Question:
Our veterinarian has suggested that we give our dog a dietary supplement regimen consisting of acidophilus, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q and a complex B-vitamin mixture. Could we please have your thoughts on this recommendation?.
C.B., Boyds, MI Jul 03, 2005
Answer:
All of these dietary supplements or nutraceuticals are extremely beneficial. The acidophilus is particularly good when an animal's intestinal bacterial flora need to be repopulated after a bout of diarrhea or a course of antibiotic treatment.I would add two other nutraceuticals -- alpha-lipoic acid and (as a source of omega-3 fatty acids) either primrose or flaxseed oil. These supplements are good for humans, too, and I take them myself. Some people, including human doctors, say that these and other supplements aren't needed if you are "eating right" -- that is, eating a complete and balanced diet. But this means eating foods that have been farmed so as not to deplete the soil of essential trace minerals and other nutrients. This isn't always so easy, hence the use of supplements.
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