In this day and age, where intensive agriculture and farming practices along with environmental pollution have depleted the layer of fertile topsoil, our food supply contains fewer vitamins and minerals compared to previous decades.

More and more people are learning about the potential benefits of supplementing their diet with targeted supplements based on different nutritional deficiencies. Pet parents are also beginning to recognize the importance of pet vitamins and supplements in order to maintain general health and wellbeing, to slow down the aging process, or to improve certain health problems.

Best types of supplements for your dog

The most fundamental categories of pet supplements include those for gastrointestinal (GI) tract health, liver detoxification, kidney health, joint health, and skin and coat health.

If you are feeding your dog a high-quality commercial food, chances are the most important vitamins and minerals are already in there. In the case of a homemade diet, it is best to work closely with your vet to balance the best homemade diet with the lacking vitamins and minerals, balance the phosphorus to calcium ratio as well as essential fatty acid balance. Adequate amounts of whole food sources of zinc, iodine, manganese, copper, selenium, vitamin A. E, and D are crucial.

Some dogs benefit from added supplements targeting specific organ systems, such as joint support in the form of glucosamine and chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, which decreases inflammation acting as an NSAID without harmful side effects. They are a rich source of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). An important GAG found in green-lipped mussels is chondroitin sulfate, which helps with arthritis pain.

Omega-3 fatty acids contain the anti-inflammatory EPA and DHA which help the cardiovascular system, brain, skin, and coat, and it helps maintain a healthy immune system.

The GI system is vastly supported by a healthy microbiome. Any pet can benefit from a probiotic blend designed for dogs. A healthy gut flora means a strong immune system because more than 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. Digestive enzyme supplements help increase nutrient absorption from meals, combats anxiety, clear skin, and better mental focus and memory being the main benefits.

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant produced in the body naturally, but its production decreases dramatically with age. Supplementing with CoQ10 is extremely important for the heart, as well as cell growth and maintenance.

Milk thistle is a plant and its active part is silymarin that has been used for 2000 years by humans for its beneficial properties, mainly for helping liver problems. Dogs can benefit from silymarin supplements too, given in adequate doses, depending on the size of the dog. Silymarin helps with liver detoxification, diabetes, pancreas problems, Intestinal Bowel Disease (IBD), and adrenal gland malfunctioning (Cushing’s disease).

Superfoods such as spirulina, astaxanthin, turmeric root are also beneficial, helping maintain the body’s homeostasis.

Raw honey, best from a local source, can also be a natural and powerful remedy. Local raw honey can relieve skin allergies, which are quite common in our day. Manuka honey from New Zealand can soothe irritated sore throats and coughs. Raw honey can help heal minor topical wounds sooner. Also, honey is an excellent remedy in soothing an upset stomach, since it has natural antibacterial properties. 

Any dog can benefit from a boost of vitamins and minerals helping obtain a robust immune system and reducing the risks of getting a disease, accelerating recovery time after an illness, and promoting graceful aging. The right dosages for your pet can be discussed in detail with your preferred vet doctor.