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Dog Supplements: Ridiculous or Necessary?

No matter what diet you are feeding your dogs, they require a variety of dog supplements to support the primary protein (real meat protein- not protein meal!) that your dog requires. Grain proteins are in no way comparable to meat, chicken, turkey, or fish proteins. Just as commercial meats, chicken, turkey and farm-raised fish do not compare nutritionally (or flavor wise) to free-range meats or wild caught fish.

Any vet with a nutrition background will tell you that commercial dog food, dog treats and dog supplements lack sufficient meat protein. In addition, they will tell you that the right combination of bioavailable dog supplements will not only help your dog to get healthy, or stay healthy, but to live many years longer!

Due to declining genetics and inferior diet, the physical age of a dog can be quite a bit older then their actual age. What does this mean? When the internal cells, tissues and organs do not receive the nutrients they require to develop and function normally, they will age prematurely. Don’t forget that one dog year is equivalent to seven human years, so the aging process is accelerated when proper food or nutrients aren’t administered. Inversely, restoring health and reversing genetic predispositions can make dramatic, if not miraculous turn arounds.

Diet and supplements play even bigger roles when breeding and training working dogs or performing dogs. These dogs are bred for learning and performance skills. Over many generations large breeds, like German Shepherds, have developed genetic disorders like hip dysplasia. The good news is that by reintroducing a proper diet the condition can be avoided, and within just a few generations, such predispositions can be reversed!

Although the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for supplements is quite a bit lower for dogs than humans, many human supplements are equally important for dogs.

But Buyer Beware! There is a wide range of efficacy, potency, and purity among brands of both human and dog supplements. Inferior brands can actually contribute to your dogs health problems. Inorganic supplements are primarily derived from coal tar, whereas organic and natural vitamins are made from plant, fruit and vegetables. These tend to be of higher quality and significantly more bioavailable

How can you tell if a brand is a quality brand? Easy, just Google them and read the research data. While you might not understand all of it, you should get a pretty good sense of the dedication to testing behind the claims. The greater the amount of test data the more likely it is a quality product.

Basic Supplements

Soil-Based Organisms (SBOs)- due to municipal (chlorinated) lawn watering and chemical treatment for insects SBOs rarely found in nature anymore. SBOs are the good bacteria needed to maintain intestinal balance. Once bad bacteria get the upper hand in the GI tract both GI and immune disease can develop.

Oil is necessary to lubricate joints, arteries, and skin. A variety of oils is required as they perform different functions. A proper ratio of Omega 3 & 6, Squalene (olive oil), vitamin A, D and E should be added to food daily.

Digestive Enzymes help break down meat proteins making extraction and absorption of nutrients easier. They also help to keep the spent food moving along the GI tract.

Minerals are essential to maintain the electrical charges throughout the body, as well as to maintain bone density.

Clay has been used throughout recorded history for GI intestinal problems, as well as a wide variety of diseases. It has a huge positively charged surface area that attracts negatively charged pathogens and aicds. They remain trapped and removed from the body via elimination.

Whey Protein is a pure, natural, high quality protein from either goat or cow's milk. It is a rich source of the essential amino acids needed daily. In its purest form, as whey protein isolate, it contains little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol.

Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for dogs of all ages. It provides a number of benefits in weight management, immune support, bone health, and general wellness. Organic grass-fed whey is usually tolerated by dogs that are otherwise lacto-intolerant.

Antioxidants are essential in that they stop oxidation (rust) within cells, tissues and organs. They also counteract allergies that can cause itchy skin, watery eyes, runny nose. Grapeseed extract is among the top tier of antioxidants, It is 20 times more potent than vitamin C, and 50 times more potent than vitamin E. Also excellent for cardiovascular health.

Some people balk at the added expense to feed their dog the right diet and supplements. However, once their dog becomes sick or diseased they are forced to spend a small fortune on veterinary care. And that cost does not reflect the pain and suffering of the dog. Dog ownership comes with responsibilities. Owners should learn what to feed and how to properly train their dogs. Healthy dogs are happy dogs.

About the Author:

Robert Hart has authored articles for Fido Friendly and Natural Awakenings print magazines, Professors House, and Pet Style, Ani-Med pet portals, and numerous pet newsletters,. He also hosts a blog on Barkley and Paws website. He is co-owner of Vitality Science, a company that formualtes all-natural remedies for cats and dogs. Products are sold on line to breeders, vets and people just like you