Facts to be known before taking dog vitamins and supplements

Unfortunately, very similar to humans, dog food supplements are not ‘one size fits all.’ Vitamins should be tailored to your dog’s individual needs at all stages of their life, making it easy to switch from a fat puppy to a mature canine mate.

1- Do dietary supplements are necessary for Dogs?

Supplements of minerals and vitamins are common these days, and millions of us take them every day. The debate continues with its effectiveness and the long-term potential impact on our health and well-being of supplements. Scientific studies are ongoing, and some people are skeptical and some still have doubts. But even if you fall into the front camp, should you give your dog minerals and vitamins?

Popular ingredients include multivitamins, arthritis treatments, and fatty acids to improve skin and coat conditions. According to estimates, Nutritional supplements in the pet industry cost about $ 2 billion a year.

But does your dog need supplements if you feed him a complete and balanced diet? A veterinarian may prescribe supplements for a sick dog. But many dog owners can give them when they are not needed and they can do worse than good.

2- Before supplementing should I consult with my vet?

Absolutely, YES!

● Understand how dietary supplements are administered.

● Understand What New Product Practices (GMPs) are

● Be aware of product safety concerns and do not assume that “natural” means safe.

● Read the label.

● Look for third-party test marks.

3-Who balance dog vitamins and supplements?

Considered as a whole animal feed diet under FDA regulations, animal feed ingredients are regulated by FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in collaboration with state and local authorities. CVM partners are very close to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Consumption of animal feed, such as human food, is regulated by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

General Policy on Animal Supplements

CVM generally assumes that animals in moderate proportions, such as related animals (i.e., dogs, cats, and horses), do not require additional food supplementation in addition to their normal feed. This is because CVM believes that dog and cat food is highly nutritious and that many animals get a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins (essential amino acids), fats (fatty acids), and carbohydrates in their diet or can combine them in moderation. Limited to maintaining the nutritional requirements of the National Research Council. (See FDA's Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) Section 690.100, Integrated Animal health Supplements.)

4- Is there any risk in giving my dog vitamins?

Feeding supplements in addition to nutritious food can harm your dog, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Excess calcium can interfere with the growth of natural bones, especially in puppies. Adding vitamin A can lead to dehydration, arthritis, and blood clots, and too much vitamin D can cause loss of appetite and muscle aches. Always consult a veterinarian before adding joint supplements for dogs

5-Do supplements contain healthy nutrients?

The real ingredients of healthy pets are usually minerals and vitamins or fats.

The first question a pet owner should consider about ingredients is whether the animal needs them in the first place. Generally, healthy dogs and cats are given a complete and balanced diet that is appropriate for their stage of life.

Adding complete and balanced dietary risks that exceed the maximum limits for certain nutrients. For Ex: nutrients such as selenium can be toxic to pets when overused. Another example is Vitamin D, a nutrient that has a small difference between what is needed and what is toxic especially in dogs.

Fat supplements do not have the same risks, but they can have unwanted side effects if used in excess, not the least of all weight gain.

Labeling with whole and balanced animal feed usually includes lean protein, crude fat, raw fiber, and moisture. As a result, pet owners cannot be sure of any other nutritional value in an animal's diet, unless it is adequate if properly fed.

6-Does dog vitamins & supplements work?

The vitamins and supplements available in health stores and pharmacies are all the rage these days - from multivitamins to specialty ingredients designed to support certain bodily functions. Does that mean you should also add an extra dose to your pet's daily diet to keep it healthy? Not only is this untrue for most dogs but, in some cases, it can be dangerous.

Commercial animal feed is made to meet all the nutritional needs a dog needs to grow. Unlike our daily diet, most dogs eat the same food every day. Animal nutritionists build their diets in this way, making any kind of daily vitamin unnecessary. That does not mean that all pet food is created equal, as there are many variations between each type of food, which is very important to know when choosing your dog's diet.

Besides, the best pet food producers will create food based on the health and lifestyle of the dogs they sell. One might think that a growing puppy has very different nutritional needs than an old dog. Many pet food companies only produce food that is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of “every stage of life,” meaning that food is designed to meet the dog's nutritional needs and is therefore not suitable for older and older dogs.

Fatty Acids

The term refers to the combination of three substances in oil - linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid - which contribute significantly to the quality of dog skin and hair. Fatty acids also help avert cholesterol buildup and heart disease.

7-Essential supplements in dog foods

There are strict guidelines for labeling a dog's diet, including lists of ingredients and the percentage of essential nutrients the food contains. Manufacturers can add vitamins and minerals to their products. However, this is usually a token price and is not considered an effective volume. The exception is a specially prepared "therapeutic" diet prescribed by a veterinarian for certain dogs.

For more in-depth resources such as health supplements, joint supplements for dogs, healthy supplements visit us at HCP Health.