By Dr. RuthAnn Lobos
We're all looking for the next, latest and greatest hack, add, or trick to help our bird dogs hunt better, stronger and longer; and in doing so, many look to supplements to add that extra edge to their performance. It's almost a $3 billion industry, so how do we navigate through the marketing hype and know what is best for our beloved bird dogs?
To level set, if your dog is eating a complete and balanced pet food from a reputable manufacturer, they are likely receiving all the macro- and micronutrients they need to meet basic energy requirements. That said, our bird dogs are more athletic than most pet dogs and may benefit from added support for key areas like their joints, digestion, and immune system when they are afield.
Here are a few key factors to consider when selecting supplements for your bird dog.
The manufacturer
The supplement industry is loosely regulated; and knowing the manufacturer is the first step in making a decision on which supplement to give your dog. Recent studies have shown that there is huge variability in both ingredient purity and concentration across all supplements. Ensuring that not only are active ingredients included, but perhaps more importantly, that there are no toxic ingredients added is paramount to keeping our bird dogs safe.
Looking for a third-party verification that what is on the label matches what's inside the container will help to ensure the purity of the supplement. The National Animal Supplement Council is a non-profit organization that offers its quality seal to products from manufacturers who are committed to quality and safety of the supplements for companion animals. This is one piece of information that contributes the validity of the supplement you may choose to give your bird dog.
As a veterinarian, my license is on the line when I recommend a specific supplement, so looking to your veterinarian for guidance is another outlet when trying to decide.
WATCH: PURINA Sporting Dog Shorts — Choosing the Right Supplements for Your Bird Dog
The ingredients themselves
There's lots of hype out there about the next superfood that is going to make your bird dog find more birds, run faster, listen better, and maybe even live longer. Check that there is published research to support that that specific ingredient is actually going to do what the label says it will. EPA and DHA, omega-three fatty acids from fish oil, have solid research to showcase their role in both vision and brain development in puppies as well as pain and inflammation reduction in arthritic joints. Different probiotic strains, even within the same species, can have varied effects—so it's important to choose the exact strain for your bird dog to protect their health and avoid unnecessary expense.
The effective dose
As mentioned above, EPA and DHA (omega three fatty acids), have been shown to reduce inflammation. However, just because there is fish oil in the supplement, it might not be at a high enough amount to actually have the effect. On the flip side of that, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Too high of a dose of fish oil or certain vitamins and minerals can be toxic to our bird dogs, reinforcing why it is paramount to select a supplement from a reputable manufacturer.
The route of administration
How the supplement is given is another key factor to consider. There may be compelling research to show that an ingredient has a tremendously positive effect when it is given by injection; however, that doesn't mean that it will have the same effect if you give it to them by mouth. Similarly, just because an ingredient works in petri dish doesn't guarantee it will be effective in the same way once inside the dog's body. Once again, reinforcing the importance of doing a little research and having a conversation with your veterinarian before choosing a supplement for your dog.
The areas to consider
Given the stress and strain our bird dogs put on their bodies, joint supplements are strongly encouraged. While there is little published research to support that they prevent disease like arthritis, supplements with ingredients like therapeutic doses of fish oil (EPA and DHA), hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin can set their joints up for healthy success in their athletic endeavors. Weaving a joint supplement into your bird's routine may be very beneficial for their mobility long term.
Gut health is another area that can often use support in our bird dogs. Whether it's the stress of travel, the excitement of the hunt, or the buffet of a range of animal species excrement, the g.i. tract of a bird dog can be challenged in all sorts of ways when they are afield. Approximately 70% of the immune system begins in the digestive system, so having a healthy g.i. tract is paramount to overall health. Probiotics are a live bacterial supplement that help to restore the balance in the intestines and some even help to boost the immune system. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements® FortiFlora is the number one recommended probiotic by veterinarians because of its quality, safety, and research. It also can be used to enhance the palatability of food and/or water when our bird dogs get finicky.
Ensuring your hunting dog remains properly hydrated is essential, as it supports both their scenting abilities and overall energy levels. Unlike humans, dogs have minimal sweat loss, so electrolyte supplements are generally unnecessary, and excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset. If your dog is reluctant to drink plain water while in the field, consider enhancing its appeal by adding a small amount of chicken broth, kibble, or FortiFlora®.
At the end of the day, don't feel intimidated by all the options. Do your homework, consult your veterinarian, and choose supplements that are both safe and effective. Your bird dog deserves the best care, and with a thoughtful approach, you'll help them stay healthy and happy for many seasons to come.
Dr. RuthAnn Lobos
Want to learn more? View the entire Sporting Dog Shorts catalogue of educational episodes HERE.
Dr. RuthAnn Lobos serves as a senior veterinarian for Nestlé Purina PetCare. Dr. Lobos joined Purina in 2005.