Wednesday, April 25, 2012

FEEDING YOUR DOG - Supplements

While I feed my dogs the highest quality food I can afford, I also add vitamins and powders and whatever else might be fun and healthful into their diet.

My dogs have needed antihistamines and antiemetics and probiotics and minerals and joint support and liver support and digestives and anti-inflammatories and vitamins. I've made powder supplements from bonemeal, yeast and lecithin as well as vitamin, mineral and herb "cocktails." At one point, my dogs' pill boxes were of the huge variety!



Presently, Luna and Foster are taking just a few supplements and three powders.

Vitamin E - for its antioxidant properties
Acidophilus - a probiotic that is good for digestion and is also an anti-inflammatory
Fish Oil - for brain and heart support

Allercheck

Contains Larch Arabinogalactan, Quercitin, and Tumeric Root Powder which are antihistamines that are not dyed hot pink.

Joint Check - just for Luna

Contains Glucosamine HCL & Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate and Vitamin C, Ginko Biloba and other herbs for joint health.

Health Check

Contains N-Acetyl L Cystine, Citrus Bioflavanoids and Siberian Ginseng for supporting healthy organ function.

I also add vegetables to their dry or home-cooked food. Luna and Foster like green beans and sweet potatoes best, but they also like pumpkin, steamed spinach and steamed carrots. I measure out about 100 calories of vegetables for each dog, and include them in their two meals. The fiber of the vegetables seems to keep their digestion regular which helps with predicting their elimination needs. Veggies are just good for my dogs all over!

I don't know that you could consider treats supplements, but there are supplements that seem like treats. They're often prescriptions, such as for joint support. Satchel used to take one that smelled like vanilla frosting! The treats I give Luna and Foster are just pure treat, but I think that can be part of a healthful diet too. Just a little something special. Foster actually chews his treats. I think Luna just swallows them whole. To each her own!

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