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Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Dietary supplements for a healthy digestive system in dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
What probiotics actually do in a dog's gut, and why a 2019 systematic review found the evidence modest but real
The difference between soluble and insoluble fibre, and which one helped 90% of dogs in a clinical trial form consistent stools
When digestive enzyme supplements are worth it (EPI diagnosis) and when they probably aren't
Why antibiotics disrupt the microbiome long after the course ends, and what the science says about recovery
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Supplements for weight management in dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
How the Body Condition Score works and why 40–65% of dogs in clinical studies score above the healthy range
What L-carnitine actually does inside the cell, and what a 7-week dog study found when it was added to a calorie-restricted diet
Which probiotic strains reduced body weight and triglycerides in obese dogs in a 2024 peer-reviewed trial
Why underweight dogs need a vet check before any supplement, and how to approach weight gain safely
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Natural food supplements for dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Which joint supplements have genuine peer-reviewed evidence behind them in dogs, and which ones the 2022 meta-analysis found ineffective for pain management
How omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) reduce joint inflammation at a molecular level, and why they currently outperform glucosamine in head-to-head trials
What zinc, biotin, and linoleic acid actually do in canine skin, and the specific deficiency signs that tell you a supplement is worth trying
How to dose, time, and assess supplements so you know within 8–12 weeks whether one is working for your dog
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
The importance of mineral supplements for dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Why more than 84% of home-prepared dog diets fall short on at least three minerals, and which ones are missing most often
How the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio shifts across a dog's life stages, and what happens when it tips out of range
What peer-reviewed research says about zinc-responsive skin conditions and why absorption efficiency matters as much as intake
When a supplement is genuinely useful versus when diet quality is the lever worth pulling first
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
The role of vitamin supplements in your dog's diet
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Why dogs cannot synthesise vitamin D from sunlight, and why that makes their diet the only reliable source
Which vitamins have peer-reviewed evidence behind their skin, coat, and eye benefits in dogs
When vitamin C supplements actually help, and when healthy dogs simply don't need them
The real risks of over-supplementation, including joint damage and hypercalcaemia from fat-soluble vitamins
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Are dietary supplements safe for dogs?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Why fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) carry a meaningfully different risk profile than water-soluble ones, and what accumulation actually looks like in practice
What peer-reviewed studies show about vitamin A bone damage, vitamin D toxicity, and iron's corrosive effect on the gut lining
How to recognise supplement-related side effects early and what to do before you reach the vet
Which supplements have the strongest evidence behind them, and where the research is thinner than the marketing suggests
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Common nutritional needs of dogs and the role of supplements
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Which nutrients dogs genuinely need at each life stage, and where the requirements actually differ between puppies, adults, and seniors
What the peer-reviewed evidence says about the four most common supplement categories: joints, skin, digestion, and anxiety
Which breeds carry a documented genetic risk for joint disease and atopic dermatitis, and what that means for proactive care
Why most supplements work best as additions to a solid diet, not replacements for one
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
How to choose the right food supplement for your dog?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Which three supplement categories have genuine peer-reviewed evidence behind them, and what that evidence actually shows
How EPA and DHA reduce skin inflammation at the molecular level, and why fish oil outperforms flaxseed for dogs
How to read an active-ingredient label so you can spot a cosmetic dose versus a therapeutic one
Why breed, age, and a confirmed diagnosis matter more than any general wellness supplement
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Nutritional supplements for your dog's healthy skin and coat
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Which supplements have real controlled-trial evidence behind them, and which rely mostly on observational data
Why omega-3 source matters: fish oil vs. plant-based ALA, and how dogs process them differently
How long supplementation actually takes before results show up (the clinical trials say longer than most people wait)
When a supplement won't help at all, and what to rule out first
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Popular food supplements for dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Which dog supplements have genuine peer-reviewed evidence behind them, and which claims still lack solid proof
How omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) reduce inflammation at the cellular level, and why the source of those omega-3s matters
What the clinical trials on glucosamine and probiotics actually show, including where the evidence falls short
How to read a supplement label to check whether the dose matches what the studies actually used
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
The importance of healthy digestion in dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Regular, firm stools and a healthy appetite are the clearest signs of good digestion in dogs.
Food allergies, intolerances and gastrointestinal conditions are the most common causes of digestive problems, and a vet can help identify the right approach.
Smaller meals, fresh water and a quality diet matched to your dog's needs prevent most everyday digestive issues.
