puppies
While puppies are growing, they require specific nutrients. This is mainly to ensure proper development, especially for their bones and joints.
Adult Dogs
Supplements for adult dogs are necessary, too, because they can help already healthy dogs maintain their good health. Supplements can also be helpful when it comes to managing skin issues or digestive problems.
Senior Dogs
Aging dogs will certainly benefit from supplements that support joint health, cognitive function, and immune strength. For example, if your senior dog has arthritis, giving them joint supplements could be a great way to improve their mobility and quality of life.
Common Ingredients in Dog Supplements
Wondering what some of the most common ingredients found in dog supplements are? Let’s break it down below and discuss the specific benefits of these ingredients:
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Found in many joint supplements for dogs, these compounds help maintain healthy cartilage and lubricate joints. They are often recommended for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or joint injuries.
Probiotics
These beneficial bacteria support a healthy gut microbiome. They improve digestion and may alleviate issues like diarrhea and bloating.
Collagen
Supports skin elasticity, promotes a shiny coat, and improves joint and digestive health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Essential nutrients like vitamin B12, riboflavin, and calcium help address deficiencies and promote good health overall.
Calming Ingredients
Green tea extract, spearmint, and other natural compounds can help reduce anxiety in stressed dogs.
The Best Dog Supplements
Let’s explore some of the best supplements for dogs below:
Calming Soft Chews for Dogs
Does your dog get anxious during thunderstorms, fireworks, or visits to the vet? These Calming Soft Chews are a fantastic option for dogs with anxiety. These chews are veterinarian-formulated, and include calming ingredients (like green tea extract and spearmint) that are designed to help your dog relax.
Plus, they’re chicken liver flavored—which makes them a hit with most dogs. By incorporating these chews into your dog’s daily routine, you can create a calmer, more comfortable environment for them, especially during stressful events.
Collagen Chews for Dogs
These collagen chews by Under the Weather are another excellent choice because they promote healthy skin, reduce shedding, and will give your dog’s coat a shiny, smooth appearance.
Collagen also supports joint health and digestion, which means it’s an especially great option for senior dogs or dogs with joint issues. Typically flavored with chicken liver, these collagen chews should be pretty easy to incorporate into your dog’s routine.
10-in-1 Multivitamin Chews for Dogs
If you’re looking for a comprehensive supplement for your dog, Under the Weather’s 10-in-1 multivitamin chews are a fantastic choice. These chews address multiple aspects of your dog’s health, including:
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Joint health: Thanks to glucosamine and chondroitin.
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Skin and coat: With ingredients that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
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Immune function: Probiotics and essential vitamins improve immunity.
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Digestion: Probiotics improve gut health.
Since they come in a convenient chewable form, they’re easy to give to even the pickiest dogs.
Ready Balance Probiotic Supplement for Dogs
Digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite can be stressful for both you and your dog. The Ready Balance Probiotic Supplement by Under the Weather is a veterinarian-formulated gel that’s designed to restore normal digestion and improve your dog’s gut health.
Packed with six strains of live probiotic bacteria and prebiotic inulin, this supplement encourages the growth of beneficial gut flora. This will help your dog recover quickly, no matter what sort of stomach troubles they’re experiencing.
It’s especially useful during stressful situations (like traveling, antibiotic use, or illness). This gel should be administered based on your dog’s weight, and is a very effective way to maintain your dog’s healthy digestive system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Dogs Need Supplements?
Not all dogs need supplements, as most dogs on an AAFCO-approved diet receive balanced nutrition that fulfills their basic requirements. However, supplements can be beneficial for dogs with specific health conditions.
While supplements can fill gaps or address a dog’s particular needs, it's important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any supplements to make sure that they are necessary and appropriate for your dog.
How Do I Know If a Supplement Is Safe for My Dog?
The safety of a supplement can often be determined by checking for the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal, which indicates that the product has met stringent quality and safety standards.
However, this should not replace professional advice. Always consult your veterinarian to confirm that a supplement is suitable for your dog (based on their size, health status, etc.) This will be the best way to make sure that you’re using a product that’s both effective and safe.
What are the most common types of dog supplements, and what are they for?
Dog supplements, depending on the supplement, may address several different health needs. For joint health, glucosamine and chondroitin are typically used to maintain cartilage and joint lubrication, especially for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
Probiotics are popular for digestive health, since they promote a healthy gut microbiome (this helps alleviate issues like diarrhea or bloating). Collagen and omega-3 fatty acids are often included to improve skin health, reduce shedding, and improve coat quality.
Calming supplements, which usually contain ingredients like green tea extract and spearmint, are often used to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. Multivitamins are always a great choice because they provide broad-spectrum nutritional support to improve immune function, joint health, and digestion in dogs.
Can I Give My Dog Human Supplements?
No, human supplements are not suitable for dogs (unless explicitly approved by your veterinarian). Many human products contain ingredients or dosages that can be harmful or even toxic to dogs, such as xylitol (a sugar substitute) or excessive amounts of certain vitamins.
When Should I Start Giving My Dog Supplements?
Anytime, really, as long as your vet approves it. Puppies may benefit from certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to support their brain development and immune health. For adult dogs, supplements can help maintain good health or address issues like digestive discomfort or anxiety.
Senior dogs often benefit the most, as supplements for joint health, immune support, and cognitive function can improve their quality of life as they age. Your vet can help you decide when and which supplements might be appropriate for your dog.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to calm your anxious dog, improve your pup’s coat health, or address your senior dog’s digestive issues, there’s likely a supplement out there that will suit your dog’s needs and Under the Weather can help!
However, it’s important to remember that supplements are not a substitute for a well-balanced diet or professional veterinary care. Before introducing any dog supplement, always ask your vet to make sure it’s both safe and effective.
