Dog Health

Complementary Feed for Dogs

A balanced diet forms the foundation for your dog's well-being. Complementary feed and functional dog treats can supplement daily feeding with selected nutrients and functional ingredients. However, they are not intended as a complete meal.

At WOLTERS, you will find selected dietary supplements for dogs, including herbal treats from Verm-X, functional snacks from PRODOX, and fish-based Fish4Dogs Support+ bites. Depending on the product, the formulas may contain prebiotics, selected herbs, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, or chondroitin.

What are Complementary Feed for Dogs?

Complementary feed has a specific composition intended to supplement daily feeding. In contrast to a complete feed, they do not solely provide all the necessary nutrients for the dog. They are offered in addition to the usual dog food.

Dietary supplements are available in the form of powder, oil, tablets, liquid, or functional snacks. In practical treat form, they can often be given directly from the hand and easily integrated into the feeding routine.

A healthy dog receiving an appropriate amount of complete feed does not automatically require additional vitamins or minerals. Unintended supplementation can even alter the balanced supply of nutrients. Therefore, choose a product that meets your dog's actual needs.

When Can Food Supplements be Useful?

Complementary feed can be used in different life stages or feeding situations. This includes growth, age, special physical exertion, or a self-composed feed ration. Selected ingredients can also provide a meaningful supplement for certain nutritional needs.

Whether a product is suitable for your dog depends on age, weight, main feed, health status, and other supplements being used. Check the composition and intended application before feeding.

In cases of persistent discomfort, diagnosed diseases, or ongoing medication, the use should be coordinated with the treating veterinary practice. Complementary feed is not a substitute for a diagnosis or medical treatment.

Functional Snacks for Digestion

Selected functional dog snacks contain ingredients focused on normal digestive function and the gut environment. This may include fiber, psyllium seeds, yeast components, as well as prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides and mannan-oligosaccharides.

Prebiotic components serve as a food source for specific gut bacteria. They are distinct from probiotics, which contain defined viable microorganisms. Whether and in what quantity these ingredients are included can be found in the composition of each product.

Functional snacks can complement a balanced feeding but do not treat the causes of diarrhea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues. If symptoms recur or persist, your dog should be examined by a veterinarian.

Verm-X Herbal Treats for Dogs

Verm-X offers crispy complementary feed with a selected herbal blend. The formula includes cinnamon, garlic, thyme, peppermint, fennel, lady’s mantle, and nettle, along with prebiotic FOS and MOS.

The treats are intended for regular feeding adapted to the body weight. The snack form eliminates the need for measuring powder or liquid. The dosage on the respective packaging is crucial.

Verm-X is a complementary feed and not an approved veterinary medicinal product for treating a worm infestation. Therefore, feeding does not replace stool examinations, veterinary diagnosis, or necessary deworming treatments.

Fish-Based Supplement Snacks with Omega-3

Functional fish snacks contain animal protein and, depending on the formulation, omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil. In the Fish4Dogs Support+ range, you will find bites with salmon, mackerel, or whitefish.

The exact composition varies between different varieties. Some formulas also contain functional components such as prebiotics, glucosamine, or chondroitin. Therefore, check the intended application for each product separately.

Omega-3 fatty acids are not contained in the same quantity in every fish product. Also, consuming any fish snack does not automatically equate to a targeted dose of omega-3 supplementation. The analytical information and recommended daily amount are crucial.

Functional Snacks with Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are components of selected complementary feed aimed at the musculoskeletal system. They are often combined with fish and omega-3 fatty acids and can be offered as daily snacks.

Such snacks do not replace a balanced diet or veterinary treatment for lameness, pain, or limited mobility. Noticeable changes in gait should be examined early, as they can have various underlying causes.

Body weight, appropriate exercise, and training tailored to the dog also play an important role in the everyday strain on the joints.

Complementary Feed for Puppies

Puppies are growing and require a precisely balanced supply of energy and nutrients. Additional minerals or vitamins should not be added to a complete puppy food without specific reason.

Selected functional snacks are available in smaller versions specifically for puppies. Their size and composition are geared towards young dogs. However, the treats must be considered in the daily food amount and dosed according to the recommendation.

If you have questions about the nutritional needs of a growing dog, especially a large breed, it is advisable to seek veterinary nutritional advice.

Nutritional Supplement for Senior Dogs

With increasing age, a dog's activity, digestion, weight, and eating behavior may change. A dietary supplement may be useful depending on individual needs but should not be given solely due to age.

Senior dogs may simultaneously receive medications or suffer from multiple diseases. This increases the risk of unwanted interactions or an inappropriate nutrient supply. Therefore, discuss long-term supplementation with the treating veterinary practice.

How to Choose the Right Complementary Feed?

First, define the reason for wanting to supplement the feeding. Then compare the composition, dosage, and intended application. A product with many different ingredients is not automatically better than a purposefully composed formula.

Consider all supplements, snacks, and the main feed being used. Several products can contain the same vitamins, minerals, or functional ingredients. A combination could unintentionally exceed the intended overall amount.

In cases of known food allergies, the base of the functional snack must also be examined. A product might contain beef, fish, potatoes, peas, yeast, or vegetable oil alongside the advertised ingredients.

Dosage of Dietary Supplements for Dogs

Follow the feeding recommendation of the respective product. The dosage is often based on the dog's body weight. A higher amount does not automatically lead to a stronger or faster effect.

Use the supplied measuring scoop or a suitable scale for measuring. For functional snacks, the recommended number of pieces per day should not be exceeded. Also note that the snacks provide additional energy.

Some products are intended for daily feeding, while others are only given for a limited period. Product-specific instructions are crucial.

Complementary Feed and Medications

Even herbal and over-the-counter dietary supplements may be unsuitable for dogs with illnesses or those on simultaneous medication. Certain herbs, minerals, or other components can affect the absorption or effect of medications.

Inform your veterinary practice about which complementary feed your dog is receiving. This is especially important before surgeries, in cases of chronic illnesses, and during pregnancy or lactation.

When Should Your Dog Be Examined by a Veterinarian?

Complementary feed is not intended to self-treat unclear complaints over an extended period. Recurring diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, noticeable fatigue, pain, or changes in mobility should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

A timely diagnosis enables targeted treatment and prevents important symptoms from being temporarily masked by changing dietary supplements.

Storing Functional Dog Snacks Properly

Store complementary feed in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Close the packaging carefully after each use and keep the product out of your dog's reach.

Pay attention to the use-by date and storage instructions. Do not continue using the product if there are noticeable changes in smell, colour, or texture. Fresh drinking water should be available to your dog at all times.

Buy Complementary Feed for Dogs at WOLTERS

Whether herbal treats, functional snacks for digestion, or fish-based bites with selected ingredients: at WOLTERS, you will find dietary supplements for different needs. Choose the product suitable for your dog, observe the recommended dosage, and coordinate any long-term use regarding health issues with your veterinary practice.