IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IN PETS

IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IN PETS

A supplement is a concentrated ingredient that is added to a diet for either a nutritional or a therapeutic effect. Examples of supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, and enzymes. There is a great deal of confusion that surrounds the terminology of food additives, and sometimes terms are used interchangeably. For clarity, the following terminology will be used in this handout series.

Dietary supplements or dietary nutrients are substances that are added to a food, usually to make it nutritionally complete and balanced. Therapeutic supplements, also called nutraceuticals or animal health supplements, are foods or food nutrients that are taken orally to provide a health benefit, either for the prevention or the treatment of disease. To have this therapeutic effect, a supplement is usually taken in a larger dose than the daily requirement of that same ingredient when used as a nutrient.

 Did you know that most pet foods, even the so-called premium brands, are formulated to only meet minimum nutritional guidelines. Pet vitamins and supplements are of the utmost importance to promote optimum nutrition for your pet.

Pet food manufacturers compete in a price based market, few go above the minimum standard when it comes to quality or quantity. Minimums do not address the needs of performance, work, reproduction, injury, or disease. While this minimum level of nutrition may help keep your pet alive; it definitely does not provide for optimum performance, health, or longevity.  To meet these higher standards supplementation becomes a fundamental requirement of the canine and feline daily diet. Our dogs and cats need fresh vitamins, minerals, and other specialty nutrients in order to be their best.

Dogs and cats evolved as carnivores (meat eaters) and although most have changed in appearance and versatility, their digestive anatomy and physiology is the same as it was when they first appeared on the planet. Their relatively simple and short digestive tracts require that they be fed the ancestral diet similar to what they naturally selected over time – a diet high in protein, low to moderate in fat and almost no carbohydrate at all.

Note: Neither the dog nor the cat has a metabolic requirement for carbohydrate. Yet most pet foods contain as much as 50%, way too much for optimum health.

Sadly, most of today’s pet foods contain poor quality protein sources (an imbalance in fatty acids and too high a level of cereal grain based carbohydrate).

 We consider daily vitamins to be an integral part of our family’s balanced health—and that should be no different with our four-legged, furry friends. Food alone might not meet all your pup’s health requirements, and supplements can adjust any deficiencies in your dog’s daily diet.

Unfortunately, much like with humans, dog dietary supplements are not a ‘one size fits all.’ Vitamins must be tailored to your dog’s individual needs at every stage of their life, easing the transition from frisky puppy to mature canine companion.

If you’ve never considered offering your dog a dietary supplement, then read on to discover 7 reasons why it could make a substantial difference in their life.

A QUICK WORD ABOUT HEALTH

While dietary supplements can be an essential building block to your dog’s health, remember that it does not substitute for total health coverage. While there are many health benefits of a dog dietary supplement, you’re going to have to do more if you want to ensure that your dog has a long and happy life. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and happy dogs need:

• Exercise
• Food and water
• Grooming and cleaning
• Playtime
• TLC (tender love and care)
• Routine

Now… onto the benefits!

1. Provide Essential Nutrients

Despite claims made by pet food brands, your dog’s diet might need a ‘boost’ to provide him or her the essential vitamins in bioavailable amounts. While fats and carbohydrates are normally part of dog food, certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can be leached during the heating or cooking process.

Holistic veterinarians recommend supplementing with vital ingredients to boost both the efficiency of your dog’s food and replace any missing nutrients.  But be careful not to overload your pet with unnecessary ingredients—the best vitamins will replenish and support with maximum efficiency in the smallest doses.

2. Boost Their Immune System

A balanced, robust immune system reduces your dog’s risk of heart disease, inflammation, cancers, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. A dog’s body will automatically regulate cells to make sure they’re working properly while eliminating potentially harmful pathogens before they become a problem. But even a minor interruption in that natural process can open the door to a host of health problems.

Supplements can make sure the immune system is uncompromised and alert to attack. Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, vitamins with high-quality, purity-tested ingredients will increase your dog’s ability to fight illness throughout their life.

3. Increase Absorption Rates

While many dog foods are designed to provide the building blocks of a nutrient-rich diet, most don’t provide the pathways necessary to improve chronically low absorption rates of vital compounds.

