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I’ve been asked this question a lot recently: “Can supplements improve fertility in male dogs and cats?” Curiosity got the better of me, so I dove into the latest research. What I discovered was quite eye-opening… and I think it’s something you’ll find valuable. 🙂
- Supplements can help—but only in the right circumstances.
- What’s going on here?
- While supplementation shows promise, it’s not a magic fix.
- My recommendation
Supplements can help—but only in the right circumstances.
Recent studies have revealed that supplementing with antioxidants—particularly vitamin E and selenium—can make a significant difference.
One study showed remarkable improvements in male dogs given selenium (6 μg/kg) and vitamin E (5 mg/kg) daily for 60 days.
We’re talking higher sperm concentration, better motility, and more normal sperm cells!
Even after just 30 days, the benefits were evident.
Total and progressive sperm motility improved, along with vital kinematic parameters. The percentage of live and normally shaped sperm cells also went up.
PS: Selenium is an essential trace mineral, but its supplementation in dogs and cats must be approached with caution due to the narrow margin between beneficial and toxic levels. Selenium toxicity, also known as selenosis, can lead to symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, neurological issues, and even gastrointestinal disturbances. In severe cases, it can cause organ damage or death. Because of these risks, I am not a big fan of routine selenium supplementation. The potential for oversupplementation and subsequent toxic effects outweighs the benefits in my opinion.
What’s going on here?
It all comes down to oxidative stress—a natural process where free radicals can damage cells, including sperm cells.
This stress tends to increase with age, impacting sperm production and quality.
Antioxidants like vitamin E help combat this, protecting cells from damage.
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While supplementation shows promise, it’s not a magic fix.
It works well when oxidative stress is the culprit behind decreased fertility.
If there are other underlying issues (and there can be plenty), antioxidants might not make a difference.
That’s why I always recommend a breeding soundness evaluation at least once a year for your studs, done in partnership with your veterinarian.
Although these studies were conducted on male dogs, I believe the same approach holds true for male cats.
Antioxidative support could be a game-changer for them as well.
My recommendation
In my experience, the easiest way to provide these benefits is through diets already enriched with these antioxidants.
It simplifies things and ensures consistent intake without the hassle of separate supplements.
👉🏽 Here are the diets I recommend in small dogs, large dogs and cats. 👈🏽
These diets are available through a breeder program. Learn more about options in the USA and Canada.
Remember, every animal is unique, and working closely with your veterinarian is the best way to support your studs’ reproductive health.
One of the most common challenge we encounter in breeding kennels is NEONATAL MORTALITY.
It can be very frustrating… even heart-breaking.
Good news though : you can do something about it !
We now have more knowledge than ever in this discipline.
In recent years, new research brought us a much better understanding of what can be done to optimize the health of newborn puppies.
By taking this course, this is what you will learn indeed !
DR. EMMANUEL FONTAINE 
You recommend feeding stud dogs HT42d, the same food we feed our females in heat and early gestation?
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