Mary Allen
Many dog owners would like to contribute to the health of their own four-legged friend with food supplements. For this reason, dietary supplements are now enjoying increasing popularity, but how useful are they really, when can they be used and what types of dietary supplements are there? We will give you the answers to these questions in this article.
What exactly are dietary supplements?
The dietary supplements, which are available from Natureflow Pets, among others, are supplements that can be given to dogs in addition to their daily food. Dietary supplements are offered in the form of tablets or paste, flakes or powder, as well as globules. In this way, dogs can be supplied with certain vitamins, fats, or minerals so that they remain fit and healthy for as long as possible.
Where can you use dietary supplements in dogs?
Dietary supplements can be given to dogs both preventively and to support them in the event of deficiency symptoms.
The administration of dietary supplements is particularly useful during pregnancy, in old age, or during BARF.
In the event of deficiency symptoms, dietary supplements should always be taken during therapy in consultation with the treating veterinarian.
Subgroups of dietary supplements
In the following, we would like to introduce you to the various subgroups of the available food supplements and tell you what substances they are made of. With the help of these subgroups, the available dietary supplements can be divided, which gives you a better overview.
Essential Fatty Acids
All living beings need different types of fatty acids because these provide energy and are needed to be able to utilize fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K). In addition, fatty acids have a positive effect on the immune system and other metabolic processes and are also extremely important for the skin and fat of dogs.
While most fatty acids are produced by the body, essential fatty acids are not and should be supplied to dogs in the form of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates serve the body both as fuel and building material and are required for the formation of fatty acids and amino acids. Above all, the body’s own carbohydrates, which have a cartilage-protecting effect, are of great importance for dogs.
Essential Amino Acids
The essential amino acids include all proteins that occur in every cell in the body and are involved in numerous processes. For example, in growth, immune defence, hormone balance, and metabolism. Most of the important amino acids are also formed in the body of dogs.
Vitamins
In general, a distinction is made between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. While B vitamins and C vitamins are water soluble, vitamins A, K, D, and E need fatty acids to be utilized. But while too many water-soluble vitamins are easily excreted when the kidneys are healthy, overdosing on fat-soluble vitamins can cause serious problems. Since most vitamins are not produced in the body, dogs must get them from their diet.
Minerals
The minerals are among the micronutrients that cannot be produced in a dog’s body but are important for its health. Minerals can be divided into trace and bulk elements. While trace elements such as zinc, iodine, or iron are only required in small quantities, bulk elements such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium should be supplied in larger quantities through the daily feed.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemical compounds with the ability to prevent or slow down the oxidation of other substances by free radicals. Because during oxidation, the body cells are damaged by free radicals. However, when there are too many free radicals in the body, it leads to oxidative stress, which damages cells and is linked to many diseases of old age. Antioxidants are both formed in the body and are also ingested with food.
Probiotics
Probiotics are preparations made from living microorganisms. These are bacteria or yeasts that can support intestinal activity and keep it healthy.
The conclusion
The topic of dietary supplements is quite extensive and even the opinions about the meaning and purpose differ widely, even among experts. But even if a dog gets all the necessary nutrients through its food, food supplements can be very useful and sometimes even necessary. However, these should only be administered in consultation with a veterinarian, especially as part of a therapy that has already started.
In any case, every dog owner should pay attention to typical deficiency symptoms in their four-legged friend and, in the event of illness or following a special event, speak to a veterinarian about the possibility of nutritional supplements.