PetMade Birthday Q&A with Dr. Katie Ryan on Natural Ingredients in Dog Supplements

As PetMade celebrates its 5th birthday (that’s 36 in dog years!)  we sat down with Dr. Katie Ryan, DVM, an emergency medicine veterinarian with over 10 years of experience. Her unique perspective from the frontlines of pet health offers invaluable insights into preventive care and the power of natural supplementation.

Dr. Ryan’s passion for helping pets live long, healthy lives extends beyond the emergency room. With Sidney, her 12-year-old Australian Shepherd, and Nessa, her assertive calico cat, she practices what she preaches when it comes to natural wellness approaches.

Which Natural Ingredients Have the Biggest Impact on Dog Wellness

When asked about the natural ingredients that have the biggest impact on a dog’s daily comfort and vitality, Dr. Ryan doesn’t hesitate. “When it comes to natural ingredients, prioritizing a quality probiotic targeting canine gastrointestinal flora to optimize their gut health which transcends to overall health is the most beneficial.”

“When it comes to natural ingredients, prioritizing a quality probiotic targeting canine gastrointestinal flora to optimize their gut health which transcends to overall health is the most beneficial.”

— Dr. Katie Ryan, DVM

This focus on gut health reflects a growing awareness in veterinary medicine about the connection between digestive wellness and overall vitality. The emergency veterinarian has seen firsthand how preventive care can reduce the need for urgent interventions.

How to Choose Safe and Effective Dog Supplements

With shelves full of pet supplements promising various benefits, pet parents often feel overwhelmed. Dr. Ryan offers clear guidance: “Key factors in selecting a safe and effective product is choosing one that is made in the USA and veterinarian-approved.”

She emphasizes the importance of partnership between pet parents and their veterinarians. “I think if you and your veterinarian work together to select a high quality product from a reputable, transparent brand, then you can have the confidence that you’re investing in your dog’s health.”

Essential Ingredients for Joint Health and Coat Vitality

Drawing from her decade of emergency medicine experience, Dr. Ryan has seen countless cases where preventive supplementation could have made a difference. For joint health and coat condition, she identifies specific ingredients backed by veterinary research.

“Omega Fatty Acids are an essential ingredient for supporting dogs’ joint health as they have shown the most evidence regarding effectiveness in providing anti-inflammatory benefits,” she explains. “Green-lipped mussel also has good evidence in veterinary literature for its benefits in improving the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs.”

The combination approach matters. “Selecting a product with both of those ingredients is important for supporting dogs’ joint health as well as helping maintain a shiny, healthy haircoat.”

Do Dogs Really Need Supplements

Some pet owners question whether supplements are truly necessary for their dogs. Dr. Ryan offers a balanced perspective based on her clinical experience.

“Supplements can provide additional nutritional support to help maintain a healthy gut and provide anti-inflammatory benefits which may help to prolong your pet’s quality of life,” she shares. “The downside is mostly just cost, they will either help or not, so I think if you can afford it and your dog tolerates it well, then the benefits outweigh any risks.”

How Veterinarians Use Supplements for Their Own Pets

Dr. Ryan’s approach to her own pets’ wellness provides real-world validation of her professional recommendations. “For my own dog, I am never without a probiotic on hand and incorporate it regularly into her health routine,” she reveals.

Her proactive approach to Sidney’s joint health showcases the value of early intervention. “My dog is also very active and always has been, so supporting joint health has been part of our routine for several years now. Good health starts from the inside and maintaining a healthy gut is especially important for overall well being, which so far has translated into her being a vibrant, active 12 year old.”

“Good health starts from the inside and maintaining a healthy gut is especially important for overall well being, which so far has translated into her being a vibrant, active 12 year old.”

— Dr. Katie Ryan, DVM

Why Gut Health Matters for Dogs

The focus on digestive wellness represents a significant shift in how veterinarians approach preventive care. Dr. Ryan explains the science simply: “A healthy gut results in less systemic inflammation and better absorption of key ingredients and minerals. I recommend probiotics to my patients regularly.”

