Natural Supplements for Dogs

Natural supplements for dogs are essential for growth and development; a healthy haircoat; a strong immune system; and more. This page introduces several beneficial natural supplements, such as essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, MSM, glucosamine, and more. Read on!

Many people mistakenly believe that if they feed their dogs a commercial dog diet, then all the essential nutrients are there in the food, and as such they do not have to give any vitamins or other supplements to their dogs.

How very wrong!

The fact is, commercial pet food is depleted of a lot of essential nutrients, either due to poor quality, or because of the way the food is being processed. For example, digestive enzymes and vitamins can be destroyed by heat. When the food is cooked or processed to over 118° F, enzymes are destroyed. In addition, fatty acids in commercial food tend to be high in Omega-6's and low in Omega-3's.

It is therefore important that natural supplements are included as part of the dog's daily dietary routine - Don't wait until your dog is sick before you give him supplements!

Even if you feed your dog a very high-quality home-made diet, certain supplements (such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, probiotics, etc.) are beneficial to the overall health and wellbeing of the dog.

To help you understand a bit more about some beneficial natural supplements for dogs, I have put together several pages listed below. Please take the time to go over each page so that you can make a better-informed decision as to which supplement(s) your dog needs taking into consideration his age and health condition.

I hope you will find the information useful.

Natural Supplements for Your Dog's Health

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has a lot of health benefits for dogs. It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and it boosts the immune system. It improves stamina, increases resistance to diseases, prevents common infections, and is therefore helpful for dogs with weakened immune systems... (For more information, visit our page on Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Antioxidants
Antioxidants for dogs are some vitamins, minerals, and other chemical compounds that can stop cellular damage caused by free radicals. Vitamins A, C, and E, Carotenoids, Selenium, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) are all powerful antioxidants... (For more information, visit our page on Antioxidants for Dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be given orally to dogs as a supplement, and it can also be applied topically on the skin to treat dry itchy skin, lesions, ringworm, and so on. It has a lot of health benefits (both for humans and dogs), and since most dogs like the taste of coconut oil, supplementing is not a problem! (Check this page for more information on coconut oil benefits for dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Enzymes
Enzymes are needed to digest the food eaten. For this purpose, two types of enzymes can be used to perform this task - the enzymes that come from the food we eat (food enzymes) and the enzymes that are produced internally from the digestive organs (digestive enzymes). However, enzymes can be inactivated or destroyed when there is a change in temperature... (For more information, visit our page on Enzymes for Dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are specific types of polyunsaturated fats. Two main classes that are of particular importance to our dogs are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Fatty acids are beneficial to dogs of all ages and breeds. Fatty acids for dogs are particularly effective in helping to improve various health problems, such as allergies, dull coat, inflammatory diseases, yeast infections ... (For more information, visit our page on Fatty Acids for Dogs)

Natural Dog Supplements - Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally occuring substance produced in an animal's body from glucose. Its function is to maintain and regenerate healthy cartilage in joints. As our dogs age, however, the production of glucosamine slows down. This, coupled with the normal wear and tear on the dogs' joints, results in degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis... (For more information, visit our page on Glucosamine for Dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Honey
Honey can be used orally for allergies and digestive problems, and it can also be applied topically to burns, wounds, hot spots, and other skin problems. Like coconut oil, honey has loads of health benefits for dogs (and people), and because it is sweet, most dogs have no problem with the taste. (Check this page for more information on honey benefits for dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Kelp
Kelp is the most nutritious of all sea vegetables. It is rich in minerals and trace elements and has a nourishing and tonic effect on all of the body's systems. Kelp contains over 60 minerals and trace elements, 21 amino acids, simple and complex carbohydrates and several essential plant growth hormones. Kelp supplies a natural source of minerals to a dog's body and minerals are essential in every aspect of a dog's health. (For more information, visit our page on Kelp for Dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - MSM
MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a naturally-occurring form of sulfur compound that is produced by ocean planktons, and can be found naturally in foods such as cow's milk, meat, seafood (e.g. kelp), fruits, nuts, and vegetables... (For more information, visit our page on MSM for Dogs)
Natural Supplements for Dogs - Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeast, and are used to restore the normal balance of microflora (bacteria) in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics include a variety of species, most of which are lactic acid bacteria, such as L. acidophilus, and L. bulgaricus. They act as the body's first line of defence against all the potentially harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that your dog eats or inhales. Thus, having a constant supply of these friendly bacteria in your dog's GI tract can help prevent a wide range of health problems... (For more information, visit our page on Probiotics for Dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol called a phytoalexin which is a class of compounds produced as part of a plant's defense system against disease, such as fungal infections, stress, and ultraviolet irradiation. It is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties... (For more information, visit our page on Resveratrol Benefits for Dogs)

Natural Supplements for Dogs - Vitamins
Vitamins for dogs are as essential as they are for people. Vitamins are present in trace amounts in most foods and they are essential for numerous functions performed in the body, such as acting as antioxidants, assisting in digestion and nutrient absorption, keeping the skin and hair healthy ... (For more information, visit our pages on Vitamins for Dogs and Vitamin C for Dogs)