Need to know if I am over supplementing?

[MOKASMOM]

O.K. as you guys know I have had probelms with Moka since day 1. Well here is a list of supplemets she is taking. Do you think I am over-supplementing her?

Maker-Standard Process:

Canine Immune System Support- 1tsp. 2xs a day
Canine Hepatic Support - 1tsp. 2xs a day
Canine Musculoskeletal Support-1tsp 2xs a day
Prozyme Plus- 1/4tsp. 2xs a day
Ligaplex- 1 tablet 2xs a day
Ostarplex- 1 tablet 2xs a day
Wild Salmon Oil- 1/2tsp. 2xs a day
Crannberry Pills- 1 tablet 3xs a day
Glucosomine Senergy-1 tablet 3xs a day

The reason I ask this is because some of the supplements she gets looks the the ingredients are the same just in different places.

Any input would be great Thanks!

[jas'smom]

What is your dog getting food wise??? Are you feeding raw? kibble?

[MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by jas'smom

What is your dog getting food wise??? Are you feeding raw? kibble?

She is on Raw Food by Companion.

[jas'smom]

If you are feeding a high quality kibble or raw food diet I personally dont see the need for supplements unless one of your dogs has a specific problem. Jas is on a glucosimen, (cant ever get the spelling right ) supplement due to elbow surgery she had last year. But that is the only additional supplement she is on.

[moondog]

I don't know what most of that stuff is, so what I would like to ask for each one is 1) what your reason is for using it (preventative or treatment); and 2) have you checked nutrient levels in her diet to see if she is already receiving adequate amounts of whatever these supplements provide.

[MOKASMOM]

[quote=jas'smom]If you are feeding a high quality kibble or raw food diet I personally dont see the need for supplements unless one of your dogs has a specific problem.

Well Moka just had a TPO surgery in her right leg and she has severe HD in her left leg. My vet insists that Moka take all these supplements as most are for her joints and muscles but to me it seems like alot to be taking. But I would I know I have no expience with this stuff. Its all new to me.

I mean some are for her immune system too. But since I started her on raw diet her immune system has been great. I mean when she was on kibble we had major problems with stools and vomitting but that all stopped when i switched her to raw so I dont know whay she needs to continue on the immune system stuff. And all those joint and muscle supplements seems like alot also.

[MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by moondog

I don't know what most of that stuff is, so what I would like to ask for each one is 1) what your reason is for using it (preventative or treatment); and 2) have you checked nutrient levels in her diet to see if she is already receiving adequate amounts of whatever these supplements provide.

Hello Moondog,

You asked a very good question as to what my reason is for using it. My understanding from the vet (which she is Holistic Vet) is for treatments.

I would assume the her nutrient levels in her diet would be good since she is on raw and gets 2 1/2 cup a day. The raw food contains everything it like carrots, garlic, alfalffa(probably spelled wrong), turkey, or chicken, and many other ingredients that I dont have with me and I am trying to find the websight.

O.K. here is some of the things the raw food contains:
Quality Ingredients: Grain-free, Natural, Raw, Meat-based Pet Food with No Preservatives or Fillers. Our meats are all human-grade from USDA inspected plants throughout the Midwest and are the same meats we see on our butcher's shelves. Our produce is hand selected, human-grade and bought directly from local grocers who buy fresh in bulk.

Alfalfa, a widely recognized supplement from the legume family, is a healthy nutritious source of chlorophyll, beta carotene, calcium, and the vitamins D, E and K. Alfalfa is also promoted as a detoxifier, able to cleanse the liver and blood, neutralize bad breath and ease stomach ailments.

Kelp
Kelp is a seaweed and is an excellent source of minerals from the sea, particularly iodine which is very important for the thyroid gland to function properly. The thyroid gland is an important regulator of metabolism and weight. The trace mineral content of Kelp is one of the highest of any known single source.

Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are plentiful in Omega-3 Fish Oil, Safflower Oil and raw chicken fat, all of which are used as ingredients in our pet food. Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for strong immune function, nails, bones, teeth and healthy skin. (Many dry kibble foods are low in EFA . The fats and oils in these foods are often damaged though heat processing and become dangerous trans fats which turn into toxins in the body.)

Garlic
Garlic is effective in dissolving and cleansing cholesterol from the blood. It stimulates the digestive tract, kills parasites, worms, harmful bacteria and normalizes blood pressure. Raw garlic also reduces fever, gas, cramps and is often used by athletes for physical strength and increased energy.

Cod Liver Oil
Cod Liver Oil is a source of vitamins A and D, and essential omega 3 oils. It aids the liver, strengthens bones, supports the brain and nervous system. Calcium is better assimilated in the presence of Vitamin D, of which Cod Liver Oil is an excellent source. Cod Liver Oil also works as a lubricant to alleviate stiffness and pain in the joints.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Rich in enzymes and potassium, unpasturized and unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is an excellent supplement for overall health. It is a natural antibiotic that fights E. Coli and other bacteria, helps improve digestion and nutrient assimilation, helps relieve arthritis stiffness and remove body sludge toxins.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Locked inside many cold-water fish are two vital nutrients: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). While Omega-3s can be found in some vegetable oils (canola and flaxseed), it must be converted by the body to EPA and DHA. Even at maximum conversion efficiency, only about 4% ends up as EPA and DHA.
The best way to add these important long-chain Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) to a diet is by eating fatty fish two or three times a week or by taking an Omega-3 EPA/DHA dietary supplement.

