I believe that everyone and most pets need some type of supplements to be optimally healthy.
I have been using supplements for my dog for many years.
First of all your dog should be eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh water.
Most processed low-end type foods are not nutritional as they are full of corn and cereal.
If you feed your dog quality meat based food or a raw food diet there isn't much need for many supplements.
The nutrition should be coming from the food.
Here's a rundown on a few supplements a dog can take and what they do.
-- Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and is stored in the liver and fatty tissues so do not give to a dog with liver or bowel disease.
Better to give your dog fresh liver, fish liver oil or vegetables.
--The B vitamins are supplied by sunlight, dairy products and fish liver oil.
The B vitamins maintain nerve, skin, eyes, hair and liver health.
They help with gastrointestinal problems and anxiety.
B vitamins help older dogs to improve their appetite and heart problems along with anxiety.
--Vitamin C is usually not required as it is synthesized by the liver.
However an elderly dog or a dog with a compromised immune system or chronic disease may require supplements.
--Vitamin D usually can be obtained from diet or adequate sunshine and is not normally recommended.
It is found in cod liver oil, cheese, yogurt and eggs.
--Vitamin E can be given to improve coat and helps with energy.
Make sure and get only a vitamin E supplement or get specially formulated doses for dogs as some "human" vitamins contain high levels of vitamin A, which could lead to vitamin A toxicity.
--Iron should be given only after your veterinarian performs a blood test to make sure it is needed.
--Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus can help to prevent osteoporosis in dogs; yes dogs get this too! This supplement is more important for aging dogs as it is more difficult for them to absorb calcium in their diet alone.
--Zinc is needed for proper insulin and thyroid levels especially in older dogs.
It is used in dogs that already have diabetes or thyroid problems to help reduce the severity of the disease.
If your dog is getting a high quality dog food or raw food diet which contains poultry, fish, meats, eggs, vegetables and added nutrients they should be covered.
If however your dog is aging and lives in an urban area they may need other supplements to help their immune system.
I have included supplements for my dog because he was exposed to a poor diet, insufficient exercise and was taking prescription medications for quite awhile which didn't help his immune system.
Dogs in a wild environment would instinctively seek out herbs to aid them in obtaining nutrients and to cleanse their system.
Today we must provide these supplements for my dog and yours.
Herbs like Milk Thistle and Dandelion have liver cleansing properties and Echinacea and Astragalus aid the immune system to keep them healthy.
Since these herbs are unavailable in their diet you can help your dog by providing the herbs he would usually eat in the wild.
These could include liver-cleansing Milk Thistle and Dandelion, and immune system support herbs like Echinacea and Astragalus.
You can do many things to assist your dog's health and give him a longer and healthier life with diet, supplements and exercise.