Experience with supplements for dogs?

[tamsinbeaker]

I've been hearing about supplements for dogs depending on what type of diet they're on, but I don't really know where to start with them.

Has anybody given supplements to their dogs? Do you think the breed of the dog plays a part in what supplements you should be feeding your dog or is it something you should be doing as a preventative thing (or when issues arise)?

Most dog foods are nutritionally complete, unless they’re labelled as complementary. This means that unless you’ve got specific concerns - for example, joint health, then you shouldn’t technically need to supplement.

I use joint supplements - Riaflex is excellent. YuMove is good. I also give salmon oil. When it comes to other supplements I trust Dorwest, their helpline team is brilliant. I use Keepers Mix and Turmeric tablets from them.

Do you have specific concerns?

My dog has no issues yet, but I know their breed is prone to joint issues, and therefore wondering if this is something I should start supplementing to prevent rather than wait.
What made you decide on giving your dog supplements?

I started on YuMove as she was a rescue who had had a broken leg in the past, making her prone to arthritis.

I’d always advise checking with your vet and ensuring any supplements are on your dog’s records as some things interact with prescribed drugs.

In my opinion, where your dog doesn’t have allergies, it’s worth using a quality joint supplement.

How old is your dog?

My dog is only 4, so not too old yet but I don't want her to end up having any issues down the line if I can prevent it! Joint supplements are what I'm thinking of, but there's a few other things her breed is prone to, and I'm not sure if I should start supplementing for those too

Personally unless you have a sports dog (eg competitive agility) and are therefore exerting the dog more than an average pet, I’d leave joint supplements until more like 8yrs - assuming there are no known issues

I highly recommend Vince the Vet, his supplements made a huge difference to my elderly dog with chronic arthritis and stage 1 kidney disease. I didn't previously believe in supplements and I only tried them because vet treatments had stopped working, but within a week she was skipping round like a puppy again.

I’d caution against usingYumove generally— my Leonberger (9yo) had terrible reaction last year to the point where my DD was really worried about him whilst we were on holiday. He now gets a can of cheap supermarket oily fish in spring water as a supplement instead. Conversely My Dad’s Labrador had no adverse reaction. My Leo also doesn’t tolerate those blanket flea and tick meds. I think if they have a balanced diet supplements should be on the advice of a vet. 4 is very young.

Fair point. But around that age you think it makes sense to supplement even if there's no issues yet?

Sorry to hear! But has fish oil worked fine for him? Is your Leo generally sensitive to these things or do you think it was the brands formulation?

My 5 year old has Kater4K9 Kineticflex-ultra Hip and Joint formula.
But she has had three operations on her leg and has arthritis.

Our girl is on Antinol following elbow issues resulting in operations on both elbows. It is the only supplement our vet would recommend. I was a doubter but last Xmas our delivery was lost by the Royal Mail and within 10 days she was stiff and limping and only got better when she was back on it.

I have Labradors, the oldest is 9, and I also use Kater4K9 I have used Riaflex but find this better, and I think the ingredients are comparable. My boy used to show some stiffness in his legs after a busy day but this supplement has definitely made a difference. Also use a Bioflow magnetic collar.