Supplements?

cmae

cmae

Forums Enthusiast
I've been on a bit of a health kick lately, and have made some changes. Our most recent 'big' change has been switching from kibble to raw, and he's doing awesome on it. Since I am sourcing out and buying all his food myself, I've had to pay attention to balance and ensuring he's getting all the necessary amounts of fats, phosphorus, calcium, etc. With this, I've been wondering whether I need to add any supplements to his diet. He is young and healthy, and I want to keep him this way for a long, long time. Currently, the only 'extra' thing he gets is golden paste - a mix of coconut oil, turmeric, and black pepper - for it's anti-inflammatory properties. I am mostly looking into something for joint health, since he is a performance dog and all the jumping and running can put extra stress on them. Can anyone recommend A) whether I should bother with a supplement to begin with? and B) if yes, any particular one you like?
 
Get the book by Dr. Jean Dodds on Amazon and read what supplementation needs to be included in raw. You need to supplement if you are feeding raw.

As to joint health, the only one I have had success with and trust the quality of is Aloha Medicinals K9 Full Flex and K9 Immuity Plus.
 
My holistic Vet promoted ANYTHING but kibble. He was dogmatic about avoiding it. So I was concerned about supplementation as well. His views were if you are providing quality food from quality sources then the nutritional needs would be met. He felt that most supplements were not necessary and redundant. He stated most aren't absorbed and passed right on through. I concentrate on the food given. There are so many conflicting views on this subject. I just try to see how my girls are doing. I think you need to evaluate what feels right for Cruz and you. As long as there is sensible balance, I think you are on the right track. I think also there is so much info that it is perplexing. You are gonna find both extremes, it is heated subject. But what it comes down to for me, is are my girls, happy, and thriving, and looking healthy. Good vibrant eyes, good skin, coat, nails, energy levels, breath. Sour breath is a tale tail sign imho, that something isn't right. I don't feed them raw, their stuff is mostly cooked, that is just a preference thing for me.

For joint stuff, I gave my previous sheltie green lipped mussel and I felt that did a great job for her mobility. My friends with collies swore by it for their dogs. I also did acupressure on my previous sheltie and that was greatly appreciated by her. It kept her flexible and eased stiffness. I am a firm believer in keeping "chi" flowing, ha. Achieving health is a quest these days with our food supply and water quality. Happy trekking:happy:
 
I took "supplement" sort of broadly. If you feed raw you need to know what dogs need and what foods give it. The diet has to include things that cover the needs. That's why I recommended that particular book. Dr. Dodds goes through what dogs need and don't need and how to construct a diet that will cover the needs. It's a long book, but gives TONS of information, some of which applies to us humans too.
 
I did months of research before actually starting to feed raw.. nothing said that supplements were "necessary" though lots of people do it in the form of probiotics, kefir, slippery elm, etc. My thoughts on the subject are that wild dog ancestors got what they needed from what they ate, so most aren't necessary. I think with a balanced and varied diet, we will be just fine :)

That being said, I DO want to add something for joint health solely because of agility.. and also because my dog has no self preservation ;). He already gets chiro adjustments once a month but something on top of that would be nice. I will have to look into both your suggestions!
 
I am pretty impressed with Aloha Medicinals. Terry Vetters used the Full Flex on one of her elders, I think a like 16 year old dachsund, and the vet said that was likely the only thing keeping the dog on its feet. It is a really good recipe. Suzanne Torrey uses a holistic vet who compounds and this Full Flex was pretty similar to what the vet compounded. The company is ethical and GMO, China, etc. etc. free.
 
I'm currently giving Missy 1-TDC, Dasuquin with msm, and about 1/2 tsp of fish oil once a day. If you're feeding raw and giving fish oil, it's usually recommended to also give vitamin e.
 
I feed raw to both of my Shelties (10 year old and 2 year old) and because we also compete in agility/herding, I give a joint+hip supplement. I use PetNaturals of Vermont Hip+Joint extra strength which contains glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. It is similar to Dasuquin, but more affordable for me and seeing how I'm using it as a preventative I didn't feel the need to use over 750mg HCI so...this stuff is great. I also use fish oil on a daily basis or fresh sardines once each week along with a probiotic from VetriScience.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top