The focused, protein-based delivery systems in dietary supplements, however, optimize your dog’s intake of essential compounds like chondroitin, which rebuilds cartilage and strengthens joints as they age. This ensures that all nutrients are bioavailable for maximum absorption in your dog’s body, rather than just ‘passing through’ on their way to your lawn.

4. Improve Skin and Coat

Skin irritation and hair loss can be a distressing problem for many dogs. While different external stimuli can be the cause of the underlying irritation, a coat-specific supplement can prevent the onset or spread of a problem. Introducing supplements that include fish oil, biotin, and amino acids can replenish the vital systems that fight common problems such as:

• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• Lice, fleas, and ticks
• Hotspots
• Environmental allergies
• Excessive shedding
• Dry, itchy skin

Note: If you notice your dog’s skin is particularly inflamed after bath time, consider medicated pet shampoo. It helps retain their essential skin oils, and the hypoallergenic, paraben-free formula makes it anti-inflammatory and safe for all animals.

5. Maintain Healthy Digestion

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive tract of all living beings. The bacteria carefully monitors the growth of harmful bacteria and balances everything from our dogs’ mood to their bowel movements.

While probiotics are popular supplements for dogs and humans alike, their efficacy is greatly improved when combined with soluble fiber and prebiotics. Prebiotics selectively stimulate the growth of your pet’s existing good bacteria and increase the likelihood of probiotics’ success. A supplement that combines them both is considered ‘synbiotic’ referring to the beneficial interaction between the two.

Dogs fed synbiotic supplements with soluble fiber are less likely to suffer from diarrhea or upset stomach caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria. They can even improve bad breath, water absorption, and correct irritable bowel disorders.

6. Age Gracefully

As your dog ages and their needs change, so should their supplements. Life-stage specific formulas are designed to support the biological needs of dogs in different age groups. Puppies need more help with cognitive development, growth, and energy levels while a senior dog demands full body restoration, inflammation relief, and help with maintaining joint health. And in between those two stages, adult dogs need to be able to recharge and recover properly.

The goal of any balanced supplement will be to minimize the effects of aging on your dog with targeted nutrition, beginning when they are still young. Look for age-specific formulas that ensure their body is receiving exactly what is required for a happy, healthy life at every stage of development.

7. Improve Cognitive Development

Feeding your dog a nutritional supplement can improve their cognitive function over time. The best supplements will include antioxidants, which have been linked to improved learning and spatial attention within two weeks. Furthermore, a diet rich in antioxidants can prevent the onset of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in aging pups.

The most common supplements that can make a long-term difference in overall brain plasticity and health include:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• L-Carnitine
• Coenzyme Q-10

Combined with mental stimulation such as walks, training, and playing with other dogs, dietary supplements can significantly slow cognitive aging, keeping your dog healthy and alert at all stages of life.

 

Pet Foods Lack Many Essential Pet Vitamins and Supplements

Today’s pet foods provide plenty of calories however, nutrient content is set at minimal levels and most of the important micronutrients are generally lacking.

For example:

• Selenium, a powerful antioxidant mineral, is no longer available from basic food sources and should be supplemented daily.
• The absorption of fragile micronutrients like Beta carotene and the other carotenoids from food is highly unlikely and can be better provided through supplementation.
• Our water, air and food sources are increasingly becoming more contaminated with compounds that stress the immune system. Supplements rich in antioxidants can help combat the effects of ingested toxins.
• Bad habits such as overfeeding and under exercising can lead to obesity. Nutritional supplements offer a way to safely reduce an animal’s weight without sacrificing its health.
• Finally, as animals age, they lose their ability to efficiently absorb nutrients causing a progressive depletion of essential micronutrients. All senior animals should receive a high-quality nutritional supplement.

Fact: Our pets may very well be eating the most highly processed food on the planet.

What Exactly is a Nutritional Supplement?

A nutritional supplement is intended for the purpose of improving the nutritional value of a diet, or to provide specific pet vitamins and supplements that have been determined to be deficient in the body.

Nutritional supplements can include some or all of the essential nutrients (proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals).

