Many people mistakenly believe that if they feed their dogs a commercial dog food that all the essential nutrients are there in the food, and as such they do not have to give any vitamins or other supplements to their dogs. After all, commercial dog food is supposed to be “complete and balanced”.

The fact is, sadly, commercial pet food is depleted of a lot of essential nutrients, either due to poor quality, or because of the way the food is being processed. As you know, many nutrients are unstable when exposed to air and/or heat, and can easily be destroyed during food processing. For example, digestive enzymes and vitamins can be destroyed by heat. When the food is cooked or processed to over 118°F, enzymes are destroyed. Fatty acids can become rancid. In addition, fatty acids in commercial food tend to be high in Omega-6’s and low in Omega-3’s.

Like humans, a dog’s diet needs vitamins and nutrients to help them live the most active, healthy life. Supplements ensure your dog lives a full, enriching lifestyle. Just as we humans take supplements to avoid disease and ensure good health, it is important that natural supplements are included as part of the dog’s daily dietary routine, don’t wait until your dog is sick before you give them supplements.

Factors such as your dog’s age, breed, activity level, environment and genetics will determines what types of supplements can and should be used for them. Dogs and humans alike need a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water. In addition, supplements contingent on the size and predisposed medical conditions of your dog can help them live life to the fullest.

A larger breed dog has special health needs as their bones and joints undergo more stress than a smaller dog, requiring vitamins and nutrients to make up for what your dog is lacking from their daily food. Senior dogs with painful arthritis greatly benefit from nutrients to relieve inflammation and sore joints.

Puppies, overweight or inactive dogs, active and working dogs, pets under stress, pregnant or nursing dogs, pets on restricted diets, fighting illness, recovering from surgery, or on medication may all need additional nutrients. Certain breeds of dogs are prone to health issues and deficiencies and will need health supplements to lead a full and active life.

Nutritional dog food is the start to good health, but vitamins & minerals are also needed to let them live the most active lifestyle. As every pet is different, from weight, to size, to breed and activity level, so are the nutritional needs of your dog.

A food supplement can be used in addition to their regular diet. These supplements can help improve their health and energy levels and help them overcome disease or infections. When humans have a strong immune system we are better equipped to fight disease and the same can be said for your dog. Nupro All Natural Supplements have two food supplements; Nupro Supplement is a totally holistic product that provides your dog with the full range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, probiotics and essential omega fatty acids.

Nupro Joint and Immunity uses the All Natural Health Supplement as a base and adds glucosamine complex, MSM, especially for the active and/or senior animal to support normal joint structure, function and flexibility as well as Norwegian kelp, organic cold-milled whole ground flaxseed, nutritional yeast cultures, desiccated liver, amino acids and enzymes, garlic, calcium citrate, lecithin and Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote optimal overall health and well-being.

Further elevate the health of your pet with nutrient rich raw goat milk. Known as the universal milk the vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, trace elements, enzymes, protein and fatty acids in raw goat milk are easily absorbed by dogs. Primal Raw Goat Milk uses milk from free ranged goats that are ethically raised without antibiotics or hormones and is appropriate for dogs of all ages; you can find it in our raw freezer. If you need something shelf stable the Honest Kitchen has instant goat milk with probiotic powder that can be pre-mixed or used as needed, great for digestive and immune health.

If you are feeding a kibble diet and know there are benefits of raw food, but do not want to deal with the handling or cost of switching your dog to a raw diet, you can simply enhance their diet. Steve’s Real Food line of supplements are freeze dried goat milk packed full of superfoods that are designed to alleviate specific health issues.

Steve’s Cannagurt enhancement takes raw goat milk and infuses it with cbd oil and hemp protein. Cannagurt is designed to help dogs with seizures, anxiety, pain, cancer, cognitive disorders and a suppressed appetite. Hemp protein is also high in omega-3; omega-6 fatty acids and high in fiber which helps prevent blood sugar spikes and maintains energy.

Steve’s DogNog takes raw goat milk and infuses it with whole freeze dried eggs; they then add turmeric and yucca to heighten the anti-inflammatory powers making it ideal for pets with mobility issues, allergies or inflammatory diseases such as IBD. It also supports the urinary tract by providing high levels of Vitamin C coming from yucca and cranberries, which makes it great for dogs or cats to add healthy nutrients that help with UTI and crystals barkery.

Carnaforage is Steve’s version of a super green smoothie, perfect for dogs with digestive issues. It is packed with a wide variety of greens that provide essential amino acids to ease the symptoms of IBD, diarrhea, and leaky gut. The raw goat milk is complimented with dandelion, milk thistle, cilantro and spirulina that strengthen and protect the liver from toxins, making it perfect for dog with a sensitive stomach, chronic indigestion, pancreatitis or GI tract inflammation.

Every owner wants to see their dog healthy and happy. When given the option, dog owners would want to help prevent their dog from having any type of pain, discomfort or nutritional deficiency and supplements are a great way to do just that. If you do a little research, consult with your veterinarian and know the ingredients in your dog’s food, you’ll be able to select the supplement(s) that will best fill the nutritional void in their diet and meet their health needs as well.