Should I Give My Dog Supplements?

PetGuide Staff
by PetGuide Staff
Are you wondering if you should give your dog supplements, in addition to his diet? Your dog food dollars can go a lot further if you do!


In a recent study by InClover Research (independent pet supplement company out of Boulder, CO), they found in analyzing Google Trend data that “pet supplement” searches are at an all-time high! That’s almost 300 times higher than ever before. So, what does this mean as a pet parent? Is it time to give your dog vitamins? Aren’t dogs getting enough nutrition from the food they eat?


We asked InClover’s Founder and President, Rebecca Rose the same question.


“I used to believe your pet’s food was a baseline indicator of their health — I don’t believe that anymore.” Rebecca is a biochemist gone rogue, so to speak. She’s dedicated her life to researching optimal nutrition and health and her passion for pets carried her into founding and owning InClover Research. It’s a pet supplement company based in Boulder, CO, that prides itself on blending the wholistic and allopathic properties of nutrition to optimize your pet’s health.


Breaking down the PROS of PREbiotics


The market is flooded with pet supplements, including infamous CBD cure-alls. There is no single supplement that is guaranteed to fix all ailments, especially in pets. But for pet owners looking to promote hip and joint function, optimize their pet’s digestion, strengthen their immunity, and thrive in their best health, there are a few places we’d start.


What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics (which should I use)?


Prebiotics selectively feed only the good bacteria in your pet’s gut — this allows native bacteria to flourish while starving the bad bacteria. Probiotics are usually from dairy strains and soil — most will die at fluctuating temperatures and low pH so aren’t as potent in promoting optimal digestion.


Do prebiotics help pet digestion? The answer is YES! A 2020 report from Lumina found prebiotics are a personalized approach to growing the beneficial native bacteria in the digestive tract. Prebiotics were also the 2020 marketplace winner for human supplement revenue growth with CBD products showing the biggest decline.


Did you know, 70 percent of your pet’s immune system is housed in their digestive tract? Apart from prebiotics being a powerhouse for nutrition, prebiotics are also great for digestive health, immune support and weight control in dogs and cats. Giving your dog/cat a daily prebiotic like those made by InClover, including Optagest, can have profound impact their overall health.


How does it work?


Optagest is the ONLY clinically tested digestive aid with USDA organic inulin. Inulin works with digestive enzymes to help break down food in your pet’s GI tract, allowing for better nutrient absorption. This helps you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to feeding your dog- hey, you invest in quality dog food, might as well make the most of it, right?


How do you know digestive supplements like Optagest are working?


Like we said, Rebecca dedicated her life to pet health and as a biochemist, didn’t stop working until she knew her product worked. Optagest works fast — typically within 1-3 days depending on your pet’s unique body type.


What can you expect when you start your dog/cat on prebiotics?


  • Normal stools, and normal odor
  • Less digestive upsets (vomiting)
  • Balanced digestion (less gas and bloating- especially common in bully breeds)
  • Sweetened breath


Supplements only work if you take them! Creating new habits for ourselves and our pets can be challenging but worth the reward, especially when it comes to seeing our pets live their best lives.


If digestion isn’t pulling at you, consider creating health habits for your dog/cat dental health. Along with a full range of supplements InClover manufactures, BioBrilliant is one of their must-haves. BioBrilliant is a great choice for pet parents investing in long term mouth, and dental health.


A Bit More About Dental Health


Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems found in pets? The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 80 percent of dogs by the age of 2, will have some form of periodontal disease, and 85 percent of cats by the age of 4 will be affected by dental disease. Crazy, right?


Again, there is no magic dust you can sprinkle on your dog’s food to give them beautiful teeth overnight, but daily use of BioBrilliant helps dissolve plaque, sweeten their breath, and promote positive gum health helping keep our dogs and cats comfortable during mealtime and any other time, which makes us very happy too.


Picking the right supplement shouldn’t be a guessing game, and all InClover’s supplements are sourced with carefully considered ingredients including, the Goat’s Milk Whey that goes into every bottle of BioBrilliant. InClover sources this sweet treat from a farm in Maine (and we can assure you, the goats are EXTREEMLY cute).


Apart from providing the highest quality supplements, InClover believes in operating at the highest standards for not only the health of our pets, but for our planet as well. The Pet Sustainability Coalition has recognized InClover as a Top Impact Award Winner for 2020 with appreciation for sustainable business practices in everything from product manufacturing to running their offices out of a 100% wind-powered facility. InClover is also committed to carbon-offsets and dedicates $0.05 of every purchase made on their site to sustainable practices close to their hearts.


Click here to learn more about InClover pet supplements and their commitment to sustainability.

PetGuide Staff
PetGuide Staff

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