Vitamins and supplementary feed for dogs

Supplementary feeds for dogs are added to their food to strengthen and support the body and its organs, as well as to prevent and alleviate ailments. Known ingredients include vitamins, brewer’s yeast, valuable amino acids (building blocks for proteins), essential fatty acids, minerals, herbal extracts, and fish oil. These preparations are available in the form of tablets, drops, flakes, pastes, powders, or gels, which are mixed into the dog’s food . Supplementary feeds thus enrich the food with necessary vitamins, fiber, or nutrients . For example, there are supplements containing calcium, magnesium, or B vitamins for dogs.

If your dog is healthy and fit, in its prime, and fed a high-quality complete food, it doesn’t need any supplements. However, for extremely active dogs, very old dogs, pregnant females, or dogs with chronic illnesses, supplementary feeds can be an effective and healthy addition to their diet.

More isn’t always better. On the contrary, an overdose, for example of minerals or other additives, can cause lasting harm to your four-legged friend. Too much fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A and E) puts a strain on the liver, among other things, because they cannot be easily excreted. An incorrect ratio of ingredients to each other can also have adverse effects, which is particularly common with calcium and phosphorus.

Dietary supplements should therefore only be given when needed and strictly according to the dosage instructions! If in doubt, you should consult your veterinarian to determine which supplement is appropriate in your specific case. Supplementary feeds for dogs are generally only administered for a limited period until the deficiency symptoms have subsided or until the stressful situation has passed. However, in the case of a raw food diet or chronic illnesses (heart disease, kidney disease, allergies, arthritis, or similar conditions), continuous administration may be necessary and beneficial.

Even in winter, a dog has special needs. In the cold, the animal’s body has to expend more energy to stay warm. This depends largely on the dog’s coat condition, how much exercise it gets, and whether it lives indoors or outdoors. You can give it a little more food if needed. If walks are shorter due to the cold weather, please adjust the amount of food accordingly. Don’t forget to check your dog’s weight regularly, once a week. This way, you can prevent both underweight and overweight and adjust the amount of food accordingly.

Giving your dog dietary supplements strengthens their immune system in winter and can help if they

• often has rough and cracked paw pads,
• suffers more frequently from joint problems or
• prone to diarrhea.
  But please always talk to your vet about it!

You can also support your dog during shedding season by providing targeted nutrition with suitable dog food. He now needs:

• high-quality protein sources for the production of keratin, a component of hair
• B vitamins
• zinc
• Biotin
• highly unsaturated fatty acids (for example, salmon oil)

Many dog ​​owners report positive effects from supplementary feeds for dogs with joint problems, specifically designed to support the musculoskeletal system. These supplements are intended to protect or regenerate joint cartilage, promote the production of synovial fluid, and reduce inflammation. Besides the well-known green-lipped mussel extract, there are also various medicinal herbs that have long been used for joint ailments. Supplementary feeds for muscle building in dogs provide additional support for diseased joints and counteract muscle loss.