Supplements for pets are deliciously convenient for amplifying your pet’s health. And now that they’re widely available in yummy flavors and fun textures — including exciting new formats like gummies for dogs — giving your pet a health boost is as easy as giving them a once-a-day treat!
However, when it comes to navigating the options, it can all get doggone confusing to a pet parent looking to create the best possible life for their best friend.
The confusion arises from the fact that no one seems to be on the same page on what dogs need. As you compare costs and lists of ingredients, you may ask yourself, “Are dog health supplements worth it?” or “Do dog health supplements actually work?”
Use this guide to help you sort fact from fiction in the world of pet supplements, so you can choose one your pets will love and you can trust.
Table of Contents
Why give health supplements to your dog
When to give your dog supplements
Dog health supplements: Which ingredients are backed by science?
Introducing: Gummy vitamins for dogs
How to choose dog health supplements
Boost your dog’s essentials safely
AmpliFull: Amplified by nature, backed by science
Why give health supplements to your dog?
Dog health supplements provide a convenient means to support your dog’s long-term health.
After all, we humans have times when the body can use more of something. So we take a supplement that targets one or more of our own health concerns, whether we’re looking to support heart health or get a restful night of sleep.
Canine bodies can also use nutritional support from a supplement. Whether you want to target long-term joint health or give them an immunity boost after a morning at the dog park, there are plenty of options out there. The plethora of choices can make selecting the right supplement overwhelming to a discerning pet parent.
When to give your dog supplements
As you make supplements a part of your dog’s routine, you’ll want to understand where they fit in with your dog’s overall nutrition needs. That’s where the formula for all around health comes in:
Use it as a helpful reminder that canine nutrition should be centered around the health and happiness of your dog. You want to nourish the body with the best science backed nutritional concepts.
At the same time, remember that food is a source of happiness for dogs. Whatever you choose, make sure it has ingredients that smell and taste good to your dog.
- Feed a high-quality diet with balanced nutrition, including macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbs) along with micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals).
- Top with pour-overs or wet food to entice their senses.
- Give ‘em a treat for a job well done — or just because!
- Amplify as needed with supplements.
In essence, dog health supplements aren’t meant to replace the nutrients found in a high-quality diet formulated for canines. They’re intended to provide nutritional enhancement and support.
Also, never use dog health supplements as treatment for symptoms or a condition. If your dog is in pain or showing signs of ailing, talk to your vet.
Dog health supplements: Which ingredients are backed by science?
How do you find the right supplement for your pet? Focus on active ingredients backed by scientific research. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your dog’s heart health or support their immune system, choose supplements with ingredients proven effective through clinical studies on canine nutrition. This ensures you’re giving your dog the best possible health boost.
There are lots of supplements out there that target specific health areas. The following list provides some key science-backed ingredients to look for on the label.
Skin and coat
- Long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory components help promote skin and coat health
- Biotin: Helps support hair and nail growth and supports improved texture of coat.
Digestive
- Bacillus coagulans: Lactic acid-producing probiotics encourage growth of microflora and microorganisms that aid digestion.
Joint and mobility
- Glucosamine HCI and chondroitin: These are building blocks of cartilage that are shown to support joint health
- Bovine colostrum: Helps ease joint pain and promotes lean muscle.
Anti-anxiety
- L-Tryptophan: An amino acid that reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress in dogs.
- L-Theanine: Helps reduce anxiety and produces sleepiness in dogs.
Heart health
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): May support improvement of heart function by promoting decrease of inflammation.
- Taurine: An essential amino acid for dogs; low levels can cause weakening of the heart muscle.
Cognitive support
- L-carnitine: Essential amino acid promotes brain and mental function.
- Alpha lipoic acid: Promotes antioxidant capacity to support the body’s ability to eliminate free radicals.
Immune support
- Beta-carotene: Helps boost canine immune response and overall immune system health.
- Bovine colostrum: Helps boost immune response to seasonal allergies.
Overall health
- Full spectrum of multivitamins, including iron, manganese, zinc and vitamins A and E to promote full-body health.
Introducing: Gummy supplements for dogs
With gummy dog supplements, pet parents now have an exciting way to give their pet a daily dose (minus the unnecessary sweeteners).
Here are a few reasons to get behind the gummy format in dog health supplements:
Easy to administer
Unlike pills, drops and capsules, you can simply offer your pet a treat-like gummy.
Fun for sniffing and tasting
Gummy dog vitamins can be flavored with food ingredients that specifically appeal to a dog’s palette.
Convenient for pet parents
Gummies are portable and stay intact until it’s time for their dose. That makes it easy for pet parents to keep up with their dog’s supplement regimen both at home and on the go.
Whether you have a picky eater or just want something new to appeal to your pet’s keen senses, gummy vitamins are a great way to give dogs the variety they crave while getting a nutritional boost.
How to choose dog health supplements
When it comes to the absolute best dog health supplements, refer to the following guide. As you navigate your options, consider things like certifications, quality of ingredients and ethical sourcing to make your ultimate selection.
Certifications
Certifications can provide assurance of a dog health supplement’s credibility and overall safety. Look for supplements that have been certified by reputable organizations such as the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) or other veterinary authorities. This ensures the dog health supplement meets their quality and safety standards for your pet.
High-quality ingredients
Think quality over quantity. All too many pet supplements on the market today feature long lists of active ingredients. For optimal efficacy, look to products with a more curated approach. Ideally, active ingredients are selected:
- Based on canine studies.
- By professionals in the field (such as a board-certified veterinary nutritionist).
Palatability
Overall aroma and deliciousness are essential. Otherwise, what good is getting the best supplement for your dog if it tastes and smells yucky, like medicine? Soft chews and gummies are deliciously convenient ways to support your dog’s health. They go down like treats, with interesting aromas, flavors and textures to entice even the pickiest eaters. That makes the daily dose more enjoyable for your pet — not to mention simpler for you.
Boost your dog’s essentials safely
Remember, as you introduce supplements to your dog’s daily routine, a balanced approach is a must:
- Consult your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health. That should be your first step. Don’t attempt to treat symptoms with supplements.
- A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of stimulation go a long way in building happy, thriving pups.
- Dogs love variety in flavors and aromas. Encourage their enjoyment by offering new flavors and textures. Try something new, whether it’s a new topper or treat, or a fun new flavor of supplement.
Choosing the right dog health supplements can play a role in amplifying your dog’s overall, long-term well-being.
AmpliFull: Amplified by nature, backed by science
Can your dog use a healthful boost?
AmpliFull supplements from NutriSource have all the elements that make pet parents feel good about giving their dog their daily dose.
- They’re NASC certified.
- They’re made with high-quality ingredients.
- We choose active ingredients based on canine studies.
And because AmpliFull supplements come in yummy chews and gummies, they’re sure to become your dog’s favorite way to amplify their diet. Give them a try today!
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