There are a number of reasons as to why you should consider giving your dog a supplement. Just as we are affected by the pollutants, toxins and stress we are bombarded with every day, so are our pets. On top of those three factors, many people are still feeding their dog commercial dog food. Unfortunately most commercial dog food falls short on meeting the nutritional needs of our pets.

With long storage times and high heat that commercial dog foods are subjected to. The food can lose much of the needed nutrients. This leaves you with unregulated by-products, refined grains, and less than high quality protein sources in your dog’s food. These are all added for economic purposes, bottom line is this, their nutritional usefulness and bioavailability is suspect.

The next time you are at the vet’s office, talk to him and find out their feelings on dog supplements. More and more vets are recommending nutritional dog supplements to help your dog live a healthier life, as well as help them be more resistant to disease. Using the right dog supplements can be the difference between your dog just getting by and thriving.

Think about the fact that your dog’s diet is one of the cornerstones of their health. They need the proper nutrients in their food to keep their immune system operating at peak levels. When their diet is deficient they become more susceptible to disease and illness. It’s important you talk with your vet anytime that your pup appears to be lacking in energy, has digestive problems, dull coat, or if they seem prone to infections, this can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.

Instinctively, wild dogs know how to self medicate themselves with different plants and herbs that they know will help them. Our pets are not able to turn to natural aids like wild dogs are; they must rely on us to know when they are in need of a nutritional supplement.

Older dogs can also benefit from a dog supplement especially those that contain antioxidants that will help boost their immune system. There are also probiotics that will help their metabolism as well as their digestive process. An older dog nutritional needs are different then the needs of younger dogs. Just like there are supplements for older humans, there are supplements specifically for those older dogs.

Before you go out and buy dog supplements you should talk to your vet and you need to know about the different types of supplements.

Probiotics – these are what we call good bacteria. They ward off harmful bacteria and help our dog’s digestive process.

Minerals – these include potassium, calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are needed for the nervous system, muscular system, bone growth and the ability to assimilate nutrients.

Vitamins – these are organic compounds that your pet needs in order to develop and grow as well as the everyday life support functions.

Enzymes – these are essential to a number of very basic biological processes. These processes include cell repair and creation, body chemistry regulation and the way the body converts food to energy.

The Pooch Place is the place to find information on dog supplements , holistic dog food and pet vitamins. Throughout The Pooch Place you’ll find all kinds of useful pet facts.

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