Puppies grow at an incredible rate in their first 6 months and have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Whilst a good diet should take care of the essentials, there may be some areas where you can supplement your puppy’s daily intake to make sure they are getting everything they need.
Using supplements early on for areas like the joints can help to protect them in the long run, as well as helping you avoid unnecessary and expensive vet bills. They can also support the growth and development phase to give your puppy the best start in life.
But are supplements necessary, which ones and when should you start feeding them to your puppy?
Why Should I Use Pet Supplements?
Nutritional supplements provide an easy way to support your pup’s health and wellbeing. They are usually fed on top of their usual diet and can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, oils and other ingredients to support various bodily functions and areas of health.
The most common pet products available include joint supplements, digestive supplements, multivitamins and support for the immune system. They can vary from easy-to-use pellets that can be sprinkled over food, to tablets and liquids. Which one you choose will depend on what works for you and your puppy. Our customers love the format of our “sprinkles” as they’re easy to eat from any age.
Does My Puppy Need any Supplements?
Nutrition to support growth and development is crucial at this age and a well-rounded diet should provide what your puppy needs. However, there are some areas where your puppy may need additional support, especially if they have not had the best start or are struggling in a particular area.
It's a good idea to consult your vet about your puppy's specific needs and discuss any supplements that you are considering adding to their daily feeding programme.
Probiotics for Puppies
Puppies in particular can need support with sensitive tummies. A supplement like Digestive Aid for Dogs can provide an easy way of helping to balance the gut bacteria and keep the digestive tract ticking along. It provides your puppy with probiotics and prebiotics as well as herbs like garlic, nettle and peppermint. Adding daily support to your puppy’s diet will help to support their normal movements and help to keep them in tip top shape.
Nutrients to look out for in a digestive supplement:
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Herbs
- Antioxidants
- Acid buffers
Joint Supplements for Puppies
Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes, and supporting your puppy’s joints early on can be a good idea, rather than waiting for problems to emerge. This is especially true for larger breeds, very active dogs or where there is a family history of joint issues such as hip dysplasia. Look for a supplement that offers a generous mix of high quality ingredients, including essentials like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid (or chondroitin) and omega 3 fatty acids.
Joint Aid for Dogs provides an impressive 32 active ingredients. It not only supports the joints but will also help to support the development of your puppy’s growing muscles with targeted amino acids. It can be given daily at the General Maintenance level from around 6 weeks old. Many of our customers with very active dogs swear by Joint Aid for supporting good mobility and keeping their pups on the go.
Nutrients to look out for in a good joint supplement:
- Glucosamine
- Hyaluronic acid or chondroitin
- MSM
- Collagen matrix
- Omega 3
Supplements for Your Puppy’s Immune System
Young puppies have immature immune systems and will need extra care. Your vet will be able to advise you when it comes to the right vaccinations for your puppy, but diet and nutrition can also play an important part. Adding an immune support supplement like Immune Aid for Dogs to their daily food can help to ensure you are supporting their developing defences. Look for a product that provides antioxidants as well as important nutrients like vitamin E, selenium and vitamin C.
Nutrients to look out for in an immune support supplement:
- Antioxidants
- Turmeric Extract
- Black Pepper Extract
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Vitamin C
Multivitamins for Your Puppy
Giving your puppy a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement can help to make sure they are getting all the essentials they need to thrive. Raw Aid for Cats & Dogs is designed to do exactly that and provides 27 important daily nutrients. However, it’s important to take into account any added vitamins and trace elements that may already be in your puppy’s food as some nutrients can be toxic if overfed. Always check with your vet before adding a multivitamin to your puppy’s diet.
Nutrients to look out for in a good multivitamin for dogs:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E & Selenium
- Betaine
- Manganese
- Calcium, Phosphorus & Magnesium
- Zinc
- B Vitamins
What Age Can I Give my Puppy Supplements?
This completely depends on the supplement you are giving your puppy. All our supplements are designed to be suitable from any age to support all the dogs in your family. However, always check with your vet before adding supplements as there may be other factors like medication, diet and allergies to consider.
Supporting Your Puppy With Supplements
In general, adding nutritional supplements to your puppy’s daily diet can be an effective and easy way to support their development into happy, healthy adult dogs. Making sure you use a reputable brand is vital, as well as doing your research into what’s right for your pup to get the very best results.
