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Nutrition For Active Dogs - Supplements To Help Your Working Dog

Not all commercial dog food contains essential elements that are necessary to sustain the lifestyle of an active dog, even the best brands.

An active dogs’ diet must contain 40%-45% of fat and 50% protein in every meal. They need this boost of nutrition to help support their very active lifestyle.

Extra supplements also pay dividends for active dogs. Here are four supplements you can add to your dog’s diet.

Antioxidants: Active dogs’ that participate in a high amount of exercise increase free radicals and oxidative in their bodies. This can be very harmful to dogs. Active dogs should have antioxidants every day.

Antioxidants protect your dog from those harmful free radicals and oxidative by reducing its numbers. They will also improve circulation in the body and help strengthen blood vessel walls

Antioxidants are in all kinds of foods and are most prevalent in fruits and vegetables, especially ones that are rich in color. Examples of these foods are: carrots, peas, broccoli, grapes, grapefruits and dark green vegetables. Some dogs do not like eating fruits or vegetables, but antioxidants are a necessity. They can still get them by taking antioxidant supplements.

These supplements have vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids. They also include carotenoids such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein. Some supplements contain amino acids, they are the building blocks of cells and the amount will vary depending on your dog’s weight.

Vitamins and minerals: Active dogs need more vitamin C and B complex vitamins in their system because of the amount of exercise they do. Vitamin C aids the immune system and can help with stress. B-Complex vitamins ensure healthy skin, strong muscles, and blood.

Organ meats such as kidney and liver meat are high in vitamins and minerals, another excellent source are fruits and vegetables. These supplements come in many forms and for picky dogs; they come in a chewable tablet. Smaller dogs need to have 50 mg of vitamin C every day, and larger dogs need 500 mg a day. B-complex vitamins need to contain 4-5 mg of niacin for a 35 lb dog.

Probiotics and Enzymes: Probiotics and enzymes help dogs digest their food. Probiotics and enzymes also prevent dogs from having stress-related stomach problems like diarrhea and nervous vomiting. A tablet form is the most effective way to get your dog the probiotics and enzymes they need.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important because they contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also prevent and aid in skin care and effectively decrease arthritic stiffness. Active dogs can find Omega -3 in fish oil, flaxseed oil, cod liver and other animal sources.

Information provided by Carl Stewart of ohmydogsupplies.com, the best place to find small dog toys online.