Supplement dog's diet?

Monday May 25th, 2009

  • Share on Facebook
Question:

I feed my dog a mix of canned and dry dog food. She seems healthy, but I'm wondering if there's anything I should be supplementing her diet with?

answered by Ernest Ward

Answer:

Feed your dog more veggies

Dogs, like humans, are omnivores. That means we feel better and are healthier when we eat a variety of foods. Since most dogs are fed from a can or cup, they often aren't receiving the healthy micronutrients found in raw or unprocessed vegetables. Carrots, spinach, green beans, celery, broccoli, and asparagus are great choices to give your dog. If your canine companion doesn't like her veggies, try stuffing them inside a toy, freezing them in an ice cube or mixing them in with their regular food.

Start simple nutritional supplements

While everyone likes to think they eat a "balanced" or "healthy" diet, the fact is that there are often sizable nutritional gaps. It can be even worse for pets. To help overcome any potential nutritional deficiencies, commit to giving your pet some basic supplements. A good multivitamin and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement are a great start. Mushroom extracts (especially Maitake and reishi), flax seed oil, probiotics coenzyme Q10, SAMe and many other supplements may be chosen based on your pet's individual needs.

Ernest E. Ward, Jr., DVM is the owner and chief-of-staff of Seaside Animal Care, a nationally recognized award-winning small animal practice. Dr. Ward is the current veterinarian for the Rachael Ray Show and is a spokesperson for Rachael's Rescue. He has been featured on NBC Nightly News, Animal Planet, CNN, Animal Radio and numerous television and radio talk-shows around the country

Read more about Ernest Ward in the DogTime expert center...
Related Content on DogTime.com
  • Arthritis and the aging dog

    May 30th, 2009

    The signs of arthritis may be hard to spot. You might notice it takes Fido a little longer to get up in the morning and she seems to have a harder time moving around. Soon you realize that she's in...

  • Choosing the right dog treats

    April 27th, 2009

    Treats are a great way to show your dog a little extra love. These special yummies can be anything from homemade biscuits to a package from a doggy bakery, or even just a morsel of steak from your...

  • Your dog can have allergies, too

    May 31st, 2009

    Do you find yourself sneezing at a particular time of year? Does a particular material cause you to have a reaction when it comes in contact with your skin? Did you know that your dog can suffer from...

Anonymous User

Our vet says dry food only...so as to keep the teeth clean. But, sometimes I don't think much of his opinion.

over 2 years ago by Anonymous

Recent conversations on these topics

  • Senior dog is losing weight

    My 13 year old shepard mix is losing weight. Its really become apparent the past few days. Of course I will be bringing him to the veterinarian, but I am wondering what suggestions people have for stimulating appetite and weight gain in an older dog. As a puppy he had serious digestive problems and needed to avoid the usual culprits (corn, wheat, soy). He has been eating Canidae All Life Stages supplemented with small amounts of healthy people food almost all his life. He is a self feeder and has always maintained a healthy weight. He has taken a very low dose of phenobarb for seizures the past 5 years and Rimadyl for arthritis the past 6 months. I really like Canidae (another dog of mine lived to 17.5 years so obviously the food is good). I also have a 1 1/2 year old lab mix at home and what I feed one is likely what I will feed the other. I am considering cooking food for my old guy, giving him more of our food, or adding canned Solid Gold (the canned Canidae seems to upset his tummy---not sure why). Suggestions?

  • dogs LOVE these healthy dog treats!

    Thanks for sharing, Jean! That does look like a good and healthy recipe for tasty treats. I'll be sure to try it for my dog. Thanks again!

  • Help

    I feed my dogs home made food, but I occasionaly give them kibble. I used to feed Merrick dog food, but they revised their products and they now contain more fish. Lady cannot eat fish because it makes her sick. Most of the healthful brands seem to contain fish. Does anyone know of a good dog food that has little or no fish?

  • Picky eater

    I am having trouble getting Cooper to eat. It is not that he is sick, he just hates what I feed him. The only food he will readily eat is meat, but he sometimes does not even like that. I cook for my dogs, and I have never seen a dog besides him turn his nose up to a good homecooked meal. How do I get him to love food?

AD
Help shelter dogs and puppies through Save a Dog on Facebook

Welcome to DogTime.com

DOGTIME LOGIN or SIGN UP

AD
AD