Do Puppies Need Supplements Aside From What They Get From Food? What You Need to Know
Your puppy’s diet may seem simple, but you may be wondering—do puppies need supplements? If you’re already feeding your puppy pet food that’s labeled “complete and balanced,” then the addition of supplements might seem excessive. But the inclusion of supplements such as bully puppy supplements can have a major positive impact on your puppy’s development and overall well-being.
Taking care of a puppy is a full-time job. To match your puppy’s energy and insatiable appetite, explore these tips from the experts at XDOG to understand the benefits of dog supplements.
What’s Included in Your Puppy’s Food?
With so many dog food options out there, making the right choice may feel overwhelming. The first step is simple. When deciding on the right type of dog food for your puppy—whether it be wet or dry—you need to make sure the food is specifically labeled to be for puppies. If the label doesn’t mention puppies or it says it’s for “adult” dogs, then it’s not right for your fur baby.
Since puppies and adult dogs have different dietary requirements, their dog food is also different. This is why it’s in your puppy’s best interest to only eat puppy food until they become adults. Puppy food must be “complete and balanced” in order to pass dog food guidelines and be sold in stores.
Now that you have a handful of dog food options in mind, it’s time to dive a little deeper. Make sure to answer the following questions before making your decision:
- Has the puppy food undergone AAFCO feeding trials?
- Is the puppy food right for your dog’s breed/size?
- Is the size of the kibble accurate for your puppy to eat easily?
- Are the ingredients healthy and natural?
- Will the puppy food provide the right amount of calories for your growing pup?
If the dog food label says "complete and balanced," do puppies need supplements? While it’s true that puppy food must pass rigorous standards, your particular brand may lack certain nutritional benefits. Perhaps you were feeding your puppy a different brand of food that wasn't as nutritional as it should've been. In these instances, supplements can fill in the gaps in nutrition.
Supplements Take Your Puppy’s Health and Nutrition to the Next Level
Pet parents want what’s best for their furry pals. A well-rounded diet is crucial for puppies to grow up to be as happy and healthy as possible. While dog food may provide your puppy with the most necessary nutrients, supplements can aid in your puppy’s overall wellness and health.
But do puppies need supplements? The best way to answer the question is to speak with your puppy’s veterinarian. They may recommend supplements for your puppy based on breed, genetic disposition, and other factors.
Best Supplements for Puppies
Many supplements have beneficial effects for your pup. Vitamins A supports healthy growth and immune system, whereas B vitamins regulate metabolism, hormones, and energy levels.
Let's dive into two of the most common and beneficial supplements for puppies: fish oils and probiotics.
Fish Oils
Fish oils contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that play a vital role in your puppy’s early physiologic development and function. These fatty acids aid in vision and brain development and taste great! Dogs love the taste of fish, so you won’t have to struggle to get your puppy to take fish oils.
Omega-3 fatty acids offer benefits such as:
- Support brain development and function
- Manage skin and joint inflammation
- Provide a source of calories
Omega-6 fatty acids can:
- Improve immune function
- Maintain skin and coat health
- Necessary for growth and development
Probiotics
If you’re looking for a way to improve your puppy’s immune and digestive systems, consider probiotic supplements. These supplements ensure that your puppy will be strong enough to take on seasonal allergies and illnesses. Probiotics also aid digestion and help balance your puppy’s gastrointestinal system.
Do I Need to Feed My Puppy Supplements?
Feeding your puppy complete and balanced pet food is often enough. Puppy supplements can boost and improve development, but they’re just that, supplements. Complete, balanced puppy food should always be the foundation of your pup’s diet. Adding supplements can take their nutrition to the next level.
The early stages in a dog’s life are often the most crucial. By adding supplements like fish oils and probiotics to your pooch’s diet early on, you can rest easy knowing your puppy will grow to be happy and healthy!
How to Feed Supplements to Your Puppy
In general, dog supplements come in powders, chews, and oils. You can add supplement oil or powder to the top of dry or wet puppy food, or you can simply give a supplement chew to your puppy.
Make sure to give your puppy the recommended amount of dog supplements. While they may enjoy (or even love) the taste of their supplements, it is crucial to understand they are not treats. Avoid feeding too many supplement chews to your puppy as this can have negative ramifications.
Potential Issues to Keep in Mind
As beneficial as dog supplements are, there are still a few risks to be aware of. Over-supplementing your puppy can lead to health issues such as dehydration, irritability, and vomiting.
A good rule of thumb is to feed your pup only supplements that target a specific need. This is why all-in-one supplements are not always the best choice. If your puppy begins experiencing issues, stop giving them supplements and speak to your vet.
Choose XDOG for the Best Puppy Supplements!
Do puppies need supplements? The answer varies depending on your puppy’s unique needs and potential deficiencies. Supplements can fill in nutritional deficiencies to ensure that your pup matures to become the happiest, healthiest dog possible. From strengthening bones and joints to building your dog's immune system, puppy supplements offer a wide range of benefits.
At XDOG, we believe every dog deserves the best of the best. We’re proud to provide pet parents with a great selection of healthy, high quality dog supplements. Take a look at our range of puppy supplements today!