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When it's time to make a homemade diet for our dog, we have to be aware that we are going to need a veterinary control and certain supplements that avoid nutritional deficiencies. It is very important to understand that we cannot do without supplements in the diet, because if we choose a homemade diet without any type of supplement, we can put the dog's health at risk.
In PeritoAnimal, we explain what are the possible dog food supplements. Find out how to add these supplements to your diet, how often you should take them, and which ones are most important.
Oils
In the case of dogs that feed on homemade recipes, we must consider oils as one of the pillars of their diet. Oils are a very important source of fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6, DHA and EPA, which provide the energy needed to carry out vital functions. Furthermore, these oils improve the quality of hair and skin and help lubricate the joints.
There are different sources of omega 3 for dogs, such as soy. Unlike omega 3, omega 6 is an essential fatty acid and therefore must be present in the diet.
There are several options. These are some of the best options in terms of nutritional support:
- sunflower oil or corn oil: although the most common is to offer olive oil, both sunflower and corn oil are rich in omega 6, an essential nutrient for the dog and that should never be lacking in his diet.
- Fish oil: better known as salmon oil, but it also exists from sardines, for example. These oils are also rich in omega 6. Be careful not to confuse with cod liver oil. They are usually sold in jars or bottles with spills to prevent them from oxidizing. Offer one scoop a day (divide by the amount of times your dog eats). If you notice a shiny film on your stool, you should immediately halve the dose.
- virgin olive oil: Olive oil can be used in place of previous oils. Despite being less rich in nutrients, it is very helpful in constipation and considerably improves skin health.
probiotics
Dog probiotics are formulated products that contain beneficial bacteria that are already naturally present in the dog's intestines. We should not confuse with prebiotics, which are more suitable for dogs with the altered intestinal flora (most frequent situation in puppies that eat exclusively a homemade diet).
We can find probiotics in kefir or natural yoghurt. You should always opt for bio options, sugar-free and preservative-free, as pure as possible. We recommend a tablespoon for every 20 kg of the dog's weight, 2-3 times a week, mixed with his food.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or turmeric, is one of the spices most used and recommended. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties for both dogs and humans.
According to the study Canine Performance Nutrition, published in 2014 in Florida Veterinary University's Today's Veterinary Practice, the use of turmeric helps prevent prostate cancer in dogs. It is also used as a nutritional treatment for arthritis.
As with all supplements, we must not abuse nor use turmeric every day. Balance is at the base of a vital and energetic diet. The ideal is to add sporadically a tablespoon of turmeric in homemade recipes.
Other ingredients we can use
To finish this list of natural supplements for dogs, we have chosen for you some extra products that are also very beneficial:
- Ginger: It is widely used to treat digestive problems such as vomiting, but it is also used to help puppies that want to vomit and cannot, that is, that are nauseated. It's a good gastric protector. If your dog has obvious stomach pains, it is recommended that you prepare something with this root. It also acts on the pancreas, so it is ideal to include in the diets of animals with pancreatic insufficiency. It's an easy and cost-effective solution.
- Oregano: It doesn't add much flavor to the food but it is a potent antifungal. For this reason, it is recommended as a food supplement for puppies suffering from fungal skin or ear infections. They also have an anti-inflammatory and expectorant action, which is why they are recommended in situations of bronchitis or mucus in the lungs. Another function of oregano is the elimination of gas in the last part of the digestive tract. A tablespoon of oregano in your dog's diet can be of great benefit.
- brewer's yeast: This food is rich in B vitamins, which serve mainly to regulate the nervous system and promote the condition of the skin, hair and nails. It is suitable for dogs lacking iron and also provides large amounts of fiber and protein.
- Parsley: Parsley or parsley has excellent diuretic and depurative properties and helps to fight foreign agents and eliminate toxins. It is very rich in vitamin C, folic acid (vitamin B) and vitamin A. It is very useful in anemic dogs as it facilitates iron absorption. It also helps to regulate the proliferation of LDL cholesterol.
- honey and pollen: Very used to supplement very debilitated animals, as they are a fast source of energy. They help with anorexia or cachexia problems. You can, put some honey in the animal's mouth with your finger. Honey will stimulate the dog's appetite and cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
- Spirulina: Spirulina is an alga with extraordinary properties. It has a high protein value and contains the eight essential amino acids that the dog needs to survive. It is also rich in non-essential vitamins and amino acids, which are equally beneficial to your puppy's health.
- aloe vera: Aloe Vera is very common in products and foods for people. This plant has immense benefits for your health and your dog. It is a potent antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal, healing and balsamic. It helps to regulate the intestinal flora, which makes it very useful in the treatment of constipation and diarrhea. According to a study presented at the IASC conference in Texas in 1997, animals that consume Aloe Vera juice recover better from diseases such as leukemia, kidney failure and heart disease.
- Garlic: Garlic is one of the prohibited foods for dogs. However, this food is an excellent antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, which fights different bacteria, fungi and viruses. It also regulates the intestinal flora, fights some urinary infections and reduces cholesterol. Furthermore, it is an excellent natural dewormer, as it repels both internal and external parasites. If you would like more about the beneficial uses of garlic, see the study "Garlic: Friend or Foe?” published in Dogs Naturally Magazine, April 2014.
