Is Your Dog Getting The Proper Nutrients? Supplements Could Help.

Your dog may have a glossy coat, a cold nose, and a constantly-wagging tail -- but is he really as healthy as he could be? Just as we humans need proper nutrition if we want to stay well and function correctly, our dogs need to get the right mix of nutrients to optimize their everyday health. You can't always count on your dog's food containing the right quantities of those essential nutrients. But don't worry, because nutritional supplements can step in to fill the gaps where nature could use a helping hand.

Your Dog's Nutritional Needs

Every dog needs a combination of macronutrients and micronutrients in order to stay healthy. Macronutrients include categories such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Micronutrients include specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Like humans, dogs can't manufacture all of their necessary amino acids internally; 10 of those amino acids have to be present in the foods they eat.

The list of vitamins and minerals your dog needs may sound familiar, especially if you take supplements yourself. Dogs need Vitamins A, D, E, and K -- but not C, which their bodies can manufacture. Their mineral requirements include potassium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus.

When Food Can't Get the Job Done

You might think that a decent brand of dog food would supply all the basic nutrition most pets need -- and in many cases, you'd be right. Pet foods that conform to the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for nutritional content may offer a balanced mix of nutrients. But if you're feeding your dog meals of your own devising, you may have no idea whether you're really giving him the nutrients he needs.

It's also important to note that some dogs have particular nutritional requirements. For instance, a working dog who leads a highly active lifestyle may need extra portions of calcium and phosphorus for optimal health and performance. Pets who suffer from chronic pain or inflammation may need specific nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. Dogs who have trouble absorbing nutrients due to a digestive condition may need to ingest more nutrients than a dog who suffers from no such problem.

Specific Supplements for Specific Needs

The first step in making sure that your dog's nutritional needs are being met is a consultation with your veterinarian. If nutritional supplements seem like a good idea, you'll find a wide variety of products right here at Doggie Dailies. For instance:

• If your dog has trouble with arthritis or inflammatory joint pain, our Hip & Joint Formula contains nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids to help those aching joints feel and move better.
• Dogs with malabsorption or immune system issues will get a welcome boost in function from our Probiotics for Dogs product. This product fills your dog's gut with healthy bacteria to aid digestion and ward off unhealthy bacteria.
• If your dog just needs some all-around nutritional enhancement, our 5-in-1 Multivitamin for Dogs will fit the bill nicely. This peanut-butter-flavored product includes a full complement of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, as well as premium-quality fish oil for skin and coat health.

Nutritional supplementation for dogs can make good sense under the right circumstances. Do the right thing for your beloved friend by making sure he's getting those building blocks of health!