This post contains affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure Statement page for more details.
Table of Contents
Introduction – Boxer Dog Supplements
Boxer dog supplements are they necessary? A balanced diet is necessary for keeping Boxer dogs, healthy and active. However, sometimes diet alone may not be enough to provide overall good health and mobility.
Supplements, as the name implies can be added to a Boxer diet to help supplement the nutrients that may not be present, or are not in sufficient quantities in their diet to meet their needs.
So what are the Top 5 Boxer Dog Supplements to keep them active and healthy during adulthood and into their senior years?
Boxer Dog Supplements – 5 Best Supplements for Boxers
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin – for joint health
- Omega-3 Fatty Acid – for skin and coat health
- Vitamin E – for immune system support
- Probiotics – for digestive health
- Calcium & Phosphorus – for bone health
Boxer Dog Supplements – Glucosamine and Chondroitin
You’ve probably seen advertisements on TV or in magazines about the benefits of Glucosamine and Chondroitin so you may have the following questions
- What are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
- What conditions are they used to treat?
- Are they safe and effective?
- Are there any side or adverse effects from taking glucosamine and chondroitin?
So, let’s answer these questions so you can be armed with the information to ask your veterinarian if glucosamine and chondroitin are appropriate supplements for your Boxer dog.
We use and recommend PAWS CBD for Hip and Joint Health Chews for your dog’s joint issues. We use the Paws CBD Oil for our senior boxer who has arthritis in his shoulder. It help to relieve his joint pain.
Boxer Dog Supplements – Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine – What is It?
According to the article Glucosamine, Mayo Clinic, “Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage — the tough tissue that cushions joints.”
The authors further point out that most of the supplement forms of glucosamine are made from harvested shells of shellfish or are synthesized in the lab.
The Mayo Clinic article identifies 3 types of Glucosamine
- Glucosamine sulfate
- Glucosamine hydrochloride
- N-acetyl glucosamine
According to published data on Glucosamine it is used to treat Osteoarthritis(OA), which is caused when the cartilage, the cushion between the two bones in a joint begins to break down, resulting in the loss of the cartilage, which had been cushioning the joint. This leads to inflammation in the joint and causes pain.
Osteoarthritis is different than Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which is an immune response where your body’s immune system attacks the joints leading to inflammation and pain.
Chrondroitin
Mount Sinai.org in their article Chondroitin, states “Chondroitin is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body. It is a major component of cartilage, the tough, connective tissue that cushions the joints.”
They go on to state “Chondroitin helps keep cartilage healthy by absorbing fluid (particularly water) into the connective tissue. It may also block enzymes that break down cartilage, and it provides the building blocks for the body to produce new cartilage.”
Chondroitin is derived from shark, pig, or cow cartilage. It can also be harvested from the shells of oysters, crabs, and shrimp and synthesized in the laboratory. Source: AKC.org – Can Glucosamine Help Dogs Treat Arthritis and Joint Pain
Chondroitin may have a beneficial effect in treating Osteoarthritis. It is often used in conjunction with glucosamine.
We personally use and recommend Pet Care Rx for all of your supplement and Over-the-Counter (OTC) needs.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin – What are they used to treat?
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are usually taken as a combination supplement to treat pain from Osteoarthritis when they are intolerant to typical Analgesic medications to reduce pain.
They are also used to help reduce cartilage loss and to try to stimulate the body to repair the cartilage. Several studies were published evaluating the efficacy of glucosamine/Chondroitin supplementation.
A 2002 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that supplementing a dog’s diet with glucosamine improved joint function while reducing the pain of Osteoarthritis.
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice found that supplementing dogs with glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) improved joint health and reduced inflammation.
While there are studies that support some benefits and efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin, additional studies have been inconclusive. It may be dependent on your dog and the progression of its osteoarthritis. It is important to discuss the use of glucosamine and chondroitin with your veterinarian to ensure it is safe for your Boxer and for specific dosing instructions.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Is it Safe and Effective?
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are over-the-counter (OTC) products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are classified as dietary supplements by the FDA.
Over-the-counter drug products do not undergo the same scrutiny by the FDA as pharmaceutical drugs. OTC product safety and efficacy come from monitoring adverse events reported by the company marketing the product. They are required to report all serious adverse events to the FDA on their product.
Few side effects have been reported with the use of glucosamine/chondroitin. According to Dr. Rania Gollakner, DVM, in an article Glucosamine Chondroitin Combination, published by VCA Hospitals
- Use cautiously in pets with bronchoconstriction or asthma
- Some formulations contain a significant amount of potassium. Use cautiously in pets on a low-potassium diet
- Glucosamine/chondroitin combination should be used cautiously in pregnant and lactating animals as their safety has not been evaluated.
