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Can I give supplements along with the Drs. Foster and Smith food?
Supplements such as Drs. Foster and Smith joint care products, skin and coat products, and products containing antioxidants are compatible with our food. You can also use a daily multivitamin supplement when feeding Drs. Foster and Smith Formula Pet Foods. Other supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus or urinary acidifiers may not be appropriate. Before giving these types of supplements along with Drs. Foster and Smith Formula Pet Foods, consult your veterinarian.
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Do I need to give supplements with the Drs. Foster and Smith food?
Pets are just like people...they're all different, and they all require different levels of vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, fiber, and so on. Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Foods meet or exceed the AAFCO requirements for nutrients, so they should be nutritionally complete for most pets. While Drs. Foster and Smith pet foods provide the nutrients pets need, they cannot take into consideration the unique nutritional needs of every individual pet. Simply put, no single food will be the right food for every pet at every life stage. There may be some individuals with certain medical conditions who could benefit from supplementation. These include extremely active adult pets, pets with certain health problems such as arthritis or allergies, and animals with poor appetites who may not be eating enough food to meet their requirements. If you're not sure whether to give your pet a supplement, ask your veterinarian.
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Can I give a urinary acidifier with your food?
Before using any urinary acidifier with any food, consult with your veterinarian. Urinary acidifiers can actually make some urinary conditions worse. When using an acidifier, have the pH of your pet's urine checked periodically to make sure the proper pH is being maintained. Too much acidifier can cause other health problems, and too little may result in the recurrence of struvite crystals or stones.
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Should I give my senior dog supplements?
Some older dogs will benefit from supplements. Aging dogs have special nutritional needs, and some of those can be supplied in the form of supplements.
Work with your veterinarian to develop a plan to maximize the health of your dog's joints. A daily supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin may help, especially if combined with weight control and the proper exercise plan.
A vitamin/mineral supplement is recommended if your older dog is not receiving adequate amounts through his food. This can occur if your dog is not eating a complete balanced diet. A supplement may also benefit some older animals who tend to absorb fewer vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes through the intestinal tract, and lose more of them through the kidneys and urinary tract. Finally, some older animals eat less (due to conditions such as oral disease) and may not receive their daily needs of vitamins and minerals.
A fiber product such as wheat bran may also be given to help reduce the incidence of constipation if it occurs.
Some evidence in other species suggest that antioxidants such as Vitamins A, E, and C (ascorbic acid) may play a role in protecting against some normal aging processes.
Talk with your veterinarian to determine which supplements may be beneficial for your dog.
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PRODUCTS RELATED TO:
Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements
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