Pet Supplement Primer

Pet supplement administration can help your pet live a long and active life. Most pets don’t get their recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals from the food they eat. High quality daily dog supplements can fulfill the nutritional requirements of your pet and boost his immune system to help him fight off diseases.

The health, behavior and well being of your pet depend on nutrition. The constituents of food should also be present in the right proportions so that your pet benefits from the meals he consumes. Since there are many health problems that can be treated with a proper diet and the administration of nutrient supplements, you should conduct a vet check to determine the overall condition of your pet’s health and supplement his diet if necessary.

Health Problems Controlled with Proper Diet and Supplements

Supplements for Arthritic Dogs

Glucosamine is a supplement that helps rebuild cartilage and restores the joint fluid in arthritic dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements also help control inflammation. Other supplements that have natural anti-inflammatory properties include Vitamin E in high doses, fish oil, yucca and turmeric.

Supplements for Dogs with Liver Disease

Supplements such as SAM-e or S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine should be given twice daily on an empty stomach, to dogs suffering from liver disease. Milk thistle, an herbal product is also recommended for pets with liver disease.

Supplements for Dogs with Renal Disease

Supplements such as fish oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C and potassium are beneficial to dogs with renal disorders. Besides this, Taurine supplements are also recommended for pets suffering from renal disease. Multi-vitamin supplements for dogs with renal disease shouldn’t consist of phosphorus, Vitamin D or Vitamin A as these can aggravate the problem.

Supplements for Dogs with Heart Disease

  • The amino acid taurine is very good for the heart and these supplements should be given to dogs that are fed low-protein diets.
  • Carnitine is another amino acid that helps strengthen the heart. Carnitine supplements should be given to your pet on an empty stomach.
  • Arginine improves endothelial function and cardiac output. It particularly benefits dogs with congestive heart failure.
  • In addition, fish oil, magnesium and potassium supplements should be given to dogs with cardiac problems.
  • Other supplements recommended for dogs with heart disease are Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and garlic.

Supplements for Dogs with Cancer

Supplements such as fish oil increase omega-3 fatty acids in the pet’s body and benefit dogs with cancer. Selenium and Vitamin E prevent and treat cancer but these supplements should be given in the correct amounts as too much of selenium can be harmful. The enzyme Bromelain also benefits ailing pets. It has an anti-cancer effect and should be administered on an empty stomach. Besides this, amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine and valine help prevent weight loss in dogs with cancer. Glucosamine is another remedy that prevents mouth ulcers in dogs administered chemotherapy while ginger combats the nausea associated with cancer treatments.

Since several vitamins and minerals are lost during the processing and manufacture of commercial food products, supplements make up for this loss and improve your dog’s overall health.

Related Links: