You must be wondering in a world that is full of mouth-watering kibble, treats, and of course, the occasional home food must have left you questioning why supplements? What are supplements?
Supplements as the name suggests are given in addition to the dog food to address the nutritional deficiencies which are not addressed by the normal dog food.
When you go out to find the best dog food brand you may come across several names like hypoallergenic dog food, anallergenic dog food, probiotics for dogs, dog food for weight loss, food for best growth, better coat, and whatnot.
So why supplements when everything is available in dog food? But do ask yourself is this enough?
In general, a well-balanced dog food should contain at least 30 different vitamins and minerals to meet a dog's nutritional needs do you think the dog food which you think is more than enough for your dog to satisfy those needs?
A well-balanced dog should include essential vitamins like A, D, E, and B-complex vitamins, as well as important minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and more, and their formulations vary according to the age, breed, and activity level of the dog.
Many dog food brands fulfill the macronutrient demands of the dogs giving them priority over micronutrients Very few brands like Luvin make sure that all macronutrients as well as micronutrients required for proper growth and good health are incorporated in the ingredients.
Want to dive in the realm of supplements follow us this is going to be intresting journey.
Curious case of calcium
You might have heard about many famous friendships one such friendship is that Calcium and phosphorus which are found in the ratio of 1.2:1 are needed together to complement each other's role in your dog's body.
Calcium and phosphorus are the key components of hydroxyapatite, a mineral complex that is a hexagonal crystal that is white in color. It gives bones and teeth their rigidity.
Besides bone health calcium and phosphorus are involved in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and maintaining the pH balance in the body.
What are the best sources of calcium and phosphorus? Humans meet their calcium and phosphorus requirements by consuming dairy products like milk, yogurt,, and of course supplements remember that dog-shaped bottle of Calcium Sandoz?
For dogs the best source is chicken, egg powder, and yoghurt but what about milk? Well, that is a topic for a different day.
Calcium and phosphorus are important supplements for dogs ever wondered which lifestage of dog requires calcium and phosphorus in a higher quantity? If your first guess is puppies you are absolutely right! calcium and phosphorus in puppies supplement the bone growth so they may need supplements along with the normal puppy food in comparison to adults. A senior dog may not need calcium but they need glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for joint health support.
Probiotics- The good bacteria
Bacteria good? No, we are not joking.
There are microorganisms like bacteria and yeast residing in your dog's gut that have a mutualistic relationship the bacteria and yeast aid digestion in turn deriving food from it.
Luvin includes ingredients like Brewer's yeast and chicory which act as pre-biotic as they have non-digestible fiber that acts as a food source for the gut bacteria.
Do you want your dog to be grumpy all day due to stomach problems? No, then searching for a good probiotic brand.
Probiotics help puppies if they have diarrhea or are in between switching foods.
Adults need probiotics if they have food sensitivities or a history of gastrointestinal issues.
Senior dog's digestive system becomes less efficient as they age and probiotics are the only choice to support the gut microflora and good digestion.
Probiotics come in yogurts, capsules, chews, powders, and in some dog food formulations.
Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate
Glucosamine Hydrochloride is an amino acid building block for cartilage and Chondroitin Sulfate is an important component of cartilage.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride manages joint health and prevents osteoarthritis a very common problem in large breed dogs.
This may be called a senior supplement.
Chondroitin Sulfate helps join lubrication, and reduce the breakdown of cartilage which is seen in senior dogs
Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate are usually advised as supplements for dogs suffering from arthritis, large breed dogs, and senior dogs having joint discomfort stiffness reduced mobility, etc.
Fish oils
Fish oil as a supplement? But I feed my dog cooked fish every once in a while.
The fish might increase the palatability of the food but that is it! because every important nutrient that was coming from that fish like DHA and EPA is heat sensitive and by the time the fish reaches your dog’s food bowl every micronutrient that was of importance has been destroyed by the high temperature it was cooked in.
Fish oil is one of the favorite supplements for dogs because it makes the dog coat look shiny and healthy with the help of omega-3 fatty acids specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Apart from a healthy skin coat EPA and DHA support good heart health, joint function, and support the immune system.
Luvin Food uses salmon oil as one of the ingredients, EPA and DHA from salmon oil can provide various health benefits for dogs, including anti-inflammatory effects, cognitive support, and cardiovascular health.
DHA helps puppies by promoting healthy brain development.
Adult dogs may need omega-3 supplements to maintain a lustrous and healthy coat.
Senior dogs may need fish oil supplements to lubricate joing reduce inflammation and help heart muscles.
Zinc and Iron
Zinc and iron can not be produced in the body and need external supplementation to fulfill their roles.
Zinc is important for good skin, immune system, and wound healing, deficiency of zinc may cause lack of appetite, skin problems, and frequent illness.
Iron is important for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transportation in the body.
Deficiency of iron
High-quality food brands include zinc and iron in their formulation sufficient enough to meet the daily metabolic requirements of dogs.
Breeds like German shepherds, Dobermans, and Siberian huskies are more prone to zinc deficiency and require supplements because food for food for skin allergies might not work here.
Dogs like Shih Tzus, Labrador Retrievers, American Cocker Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to anemia and require iron supplements.
Keep in mind that a high level of zinc in your diet will inhibit the uptake of iron from the small intestine.
Some brands use grain to increase their carbohydrate amount Phytates found in grain reduce the absorption of both zinc and iron leading to their deficiency and the need for supplements to overcome this.
Always remember that supplements should be given to dogs only when recommended as some supplements might hamper the absorption of other
nutrients hampering the health of the dog. Yours dog is precious keep a check on their dietary needs always consult a veterinarian or pet nutritionist who will guide you and help you choose the correct supplement and the right amount.
