Flat and wrinkly aren’t words you typically hear paired up with something absolutely adorable…except when it comes to flat face dog breeds! Snubbies dog supplements is made for snub-nose dogs, so rejoice! Lovers of these distinctive doggos can’t seem to get enough of their sweet, smushed-in faces and large, expressive eyes. 

Some say it’s because these short snouted dogs have human-like baby faces. Others say it’s because those endearing eyes can speak volumes. However, veterinary experts say that what’s most important to know is that these unique-looking dogs, also known as brachycephalic breeds, often face unique health risks that can impact every aspect of their lives.

Bulldog

Improving the overall health of brachycephalic dog breeds can play an important role in reducing these risks, according to the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA). And now, flat face dog parents have a new tool to help them. 

The pet wellness brand Snubbies has developed dog supplements designed specifically to address the needs of snub-nose dog breeds. And since I share my heart and home with Millie, my adorably smoosh-faced senior Smooth Brussels Griffon, we decided to give Snubbies a try.

Buy at Snubbies

Save 20% off your first order with code WELCOME20 (one per customer). 

What are Brachycephalic Dog Breeds?

Brachycephalic dog breeds are characterized by short snouts, flat faces, and (in some breeds) shallow eye sockets that can cause eyes to look oversized or protrude. These characteristics are the result of centuries of selective breeding for these traits.

Many of the most beloved dogs in America are flat faced breeds. In fact, in 2022, the adorably snub nosed French Bulldog displaced the long-reigning Labrador Retriever as the nation’s most prevalent purebred dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club’s annual ranking of dog breeds in the United States. 

French Bulldog

In addition to other well-loved short face breeds, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pugs, the following are also categorized as brachycephalic breeds:

  • Affenpinscher
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bullmastiff
  • Boston Terrier
  • Cane Corso
  • Chow Chow
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Pekingese
  • Shih Tzu

Health Issues of Flat Faced Dogs

Unfortunately, the very same squishy face characteristics many people love so much are also the cause of brachycephalic breeds’ health woes. Due to the unique cranial conformation, flat face dogs are more likely to suffer a wide range of health effects. Most notably, those sweet pushed in faces can lead to respiratory complications known as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) or brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in some dogs.

Pug with veterinarian

While not all brachycephalic dogs will develop BAS, other health concerns could include:

How Can Snubbies Dog Supplements Help?

To combat the health risks brachycephalic dogs face, HSVMA urges veterinarians and pet parents to develop a plan to improve the overall health of such breeds with proper preventative care, rather than waiting for a problem to arise. 

Snubbies Dog Supplements

That’s what prompted Brian Devening, entrepreneur and proud pet parent of English Bulldogs, to partner with animal health research analysts to launch Snubbies. Using health data on brachycephalic dogs and insights from hundreds of pet parents, the brand developed a premium line of supplements designed to address the needs of brachycephalic breeds.

Snubbies Lineup of Brachycephalic Dog Supplements

With a range of products that cover common snubbie dog health challenges, these daily supplement options are formulated to provide optimum support for our smush face dog friends. Snubbies soft chew daily dog supplements come in five formulas:

Skin + Immune Seasonal Support

Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this supplement contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and nourishing colostrum, which provides amino acids and polypeptides to help promote cell renewal and a healthy immune system. These ingredients work together to nourish healthy skin and strengthen defenses against occasional or seasonal allergies.

Cognitive and Immune Support

This soft chew supplement provides key ingredients to support brain function, memory, and trainability in snub-nosed dogs. Additional ingredients, like the antioxidant CoQ10, promote overall immune health, while colostrum and wild salmon oil provide cognitive support. Natural antioxidants from Vitamin E and rosemary extract help protect cells in the brain and throughout the body.

Calming and Immune Support

Stressed-out or anxious snub-nosed pups may benefit from this blend of calming chamomile and melatonin, combined with ginger root powder, which helps ease the gastrointestinal distress that’s often linked to stress. This formula also contains naturally occurring antioxidants to help balance free radicals and promote overall health. 