Nettle Leaf
Nettle Leaf contains significant amounts of chlorophyll, protein, ascorbic acid, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin K1, potassium and zinc. Such nutrients work together to promote the health of skin, bones and joints and encourage a healthy immune and respiratory system. As well, nettle leaf contains flavonoids such as quercitin, kaempferol, and rutin that help to maintain healthy levels of histamine in the body. Histamine release is associated with allergic reactions, where tissues become damaged and inflamed. Nettle leaf helps to maintain your body's defense system and increase histamine efficiency. Further, nettle leaf extract promotes the healthy modulation of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines - key components associated with normal immune function. The immune system's natural response to environmental stresses is associated with the production of these compounds.

Dulse
Dulse is a rich source of oceanic trace minerals, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, iodine, manganese, copper, chromium, zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E.

Sarsparilla Root
Sarsaparilla is a medicinal herb of ancient Native American application. It has been used for rheumatism, skin ailment, urinary problems and as a tonic for physical weakness. It is also useful for acne, rashes and hives. It's anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects have been shown in rats, and improvement of appetite and digestion as well as diuretic actions in humans has also been documented. Sarsaparilla has demonstrated the ability to attack and neutralize microbes in the blood stream. In the 1950's, the antibiotic properties of sarsaparilla were documented. Sarsaparilla is also known for stimulating the breathing of asthmatics and the congested.

I hope this helps

[SonnyRott]

[quote=MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by jas'smom

If you are feeding a high quality kibble or raw food diet I personally dont see the need for supplements unless one of your dogs has a specific problem.

Well Moka just had a TPO surgery in her right leg and she has severe HD in her left leg. My vet insists that Moka take all these supplements as most are for her joints and muscles but to me it seems like alot to be taking. But I would I know I have no expience with this stuff. Its all new to me.

I mean some are for her immune system too. But since I started her on raw diet her immune system has been great. I mean when she was on kibble we had major problems with stools and vomitting but that all stopped when i switched her to raw so I dont know whay she needs to continue on the immune system stuff. And all those joint and muscle supplements seems like alot also.

MOKASMOM.....you're the reason I joined this forum. How did your TPO check-up go? Is she putting weight on her leg yet?

My vet said (at this stage) supplements were not needed as he doesn't need the extra lubrication. But as he gets older, it would be a good idea.

[MOKASMOM]

[quote=SonnyRott]MOKASMOM.....you're the reason I joined this forum. How did your TPO check-up go? Is she putting weight on her leg yet?

I sure hope I wasnt the only reason you joined this forum. There is alot of info on here. I tried to e-mail you about the supplements but it stated you didnt accept e-mails.
Anyways I went to the Vet and the Surgen says she is normal. She will kick her leg out like that for at least 3-4 months. She is now able to take long walks ( longer then what she was doing), go up and down steps and run in the house only. So she is doing better. She does put pressure on that leg but if she over does it then she will limp. But the vet told us to let her start being a dog. So in about a month she will have another x-ray done to see what the out come has been.

Thanks for joining this forum.

[SonnyRott]

[quote=MOKASMOM]

Originally Posted by SonnyRott

MOKASMOM.....you're the reason I joined this forum. How did your TPO check-up go? Is she putting weight on her leg yet?

I sure hope I wasnt the only reason you joined this forum. There is alot of info on here. I tried to e-mail you about the supplements but it stated you didnt accept e-mails.
Anyways I went to the Vet and the Surgen says she is normal. She will kick her leg out like that for at least 3-4 months. She is now able to take long walks ( longer then what she was doing), go up and down steps and run in the house only. So she is doing better. She does put pressure on that leg but if she over does it then she will limp. But the vet told us to let her start being a dog. So in about a month she will have another x-ray done to see what the out come has been.

Thanks for joining this forum.

That is such great news! I often wondered how her leg was doing. I actually had been lurking (everyday) on this forum but didn't join until your plea went out about someone having gone through TPO. Since I had just gone through it too, I had to join. And now the rest is history......I spend WAY too much time here now. So you're the one that got me started but evryone's good advice is why I stay!

Sonny doesn't limp but I notice the little "kicking out" action too, on the TPO leg. I'm sure I will use supplements as he ages.

[MOKASMOM]

Sonny doesn't limp but I notice the little "kicking out" action too, on the TPO leg. I'm sure I will use supplements as he ages.[/quote]



Hey SonnyRott,

How long has it been since Sonny had his TPO? You aren't using any supplements at all? Does he have HD? The reason I ask is if he has HD how come the vet is not supplementing him even after the surgery? Just trying to understand more I guess.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by MOKASMOM

Sonny doesn't limp but I notice the little "kicking out" action too, on the TPO leg. I'm sure I will use supplements as he ages.

Hey SonnyRott,

How long has it been since Sonny had his TPO? You aren't using any supplements at all? Does he have HD? The reason I ask is if he has HD how come the vet is not supplementing him even after the surgery? Just trying to understand more I guess.

It's been 5 months now and I am not using any supplements at all. Yes, he was fully dysplastic on the left side and not as bad on the right side. Our most recent x-ray was a couple of weeks ago and I was told to "Let him be a boy". He looked good and the right side did not get any worse so we are leaving that alone for now.

When I asked about supplementation, I was told that he does not need anything that would make those joints any looser (because he was so young and still growing) and he is sooo loose to begin with. The vet said that as he gets older he will most likely show signs of arthritis and would need something then. Just wondering....Tank'sGrandma....are you supplementing after TPO?

MOKASMOM.....to see Sonny go to the "Picture This" section.

[Judi W]

I have to ask. It doesn't just happen to be that the vet that recommends all this stuff also sells it? All the supplements and perhaps the food as well?