Food supplements are self-service products sold at veterinarians, pharmacies and drugstores as well as in certain pet stores. These are not medications, but more or less complete solutions intended to provide the animal with the nutrients it needs at a given moment. Although they do not pose a danger to the dog, their overdose can nevertheless have an impact on the well-being of the doggie, which is why it is preferable to systematically seek the advice of your veterinarian before considering administering them to your dog. his little companion. But are they really useful and effective? Let's take stock of the subject.
Food supplements for dogs: what are we talking about?
As its name suggests, a food supplement is a product that complements food. It is composed of natural ingredients and is intended to provide the dog with the elements it needs in order to fill certain gaps in its diet. These shortages or deficiencies can be caused by an unbalanced diet of poor quality, pregnancy, too intense physical activity or by certain pathologies, or even by taking certain medicinal treatments.
There are several types of food supplements. Some may contain vitamins, minerals, trace elements, nutrients, amino acids or essential fatty acids.
Available over the counter in veterinary practices, pharmacies, drugstores and certain pet stores, food supplements do not present any danger to dogs, provided they are used correctly. Indeed, if they aim to compensate for certain deficiencies in the animal, their too high concentration can, conversely, have counterproductive or harmful effects for the doggie. So avoid any excess, because even if you think you are doing the right thing, you can negatively impact the well-being of your animal.
It is always better to seek the advice of your veterinarian before administering them to your little companion. In the majority of cases, it is the practitioners who recommend them and prescribe them when the situation requires it.
Food supplements for dogs: in what cases are they useful?
A veterinarian can prescribe dietary supplements in various situations, as these products help relieve many deficiencies and disorders. Let's discover together the situations in which they can be useful:
- to support the animal and any imbalances that may arise during certain periods of its life (gestation and lactation of the female dog, sports practice, etc.);
- to promote good growth in the puppy, in particular by supporting the development of its coat, its bones, its musculature or even its tone, etc. ;
- to support the aging animal and help it better cope with certain disorders linked to advancing age (digestive disorders, urinary disorders, flatulence, immune deficiency, etc.);
- to condition a dog before a sporting event or a competition, etc. ;
- to help the dog cope with certain pathologies (anxiety, osteoarthritis, depression, diabetes, stress, etc.);
- to strengthen the dog's immune system during convalescence, after an injury, illness, etc. ;
- to help the animal regain a softer and shiny coat during periods when it becomes duller and rougher.
These are the main cases in which dietary supplements can have some effectiveness, but there are many others. Whatever the case, it is important to emphasize that food supplements always act as a complement. These are products which are not intended to cure an animal, but to help it depending on its situation or for prevention.
Let us therefore remember that it is preferable to avoid turning to these products without veterinary advice. As harmful effects are possible in the event of an overdose, it is better to seek the advice of your practitioner before administering it to your dog.
Food supplements: when and how to administer them to your dog?
Food supplements for dogs are marketed in several forms, namely:
- in tablets, generally chewable, which makes them easier for the animal to take;
- in liquid solutions, to be diluted in water or in food;
- in powders, to mix in your food or, in some cases, in your water.
It is essential to read the instructions carefully and follow the veterinarian's advice and the dosage prescribed by the manufacturer. Furthermore, food supplements are generally administered regularly over long periods, from several weeks to several months, in order to see their effects. Be careful to follow your practitioner's instructions to avoid any overdose.
Remember that food supplements are not medicines. Although they can be prescribed for prevention, they absolutely cannot replace drug treatment. In addition, their long duration of effectiveness makes them ineffective in treating an urgent need.
You will find very specific food supplements on the market which include a single element or a combination of elements, but also complexes specially formulated to meet certain needs (special growth, special sporting dogs, special gestation, etc.). To make your choice, veterinary advice is always preferable.
It should also be noted that food supplements are not subject to the same requirements or the same controls as medicinal treatments. There is no requirement that they be effective. It is therefore preferable to seek advice from your veterinarian or pharmacist before purchasing them.
Food supplements for dogs: how to choose them?
As we stated previously, dietary supplements are not medicines. They are accessible to everyone, but they are not subject to authorization to be placed on the market. The manufacturer's only obligation is to undertake to offer products which do not present a danger to the health of the animal – provided they are used wisely.
On the other hand, nothing guarantees their effectiveness. Some manufacturers test their products, but this is not systematic and there is no requirement for results. You are therefore free to trust them or not.
Whatever the case, the advice of your veterinarian remains the safest solution to be sure you are making the right choice. Only he will be able to advise you on any vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your doggie may need. He will also be able to direct you towards the most reliable brands, which he knows and for which he has good experience in terms of effectiveness.
