Do Dogs Need Supplements?
cDiane Rich
Over the past 20 plus years in this? business, I have consulted with breeders, Holistic and Conventional Vets and others?as to their opinions about nutrition and supplements.? And?, you know what they say about opinions.??? Can be confusing.
Some Vets and breeders find that feeding a dog a well balanced commercial diet is sufficient. Other breeders and Holistic Vets usually recommend supplementation whether a client feeds commercially prepared foods or a raw diet to their furry companion.
Information is power, so getting?opinions, talking with your Vet and doing your own?research?finding what works best for your particular pet is the most important. What works for your friend?s dog may not work for your dog.You must be aware of your pet?s overall health to determine what if any supplements could prove beneficial vs. harmful.
Remember, nothing you give whether prescription meds or nutritional supplements is without possible side effects.
It is helpful to research the benefits of supplements however when reading studies it is important to find out who financed the study providing the statistics.? Best to find results of a study performed by an independent agency. Be wary of businesses that provide glowing studies on product they sell.
A study published in 2010, for instance, noted that though fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects at low concentrations, increased dietary consumption can increase the risk of free radical damage in the body.
Again, the studies are limited, but one study?showed no significant difference between dogs that received fatty acid supplements and those that didn?t, while the other showed only limited effectiveness. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), however, released an overall positive press release concerning the studies, indicating that fish oil may improve arthritis symptoms for dogs.
A 2010 review of the evidence concluded there is some evidence that fish oil supplements can improve coat quality and reduce the dosage of steroid medications needed to control itching, but that the effects were small.
Confusing? Yes it is.
According to a report by the National Academies on the safety of dietary supplements for horses, dogs, and cats, ?Growing numbers of pet owners are giving their pets dietary supplements in hopes of supporting their health.? At the request of the FDA, the Natural Research Council convened a committee of experts to assess the safety of supplements. The report concluded the following:
- It is clear that safety of the same supplements in humans does not guarantee safety in animals.
- The absence of laws and regulations that specifically address animal dietary supplements causes considerable confusion to the industry and the public.
When working with my clients, I?recommend they let their Vet know what supplements, including herbal remedies the pet receives and at what dosages.
Questions to Consider:
1.? Are supplements necessary??
2. Can the supplement?be harmful?
3. How much is too much?
4. What are the risks?
5. Does the supplement meet industry standands??
6. Does the supplement meet the claims on the label?
7. Any long term adverse affects from continued use of a particular supplement?
8. Any information supporting quality and purity?
Not easy to find answers to the questions listed?above.? The industry?is only lightly regulated.?The FDA ?oversees? animal supplements. ?
I am not convinced that the nutrients in processed commercial dry dog food retain the?full potency.? Overcooking vegetables can destroy the nutritional benefits so I?believe?it is?the same with processed dry food.??I do supplement my dog?s diet.??
cDiane Rich
I am not promoting these products for your particular pet?nor endorsing these manufacturers but these are two products I?add to my dog?s food.
Pharmaceutical grade fish oil and organic virgin coconut oil are?supplements I add to my dog?s food.???With any supplement, it is important to start with low quantity to get the dog use to it and observe if there is a reaction to it.? .
Supplements can cause vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea, or even gas just to name a few reactions.
New pup owners want to do the best for the new addition but it is incredibly important not to over-supplement a growing puppy.?If, when I am in a client?s home and see multiple bottles or packages of pet supplements on the counter?I get concerned if the?puppy owner has been over-sold supplements at a pet store. I believe you must be your dog?s advocate as to diet and supplements and not be so quick to whip out the credit card.?
Please read the labels, do your homework??and?consult your Vet.
Be cautious of claims for supplements?that sound too good to be true especially if the claim boasts a cure for serious diseases.
Healthy Woofs,
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog
Source: http://blog.seattlepi.com/caninechat/2012/10/12/pill-popping-pets/
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