Supplements can be an important aspect of maintaining the health of your Labrador Retriever. While a commercial dog food diet may provide most of the necessary nutrients, there may be instances where additional supplements are beneficial.
The following is a list of some recommended supplements that may be helpful for your Lab.
[Our Pick]Purina Pro Plan Calming Care
Purina Pro Plan Calming Care is a highly recommended probiotic supplement. It comes in a powdered form that can be easily added to your Lab’s food.
To use it, simply sprinkle the contents of one packet onto your dog’s food once a day. For optimal results, it is suggested to use Calming Care daily for a period of at least three to four weeks.
Read on for the best supplements on the market.
There are several types of supplements that can be beneficial for Labradors, including those that support joint health, provide dietary fiber, and contain probiotics.
These supplements may help to alleviate various issues that are commonly experienced by Labradors, such as digestive problems, allergies, and joint issues.
Here are some supplement options that may be suitable for you based on your budget and specific needs.
| Our Picks | Brand |
| Best Probiotic Supplement | Purina Pro Plan Calming Care |
| Best Fiber Supplement | Glandex Soft Chews |
| Best Overall Joint Supplement | Krillex Joint Supplement |
| Best Tablet Joint Supplement | Dasuquin Advanced |
| Best Tasting Joint Supplement | Glycoflex 3 Hip & Joint |
| Best Budget Joint Supplement | Cosequin Maximum Strength |
Purina Pro Plan Calming Care is a highly recommended probiotic supplement for Labradors. Probiotics are live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
This balance is important because when harmful or pathogenic bacteria are present in excess, they can cause illness and inflammation. Probiotics can help to reduce the number of harmful bacteria and can also support a faster response from the immune system.
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Purina’s Calming Care probiotic is unique in that it contains the active ingredient Bifidobacterium longum BL999, which functions like other probiotics but also has a natural calming effect.
This makes it particularly useful for Labradors that have both gastrointestinal and behavioral issues. In addition to supporting digestive health, this probiotic may also help to promote a sense of calm in dogs that are prone to anxiety.
There is a strong link between the gastrointestinal system and the brain, and this may be why Calming Care is effective. Studies involving mice have shown that transferring gut bacteria from anxious individuals to calm mice can cause the latter group to exhibit anxious behaviors.
Clinical trials involving the use of Bifidobacterium longum BL999 in Labradors have demonstrated that this probiotic can significantly reduce anxiety in dogs. These results suggest that supporting the health of the gut can have a positive impact on a dog’s emotional well-being.
Purina’s Calming Care probiotic is a powder that is packaged in individual packets. To use it, simply sprinkle the contents of one packet onto your Lab’s food once a day. For optimal results, it is recommended to use Calming Care daily for a period of at least three to four weeks. This probiotic is safe to use in combination with other recommendations from your veterinarian and is suitable for Labradors of all ages.
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If your Labrador is experiencing issues with their anal glands, it may be due to allergies or digestive problems. In these cases, fiber supplements such as Glandex Soft Chews can be helpful in supporting anal gland health. These chews are a top choice among fiber supplements for dogs.
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Labradors have small, marble-shaped glands in their anus known as anal glands. These glands produce a fluid that aids in the passage of stools. However, when Labradors have digestive issues or allergies, their anal glands may become inflamed or difficult to express. In some cases, the glands may become blocked and form abscesses, which can be painful and require medical attention.
Glandex is a soft chew supplement that is rich in fiber and pumpkin, which helps to create bulkier, healthier stools. This can support the natural expression of a Labrador’s anal glands, reducing the risk of infection.
In addition to fiber, Glandex also contains omega 3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus to support digestive health. These ingredients work together to promote overall anal gland and digestive wellness in Labradors.
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Orthopedic diseases are common in Labradors, as they are prone to inherited conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Additionally, as Labradors age, they are likely to develop arthritis.
Joint supplements can help to slow the progression of orthopedic issues and improve joint function in Labradors. This can help to reduce discomfort and improve the overall quality of life for affected dogs.
Krillex Joint Supplements is a chewable treat that combines various joint-supporting ingredients into a single formula. This supplement may be helpful for Labradors experiencing joint problems or those at risk of developing such issues.