Nutritional supplements also include specialty nutrients that science has determined to be beneficial:

• Boosting overall health and energy
• Providing immune system support
• Reducing the risks of illness and age-related conditions
• To improve performance and mental activities
• And, to support the healing process during illness and disease.

In order to improve the nutritional value of a diet, it stands to reason that the smaller amount of supplement must be greater in quality and more nutrient dense than the larger portion of the diet.

To accomplish this, effective supplements must have the following three key principles.

Completeness – means it contains 100% of all essential nutrients

Concentrated – means a small amount can actually replace a large portion of the pet diet

Balanced – means it will facilitate optimum absorption and utilization of all nutrients.

Types of Pet Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds required by the dog and cat as a vital nutrient in limited amounts. For the most part, our pets do not synthesize vitamins so they must come from the diet.

Vitamin content may be compromised when food is overcooked, processed, or improperly stored. The body requires vitamins to support its basic biochemical functions, and deficiencies over time can lead to illness and disease.

Vitamins are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and pass through the body quickly, meaning that the body needs them on a regular basis. Water-soluble vitamins include the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue, meaning that they remain in the body longer. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K.

The minimum amount of vitamins needed by the dog and cat has been determined. These figures can be used as guidelines, but individual dogs and cats may have different needs depending on gender, age, activity level, reproductive state and health condition.

Vitamins can be natural or synthetic. Natural vitamins are extracted from food sources, while synthetic vitamins are formulated in laboratory processes. Natural vitamin E has been shown to be slightly more absorbable by the dog and cat than the synthetic version, although for all other vitamins no significant difference in absorption has been noted.

Minerals
Minerals are chemical elements required by all living organisms. Once again, our pets must get these chemical elements from the food they eat.

Minerals are micronutrients present in all foods and are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Cells require minerals as part of their basic make-up and chemical balance.

Minerals can either be macro-minerals, used by the body in larger quantities, or trace minerals, used by the body in minute or trace amounts. Macro-minerals include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Trace minerals include iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, chromium, copper, manganese, and others.

Some studies have shown that the amount of minerals, particularly trace minerals, may be decreasing in foods due to mineral depletion of the soil caused by unsustainable farming practices and soil erosion.

Supplemental minerals should be provided in chelated form, in which they are bonded to proteins in order to improve their absorption by the body.

Herbs
Many herbs have been used over the years to facilitate nutritional and nutraceutical responses in both man and animal.

Herbs can supplement the diet to aid in overall health or to aid in specific conditions. For instance, Ginseng is used as a general tonic to increase overall health and vitality, while Echinacea is a popular herb used to stimulate resistance to colds and infections.

Amino Acids
Amino acids are biologically important organic compounds. Amino acids are divided into three basic categories:

• Essential amino acids
• Non-essential amino acids
• Conditional amino acids

Essential amino acids cannot be made by the dog or cat, and must be supplied through high quality protein sources. Non-essential amino acids are made by the body from essential amino acids or by the normal breakdown of consumed proteins. Conditional amino acids are usually non-essential, except in times of illness, stress, or when an animal is challenged with a lifelong medical condition.

Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids must be ingested by the dog and cat. They are required for good health as they participate in many different biological processes.

Performance Supplements
Many nutritional ingredients have been identified as supplemental aids for increasing muscle strength and improving athletic performance.

Nutritional supplements may be designed to provide specialized support for performance animals. Some of these consist of high-protein products, such as amino acid supplements, while other products contain nutrients that support metabolism, energy, athletic performance and recovery. Canines participating in intense athletic activity may have increased needs for water-soluble vitamins, antioxidants, and certain minerals, including chromium.

Other Nutritional Supplements
Other specialty nutrients that have been shown to offer particular health benefits include antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics (supplements containing friendly bacteria for the digestive tract), digestive enzymes, collagen, phospholipids, medium chain triglycerides, glucopolysaccharides, phytonutrients and others.

General guidelines for Supplementation

Considering average dietary needs and the prevalence of certain health conditions in our dogs and cats, some basic guidelines may provide the foundation for the effective use of nutritional supplements. First, a high quality, broad-spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement is recommended. This should include the B-complex vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, which may help prevent heart disease, and the minerals zinc and copper, which aid immunity.

