When it comes to improving our health, supplements are a common point of call. I mean, there is a plethora of information outlining precisely what supplements you can take to boost your health.
But when it comes to dogs, supplements are often an afterthought — or more commonly — not thought of at all.
This is a serious problem because when it comes to optimizing your pup’s health and longevity, they can have a serious impact.
Glucosamine and Joint Health
While some dog breeds are more susceptible to joint pain and degeneration than others, it affects practically every doggo as they enter older age.
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that is classified as an “amino sugar.” However, it is not used to create energy like most other sugar molecules.
Instead, it is used to create cartilage in joints.
With this in mind, it offers the perfect way to prevent joint degeneration in any dog breed. It has also been shown to reduce joint pain, swelling, and discomfort, improving mobility and quality of life.
This will be especially important in dog breeds prone to joint issues and explains why it is a common ingredient in German Shepherd joint supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Longevity
Fish oil (and the omega-3 fatty acids it contains) is one of the most well-recognised supplements on the planet — and there is evidence to suggest they could be super important for your dogs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fats that play various roles in your dog’s body. However, they cannot be made within their body, and must therefore be obtained through their diet.
It should also note that there are three distinct types of Omega 3s. These include eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Increased consumption of all Omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. As a result, their supplementation can prevent heart disease and diabetes.
Notably, both EPA and DHA have been shown to decrease inflammation throughout the entire body, as well as within your dogs joints. This makes it the perfect way to help treat and prevent the arthritis.
Oh, and lastly, they can even improve the health of your dog’s coat. It is for this reason that they are a common golden retriever supplement.
L-Theanine for Behaviour and Mental Health
L-Theanine is an amino acid that humans commonly use to improve mood and boost brain function — and it appears to do the same to dogs.
See, L-Theanine plays a role in developing two vital neurotransmitters known as “GABA” and “Glutamate.” These chemicals interact with the cells of the brain, improving their ability to function. Within this, they also increase the secretion of the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine.
As such, they impact emotional well-being while also enhancing cognitive function.
So, what does this mean for your puppy?
Well, first and foremost, it can actually improve calmness and prevent the onset of anxiety. This can cause an immediate improvement in their behavior on a daily basis while making them more likely to listen to commands.
Secondly, suppose your dog is prone to accidents or bouts of poor behavior. In that case, it can improve upon these by improving cognitive function — something that is especially important for excitable dog breeds.
It is important to note that L-theanine is actually found in very few naturally occurring plants (tea leaves is the most common) — suggesting that it can really only be obtained in supplement form for your pet.
Summary
Choosing to use the best supplements for your dog is a great way to improve health and longevity and even impact their behavior. Just make sure you do your research and find one that includes high-quality ingredients designed, especially for your dog breed.
