Good supplements for working dogs

Working dogs give so much of themselves, often facing demanding physical and mental challenges. To help them thrive, certain herbs can provide natural support for their energy, stamina, recovery, digestion, joint health and focus. 

Holistic vet Dr Nick Thompson, MRCVS, walks us through the supplements that will help your pet thrive.

Herbs for working breeds

To facilitate fat, glycogen and glucose metabolism, all of the following are very supportive of general energy metabolism:

Ashwagandha - An adaptogen that helps with physical and emotional recovery after stressful tasks.

Echinacea - Boosts the immune system and helps protect dogs that are exposed to varied environments.

Gotu Kola - Enhances cognitive function, focus, and alertness during training or work.

Liquorice - Known for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and immune-boosting properties, making it a versatile herb for various health concerns.

Verm-X Organic Dog Food Topper: Active & Working Blend is an award-winning rejuvenating blend of organic herbs, spices, and botanicals designed to support recovery. 

Antioxidant herbs

Antioxidant herbs are excellent for reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall health. These herbs can help working dogs recover faster, maintain strong immunity, and prevent chronic conditions:

Ginger - Eases stiffness and promotes circulation to muscles and joints.

Green Tea - Protects cells, reduces inflammation and boosts energy levels.

Milk Thistle - Aids in liver detox and recovery from environmental toxins or medications.

Antioxidants also help to mop up free radicals. The equivalent of exhaust fumes that are produced when your tissues get to work. Just as you don’t want to inhale exhaust fumes, you similarly don’t want to have free radicals floating about.

With antioxidants in your system, they’ll mop up the exhaust fumes of the combustion engine of cellular activity, shielding you in effect and acting as scavengers for any free radicals.

Fatty acids for dogs

Omega-3s are the most effective anti-inflammatory fatty acids for dogs. They can reduce joint pain, support heart health, improve brain function and soothe inflammatory skin conditions.

Omega-3 can be found in:

• Fish
• Flax
• Krill 

Ideally, you would rotate these in blocks and do a month of fish, a month of flax and a month of krill.

Why the variation? Because together, they’ve all got their own super-powers, and collectively will be food for the joints, the hormones and good for the skin.

The B’s and C’s

A vitamin B complex is also good for energy metabolism. It’s also great for liver health, for concentration and will help to deter fleas. It’s used by horse owners to help repel midges, which cause sweet itch (an allergy to midges).

Vitamin C 100 or 200 milligrams per 10 kilos of body weight per day for dogs. For B complex, we would be dosing a half human dose to a 30 kilo Labrador sized dog and one would divide down from there.

Vitamin C maintains collagen in your connective tissues, and is an antioxidant. It’s good for the immune system, and also helps muscles to get rid of lactic acid.

It's important to choose organic, pesticide-free herbs and supplements to avoid introducing toxins.