USEFUL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Feeding a premium diet is the cornerstone of good nutrition, but there is a place for additional diet supplements.  Here are some of the most useful additions to the diet of your dog or cat.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate supplements have been used for years.  These nutrients help lubricate joints and repair damaged joint cartilege.  Dogs with arthritis or at risk of joint disease (large and medium dogs) should receive extra amounts of this nutrient.  Improvement of arthritis usually takes a month of constant use of the supplement before movement becomes easier.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid supplements first became popular with humans to prevent heart disease, but dogs and cats do not suffer the same type of heart problems and people.  Omega 3 FAs do have a number of other important effects, including controlling inflammation, reducing itchy skin and allergies, lessening cancer risk, and even making puppies smarter.  Omega 3 supplements are made from either marine fish oils or the oil of flax or borage seeds.  In dogs, we prefer supplements from fish oil, since the form of the oil found in seeds requires conversion to the active form (fish oil does not), and dogs may convert the oil poorly.  Omega 3 supplements come in capsules or liquid that can be added to the food.  It is important to use high quality products, as there are problems with some of the cheaper supplements.

Lactobacillus and other intestinal bacterial supplements are somewhat controversial, but they often help with digestion and stimulate the immune system.  The mammal intestine is full of helpful digestive bacteria, but these may be reduced by intestinal disease or antibiotic therapy.  A number of supplements are available that contain live cultures of these helpful bacteria.  Live-culture yogurt may also be used (and dogs and cats like it), although studies suggest that the numbers of bacteria in yogurt may not be sufficient to survive the trip thru the acidic stomach into the intestine.  The actual dose of bacterial supplement doesn't seem to make as much difference as how regularly the supplement is given.

Fiber is normally found in small amounts in pet foods, but there are times when increased fiber levels can be helpful.  Increased levels of fiber helps control obesity, diabetes, and some types of diarrhea.  There are different types of fiber, and one of the most useful sources of fiber is canned pumpkin.  Cats can receive 1 teaspoon daily with the food, and a medium sized dog can have 1 tablespoon.