What Natural Supplements should I give my Dog?

If you're interested in giving your dog natural supplements to improve their health, you're not alone. Many pet owners are looking for ways to give their furry friends the best possible care, and natural supplements can be a fantastic way to do that. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the best natural supplements for dogs. We'll also talk about why you might want to give your dog supplements and what benefits they can provide. So, if you're curious about natural supplements for dogs, read on!

There are a few different natural supplements that can be beneficial for dogs. One supplement that is often recommended for dogs is an Omega 3 supplement. Omega 3 supplements for dogs can help to improve your dog's coat and skin health, as well as joint, eye, immune system, brain, and heart health.

It is important to have high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and an antioxidant such as Vitamin E to stop these essential fatty acids from oxidizing in your dog’s Omega 3 supplement. That is why JP Holistic Nutrition formulated our Veterinary approved Holistic Doggie Omega 3.

DHA supplementation supports healthy brain function in dogs and a recent study by Dr Ragen McGowan at the latest Purina research summit found that Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs may be the key to reducing anxiety in dogs. The study found that in addition to the other ways that Omega 3s can help your dog, it can also decrease anxiety. Out of 24 Labrador Retrievers studied, 21 of those or 87% showed a reduction in cortisol levels and lowered heart rate in situations designed to induce anxiety. This natural alternative could mean a breakthrough in both behavioural training and a reduction in the dose and side effects caused by common medications.

Pet food manufacturers tend to not supplement commercial pet foods with the Omega-3s your pet can actually use. Even if they do, the heat from the canning or kibbling process typically destroys their health benefits. Not only are Omega-3s sensitive to heat, but they also become rancid when exposed to oxygen for extended periods.

My advice for an Omega 3 supplement is that it contains high levels of EPA, 540 mg, and DHA, 360mg because the importance of high doses of EPA/DHA is becoming increasingly understood. A recent report by John E. Bauer published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association investigated the evidence available for the use of EPA/DHA and points to the fact that high doses of EPA/DHA are required. The Omega 3 supplement must contain an antioxidant such as Vitamin E to prevent the fatty acids from oxidizing and it should come from krill or small fish such as anchovy, sardines, or pollock which contain fewer heavy metals.

Another supplement that can be beneficial for dogs is a fibre supplement containing probiotics, prebiotics and Bentonite clay. Probiotics are the good bacteria in your dog’s gut and can help to improve your dog's digestion and gut health. They can also help to boost the immune system and reduce anxiety. So many dogs lack enough fibre and probiotics in their diet, and this leads to many acute and chronic health problems and stops them from thriving and living life to the full…

That is why we formulated Holistic Doggie Fibre. 500g of powdered goodness with a whole host of benefits, especially for gut health and improving the immune system. A fibre supplement for dogs also helps to naturally empty your dog’s anal glands, while prebiotics are the fibres such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) that provide nourishment to help maintain probiotic levels. Bentonite clay helps deal with intestinal toxins and water - helping with diarrhoea and poisoning.

Even bad behaviour can be an indication of a deeper problem…

If you want a reliable and effortless way to help support your dog's gut health and digestive system, while settling their cravings, then Holistic Doggie Fibre fits the bill.

There are a few different reasons why you might want to give your dog supplements. One reason is that supplements can help to fill in the nutrient gaps that might be present in your dog's diet. Another reason is that supplements can help to improve your dog's overall health. And finally, supplements can also help to prevent certain health problems from developing. For example, Omega 3 supplements can help to prevent joint problems, while probiotics can help to prevent digestive problems.

Giving your dog natural supplements can also help to make sure that they're getting all of the nutrients they need. If you're looking for ways to improve your dog's health, giving them dog supplements is a great place to start.

In conclusion, adding Omega 3 and Fibre supplements to your dog’s diet has so many health benefits that can help on saving expensive Veterinary fees in the future! As a Vet, I know that Veterinary fees have risen a lot in recent years.

Dr Paul Boland BVSc MRCVS

JP Holistic Nutrition