Protection for Our Dogs - From the Inside and Outside

How useful are nutritional supplements for dogs?

In principle, a high-quality complete feed is able to cover the daily nutrient requirements of dogs. Provided that the dog is healthy, theoretically no additional administration of supplements is necessary. However, there are situations and phases in the life of a dog where the nutrient supply through the daily food ration may not be sufficient. If the nutrient requirement increases, one should definitely consider supplementation.

Nutrient optimization instead of feed supplementation

Rather, the question regarding dietary supplements should be: In which areas do I want to support my beloved pet? Where are there weak points and risks, or where do I want to make a preventive contribution to their health and well-being? The latest study results confirm that pets, especially dogs, can greatly benefit from antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. This proves the significant potential and importance of supplements for dogs.

Life with increased nutrient requirements

Some situations in a dog's life require an additional dose of nutrients. These include very active dogs involved in competitive sports, older dogs, chronically ill dogs, dogs in poor health, as well as pregnant and lactating dogs. During these phases, targeted administration of nutrients is highly recommended to prevent secondary symptoms. Senior dogs often suffer from a lack of nutrients due to a decreased appetite, and those who feed their dogs raw meat (BARF: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) should also closely monitor the nutrient supply for their four-legged friends. Raw meat, vegetables, fruit, and herbs form the basis of the daily food ration, which should be supplemented with special vitamin and mineral mixtures. However, feed supplements are not only relevant to BARF feeding but can be necessary in any type of feeding.

The various forms of supplements

Supplements always serve a specific purpose, whether it's strengthening the immune system, supporting the musculoskeletal system, or stimulating digestion. Depending on the goal you have in mind for your dog with a dietary supplement, there are different forms of application:

• Preventive vs. supportive:

  Supplements can be administered as a precautionary measure, for example, to prevent certain diseases in specific breeds. These may include joint diseases, where preventive nutrients are used to specifically strengthen muscles, cartilage, and joints and make them more resistant. Preparations can also provide support for allergy sufferers and those with intolerances, after surgeries, or in the case of acute illnesses as an accompaniment to therapy.

• As a cure vs. as a long-term administration:

  Depending on the season or purpose, supplements can be given to dogs for a limited time or over an extended period, or even permanently. During spring to fall, supplements can be used to repel pests, while in winter they can help strengthen the immune system. Permanent supplementation is particularly advisable for chronic diseases (e.g., affecting the joints) or intolerances.

• Powder, drops, pellets, and more:

  There are also significant differences in the physical form of food supplements for dogs. The appropriate preparation for your dog is a decision that each dog owner must make for themselves and possibly test out. In any case, preparations in powder or drop form are well-suited as they can be easily and straightforwardly mixed into the daily food portion.

Nutrient support for special needs

Nutritional supplements for dogs are always specifically tailored to their individual requirements. Ideally, they consist of a blend of nutrients and vitamins in which the individual components synergistically work together to provide maximum benefits for the animal's body. The areas of application for nutritional supplements for dogs are diverse:

• Strengthening the immune system:

  Even our dogs are not immune to coughs, colds, and flus. Vitamin C and zinc are true immune boosters for dogs, especially during the cold season.

• Support during coat change:

  The coat change is a phase that requires high levels of nutrients and energy, where high-quality proteins and omega-3 oils can provide support.

• Mobilization of the musculoskeletal system:

  Dogs often suffer from osteoarthritis, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal diseases. Therefore, there are special preparations with glucosamine and chondroitin available not only for prevention but also for acute care.

• Stimulation of digestion:

  Dogs, in particular, can easily develop stomach issues and show symptoms like diarrhea. Probiotic mixtures can support the stomach and intestines, helping to restore balance.

• Defense against pests:

  It doesn't always have to involve chemical treatments - various nuisances can be naturally repelled from the inside out by targeting the intestinal environment with specific micronutrients, making the dog unattractive to parasites.

• Basic nutrient supply:

  For all types of feeding, especially BARF, preparations containing all the necessary micro- and macronutrients for optimal functioning of the dog's organism are used.

How to find the right product

Once you have made the decision to specifically support your dog, the next step is to search for the right product. The options available are vast, and each preparation claims to be the best on the market. However, if you take a closer look and pay attention to certain details, the selection becomes somewhat easier:

• Hidden sugar:

  Sugar has no place in dog food, nor in supplements. While it may help achieve faster acceptance by the dog, it is harmful to the organism and long-term health.

• The more natural, the better:

  The power of nature should not be underestimated. Herbs, vital substances from natural ingredients, and GMO-free production are important factors to consider when deciding on a preparation.

• Synthetic additives:

  The fewer fillers and additives (excluding nutritional additives and analytical ingredients), the better. These have no relevance or effect on the dog's organism and are often used only to stretch the preparations. Therefore, it is always worth looking at the list of ingredients and milligram specifications.

• Reputable brands:

  Trust is good, but control is better in this case. It doesn't hurt to do a little research on the company, its origin, and philosophy. Is it a young company or one with years of experience and expertise? Price is also an important indicator: opting for a lower price usually means compromising on ingredients.

The ideal dietary supplement for dogs

The pet market is vast, making it challenging to find the right supplement for your dog. Along with the parameters mentioned earlier, you should also consider your dog's age, physical condition, exercise intensity, current diet, and overall health. Always choose a supplement specifically made for dogs, as they have diverse vitamin and nutrient requirements.