Many pet parents opt for homemade dog food because they want to ensure that their best furry buddy is eating healthful foods. To be honest, making comprehensive and balanced meals from scratch might be challenging. It is beneficial to seek the advice of a specialist, such as a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. Supplements for homemade dog food are almost certainly going to come up in that discussion.
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Your dog requires vitamins and organic substances for proper nutrition and growth. Dogs, like other animals and humans, cannot generate vitamins and minerals on their own, so they must eat foods that contain them.
"All dogs are of the species Canis familiaris and as such have very similar nutritional demands," says Dr. Gary Richter, an award-winning vet and member of Rover's Dog People Panel.
When Should You Feed Your Dog Homemade Dog Food Supplements?
A handmade, whole food diet (which Richter highly recommends) may be deficient in some vitamins and minerals that your pet requires but cannot obtain from food alone. This is where vitamins can help.
Supplements, in addition to food, may benefit dogs with specific health and wellbeing concerns, such as older dogs.
"It's a good idea to talk with a veterinarian if you have any nutrition questions," Richter says. This is especially true if you are giving your dog a homemade diet. Your veterinarian may even send you to a veterinary nutritionist to determine the optimal supplement regimen for your dog.
As previously said, you should always consult with your veterinarian to determine what, if any, nutrients your pet requires. In general, be aware that some herbal supplement constituents may interact with medications. The correct amount is critical: too little or too much of certain vitamins can be harmful to your dog's health. Consult a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to determine the appropriate amounts of vitamins, compounds, minerals, and important nutrients to include in your dog's food.
Richter offers the following general tips for selecting supplements for dogs:
Look for companies that have commissioned clinical trials on their products.
To ensure quality and safety, always read labels.
On the product, look for a lot number. This indicates that the company does quality control checks.
Choose brands with a proven track record of success.
Be skeptical of claims that appear to be too good to be true. Vitamin supplements are exactly that: supplements. They are not panaceas or drugs.
Human supplements should not be given to dogs since they may include substances that are detrimental to them.
In general, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the best solutions.
The bottom line on homemade dog food supplements: Before introducing any nutritional supplement into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the proper balance of over-the-counter supplements for your dog's homemade food, as suggested below. In order to treat a medical condition, your veterinarian may also prescribe vitamins.
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A well-rounded multivitamin is a fantastic idea to enhance your dog's homemade food and ensure they don't miss out on any essential elements. Zesty Paws' chicken-flavored bits check a lot of boxes, since they contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D3, and E, as well as other important minerals.
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This wild-caught, natural salmon oil can help your pet get his or her omegas. Because it's in liquid form, it's simple to incorporate into your dog's diet. It has a high dose of omega-3 with a side of omega-6 for healthy joints, organs, skin, and coat, as well as additional natural salmon advantages including antioxidants, vitamins D and B12, and EPA and DHA.
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This SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) powder is made in the United States and contains the vital vitamin choline, which helps with cellular, liver, brain, and heart function. This formula contains no GMOs, artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, or binders.
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This is porcine bone meal, a supplement powder that is naturally high in calcium and phosphorus. It can be used as a homemade dog and cat food addition, assisting in the development and maintenance of bones and muscles.
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This powder supplement, which is free of preservatives and GMOs, is created in the United States from 100 percent certified organic pumpkin, a popular digestive aid. To help with diarrhea and constipation, or to preserve regularity, sprinkle on dog food.
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Special mention should be made of the senior canines whose joints require special attention. This powder supplement is made in the United States and contains glucosamine, MSM, and collagen to help your dog's joints and cartilage. It's also beef liver-flavored to appeal to your dog's taste.
Always with your veterinarian before introducing additional supplements into your dog's diet. And, for more information on how to keep your dog's nutrition balanced, check out some of our other stories below.
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