Probiotics are one of the best-evidenced natural ways to restore gut flora after illness or a digestive upset.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
The benefits of nutritional supplements for dogs with joint problems
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) are the best-evidenced joint supplement ingredients for dogs; all have been shown to reduce pain and improve mobility in clinical studies.
Joint supplements work best when started early, before significant cartilage damage has occurred.
IMBY's Restore & Revive supplement is plant-based and shellfish-free, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
Supplements are most effective as part of a broader approach: appropriate exercise, healthy weight, and regular vet monitoring.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Everything you need to know about nutritional supplements for dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Supplements can address specific gaps — joint support, digestive health, skin and coat condition, and stress — but they work best alongside a complete, balanced diet.
Always consult your vet before adding supplements, especially if your dog has an existing health condition or is on medication.
Key ingredients with solid evidence behind them: glucosamine and fish oil for joints, probiotics for digestion, L-theanine for stress reduction.
Essential oils should never be used on or near dogs without vet guidance — several are toxic even at low concentrations.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
On holiday with your dog, read our tips & tricks here
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Keep feeding times and walk schedules as consistent as possible on holiday: routine is what keeps dogs calm in new environments.
In hot climates, avoid exercise during peak heat (11am to 3pm) and provide water frequently; don't assume a short coat is always cooler for your dog.
Pack food, water, bowls, poo bags, a tick remover, a lead, familiar bedding, and a favourite toy as a minimum.
If travel is too stressful for your dog (due to age, health, or anxiety), a pet sitter at home is a good alternative.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Tips for identifying food allergies in dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
Skin itching, recurrent ear infections, and digestive upset are the most common signs of food allergy in dogs — and they often appear together.
Intradermal skin tests are used for environmental allergens, not food. The gold standard for diagnosing food allergy in dogs is an 8-week elimination diet.
During the elimination diet, only a novel protein your dog has never eaten before is allowed — no treats, no chews, nothing else.
Hypoallergenic food (insect-based or plant-based) removes beef, dairy, and chicken — the most common food allergens — from the diet entirely.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 01 2026
How to recognise the external and internal signs of ageing in dogs, from grey hair and weight changes to arthritis and reduced immunity
When to switch your dog to senior nutrition and why older dogs often need more high-quality protein, not less
Which age-related conditions are most common in senior dogs and how supplements can support joint health
How IMBY insect-based and plant-based food can support an older dog's changing dietary needs
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Natural tranquilliser for stressed dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 01 2026
Stress in dogs shows up as hyperventilation, digestive upset, reactivity, and behavioural changes; recognising early signs gives you more options for intervention.
L-theanine and tryptophan have evidence behind them for reducing anxiety in dogs; herbs like chamomile and valerian are also used, but dosage should be vet-guided.
Essential oils should never be applied to a dog's coat: many are toxic even when diluted. Aromatic diffusion in a ventilated space is lower-risk but still requires care.
Natural supplements work best alongside consistent exercise, a predictable routine, a safe retreat space, and professional behavioural support for significant anxiety.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
What are the most beautiful dog walks in Belgium?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 01 2026
Belgium has seven standout dog walking areas: Kalmthoutse Heide, Kloosterbos, Terhills, Het Rivierenhof, the High Fens, the Voer region, and the Meerdaal Forest.
Most areas require dogs to be kept on a lead; several have designated off-lead zones where dogs can run freely.
Dogs are not permitted inside the High Fens nature reserve itself, though many surrounding routes are open to them.
On longer routes, pack enough water and snacks for your dog as well as yourself.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Discover the benefits of adopting a shelter dog
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 01 2026
Most dogs end up in shelters because of owner circumstances — housing, finances, family changes — not because of behavioural problems.
Rescue dogs that seem timid or reactive in a shelter often adapt well to a calm home with consistent training.
Adoption fees in Belgium and the Netherlands typically run €100–300 and usually include microchipping, vaccinations, and neutering.
Ask about the shelter's return policy before you adopt, and allow at least several weeks for a proper settling-in period.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
What are the most common food allergens in dogs?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 01 2026
Beef, dairy, and chicken are the top three food allergens in dogs, identified in a systematic review of published food allergy data — beef accounts for 34% of confirmed cases.
Food allergy symptoms in dogs include persistent itching, recurrent ear infections, digestive upset, and paw chewing, often appearing together.
Identifying the specific trigger requires an 8-week elimination diet, guided by a vet who can confirm the diagnosis.
Insect-based or plant-based dog food can remove the most common allergens from your dog's diet entirely.