This approach aligns with current research showing that gut health impacts everything from immune function to behavior in dogs.

Adapting Supplement Strategies for Different Life Stages

Dogs’ nutritional needs evolve throughout their lives, and Dr. Ryan advocates for regular reassessment. “Annual health visits with your veterinarian provide a great opportunity to discuss preventative care measures that extend beyond vaccines and dental prophylaxis – such as diet and nutrition measures you can take to optimize gut, joint, and skin health that will ultimately prolong the quality of your pet’s life.”

How Natural Supplements Work Together for Dog Health

When discussing how natural supplements work together, Dr. Ryan highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach. Different supplements target various aspects of health, creating a synergized effect when used together. This multi-faceted strategy addresses gut health, skin and coat wellness, and joint support simultaneously.

Natural vs Synthetic Ingredients in Pet Supplements

The shift toward natural, clean ingredients in pet supplements mirrors trends in human health. Dr. Ryan notes, “In line with the shifting focus on human health, prioritizing natural, clean ingredients is important for effectiveness. Synthetic or artificial options raise concern for contributing to inflammation in the body, so I recommend selecting a product from a transparent, reputable source that only utilizes clean, natural ingredients.”

Building a Consistent Supplement Routine for Dogs

Consistency emerges as a critical factor in supplement effectiveness. Dr. Ryan offers practical advice for pet parents: “Consistency is key when incorporating a supplement into your dog’s routine. If not given consistently, you’re not going to reach the ideal anti-inflammatory levels to optimize their effectiveness.”

Her simple tip? “Storing supplements next to their food or food bowls can help as a reminder to dose them daily.”

The Evolution of Pet Care

Dr. Ryan has witnessed a transformation in how people view their pets’ health. “Over time it seems that our canine companions have been elevated from farm dogs to important family members,” she observes. “Owners are diligent about their dog’s veterinary care, prioritize exercise and often invest in regular doggy day care for physical and mental stimulation.”

“Over time it seems that our canine companions have been elevated from farm dogs to important family members. Owners now appreciate a multifaceted approach to canine health to best maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.”

— Dr. Katie Ryan, DVM

This evolution extends to nutrition choices. “Owners are more mindful of their nutrition choices, including which supplements they choose to incorporate into their dog’s daily routine. Owners now appreciate a multifaceted approach to canine health to best maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.”

Promising Natural Ingredients for Future Pet Supplements

Always keeping an eye on advancing research, Dr. Ryan highlights a promising ingredient: “Astaxanthin is a lesser known, novel ingredient that has shown promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Veterinary studies have shown that Astaxanthin can enhance a dog’s immune response, as well as alleviate age-related oxidative and inflammatory damage and enhance mitochondrial function.”

When to Start Dog Supplements for Best Results

When asked to share one key piece of wisdom, Dr. Ryan emphasizes the value of early intervention: “The important thing when it comes to incorporating supplements, especially joint supplements, is that they should be used earlier in a dog’s life rather than later to optimize joint health and comfort in the long term.”

“The important thing when it comes to incorporating supplements, especially joint supplements, is that they should be used earlier in a dog’s life rather than later to optimize joint health and comfort in the long term.”

— Dr. Katie Ryan, DVM

She explains the science behind this recommendation: “Osteoarthritis in dogs tends to be very gradual in onset and many dogs can have degeneration in their joints for years before exhibiting any overt signs of pain, so establishing a joint health routine early in their life can help delay the onset of discomfort.”

The Future of Natural Pet Wellness

As PetMade celebrates this milestone birthday, Dr. Ryan’s insights illuminate the path forward for pet wellness. The integration of natural supplements into comprehensive care routines represents not just a trend, but a fundamental shift in how we approach our dogs’ health and longevity.

Through her emergency medicine lens, Dr. Ryan sees daily the difference that preventive care makes. Her message is clear: investing in natural wellness today can mean fewer emergency visits tomorrow and more quality years with our beloved companions.