Supplements for Active Dogs
Camilla and Jasper are very athletic dogs. A big concern is their muscle and joint health. In addition to a Bold raw food diet, I give them some additional supplements.
Disclosure – I am not a nutritionist. This is what I currently give my dogs based on the recommendation of their chiropractor and my own research.
Glucosamine Chondroitin Caplets
Why: Glucosamine stimulates the repair of joint cartilage, and chondroitin is the building blocks of that repair. It stimulates the cartilage cells to produce more spongy cartilage.
Dosage Recommendation:
Cats and small dogs prevention: 250mg/day
Medium to large dogs prevention: 500mg/day
*This is the recommended dosage for Glucosamine. The bottle I have of Glucosamine Chondroitin has 300 mg of Glucosamine and 200 mg of Chondroitin per capsule – I determine the dosage based on the Glucosamine amount. You can double or even triple the amount if your dog is suffering from an injury or arthritis etc.
Fish Oil Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids Softgels
Why: Omega 3 Fatty Acids (contain Elcoapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaeonic Acid) lessens the development of inflammation and acts as a pain reducer. Fish Oil Omega 3 also helps promote healthy skin and can help lessen allergies by reducing inflammation.
Dosage Recommendation: 1000mg of Omega 3 for every 10kg of body weight. Make sure you’re looking at the amount of Omega 3 in the capsule – not just the mg of fish oil.
Turmeric Golden Paste
Why: Golden Paste is primarily made with turmeric and coconut oil. Turmeric has many health benefits – it is a powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory.
Dosage Recommendation: ¼ teaspoon of paste per 10 lbs of body weight. Recipe image below and also here.
Raw Goat Milk
Why: Goat milk is an easily digestible probiotic that contains vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, protein, and other nutrients.
Dosage Recommendation: 2 ounces per every 20 lbs.
Bone Broth
Why: Bone broth is nutrient packed – it has amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It also contains glycosaminoglycans which supports good joint health.
Dosage Recommendation: Use your discretion – you can’t really overdo bone broth. I personally give the dogs an ice cube size.
Tips:
Reading Labels:
Read of amount of active ingredient on the nutritional label, not the amount of mg on the front. I didn’t realize that the 1000 mg Salmon oil pill I was giving the dogs only had 200 mg of Omega 3 fatty acid. I was later able to find a much more concentrated source of Omega 3.
Dosage:
Make sure you gradually build up to the recommended dosage for your dog. The dog may get an upset stomach if you start at too high of a dosage.
Giving it to Your Dog:
I buy the “human” Glucosamine Chondroitin and Fish Oil supplement caplets because they tend to be more concentrated and less expensive. Luckily my dogs will eat anything if there is peanut butter on it. I have seen dog specific supplements available online that are perhaps more appetizing to picky dogs.
