Our pets need proper nutrition as much as we do. Apart from regular exercise and good grooming, you should also be intentional about what you feed your pet. Some people swear by raw foods while others prepare protein-rich and vitamin-rich foods for their pets. You may need to introduce supplements to your pet if he or she has digestive disorders, ageing effects, or other health problems. Nutritional gaps can also be filled with supplements. Consult your veterinarian before increasing your pet’s vitamin intake, and make sure you’re covered by a pet health insurance policy in case an emergency arises. Below are nutritional supplements you should consider for your pet.
1 Elk antler velvet
Deer velvet has many invaluable benefits for your dog. It cans sooth arthritis, and osteoarthritis is the most common ailments in dogs. The degenerative joint disorder is an illness that is common among older cats, where it causes stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Healthy joints contain a layer of cartilage which causes bones to glide over one another during movement. A damaged cartilage results in pain and inflammation, which affect the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Products that prevent arthritis such as elk antler velvet can regenerate and strengthens tissues in dogs suffering from joint diseases and wade off the symptoms. Antler velvet is rich in various proteins that help in cell growth. These include amino acids, insulin, and collagen.
2 Multivitamins
If your pet is a picky eater, it may lack many essential multivitamins. Dogs need vitamins just like humans, although in different amounts. These include Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K, as well as other minerals. Vitamin A helps to boost vision, the immune system, and growth. Vitamin B comes in various varieties such as B6, which improves the functioning of the nervous system among other functions and folic acid, which helps with protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, while Vitamin E helps with cell function and fat metabolism. Vitamin K enables blood to clot.
3 Probiotics
Probiotic supplements promote good digestive health in your pet by easing digestion and making it have frequent, quality stool if its digestive system is sensitive. Probiotics regulate the good bacteria in the body and ease the breakdown of dog food to produce nutrients. They also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Moreover, they prevent inflammation of the intestines.
4 Antioxidants
Antioxidants help to eliminate harmful free radicals in the body. Chemical reactions that result in food metabolism in the body produce free radicals. These radicals increase when a person is sick, malnourished, elderly, or exposed to certain toxins. Free radicals extract electrons from healthy body cells, which weakens the cells. Vitamin A, selenium, and Vitamin C contain high levels of antioxidants, which can instead provide the electrons to the free radicals. Antioxidants make for a healthy immune system, promote good mental health in older dogs and boost memory, and soothe allergies and skin problems. Before administering any supplement to your dog, be familiar with its weight and allergic reactions, and consult a vet for the right quantities to feed your dog if you are not sure.