In addition, antioxidants can be added as they have several positive effects on the body, such as slowing the aging process, reducing the risks of cancer and heart disease, and reducing the risks of illness and infection by supporting the immune system. Coenzyme Q10 is another antioxidant in wide usage, as studies have shown it may improve the health of the heart and reduce the effects of heart disease.

Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3, are also recommended as they are involved in many important processes in the body, including brain function.

After basic nutritional requirements are supported, supplements may be used to target specific needs and health conditions of the dog and cat and support the body’s natural healing capacity by providing optimal amounts of nutrients.

What’s the difference between vitamins and supplements

It’s not always possible to give your pet a specific vitamin that they need with food alone. This is why supplements are so helpful. Similar in benefits and use, there are a few key differences between vitamins and supplements.

Supplements

Supplements are products that add nutritional value to your dog’s diet or improve their health. Most companies manufacture supplements such as soft chews, powders, and liquids for easy feeding.

Supplements contain active ingredients that, when combined, can tackle health problems in your dog. Thought vitamin content can vary from one to the next.

Vitamins

Vitamins are one type of supplement. Other types of supplements include mineral supplements, herbal supplements, and nutrient-rich supplements.

Vitamins often contribute to the makeup of the specific supplement you give your dog. Depending on what your dog needs, a supplement can contain individual vitamins or combinations.

Vitamins	Supplements	Both
Vitamins contain a singular source of nutrients	Supplements contain lots of vitamins and minerals	Vitamins and supplements come in tablets, soft chews, powders, and liquids
Vitamins are active ingredients in supplements	Supplements support a unique sign or health need	Vitamins and supplements have to pass efficacy and quality control efforts
		Vitamins and supplements are available for dogs and cats

Why are supplements important

At the end of the day, dog supplements are not a replacement for healthy food, clean water, and regular exercise. But they can “supplement” the gaps in your dog’s diet to ensure they live their best life.

Dog supplements won’t be effective in curing every problem your dog faces. But, they can help prevent bigger issues from progressing.

Do dogs need supplements

For the most part, dog foods are complete and balanced with essential nutrients for your dog. If your dog is a healthy eater they are likely meeting their nutritional needs.

But, that may not always be the case and they may need a supplement. Here are a few reasons why your dog might enjoy a daily supplement:

• They are picky eaters
• They have food allergies
• Your pet has a vitamin deficiency
• Your pet is on a homemade diet
• Your pet is at a specific life stage

Dog food is meant to be holistic. But even if your dog eats homemade dog food, they’ll likely need extra nutrients to meet their required needs.

If your pet is lacking a full and balanced diet they might need a supplement for dogs.

What types of supplements does my dog need

Your dog’s health starts with consistent meals of nutrient-rich food. But, depending on your dog’s needs, they may need specially formulated vitamin supplements in addition to their food.

Unfortunately, too much of certain vitamins can be harmful to dogs. Excess calcium can cause skeletal problems while too much vitamin D can lead to atrophy and weak bones.

The best dog supplements are formulated to support the unique health issues your dog is facing. The most common types of vitamin supplements for dogs are:

• Hip & joint health supplements
• Skin & coat health supplements
• Immune support supplements
• Gut & digestive health supplements
• Aging & brain health supplements
• Multivitamins (all-in-one dog vitamin)

Before you get started with any supplement, talk to your vet. Then research the various types and benefits of each to determine what’s best for your dog’s health.

Joint supplements

If your dog has become sluggish, lethargic, or recently started limping they could be suffering from joint pain. Joint pain is common in aging or senior dogs and certain dog breeds.

To combat stiff, achy, and sore joints your pet may need a supplement. These typically have a concentrated mixture of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help:

• Reduce inflammation
• Strengthen bones
• Boost cartilage repair
• Improve mobility

Some examples of joint supplements that can improve your dog’s hip and joint health include glucosamine supplements. Glucosamine and chondroitin help protect the joints and reduce inflammation to prevent and slow the progression of arthritis.

