Italian_Greyhounds

Do I need to add supplements to my dog's diet?

asked by Italian_Greyhounds on 14 May 2008 17:16 in Food & Nutrition

I feed my 4 year old Italian Greyhound a mix of kibble and wet food. Does he need any supplements?

Answers

Thumb_up
Thumb_down

100%
0%
CupOFDog

It depends on your dog and what you are feeding him. A mix of kibble and wet food is fine, so long as this is a high quality meat based formula. Check the ingredients. The first three should be meat, organs and more meat. There should not be grains or byproducts listed in the first three ingredients. Make sure there are not chemicals like ethoxquin or other preservatives that have been shown to cause health problems.

If your dog is a healthy four year old, a well balanced, high quality food should be enough. If you notice your dog having dry skin, add some Omega-3 Oil or Cod Liver Oil. You can buy these at any health food store. Do not buy generic fish oils as these can do more harm then good. If you notice your dog is itchy, try a grain free formula before you take your dog to the vet for treatment. Many dogs are allergic to grain and beef based food. A basic multi-vitamin is fine, so long as you aren't overdoing the dosage - make sure to follow it exactly. Again, do not buy a generic multivitamin. You need something specially formulated for your pet's needs.

answered by CupOFDog on 14 May 2008 17:23

Thumb_up
Thumb_down

0%
0%
purebreddogs4ever

If your dog has an upset stomach, try adding in a pro-biotic! Make sure to go slow with any food transitions. A pro-biotic will make the change easier on your dogs tummy.

You can also supplement in the form of healthy treats, like freeze dried meat. Avoid anything that is packaged like junk food. That means it is junk!

I would also supplement an IG with a glucosamine supplement to support his fragile bones as he is aging.

answered by purebreddogs4ever on 14 May 2008 17:26

Thumb_up
Thumb_down

0%
0%
CupOFDog

Thanks purebred!

You are right about the value of a pro-biotic. My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets acidophilus (the general name for a pro-biotic) every day. It soothes the intestines and gut, promoting healthy bacteria which fend off any unhealthy germs.

I would finally suggest getting an ezymatic dog toothpaste and brushing your Greyhound's teeth daily. Healthy teeth are key for a healthy dog and since you regularly feed canned food, it is vital that you manually clean his teeth. There are some three sided toothbrushes and finger brushes that make this task a breeze.

answered by CupOFDog on 14 May 2008 17:29

Thumb_up
Thumb_down

0%
0%
BARF_Food

I would add in Solid Gold's seameal. It has probiotics and is formulated to make up for the nutrients lacking in a kibble/ canned food diet.

answered by BARF_Food on 5 June 2008 6:14

Thumb_up
Thumb_down

0%
0%
GSDMOM

I love a product called Missing Link. It really makes the skin and coat look great. It provides what packaged food lacks. If you buy it online it is a better deal then buying in the store.

answered by GSDMOM on 14 July 2008 10:19

Your answer

Anonymous Pup  [login]



Find it:

   

Browse

Question tags