As most of us know, eating right is the key to a long and happy life together with your dog. However, in the midst of our efforts to feed our dog right we must ask ourselves, are we feeding our dog all he needs? Are we providing him with enough nutrients in his daily diet? The signs are easy to read. A badly fed dog is clumsy, lazy and spends all day sleeping. His behavior will be retracted, lacking energy and enthusiasm. You will spend time wondering why he never wants to play with the kids.

In the majority of situations your dog's diet is fine as it is, without any need for additional vitamins and minerals. The supplements included in branded dog food you buy of the supermarket have enough nutrients to provide your dog with a healthy diet. These meals are especially formulated by researchers at the dog food manufacturer in order to offer consumers the best choice of nutrients in par with the age and size of your dog.

On rare occasions, and under veterinarian supervision, you may be indicated to give your pet additional vitamins and minerals. Even if you notice your pet to be a little on the weak side, you should avoid self-medication, and homemade remedies. Let the veterinarian be the judge of what your pet needs. Homemade remedies can be cheap, and on some occasions provide a nutritious supplement to your dog. However, you are best advised not to take your chances with these recipes and follow up on an established recommendation made by your veterinarian.

If you live in the country, or you just wish to go a different way with what you feed your dog, do your research first. Remember your personal needs as a human being are not the same as those of your dog. Take the time to learn what each supplement can do for your pet. Vitamin B for example, is very important for dogs in order to keep healthy skin and muscles. Other examples include the use of Vitamin E found in vegetable oil and wheat germ. Vitamin E improves your dog's immune system. Again, make sure to do your research in order to make sure that this is a vitamin your dog needs. It is best to supply your dog with what he is lacking, instead of oversupplying what he really doesn't need.

Keep in mind that adding supplements in your dogs diet is not monkey business. For instance, you might think a good choice to supplement your dog is by feeding him grapes, when in reality there have been many cases where dogs have suffered renal diseases and even death in consequence of the consumption of such fruit.

The use of calcium can provide your dog with healthy, strong bones. However, in the other hand the excessive use of calcium in your dogs diet as a supplement can prove to be very harmful as well. They may show large bones, but lack the strength necessary and break easily. Thus, consulting your vet is your best bet when it comes to supplementing your dog's diet.