Termed as man’s best friend, dogs have long been taken up as the member of the family who like anyone else needs all the attention and caring in the world. For those who have dogs as pets, the health of latter seems one of the most important things on the list. Animals have unique physiological structures, and therefore need specific food and nutrients to keep them in optimal health.
Science has advanced a lot when it comes to nutritional supplements for pets. But just providing expensive supplements is not enough. It is imperative to know the exact dosage, based on the diet, age and breed of the dog before providing them with pet supplements. Excess of anything is bad and the same applies to supplements that are given to dogs.
Here are some of the general supplements, and their right dosage:
Fish Oil: Loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids, this supplement can be considered as one of the most important ones for the dogs as it helps in building the immune system, the nervous system, the heart, and help stop inflammation, such as in arthritis and allergies. They also support brain development of puppies and fetuses. Omega 3 is found primarily in fish oil. Most fish oil gel caps have 300 mg EPA and DHA combined large dog formula has 890 mg EPA/DHA in 1.5 grams of oil.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E also has a number of benefits for the dogs and should be given in the right dosage in order to have its actual intended effect on the dogs. Healthy dogs, particularly those eating a fresh food diet, 1-2 IUs per pound of body weight daily (or an equivalent amount less often) is likely plenty. Healthy dogs eating kibble, especially small dogs, might benefit from slightly higher amounts.
For dogs with a variety of health problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, cataracts, allergies, skin problems, arthritis, and other diseases involving inflammation or the immune system, and for dogs receiving high doses of polyunsaturated oils (PUFAs) such as fish oil or vegetable oils, dosages up to 3-4 IUs per pound of body weight daily for large dogs, 3.5-4.5 IUs per pound of body weight for medium-sized dogs, and 5-7 IUs per pound of body weight for small dogs, may provide additional benefits.
Apart from these the dogs should be given probiotics and digestive enzymes regularly that have a wonderful effect on their health. It helps in giving them a healthy gut and provides a number of other benefits.
Source by Rebecca Shaw
#Dosage #Supplements #Pets pets
