Supplements can be added to premium foods to provide the building blocks your dog may need. Glucosamine is well known for helping with joint pain. Omega 3 fatty acids can enhance your dog’s coat, but also decrease inflammation and take away free radicals. Antioxidants protect cells against damage and are recommended in any case of inflammation, i.e. allergies or arthritis.
A sample of a few of the products we carry, recommend, and use with our own pets:
Standard Process – Standard Process supplements are made from whole food ingredients your pet would instinctively eat. These ingredients deliver the full spectrum of nutrition in its natural form. All dogs and cats descend from a long line of hunters. The key to their survival was a varied diet rich in complex nutrients – including beneficial phytonutrients in the diets of their prey. But that is not the case today…. Most pets eat a diet that is highly processed. Even reputable brands made from top-of-the-line ingredients can lose nutritional value on the road to becoming kibble or canned food.
Why use whole food supplements during rehabilitation? When the body is involved in the healing process it has additional needs above and beyond every day healthy life. So, we believe that getting this additional support during this healing process will:
- Provide the body with the building blocks needed to repair and rebuild soft tissue and bone
- Whole food supplement ingredients deliver the full spectrum of nutrition in its natural form
- Meets the patients individual needs
- Decrease in recovery time
Vetrisciene and Vetriscience Pro Line – Vetriscience products are developed through extensive research and collaboration with leading-edge veterinarians. Vetriscience product ingredients are strictly evaluated prior to use to guarantee that all of their products are of the highest quality. We carry products from the Glycoflex line, Composure Pro, and Vetri Disc.
Iceland Pure Sardine Anchovy Oil – Sardine Anchovy oil contains high levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Iceland Pure’s formulation is pharmaceutical grade and unscented.
- Pharmaceutical Human Grade (most fish oil for the pet industry are NOT)
- Unscented (the only true unscented fish oil in the market as of today)
- More Omega 3 fatty Acids than the “other oils”
- Safe Brushed Aluminum Epoxy Coated Bottles
This oil DOES NOT have ROSEMARY as a preservative, studies have shown that in certain occasions such extract can cause neurological problems, seizures and anemia.
Fish Oil Benefits:
- Healthy skin & glistening coat
Decreased inflammation
Increased stamina
Improved the immune system
Decreased shedding
Adds moisture to dry, irritated skin
May be used to enhance your pet’s appetite by adding an appealing fish flavor
Advanced research and case studies continue to show evidence that the benefits of Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids such as:
- Reduced Joint Discomfort
- Less Problems with Dry, Itchy Skin Attractive, Shiny Coat
- Renewed Energy
- Protection against Auto Immune Diseases
- Reduced Risk of Stroke or Heart Problems
- Keeping Blood Triglycerides in Check
- Antioxidant Properties Lower Risk of Cancer
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Oil from fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both are omega-3 fatty acids.
Where is fish oil found? EPA and DHA are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game.
Q: My dog already gets fish oil so why am I not seeing improvement?
A: Many dog owners are feeding their dog fish oil, but most dogs are not getting a high enough dose to make a difference. Start your dog on a dose calculated at EPA of 20 mg per lb body weight. There will be DHA in there too but you don’t need to do any math on it.
Q: Is my 50 lb dog getting enough if it says 1000 mg of essential fatty acids on the label?
A: No! Many of the products say “1000 mg of EFAs” on the front of the bottle. The shorthand can be confusing because EFA sounds like EPA. Note that EFA stands for essential fatty acids, this includes EPA and DHA (which are both types of Omega 3 essential fatty acids). Be sure to read the label to see what is really in there. The fatty acids may be Omega 3, 6, or other miscellaneous ones. Pets need a supplement high in Omega 3 with no added Omega 6. Omega 6 is important but it is already in the diet in excessive amounts. This is why you need to feed Omega 3 (remember that means EPA plus DHA) to balance the diet.
Q: How do I figure out the dose?
A: Multiply your dogs weight in pounds by 20. For example, if your dog weighs 15 lbs, you multiply that by 20 mg/lb to get a target dose of 300 mg of EPA. Target dose for a 50 lb dog is 1000 mg of EPA. Target dose for a 100 lb dog is 2000 mg EPA. That is all the math you’ll have to do! Don’t worry about dose of DHA, it will be similar to the EPA.
Q: Does the ratio of EPA to DHA matter?
A: We do not know the exact ratios but research indicates that EPA has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect that DHA. For most of the conditions we treat in animals (digestive, skin, or joint issues) we want a fish oil that is higher in EPA than DHA.
Q: How long does it take to work?
A: After 3 weeks on that target dose, you should see signs of improvement such as reduced itchy skin, better digestion, reduced anxiety, or ease of movement in arthritic dogs. If you do not see improvements, you can double the dose.
Q: What about danger of overdose?
A: There is no toxicity but if you exceed the capacity to absorb it, the dog may get diarrhea. If this happens just lower the dose.
Q: Can I feed my dog the same fish oil that I am taking?
A: For small dogs less than 10 lbs you may find regular strength human fish oil capsules work well as these tend to have just under 200 mg EPA per dose. Be sure to read label carefully to find out if per dose amount takes two capsules or just one. For bigger dogs, particularly dogs over 50 lbs, you will need extra strength capsules unless you want to be feeding 10 or more pills per day. For high dose supplements, you will find various options under “extra strength fish oil”. Liquid is good if your dog won’t eat capsules. Some dogs will eat the human fish oil liquid despite the lemony flavor.
Q: Are there specific brands you recommend?
A: The pet specific brands tend to have higher concentrations per dose than the human products. CRCG carries pet specific supplements.
Note: For general health maintenance and most common health problems……..start with fish oil. You may be familiar with popular supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, sea cucumber, cetyl myristoleate, microlactin, or herbal preparations. One or more of these may be indicated for your pet, in addition to fish oil. Let us know if you need help with deciding which supplements are best for your dog.
Nutramax Laboratories – Nutramax Laboratories tests and inspects at every stage of the manufacturing process and again before they are released for sale. CRCG carries products from the Welactin and Dasuquin product lines.
Contact us for more information. If you are interested in a particular product and don’t see it listed here, we may be able to order it for you.