Supplements not only benefit human beings but are also crucial for your pets. Pets of all ages can receive vitamins and supplements. Vitamins aid in supporting a pet’s joints, and fatty acids help reduce shedding and improve your pets’ coat shine. There are several benefits of supplementing your pet.
Types of Pet Health Supplements
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Digestive enzymes
- Antioxidants
- Joint supplements
- Probiotics
- Multivitamins
Benefits of Pet Health Supplements
Understanding the benefits of pet health supplements will help you appreciate the need to give your pet supplements. The following are benefits of supplements and multivitamins:
1. Boosts your Pets’ Immune System
Supplements ensure your pet’s immune system is strong and ready and to fend off any attack. With exercise and a balanced diet, supplementation increases your pet’s diseases fighting chances, thus improving its lifespan. A healthy immune system reduces your pets’ risk of conditions such as inflammation, cancer, heart disease, etc.
2. Provides your Pet with Essential Nutrients
Pet food needs to be boosted by multivitamins and supplements for pets to get every essential vitamin required by their bodies. During pet food preparation, some minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids get destroyed due to heating. Nutrients such as glucosamine help support the cartilage ligaments in your pet’s joint. Give your pets supplements in small portions, and don’t overload them.
3. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Probiotics are helpful bacteria that live in the digestive system and monitors the growth of harmful bacteria. Manufacturers often combine probiotics supplements with soluble fiber and prebiotics. Prebiotics catalyze the growth of your pet’s pre-existing beneficial bacteria and increases its efficacy. This blend of probiotics and prebiotics is synbiotics. Pets that take probiotics suffer less from diarrhea and upset stomach conditions due to harmful bacteria. Probiotics also prevent bad breath and enhance water absorption.
4. Improves the Skin and Coat
Hair loss and skin irritation is an uncomfortable problem that your pet should face. Several external factors affect the coat and skin of your pet. Nutrient deficiency can as well offset some skin problems. Coat-specific supplements prevent the beginning and spread of skin problems. Omega-3 fish oils and amino acids boost your pets’ system to fight off the following conditions:
- Fungal infection
- Bacterial infection
- Shedding of fur
- Flies and lice
- Over drying of the skin
- Hot spots
5. Controls your Pets’ Aging Process
Some supplements are age-specific formulas designed to support pets’ biological needs at their respective age. For instance, puppies need supplements that focus on their cognitive development, energy levels, and growth. Antioxidants improve their cognitive function, improves their spatial attention and learning. They also prevent Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Some antioxidants also help with allergies in pets.
For older dogs, the supplements target joint care and inflammation relief. Larger and older dogs often experience reduced mobility and problems with their joints. You can minimize the effects of aging through supplements and a customized nutrition plan. Exercise and training also help keep them mentally alert.
The following nutrients are good for brain health:
- L-carnitine
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Coenzyme Q-10
6. Reduces your Pets’ Anxiety
Pets can get anxious due to loud noises and enter a state of discomfort. Calming supplements help them get through stressful situations such as thunderstorms or fireworks displays. Chamomile relaxes your pets’ muscles, and melatonin promotes general relaxation. Ingesting ginger helps settle an uneasy stomach in your pet. It’s never too late to introduce your pet to supplements. Explore various supplements to find out the best choice for your pet. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. Let your pet enjoy the full benefits of supplements.