Unless there are special needs to be met, most research suggests dogs on a good quality food need nothing more than Vitamin C and a product such as Syn-Flex ( http://beautysquare.com/A2.php?adr=www.activexamerica.com/at.cgi/186466/synflex/ )

The more things going into your dog, the harder it is to pinpoint a problem since most things are diet related.

Pet Tabs or SeaMeal, but I don't think you can get the Solid Gold SeaMeal at PetSmart, I got it at a small privately owned mom and pop shop. The PetTabs are sold at PetSmart and PetCo though.

IMO, zinc is very important to help build their immune systems since bullies are prone to so many ailments. One 25mg pill a day. I also give one Pet Tab daily, which I have given to every dog I've ever owned.

I don't give alot of supplements so besides the zinc and Pet Tab, the only other thing I give is Biotin, a fatty acid powder, sprinkled over kibble. That helps with the skin and coat.

Now that Sumo is 5 1/2 he is getting (when I can get him to take the pill) glucos/chrond with MSN as a preventative to help with his joints and give him more lubrication.

Dozer and Angel Glucosamine/Chrondotin sp? and Fish oil everyday!

I missed that post

Just not the fastest typer in the world, so y'all were halfway up the board before my response posted!!

Sharon

As the use of supplements is a more personal choice..we only supplement with natural items..meaning..yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, cottage cheese, ground beef& rice,apple cider vinegar and some fat(corn or flaxseed oil).A can of sardines once every two weeks is great for a coat! Cheaper than buying Missing link?!
Most commercial dogs foods on the market are complete in nutrition. Supplements and treats are more to make the owner feel better.That's why they make canned food smell or look "pretty" for us.Pardon the analogy...The dog doesn't care...LOL...looks like poo, smells like poo, taste like poo...must be poo! Each dog out there is different and has special nutritional requirments and this can change with age and excercise.Alot of supplements are simply "peed" out of the body. There are a series of reactions that must take place alot of times for supplements, vitamins and even antioxidants to be utilized by any body.Even the size of the dog kibble can determine how a dog process their food and how much weight they gain or lose.
As with any change in diet or treats always watch for reactions and stools. Results may not be noticed for 3-4wks even.
Professionally I am a food nutritonist, executive chef and Healthcare director and I am a firm beleiver what goes in has a great impact on the outside. I am not extreme nor have the time to feed the BARF diet but many components are sound in some nutrition circles.
There are resources and even canine "dieticians" if you call them that.
I did see at Petco yesterday they are selling a big bag of Mutt-N-chops for around $25 for bag. Dried lamb chips no bone. Sounds tasty!
LOL...have fun shopping..
Susan Somers
http://rocksteadysbulldogs.tripod.com

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