We recommend Ollie Hip & Joint Supplement Chews – Hip & Joint Formula to help give your dog healthy joints.
Boxer Dog Supplements – Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are believed to be beneficial for the skin and coat health of dogs. They are commonly found in food sources such as fish, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds and are available commercially in the form of supplements that can be given to dogs.
Studies conducted on Omega-3 Fatty acids have suggested that fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the skin, leading to a healthier coat.
Not all Omega-3 Fatty acids are equal. The Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA have been shown to be the most beneficial in a dog’s skin and coat health.
It’s also important to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to a dog’s diet or supplement regimen, as too much Omega-3 fatty acids can have negative effects on the dog’s health.
Omega 3 – Fatty Acids Efficacy and Safety
A number of studies have been conducted on the effects of fatty acids in dogs and have generally shown positive results. They include
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition reported that supplementing a dog’s diet with Omega-3 Fatty Acids showed improvements in the shine and luster of their coats and reduced skin dryness during the course of the study.
Journal of Veterinary Dermatology in 2011 reported findings showing that supplementing dogs with Omega-3 Fatty acids reduced the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which is a common skin condition in dogs.
A 2016 Study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association found that supplementing dogs with omega-3 Fatty acids
- Improved joint health
- Reduced inflammation
- Overall improvement in skin and coat health
As with all supplements, it is important to discuss the use of omega-3 fatty acids with your veterinarian to ensure they are appropriate for your Boxer dog.
We use and recommend Native Pet Omega Oil it promotes healthy skin, coat, and joints. It contains Omega 3 oil. We mix it with our Boxer’s food and they love it!
Boxer Dog Supplements – Vitamin E
Vitamin E also known as Tocopherol or alpha-Tocopherol is a Fat-soluble Vitamin that is found in cells throughout your entire body. The Function of Vitamin E is
- Help Muscles and nerves function properly
- Prevents blood clots
- Boosts the immune system to help the body fight off infection
Source: Vitamin E Tocopherol Test – Medline Plus
The body gets its Vitamin E from the foods we eat that either naturally contain vitamin E such as avocados, nuts, and oils, from fortified foods such as certain cereals and margarine, or finally from taking daily supplements of Vitamin E.
Since Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and excess amounts can be stored in the body, it is important not to consume an excessive amount of Vitamin beyond the recommended requirements. This usually occurs from taking too many Vitamin E Supplements rather than through the foods that the Boxer Dog may eat.
Symptoms of too much Vitamin E include
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Source: Med line article
Boxer Dog Supplements – Benefits of Vitamin E
There are published studies showing the beneficial effects of Vitamin E on the immune system in dogs. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and it protects the cells from the damage of free radicals which helps the immune system.
Vitamin E can be a benefit in dogs in some cases, particularly if they have a Vitamin E deficiency. However, as mentioned above, too much Votamin can be harmful so it is important to consult with your veterinarian prior to starting any Vitamin E regimen.
Several studies have been conducted with Vitamin E in dogs with mixed results. One study with Vitamin E supplementation showed an improvement in antioxidant status and reduced oxidative stress in dogs with Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Another study with Vitamin E supplementation showed improved function in senior dogs. However, another study in dogs with oxidative stress due to liver disease found no improvement in antioxidant status.
Overall, the data on Vitamin E supplementation is limited. More research studies need to be conducted to determine the true effects of Vitamin E on the immune system.
It is important to discuss Vitamin E usage or planned usage to get their consensus so they can provide proper dosing instructions.
Chewy has a good selection of choices for supplements based on the needs of your Boxer. Two that can provide a benefit are
Chew+Heal Omega Skin + Dog Coat Supplement
Boxer Dog Supplements – Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria, also known as “good bacteria” and yeast that live in the GI tract. They function by killing off or preventing harmful bacteria by
So exactly how do probiotics work in your GI tract to provide health benefits for your boxer dog?
Produce antimicrobial agents when they are breaking down food in your GI tract which inhibits or kills harmful bacteria.
Probiotic bacteria crowd out the space in the GI tract from the harmful bacteria not allowing them to expand to quantities capable of causing disease or discomfort
Probiotic bacteria can interact with your immune system to prevent harmful bacteria from growing and causing diseases.
For additional information on Probiotics read our article
We recommend NomNom Probiotic Support GI Targeted for Dogs Supplements to help give your dog a healthy GI tract.
Benefits of Probiotics
There have been a number of studies evaluating the potential benefit of probiotics use in dogs which have shown some potential benefits for your dog.
These studies found
- Probiotics improved gut health and reduced diarrhea in dogs.
- Probiotics improve the immune system and reduce the risk of infection in dogs
- In dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a combination of probiotics and prebiotics reduced the severity of IBD symptoms
However, there have been other published studies that have not shown a benefit. Additional research is necessary to determine the efficacy of Probiotics in dogs.
