Does Your Dog's Diet Need to Include Supplements?

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for a long and happy life with your pet.  How do you know if your dog's diet needs supplements?  What types of supplements should you add to your dog's diet?  

In most cases, your dog's diet will not need to be supplemented.  Assuming you feed your pet a diet formulated by a reputable dog food company, your dog's food is specially designed for a healthy balance to ensure excellent health for your pet. 

Occasionally, some low-quality dog foods will increase the need for extra supplementation.  Your vet may recommend that you give your dog's diet a little boost.  Consider supplementing your dog's diet with a hard boiled egg a couple of days per week.  This simple step will add extra amounts of vitamins A and D to your dog's diet.  Such vitamins help to maintain good bone structure and healthy eyes. 

If you have decided to personalize your dog's diet by customizing a raw diet, cooking at home for your pet, or just want to make sure your dog's diet is at its best, you will want to know about the benefits of other supplements.  Your dog's diet can be supplemented with whole grains, green vegetables, and nuts.  These items will increase your dog's intake of vitamin B.  Other ways to supplement your dog's diet to increase the amount of vitamin B include beans, yeast, and liver.  Your dog needs vitamin B in a healthy, balanced diet to support healthy skin and muscles. 

To ward off immune system deficiencies, supplement your dog's diet with additional vitamin E.  Good sources of vitamin E can be found in wheat germ, bran, and vegetable oil.         

Vitamin K can be another important nutrient in your dog's diet.  Liver, fish, leafy greens, and seeds can provide vitamin K to your dog's diet.  This vitamin will help to enhance your dog's blood clotting abilities. 

Glucosamine can be a great supplement in your dog's diet.  Glucosamine has been proven to improve joint health and ward off arthritis in your pet. 

Supplementing your dog's diet can be risky if not done correctly.  You may think you are providing your pet excellent vitamins and low calories by tossing your dog a few grapes or raisins.  Some dogs have been known to die from renal failure due to consuming such fruit.  Always seek advice from a professional before supplementing or changing your dog's diet in any way just to be on the safe side. 

Calcium supplements can be dangerous when used excessively in your dog's diet.  Although calcium is good in moderation to form strong, healthy bones, too much calcium can create trouble.  Large breed pups given too much calcium may grow large bones, but these bones lack the strength they need.

Always talk to your vet about the supplements you are considering.  Your vet can advise you on the appropriate amounts of each supplement to add to your dog's diet.  Both you and your vet care for your pet and want what is best for your dog.  Providing a healthy and nutritious diet is one of the easiest ways to ensure good health for your furry friend.