What Are The Best Dog Supplements? It is quite common for pet owners to give some kind of dietary supplement to their dogs for everything ranging from heart health and digestion to joint pain and stiffness. After all, who does not want their dog to live a long, healthy, and active lifestyle? Read on learn about the best dog supplements you can give your pet.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is the most popular and effective dog supplement. This is essentially an amino sugar that is found in the fluid around the joints area to assist in building cartilage. Glucosamine is extracted from the shells of shellfish and can also be created in a laboratory. Many veterinarians and dog owners are of the opinion that glucosamine is effective in treating joint pain in dogs. For older/aged dogs, Glucosamine improves mobility and relieves joint pain. A study in the Veterinary Journal showed that a glucosamine supplement mitigates pain and increases mobility after around two months of treatment.

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Glucosamine is available in many forms, such as pills and powders. These supplements are usually formulated with Chondroitin Sulfate, a chemical that is naturally found in connective tissues of cartilage and bone.

Fish Oil
Fish oil is one of the best supplements you can give to your beloved dog. Fish oil comprises omega-3 fatty acids that improve your pet’s coat quality while lessening skin allergies. Fish oils are also known to reduce inflammation and several dog owners use the supplement for this purpose.

Antioxidants
Antioxidant supplements serve the purpose of offsetting some of the effects of aging, such as cognitive dysfunction memory loss. Antioxidants are also commonly used as a treatment for heart disease in dogs. These supplements are found in substances like Vitamin E and Vitamin C and protect the animal’s body from free radicals (these are injurious molecules that can damage cell membranes).

Coenzyme Q10 is used as an antioxidant supplement for dogs and helps to convert food into energy and combat free radicals.

Fiber Supplements

These supplements are specially designed to treat diarrhea, constipation irritability, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Fiber Supplements also combat diabetes and obesity and regulate the bacteria in your dog’s microbiome.

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On the flip side however, large quantities of fiber can create problems such as nausea and diarrhea. It is wise to make sure that your dog actually needs the fiber before you add its diet.

Omega 3 Supplements

These supplements are known to be good for hair and skin health in humans as well as dogs. Omega 3 supplements are responsible for a dog’s healthy skin and fur, as well as its cognitive function, kidney function, and heart health.

It is important that you know that dogs are not able to create their own Omega 3s. Hence, these vital nutrients have to be obtained from external sources such as supplements.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a very popular supplement for dogs. Probiotics naturally occur in the dog’s body in the form of live bacteria and yeasts that facilitate intestinal health and digestion. As for supplements, Probiotics are commonly used to treat diarrhea and other digestive issues. These supplements come in several forms that include yogurts, chews, capsule and powders.

Best Dog Supplements for Old Dogs

There is an even greater need to provide your dog with supplements as it ages. Older dogs need less fat and more protein as part of their diet.

Antioxidants are ideal supplements you can give your old dog. Antioxidants greatly improve a dog’s memory and cognition. Moreover, you should also give your dog a lot of protein supplements. Glucosamine, fiber, fatty acids, and extra vitamins also help enormously with other body functions.

What to Know Before Buying Supplements for Your Dog

There are certain things you ought to know prior to purchasing dog supplements.

• Do not jump the gun when it comes to giving your dog supplements. Always consult your veterinarian first before you feed your dog supplements. There is a likelihood that your dog may have an underlying condition that requires medical attention. If your dog is taking medication, consuming any kind of supplements can have a detrimental effect on your dog.

• Do your own research on dog supplements and do not fall prey to claims that sound too good to be true. It is wishful thinking on your part if you think dog supplements can cure cancer!
• To ensure you buy the best dog supplements, make sure you purchase a reputed brand from a well-known company, preferably one that specializes in providing quality dog supplements and has conducted extensive clinical studies on the supplements.
• Do not assume that supplements that are good for human beings will be just as effective for dogs. In fact, a few supplements that we take such as those that contain garlic can be harmful to dogs.

Final Word

It is very important that you do not compromise on the health of your dog and buy the best dog supplements for your animal. To that end, you should get in touch with Green Mountain Animal. We are a one-stop solution for all your dog supplements needs. We also ensure that these supplements are perfectly palatable not only for dogs but for other pets as well.