Natural Supplements For Dogs: Five Things You Probably Didn’t Know

It’s no surprise that most dog owners would go to great lengths to make sure their pups are living life to the fullest. We want to improve their quality of life by making sure they are happy and healthy. 

Taking them for walks, making sure they stay active and get plenty of attention, and picking out high-quality food for them is just a part of making sure they are staying in good health. You can also add natural supplements to their diets to offer a variety of benefits. Such as helping boost their immune systems, providing essential nutrients, aiding in healthy digestion, and even improving their skin and coat. 

What Do Natural Supplements Offer My Dog?

Natural supplements can offer a number of advantages for your dog. Certain types can help improve your dog's coat, some can help combat skin allergies, while others can improve digestion or help manage inflammation of their joints. 

Let’s look at five different natural supplements you may not have known about that can help promote their well-being. 

1. Coconut Oil

It sounds kind of crazy, but something as simple as coconut oil can make all the difference in your dog’s overall health. Adding coconut to their food can help with speeding up their metabolism, and it can also give them a bit more energy and vitality which is great for seniors.

Coconut oil can also boost their immune system, and when used topically it combats a brittle coat along with dry and flaky skin. Due to the lauric acid in coconut oil, it can fight against inflammation. Whether you mix it into their food or you use it on their fur or skin, coconut oil can truly be an awesome addition to your dog’s daily routine. 

Please keep in mind that it is always a good idea to gradually introduce something new to your dog’s diet rather than rushing the process. Start off adding small amounts, and over time you can increase the amount if necessary. 

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 is derived from the tissues of oily fish and offers countless benefits for both humans and man’s best friend. If your dog seems to have lost a bit of its sparkle, and their coat is looking a little shabby, Omega-3 may be the answer. 

Not only does it assist with a shinier coat, but is also known for battling inflammation, swelling, and irritation caused by various health conditions. It also supports healthy skin by easing allergy-related issues. This super supplement has the potential to make your four-legged friend feel a whole lot better if he happens to struggle with any of the issues we mentioned above. 

                       

3. Cranberry 

This one targets a more specific area of your dog’s health. Did you know that cranberry is known to be an excellent supplement to your dog’s diet to support urinary tract health?  

Cranberry supplements offer prevention and protection from infections in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureter, urethra, and bladder. It can also help prevent kidney stones and UTIs. 

This supplement comes in many forms, so you are bound to find something that works for your dog. You can purchase it in powder, granule, or pill form and it can be consumed directly or mixed into your loyal companions' food. 

4. Cannabidiol (CBD)

Did you know CBD isn’t just beneficial for humans? Aside from bathing, brushing, and offering your dog quality food and treats, there has been evidence that points towards CBD having a very positive effect on your dogs coat.

If your dog frequently licks on gnaws at certain areas of his or her body and experiences hair loss due to it, CBD oil can help improve their coat health by promoting circulation and follicular growth. 

If your pooches hair is thinning out due to a medication they are required to take, you can try offering cannabidiol oil orally along with their meds to see if it makes a noticeable difference. You can also find balms and salves on the market that you can apply directly to balding or hairless patches. 

5. Turmeric 

You may not have known this, but turmeric offers powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be helpful in fighting against gastrointestinal issues in dogs. It shows promising effects on gut inflammation and permeability, and these are just a few of the many reasons you should consider supplementing your dog’s diet with this amazing health-promoting spice. 

As a potent anti-inflammatory, people have also claimed that turmeric can be used to help fight arthritis pain in dogs. A study in 2014 even suggested that the use of turmeric for human osteoarthritis patients was just as effective as the use of ibuprofen, the main difference being reduced unwanted gastrointestinal effects. 

Turmeric is considered safe in smaller amounts, so if you plan on adding this to your dog’s diet you should do some research and find a supplement in chew or capsule form that is already premade in perfect doses.