Consult your veterinarian prior to incorporating probiotics into your dog’s diet to ensure they are appropriate for your individual dog.
Adverse Effects of Probiotics
Potential side effects when initiating probiotics
- Digestive discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Nausea
Source: Pet MD article – Probiotics for Dogs – Do they Work?
Probiotics can be a beneficial part of your Boxer’s diet to help support any digestive issues they may be experiencing provided you consult with your veterinarian prior to including pre and probiotics in their diet.
In addition to supplements, many dog food manufacturers are now making probiotic dog foods that are designed for specific GI conditions.
Probiotics are live microorganisms similar to the “good” or beneficial bacteria found in the GI tract of your dog and can help to maintain a healthy balanced gut to prevent “harmful” bacteria from taking over.
Since many strains of “good” bacteria are used in probiotics it is best to consult your veterinarian so they can suggest a probiotic strain of bacteria that will benefit your Boxer’s specific condition.
Nom Nom offers two Probiotic Supplements for Your Dog To help with GI Health: Probiotic Health Full Spectrum for Dogs and Probiotic Health GI Targeted Gut Support for Dogs.
Boxer Dog Supplements – Calcium & Phosphorus
Calcium and phosphorus are key minerals needed for bone health in dogs. In fact, a majority of these minerals are found in the bone.
Calcium aids in the development of the bones and helps prevent bone loss, while Phosporus’s role is to help provide rigidity to the bone. However, in order for calcium and phosphorus to be adequately absorbed and used in the body, it needs sufficient Vitamin D to aid in absorption.
Vitamin D helps both calcium and phosphorus to be absorbed by the body and helps the body utilize calcium and phosphorus in their roles in bone growth and development.
Inadequate Vitamin D levels will result in less calcium and phosphorus being absorbed and available for body functions. Typically, people taking calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis also take a Vit D supplement.
As with other supplements, too much calcium can have detrimental effects on dogs including
- Weakness
- Listlessness
- Increased drinking and urination
- Loss of appetite
- Prolonged excesses may result in the formation of kidney stones
- Source: VCA Hospitals – Hypercalcemia
Boxer Dog Supplements – Benefits of Calcium & Phosphorus
A number of studies have been conducted evaluating the effects of calcium and phosphorus on bone health in dogs. The results of these studies have demonstrated that calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals for the proper development and maintenance of bone health in dogs.
Published studies have shown
- A balanced diet that includes adequate levels of both calcium and phosphorus is essential for maintaining bone health.
- Calcium supplementation in dogs has shown improvements in bone mineral density in dogs with osteopenia (beginning stages of bone loss).
- In dogs with hip dysplasia calcium and phosphorus supplementation has helped improve the symptoms of hip dysplasia.
It is important to note that published studies have shown that excessive calcium supplementation can cause unwanted consequences in a dog’s health including orthopedic diseases and the development of kidney stones.
It is important to discuss calcium & phosphorus supplementation for your Boxer with a veterinarian to ensure, that it is appropriate for your dog and the specific dosage so that it provides your dog with a health benefit while reducing the potential for adverse effects.
Boxer dog Supplements – Why they are important
Boxer dogs are prone to developing a number of health issues including skin and joint problems (especially as they age) and may require additional supplements to help support a healthy lifestyle.
Supplements can be incorporated into their diet as a means to keep them healthy as they age and to help stave off health conditions that may affect their quality of life as they age (e.g., arthritis).
It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine if your Boxer would benefit from any supplements and which specific supplements would be best suited to meet their specific needs. Your veterinarian will be able to determine if there would be any adverse events with any medications your Boxer is currently taking.
*** Note, we are not veterinary professionals. The information provided is based on currently available data and on published research on these supplements. It is important that you check with your veterinarian prior to initiating any supplements into your Boxer’s diet.
Boxer Dog Supplements – Summary
The Top 5 Boxer dog supplements are:
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin E
- Probiotics
- Calcium & Phosphorus
The supplements can aid in the overall health of your boxer dog. They can help ensure that your Boxer stays active and healthy into their senior years.
It is important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog needs and is being given the proper supplements and doses to help them maintain an active healthy lifestyle.
Discoverboxerdogs.com are Mary and Chris Kustanbauter. We reside in Red Lion, PA with our two Boxers, Duke and Katie, who are both rescue dogs. We have been working with Adopt A Boxer Rescue for the past 17 years and have adopted 5 Boxers from this fine organization. To learn more visit our Home, Boxer Dog Family, and Blogs Pages Visit us on social media on Facebook – Discoverboxerdogs.com, Instagram, and Pinterest.
