Supplements galore, what I use and why

So over the years I've used a number of supplements for variety of reasons on both Uno and Indy. I do have a habit of experimenting on myself when it comes to things like vitamins and protein shakes, but I decided long time ago that with my dogs, I will not use it unless I see a need for it. 

Here's a good example what I use in conjunction with a raw diet right now between 2 dogs. 

1) Mush Medicinal Mushroom Blend 
http://www.fungi.com/product-detail/product/mush-mushrooom-blend-for-pets-1lb.html

After discovering couple benign lipomas on Uno last year, I decided to do more research on natural anti-tumor alternatives. They are small enough at this point, where they don't affect his movement or function in any way. Medicinal Mushrooms have been around for centuries and have potent immune boosting properties, particularly anti-cancer and anti-tumor. There are several resources online including studies done on golden retrievers with hemangiosarcomas and using just mushroom therapy to significantly improve and extend their lifespan. I'm hoping that by using this supplement, it could potentially prevent the growth of cancer cells since mast cell tumors are common in weims. I will continue to monitor and aspirate his lumps early to make sure they are not malignant. One thing that I noticed since adding this supplement, his lipomas remained the same size and have not grown in the last 7 months. In addition, he's become a lot perkier and does a lot more zoomies around the house when I come home. We still regularly go on 10-12 mile hikes with no issues. 

2) Turmeric Powder
This is another supplement I started incorporating into Uno's diet after discovering the lumps. Recent studies indicate that this powerful plant contains strong anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-cancer properties. http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/turmeric-dogs/  Many people use it to treat arthritis in dogs and horses with results evident within a week of use! It can also be used topically on tumors by making a Golden Paste http://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/how-to-make-turmeric-paste-or-golden-paste
As of now, I am doing a rotation between mushrooms and turmeric with a week break in between each supplement. I haven't noticed huge differences with this supplement, other than no new growth in tumors. One downside I noticed is that it does make dog's skin smell a bit like pee. 

3) Olewo Beets and Carrots
https://www.olewousa.com/

So, as I mentioned before, I'm not a strict MPR nazi feeder, I believe in variety and while my dogs' meals are 95% meat based, I do add some vegetation of additional vitamins or as a treat. I do believe that certain vegetables and berries when processed can provide benefits to dogs including antioxidants and vitamins not found in raw food. Second reason for feeding veggies is that I don't always have access to grass fed meats,, therefore, they will naturally be deficient in vitamins/minerals, omega 3's, etc. 
This is a cool little company out of Germany that produces high quality dehydrated beets and carrots. You might ask, why not just give my dog raw carrots or beets? There's nothing wrong with either of those, but unless they are processed in some way, dogs can't extract much nutrients out of them. 

I dont use this supplement daily, maybe 1-2 times a week, mostly as a tasty treat that's also filling and beneficial. Uno is prone to counter surfing and when I give this to him before bed, it keeps his satiated until morning and prevents hunger pukes. 
The beets are high in antioxidants and really help Indy's seasonal allergies, not to mention they smell delicious! I also like to use it as a low fat "filler"treat for Uno, it's helped a lot with his weight management. 

4) Prudence Absolute Immune Health 
This particular supplement is just a high potency pro/prebiotic that I keep on hand. I don't use it daily, usually only when the dogs are having stomach upsets for whatever reason. There's no harm in using it daily, I just find that if I use it in conjuction with raw, the food digests very quickly and Uno ends up with gurgly stomach and eating grass. 

5) Body Boost Colostrum

Colostrum is the first "milk" produced by all mammals when they give birth. "Colostrum contains a rich array of nutrients, including growth factors, lipidic and glucidic factors, oligosaccharides, antimicrobials, cytokines and nucleosides. This substance introduces the newborn to over 95 different compounds that balance and stabilize the immune system. It also brings in eight growth factors that promote normal cell growth, DNA synthesis, fat utilization and increased mental acuity." http://www.naturalnews.com/043038_colostrum_health_benefits_immune_system.html

There's been growing evidence about the benefits of colostrum for immuno compromised individuals as well as pets. Indy, the wiener dog has pretty severe seasonal allergies, for some odd reason, it only takes one walk or one flea bite to set off an itching frenzy that lasts through the night. Since adding colostrum along with Biologic Vet Skin/Coat  (see later), his allergies subsided by 90%. I will say that make sure to introduce it slowly since it can be little heavy on sensitive stomachs. First time I gave him a teaspoon, it gave him the runs, so I cut back to 1/2 teaspoon and now he's up to 3/4 with no issues. 

6) DogZymes Ultimate
http://www.sportdogfood.com/dogzymes-ultimate-for-best-skin-coat-with-organic-coconut-1-pound/?gclid=CjwKEAjw5NihBRCZmdLkuuTHyWYSJACtCY0Ju2qEJvtMX2SrjcT9xedaQlLCpvsYdvgtKwFHTJCH6xoCdlDw_wcB

This is something that I dont use daily, but rotate with the norwegian kelp instead since they both have similar benefits of providing trace minerals and vitamins for the dog. 
I really like the company and their no- nonsense approach to supplements for pets. It's also very palatable because it contains parmesan cheese and smells yummy even to me! 
I use it for the same reason I use the beets/carrots, to help fill in some nutritional gaps in raw diet. 

7) Dogzymes Organic Norwegian Kelp
http://www.sportdogfood.com/dogzymes-organic-norwegian-kelp-for-pets-3-pound/

I'm a big fan of seaweed, not only for myself but for the doggies as well. It contains a great variety of minerals and vitamins from a single plant source ( Ascophyllum nosodum). I notice a difference in dogs coats when I dont use it as well as in grass eating habits. Uno still grazes time to time, but not as often as when I add the kelp. I prefer to give the dogs their vitamins from whole food sources and it's a great (and inexpensive) way to do it. 

8) BiologicVet Bio Skin & Coat

http://www.entirelypets.com/bioskin14oz.html

I stumbled across this supplement while trying to find a natural way to manage Indy's allergies. This particular supplement is made by a small company in Canada and is NASC certified (not a lot of animal supplements are). Basically, its a natural benadryl. It contains a variety of anti-inflammatory ingredients including biotin, zinc, vitamin c, quercetin, MSM, grape seed extract and more. 
I noticed a huge difference since using this supplement, no more red blotches on the stomach and hot spots. It's not cheap, but it's cheaper than spending money at the vets on steroids and antibiotics. 

9) Ultra Oil
http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Oil-Skin-Supplement-Hempseed/dp/B0048Z93NS

Last but not least: Ultra oil. I actually rotate between various fish oils including salmon and pollock, but decided to give this a shot and I really like it!. The big difference with this particular blend is that it's a mix between fish and hempseed oil, so it provides a more balanced ratio of omega 3-6-9's.  I've noticed that the dogs' coats are better on this product than salmon oil I used previously. 

That's all for today, I need to take more up to date pictures of the beasties since Uno has dropped couple lbs and looks better each day :)