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Why You Shouldn’t Supplement Your Dog's Diet
Why You Shouldn’t Supplement Your Dog's Diet

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Why You Shouldn’t Supplement Your Dog's Diet

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Providing pets with vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional components is important to pet health and well-being, and the best way to do this is to feed a high-quality, complete, and balanced diet. Supplementing dog food often upsets the balance and might cause health problems.

 

 

Reasons to Supplement a Dog's Diet

People supplement their dog's diet for different reasons:

  • To increase palatability or add variety
  • To feel assured that the dog is receiving complete nutrition
  • To enjoy a larger role in 'preparing' the dog's meal

 

 

Supplementing Can Unbalance the Diet

It is important to know that a quality dog food is carefully formulated to meet the caloric needs of the animal. The food provides essential amino acids, vitamin-rich fish oils, and minerals specific to the nutritional requirements of the dog.
 

Quality foods are complete and balanced for a specific life stage or lifestyle. Adding table scraps or other supplements can disrupt the delicate nutrient balance.

 

 

What We Know About Minerals and Supplements

The interaction between minerals is very complex. Fortunately, this area of nutrition has been the focus of extensive research for many years. Research has shown that not only are the individual levels of minerals in a diet important but the proper balance is also. An excess of one mineral might affect the absorption of a second, and lead to a deficiency in that second mineral.

 

 

Supplementing with Meat as an Example of Mineral Interaction

One common way of supplementing is to feed extra meat. However, because meat contains 20 to 40 times more phosphorus than calcium, adding meat to a balanced diet will upset the calcium to phosphorus (or Ca:P) ratio, which is important for proper bone development and maintenance.
 

This might prompt your pet's body to absorb calcium from the bones in order to reach the right balance. This is often the case in older animals that experience tooth loss due to the reabsorption of bone from the lower jaw. Ca:P ratio should range between 1.1 to 1.4 parts of calcium for each part of phosphorus.

 

 

More Calcium Is Not Always Good

Excess amounts of calcium have been associated with several bone diseases affecting growing puppies. Owners of large-breed puppies, in particular, believe that their puppies require extra calcium for proper development of large bones. Adding yogurt, cottage cheese, or calcium tablets to the puppy's diet will only upset the body's delicate mineral balance.
 

Remember: Large-breed puppies consume more food and get the calcium their bodies need by eating the recommended portions. The best way to support a normal growth rate is to feed growing dogs a balanced diet using a portion-controlled regimen.

 

 

Make Sure the Dog Food Is Complete and Balanced

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) regulates the pet food industry and has established certain nutritional requirements for dogs. These requirements are published annually in the AAFCO Manual. Only pet foods that have met the strict criteria established by AAFCO can carry the 'complete and balanced' statement on the label.

  • Signs of Bad Gut Health
    Signs of Bad Gut Health

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    Signs of Bad Gut Health

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    Just as in humans, gut health plays a pivotal role in a dog's overall health and well-being. But what exactly is gut health?
     

    Essentially, it refers to the balance and functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically the gut microbiome, a unique collection of thousands of different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. This delicate ecosystem is crucial for almost every aspect of your dog's health, from nutrient absorption to cognitive functions.
     

    However, our pet’s commercial diets, medications like antibiotics, and excessive indoor living can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to canine digestion issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune system reactions, indigestion in dogs, and behavioural changes. 
     

    Fortunately, it's possible to restore and maintain your dog's gut health, while addressing signs of indigestion in dogs. Join us as we discuss the best ways to promote healthy dog digestion.
     

    How to improve your dog’s gut health

    Improving your dog's gut health involves addressing any signs of digestive issues in dogs, and working towards a well-balanced gut microbiome. Here are 4 of the best ways to improve your dog’s gut health, and in turn your dog’s digestion:

    • Probiotics and prebiotics

    Introducing probiotics into your dog's diet can help build good bacteria and balance their microbiome. Probiotics increase immune resistance against harmful bacteria, fight intestinal infections, and provide nutritional support during digestive issues. You can try products like IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Digestive Health Supplement, which contains the probiotic Bacillus Subtilis. This helps degrade organic matter in the feces, reduce ammonia production and fecal odour, and promote the growth of good bacteria. To keep these beneficial probiotics thriving, consider adding soluble fibers into their meals, such as squash.

    • Maintain a daily routine

    Regular exercise and playtime can significantly improve your dog's gut health. Exercise reduces stress, which can weaken its immune system and cause inflammation. Finding the right level of exercise for your dog's life stage and maintaining that routine can help manage canine digestion and overall health.

    • Change their diet

    Feeding your dog a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate diet can positively impact their gut health. Dogs require meat protein for optimal health, and raw meats rich in live enzymes can enhance digestibility and nutrient absorption. Including bone broth in their meals can also increase nutrient absorption and help restore the gut lining.

    • Environment exposure

    Just like humans, dogs can benefit from exposure to a variety of environments. This can help diversify their gut microbiome, leading to better digestion and overall health.

     

    Signs of poor gut health in dogs

    Indigestion in dogs is often a clear sign of poor gut health. Some other signs of digestive issues in dogs that you should watch out for are:

    • Changes in appetite
    • Loose stools
    • Constipation
    • Excessive gas
    • Vomiting
    • Drastic changes in weight

    These signs could indicate a disrupted gut microbiome that needs attention. By taking steps to improve your dog's gut health, you'll be supporting their overall wellness and helping them lead a happier, healthier life.

     

    If you notice signs of indigestion in dogs, such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, vomiting, or any changes in their behaviour, it’s crucial to consult with a vet. While occasional digestive issues can occur in dogs, persistent symptoms could indicate a disruption in their gut microbiome.
     

    Investing in your dog's gut health through a comprehensive approach of diet, exercise, environment exposure, vet consultations, and supplements, can significantly improve their overall well-being. This will help to ensure healthy canine digestion, and a happier, healthier life for your furry friend.