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Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are substances that naturally occur in the body and play a role in the formation of cartilage in Labradors. They may also inhibit the production of enzymes that break down cartilage and reduce inflammation. Common GAGs found in joint supplements for Labradors include glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and hyaluronic acid. Many joint supplements contain one or two of these ingredients, but Krillex Joint Supplements combines all four into a single formula.
In addition to combining all four of the GAGs mentioned above, Krillex Joint Supplements also contains krill oil, which is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, can help to reduce inflammation in the joints, digestive tract, and urinary bladder of Labradors. Omega 3s are also beneficial for heart health. Krillex Joint Supplements offers a convenient way to supplement the diet with these important nutrients in a single chewable treat.
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*Prescription Required
If you prefer a tablet form of joint supplement, Dasuquin Advanced may be a good option. This supplement is known for its stability, remaining effective for over a year after opening the bottle. It combines glycosaminoglycans with herbal ingredients that have been shown to be effective in helping Labradors with arthritis. Dasuquin Advanced is a reliable choice for those seeking a joint supplement in tablet form.
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Dasuquin Advanced is a joint supplement that is available by prescription from a veterinarian. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which are known to help protect joint cartilage.
In addition, it includes herbal ingredients such as Boswellia serrata and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be effective in relieving arthritis pain in Labradors. Dasuquin Advanced also contains manganese, an antioxidant that helps to remove harmful free radicals from the body.
As with many joint supplements, it may take four to six weeks of higher dosages of Dasuquin Advanced before the full benefits are seen.
After this initial period, the daily dose can be reduced by half. Larger bottles of this supplement are more cost-effective and have a shelf life of one year and four months.
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Glycoflex 3 is a tasty chew treat that is designed to help alleviate arthritis pain in Labradors. It contains a blend of effective ingredients and may be a good option for finicky eaters.
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Glycoflex 3 contains glucosamine and MSM as its main glycosaminoglycans, as well as green-lipped mussel (GLM). GLM is a type of shellfish native to New Zealand that has anti-inflammatory properties and is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids and GAGs such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
Studies have shown that GLM may be effective in reducing pain due to osteoarthritis in Labradors. These ingredients work together to support joint health and alleviate discomfort.
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In some cases, Labradors may need to take joint supplements for the long term, either due to chronic illnesses, arthritis, or following orthopedic procedures.
Cosequin Maximum Strength is a cost-effective joint supplement that especially helpful for large breed dogs. It is an effective option that is more budget-friendly in terms of cost per serving. If your Labrador requires long-term use of a joint supplement, this may be a good option to consider.
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Cosequin Maximum Strength contains high doses of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM as its glycosaminoglycan ingredients to provide maximum support for joints. It also includes the antioxidant manganese to help protect against free radical damage.
Cosequin Maximum Strength does not contain herbal ingredients or omega 3s like some other joint supplements, but it is still highly bioavailable, meaning that it may start to produce results in a shorter period of time (compared to the four to six weeks that some other supplements may take).
Additionally, the fewer ingredients in this supplement contribute to its lower overall cost.
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Related: Best Dog Crates for Labradors
Supplementary dietary products, such as supplements, are intended to provide additional nutrients that may benefit your Labrador. They are not typically used to treat specific health conditions, but may help to alleviate certain clinical signs.
It is important to be mindful when providing supplements to your Labrador, as commercial diets are formulated to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals for your pet. Some vitamins, including A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble, which means that they can accumulate in the body and potentially cause health problems if given in excess.
Therefore, it is important to be cautious when administering supplements, particularly those containing fat-soluble vitamins, to your Lab.
Joint supplements, fiber supplements, and probiotics have become popular choices for supporting the health and well-being of Labradors in recent years. These supplementary products contain ingredients that may be beneficial in addition to a balanced diet. Many of these supplements are generally considered safe to give to your pet.
There is a wide range of supplementary products available for Labradors, including probiotics, fiber supplements, and joint supplements. These products can offer various benefits to even healthy pets, but it can be difficult to keep track of them all.
If you are uncertain about a particular product or what your Labrador may need, it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and guidance.