Why supplements?
Complete food, as measured to a basic nutritional standard, may not mean it’s actually comprehensive for all of your dog’s long-term health needs. Your dog’s needs will depend on many factors such as activity level and current health conditions, as well as breed-specific predispositions that may develop later in life. In addition to this, particular diets and the method of food preparation and storage may have an effect on the nutritional benefits of some ingredients. Giving your dog a health supplement may not only complement their diet – be it dry, wet, raw, fresh or an alternative protein source such as insect based – but also help to support your dog’s long-term health and wellbeing by providing additional nutritional benefits that their body can easily absorb.
Understanding breed specific needs for long-term health.
When people begin their search for a new puppy or dog there are many factors to consider, but most of us tend to select a breed that can best fit into our daily life and living environment. What we may be less aware of is that some of the inherent health issues prevalent in certain breeds mean that our dog will need care as they grow into adulthood and later life.
Examples of well-known chronic conditions include Labradors with hip dysplasia, brachycephalic Bulldog breeds with challenges to their breathing, Dachshunds with intervertebral disc disease and Westies that can develop lifelong ‘hot spot’ prone skin. Breeding over time has caused many common problems with joints, liver and autoimmune diseases. Even the healthiest of breeds and cross breeds can suffer from disease if allowed to become obese or to have a deficiency within their diet. All of these have serious long-term implications and supplementation is just one of the important actions you can take in advance to help your dog stay healthy for longer.
Life as an adult dog.
As your dog grows to become an adult you can create a suitable diet and health routine to help offset known conditions your dog may likely encounter throughout their life. Without this forward planning you may start to see the signs creep in. Eventually it may include vet visits and ongoing care and medication. In some cases this can adversely impact quality of life for both you and your dog. As with people, it is always best to pre-empt any chronic health conditions before they start. Being proactive with preventative measures can help maximise your dog’s health and wellness, so you can both enjoy a long and happy time together.