Key vitamins in joint supplements for dogs:

• Chondroitin sulfate
• Vitamin D
• Fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids)
• Glucosamine
• Manganese
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Skin and coat supplements

Another common issue many dogs run into is with their skin and coat. When dogs are missing key nutrients from their diet, their skin and coat can take a hit. Common signs include:

• Dandruff
• Dull coats
• Dry, brittle hair
• Hair loss
• Excessive shedding

A supplement can help support your dog’s gut and digestion which contributes to healthy skin and shiny coats. Giving your dog vitamin supplements can also help with skin allergies.

Key vitamins in supplements for skin and coat:

• Vitamin A
• Biotin (Vitamin H)
• Vitamin E
• Fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids)
• Zinc

Gut and digestive health supplements

Like humans, good health starts with a healthy gut and digestive system. The ingredients in your dog’s food and how well they digest it can be a good sign of their overall health. Poor gut health often looks like this:

• A lack of appetite
• Loose stools
• Irregular bowel movements
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Licking or chewing on paws
• Weight loss
• Dull coats

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, giving your dog supplements may improve things. The best dog vitamins for gut and digestive health are ones that contain omega-3 fatty acids. This is an important nutrient since dogs cannot produce it on their own.

Key vitamins in supplements for gut and digestive health:

• Vitamin B (like B2, also known as Riboflavin)
• Vitamin E
• Fish oil
• Enzyme blends
• Iron
• Probiotics

Immune support supplements

Beyond individual health issues such as joint health or skin and coat your dog also needs help with their immune function. Some common signs of immune system disorders include:

• Loose stools
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Skin lesions or open wounds
• Limping or favoring limbs
• Pale gums
• Heavy breathing

As your dog ages, they need their body to work for them, not against them. If they have a compromised immune system there are certain vitamins that can help them. These include vitamins that fight free radicals, protect against viruses, and boost their vision, hearing, and mobility.

Key vitamins in supplements for immune support:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Fish oil
• Vitamin K

Supplements for aging or senior dogs

Pet parents know, your young puppies grow into dogs far too quickly. Their health and nutritional needs have changed and their dog food may not be enough to support them.

Cognitive dysfunction is very common in aging and senior dogs. Some symptoms of aging in dogs include:

• Lack of focus or attention
• Memory loss
• Trouble hearing
• Vision impairment
• Difficulty controlling movements

Staying on top of your dog’s health will help you prevent or better manage these issues in the future. Certain vitamins are great for forming red blood cells, improving memory, and boosting brain function.

Key vitamins in supplements for older dogs:

• Vitamin B (like B12, also known as Cobalamin)
• Vitamin C and E
• L-carnitine
• Fish oil
• Selenium yeast

Multivitamin supplement for dogs

There are several essential dog vitamins and minerals that supplement your dog’s body, health, and lifespan. Packing these into one complex supplement is often referred to as a multivitamin.

Key vitamins in multivitamins:

• B vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Glucosamine & chondroitin
• Manganese proteinate
• Selenium yeast

How to get started with supplements for dogs

As pet parents, you are often the first to notice when your dogs aren’t looking or feeling their best. If you’ve ruled out disease, illness, or other infections then it might be a vitamin deficiency — which supplements are made for.

If you’re not sure where to start with supplements, follow these steps.

1. Know your dog’s nutritional needs.

Dog food companies go through in-depth feeding trials to craft food that is nutritious, complete, and balanced for these factors. But dogs are not created equally and several factors impact your pet’s health.

The most common factors include:

• Breed
• Age or life stage
• Weight
• Environment
• Lifestyle

Whether your dog eats homemade dog food or the best dog food on the market, they each have their own needs. And they could benefit from a supplement.

Be sure to read the fine print on any supplement label, treat container, or food bag. Doing so will ensure they align with your dog’s diet and unique needs.

2. Talk to your veterinarian.

Annual dog check-ups are perfect opportunities to talk to your vet about your dog’s diet. And determine if a supplement is right for them.

Use this time to share a list of the foods they are eating. Also include the signs or symptoms you’ve noticed to give your vet a complete picture of their health.

A veterinary nutritionist can help:

• Share tips to supplement your dog’s diet
• