You enhance your health with vitamins & supplements because you know the benefit. If so, you probably wonder if your four legged friend can benefit from them too. Estimates say approximately one third of dogs receive supplements. Here is a list of the things to consider when trying to determine which supplement may be best for your 4 legged family members.

• Glucosamine, the most popular supplement for dogs. glucosamine is effective in treating arthritis and inflammation in dogs.
• Fish Oil, the second most common supplement given to dogs Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids that improve coat quality and shine, alleviate skin allergies and are useful in treating arthritis, heart health, and joint health.
• Antioxidant supplements are counteract the effects of aging. They’re also used as a treatment for heart disease in dogs and to reduce inflammation.
• Probiotics have become popular as supplements for dogs. Probiotics live in the body in the form of yeasts and live bacteria that aid with digestion and intestinal health.
• Boswellia treats arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Theanine (from tea) helps neutralize free radicals & aids in relaxation for anxious pets.
• Valerian reduces stress, anxiety and insomnia in pets.
• CoQ10 is an antioxidant that lessens toxicities in the body, especially relating to the heart.
• Curcumin offers anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
• L-carnitine beneficial for weight loss, heart disease and to support brain function in older pets.
• Ginger is in the same family as turmeric and has many of the same benefits. It acts as an anti-inflammatory that can reduce pain.

Special Note:

• Don’t ever assume that human supplements are good for dogs. Some, like those containing garlic or artificial sweeteners can be harmful to your dog.
• Consult your vet before giving your dog supplements. Your dog may have an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

Food Advice:

The first known record of dogs on earth dates back 31,700 years ago to the Paleolithic era.  Throughout history canines have existed on a diet mostly comprised of animal matter.  That's a fairly lengthy period of evolution and a key fact to consider when selecting the primary food for your dog.  At no point in the evolutionary history of dogs did their diet include any significant amount of grains or other plant matter.  Conventional dog foods that have grains as an ingredient offer far lower nutritional support to your four legged friends.  As a matter of fact, a grain-free diet will optimize your dogs health as much as supplementation will.

Whether your thinking of getting a new puppy or you have a dog who's a senior and dealing with the challenges of aging, nutrition is as important for your dogs health as it is to yours.  If you are what you eat, than so is your dog.  Feed your dog a high quality whole food diet with proper supplementation to ensure they're by your side for as long as possible.