nutrition nook Supportive Supplements
& fun foods
by Barbara E. Royal, DVM
There are a multitude of supplements out there, and they can be very helpful to your patients’ diets. But there are also some foods that can naturally assist in resolving certain issues, and others that are just plain fun. Let me touch on a few of my favorites:
for animals with a lot of heat in their skin or with loose stools. So be sure to monitor the response to see if it’s right for the animal. It is best to choose fish oils as the source. Good for many inflammatory conditions, arthritis and skin problems.
Probiotics
Unsweetened canned pumpkin is a
should be used regularly in many animals, and always during a food change or while using antibiotics. Lactobacillus sporogenes is often a good form of this. They can be purchased over the counter, but do a label check to be sure of the quality and proper bacteria. Dairy free versions are useful for sensitive animals.
Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils) can be useful and usually can help hair coats, skin and musculoskeletal issues. They can occasionally provide too much oily heat
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integrative veterinary care
terrific stool regulator; good for constipation and also for diarrhea. We use this often during food changes to regulate stool. Use about one tablespoon one to two times per day for a 30-pound dog in food or as a treat. You can also mix pumpkin with meat baby food or yogurt and put into ice cube trays or Kongs and freeze to use as treats.
Green tripeis a useful source of protein for kidney disease, as it is odiferous, and very tempting, even to
