Do Supplements Need to be Included in Your Dog's Diet?

A healthy diet is crucial for a happy and long life with your dog. Is your dog's diet lacking? Do supplements need to be included in your dog's diet? What kinds of supplements need to be added to your dog's diet?

Usually, your dog's diet won't require any additional supplements. If you are feeding your dog a diet made by a reputable manufacturer, then your dog's food should already be specifically designed for a good healthy balance of everything your dog needs.

Some times some lower quality dog foods may be lacking in all the nutrients and vitamins your dog needs and thus will require supplementation. Your veterinarian might advise you to provide your dog's diet with a little boost. Think about adding a hard boiled egg to your dog's diet for a couple a days a week. Doing this easy step will provide additional amounts of vitamin D and vitamin A to your dog's diet. These vitamins assist in maintaining healthy eyes and good bone structure.

Despite whatever dog diet you've decided to give your dog, whether it be a raw diet, a home made cooked diet, or just want to be positive that your dog's diet is the best it can be, you'll want to be informed about the benefits of some other supplements. Nuts, green vegetables, and whole grains can all be used to supplement vitamin B in your dog's diet. Other supplements that will also add vitamin B to your dog's diet include liver, beans, and yeast. Vitamin B is important in a dog's diet because it supports healthy muscles and skin.

Your dog's diet can be supplemented with vitamin E in order to fend off a lacking immune system. Vegetable oil, bran, and wheat germ are some good sources of supplements that will provide additional vitamin E.

Vitamin K is another nutrient that is important in your dog's diet because it enhances the blood clotting abilities of your dog. Seeds, leafy greens, fish, and liver can provide your dog's diet with vitamin K.

Glucosamine can be another great supplement for your dog's diet. It has been proven that glucosamine can ward of arthritis and improve joint health in your dog.

If it isn't done the right way, it can be risky to include supplements in your dog's diet. You might think that you're giving your dog low calories and good vitamins by giving your dog some raisins or grapes, but the truth is that some dogs, after eating such fruit, have actually been known to suffer renal failure and die. Always get advice from your vet before changing or adding supplements to your dog's diet.

Calcium supplements, when used excessively, can be dangerous in your dog's diet. Even though calcium in moderation is good to help form healthy and strong bones, excessive calcium can cause trouble. Larger breed puppies that are given excessive calcium might form large bones, but the bones don't have the strength they require.

Always discuss any supplements that your are thinking about with your vet. Your vet can offer you advice on the right amount of each supplement that your dog's diet might need. Your vet wants the best for your dog just like you do. Giving your dog a nutritious and healthy diet is an easy way to maintain your dog's health.