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Post by laceyj19 on Jul 18, 2012 8:46:53 GMT -5
Hey everyone! I'm just curious about some of the supplements you guys use for your hounds. I've started Joe on a glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate pill. I was going to buy the variety I saw at the pet store, but noticed the ingredients were exactly the same as the human kind. So I got him an all natural human version. Each pill contains 300 mg of glucosamine and 200 mg of chondroitin.
I'd love to start him on a fish oil- for joint care and a healthier coat. Any recommendations? I've seen kelp around for pretty cheap too. We use it for the horses sometimes- anyone feed their Grey kelp? And are there any benefits for canines?
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Post by laceyj19 on Jul 18, 2012 8:48:15 GMT -5
Oh yeah: he gets one pill with breakfast and one pill with dinner. Is that too much do you think?
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xtrawld
Grey Lover
Both thirsty....can't wait for their turn....
Posts: 625
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Post by xtrawld on Jul 18, 2012 9:10:02 GMT -5
My boys get some omega oil (general fish oil that I actually get from a tack shop) every once in a while for a nice coat - I honestly can't tell if this works at all, but I at least feel better giving it to them.
Ryder gets GLM (Green Lipped Mussels) for joint care (limping on an off for years and this has made a positive impact on him).
Kasey gets Slippery Elm to control acid reflux (again it works for him and is better/cheaper IMO than Pepcid).
Both my boys are fed raw.
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hazel
Newbie
Stanley McFadden (racing name Haitian) Simi (Hallo See Me)
Posts: 11
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Post by hazel on Jul 18, 2012 14:28:51 GMT -5
Both Simi and Stanley get two Omega 3 capsules a day, one squirted on each feeding. We buy it from Costco. They are both black hounds so have noticeable dandruff. The Omega 3 has made a huge difference in their coats and skin - softer shinier coats and way less dandruff.
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Post by angelollie on Jul 18, 2012 20:37:00 GMT -5
Each one of my houndies gets a vitamin E pill, 1/2 tsp. probiotic powder, wild salmon fish oil as their Omega oil ... daily but split up between two meals. The two older hounds get Equine Recovery once a day which is for joint health and arthritis (prevention and aid). About every 3rd day, they also get a can or 2 of sardines split between the four of them mixed in with their kibble. Kelp is added to their diet during the winter months.
They all have shiny healthy coats, no dandruff and very little gas (and we all know what greyhound gas can be like).
Kelp is very good for your hound .... here is an article about the benefits of kelp. Kelp is a sea vegetable, also known as seaweed. The Northern coast of BC is an area rich in kelp. Maritime cultures have long known of the health benefits of kelp, as well as its versatility. Iodine deficiency for thyroid was the first medical use of kelp. Today, kelp is believed to be one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables on the planet; rich in minerals and natural salts. Dogs experience the same benefits from kelp as humans.
Kelp can help to balance the thyroid. The natural iodine found in the sea vegetable works on the thyroid to help regulate it. Thyroid issues are more prone to the large dog species; dobermans, setters and labs among them.
Kelp can help strengthen the heart. It is high in iron and enriches the blood which enables the heart to pump with more efficiency and strength. The seaweed helps to prevent toxic metal absorption.
Kelp can aid in keeping digestive juices balanced, as well as provide efficient acidic levels. Its iodine and minerals are believed to strengthen the entire digestive system.
Dogs that incorporate kelp into their daily lives tend to have shinier coats, stronger nails and healthy teeth. Sea vegetables are believed to promote stronger supplies of milk in lactating dogs and the nutrients in kelp promote quicker healing. Kelp can aid in weight gain and healthier appetites.
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Post by campgreyhound on Jul 19, 2012 9:42:28 GMT -5
Please be careful if you're adding kelp, especially in the long term. You want to keep your supplements species appropriate unless there is a medical condition that you're treating for (for example, glucosamine for arthritis). The only addition a dog really needs (if they are fed a species appropriate diet) is a good fish body oil for omega 3, unless you're feeding raw pasture fed organic meat, and I don't know anyone that can afford that. If you're feeding kibble, your dog may well need supplements, but it's best to base this on any symptoms you see.
From The Organic Dog "Kelp -Contraindications -Fucus vesiculosus Prolonged use may reduce iron absorption in the intestines and may also affect other mineral balances in the body. It should not be used in pregnancy or lactation or if hyperthyroidism is present in any form. Kelp may interact with other thyroid treatments such as thyroxine so should be avoided if thyroxine treatment is used. It may also cause other mineral imbalances if used long term."
In some instances kelp can be a huge help, and that's generally when you have an undiagnosed case of hypothyroidism. Greyhounds are often misdiagnosed in this area, so if you see new hair growth when kelp is added, the iodine in the kelp is helping with the hypothyroidism, but you might need help with this from your vet - the amount of iodine in kelp varies with the type of kelp and even how it's farmed, so it's tricky being consistent with the iodine dosage in these cases.
For a general rule, don't throw a lot of supplements at your dog unless you see a symptom that calls for it.
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