Our bodies require nutrients to grow, repair after injury, keep our hearts beating, inhale oxygen, exhale toxins, maintain a normal metabolic rate, and even rest peacefully at night. If those nutrients aren’t provided through the food we eat, they must come in the form of a supplement.
Our four-legged family members are no different. In fact, in many cases, our pets require more nutrient-dense food per pound, depending on their appetite and energy levels. The higher their energy and exercise levels, the more nutrients they need to maintain a healthy body. However, if a dog has a poor appetite or a compromised digestive system that doesn’t efficiently absorb available nutrients, they may not be getting all they need.
What Are Common Supplements in Dog Food?
Most dog food is nutritionally balanced, meaning it contains the correct amounts of protein, fat, and carbs for optimal health. Common supplements in dog food include vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes, vision, and proper growth in puppies. Dogs with a Vitamin A deficiency often suffer from various skin conditions and poor coat quality. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it is absorbed and stored in fat, unlike water-soluble vitamins that are excreted if consumed in excess. Be cautious of over-supplementing your dog with Vitamin A.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants that serve a dual purpose in dog food – preserving the food and keeping your pet healthy. Vitamin C helps maintain the health of connective tissue and strengthens the immune system. It also stimulates the production of interferon, which is essential for red blood cell and adrenaline production.
Vitamin E is also fat-soluble, but no toxic levels of this vitamin have been found for dogs. It plays a crucial role in the formation of cell membranes, cell respiration, and the metabolism of fats. A deficiency in Vitamin E can lead to what is known as “brown bowel syndrome,” where the bowels ulcerate and leak blood into the stool. This condition can also affect the cells of the testes and eyes.
Vitamin K is another fat-soluble vitamin that is produced by healthy bacteria in the intestine, so it is not as crucial to supplement in dog food as other vitamins.
Iron is a common mineral supplement in dog food. Iron plays a vital role in your pet’s health. An iron deficiency can slow red blood cell production or cause the production of small, ineffective cells. Without enough red blood cells, oxygen cannot be properly carried to the brain or organs, leading to a range of illnesses and potentially death. Symptoms of iron deficiency include slowed growth in puppies, poor development in pregnant females, anorexia, lethargy, weakness, depression, rapid breathing or panting, dark tar-colored stools, and fainting.
Calcium is one of the most important minerals, but it can also be difficult to regulate. Calcium plays a crucial role in bone formation, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission, as well as helping to regulate the metabolic system. However, too much calcium can cause bone malformation in puppies, so it should be closely monitored in large and giant breed dogs.
Zinc is a challenging mineral to regulate in a dog’s diet. Studies show that only 5% to 40% of dietary zinc is absorbed, and certain northern breeds, such as the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky, may have difficulty absorbing adequate levels. Zinc deficiency is linked to skin problems, including zinc-responsive dermatosis, while over-supplementing zinc can hinder calcium absorption and vice versa.
Other Types of Supplements
Herbal and natural food supplements are now common in dog food, with many formulas designed for specific health problems as both treatments and preventatives.
Does your dog suffer from arthritis or is he a large breed prone to hip dysplasia and joint problems? Feeding him a high-quality large breed formula that includes glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin, and MSM can help slow down or prevent joint degeneration, promoting a healthier, happier life.
What about bad teeth and periodontal disease? Small dogs are prone to overcrowding of teeth in their tiny mouths, which leads to food becoming lodged between teeth and makes brushing more difficult. Supplementing your dog’s food with an oral health formula can help prevent gum disease and tartar buildup.
Has your dog been ill or recently suffered an accident, lowering their natural immune system? Or perhaps they have a chronic condition such as diabetes that weakens their immune system. Boost their health by supplementing their food with an antioxidant immune booster! Common ingredients include green tea powder, vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Always consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before adding supplements to your pet’s diet. Most dog food is already nutritionally balanced with moderate amounts of added nutrients. However, for many dogs, the nutrients included in their diet may not be sufficient, and supplementing their food can promote better health and a longer, happier life!