Hip + Joint and Immune Support

Brachycephalic breeds are prone to challenges due to their unique body shape. This supplement encourages healthy joints by nourishing not just the cartilage, but also supporting the surrounding joint tissue. Ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin, which help maintain cartilage and may slow deterioration; methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to help repair connective tissue; and colostrum for collagen production and vital immune support immunoglobulins.

Eye Health and Immune Support

Brachycephalic dogs have shallower eye sockets, which can cause bulging eyeballs, and this exposes their eyes to an increased risk of injury and everyday irritants. To promote ocular health, this formula includes thiamine (Vitamin B1), which helps promote good eyesight in dogs; colostrum for optimal collagen production, which is key to corneal health; lutein; Vitamins C and E; and wild Alaskan salmon oil to help normal tear production

Buy at Snubbies

Save 20% off your first order with code WELCOME20 (one per customer). 

Putting Snubbies Dog Supplements to the Test

While my furry best friend Millie is still incredibly spry for a thirteen-year-old dog, I’m starting to notice health changes that suggest her age is finally starting to catch up with her. She’s a little slower and stiffer, and her eyesight is going, which is why I was excited for her to try both the Hip + Joint and Immune Support Supplement and the Eye Health and Immune Support Supplement from Snubbies.

We’re all about simplicity in our household and the Snubbies supplements really delivered. The supplements come packaged in wide-mouthed, screw-top containers for security and easy access. After calculating the proper dosage according to Millie’s weight, it was simple to incorporate them seamlessly into our daily care routine. 

Millie the Smooth Brussels Griffon

I thought I might have to hide the supplements in something tasty to convince Millie to take them. But Millie’s enthusiastic reaction to the supplements proved that they’re yummy enough to be given like a treat. I was a little surprised since Millie is an absolute treat snob. But after her initial sniff of the supplement, she took the marble-sized morsels from me and disappeared to another room to savor it privately, which is the ultimate compliment!

After just a few days, Millie started recognizing the sound of the container and would eagerly await her daily dose. Her regular snout-ed sister, Olive, started to get jealous, so I occasionally slipped her a Joint Support supplement, as well! 

Millie tries a Snubbies supplement

Millie has been taking Snubbies eye and joint supplements for just under a month now. While it’s difficult to chart the exact changes, I have noticed some improvement in her vision. She was having trouble tracking small treats thrown on the ground and now she’s better able to zero in on them. I haven’t noticed a dramatic improvement in Millie’s gait and posture, but that could be because she needs more time on the supplements. Also, as a senior pup, I’m not sure how much improvement is to be expected, realistically.

It’s important to note that supplements are supportive care and shouldn’t be considered curative. Measurable improvements to your dog’s health might require a prescription medication from the veterinarian.

Supplement Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Extremely palatable
  • Made in the USA
  • Simple and supportive ingredients
  • Helps support both physical and cognitive wellbeing
  • Can also benefit non-snub-nosed pups

Supplement Cons

  • Each chew costs approximately 60 cents, but larger dogs may require multiple chews, which could add up fast
  • As a preventative, effects may be hard to measure
  • Glycerin is listed as the last ingredient, but it is derived from vegetables, which is preferred for dogs

Snubbies Dog supplements: Our Verdict

Millie and Snubbies

My goal is to support my dogs as they progress through seniorhood, and a gentle, easy-to-use dog supplement line like Snubbies is a great way to do just that. While they’re formulated to address the typical concerns of snub-nosed dogs, like eye and joint issues, there’s nothing in the ingredients that prevent them from being used by dogs of all shapes and sizes. My regular-nosed dog Olive seems to appreciate getting her share!

Snubbies Supplements: Tips and Advice

Snubbies Supplements should be taken according to the feeding instructions. Discontinue if your pet gets worse and always seek advice from your veterinarian if you have concerns about your snub nosed pup’s health. Finally, remember that dog supplements are intended to be used as an add-on to a healthy diet and lifestyle. While they can help to improve your pet’s overall well-being, they’re not medication, which means they can’t “cure” ailments.

Buy at Snubbies

Save 20% off your first order with code WELCOME20 (one per customer).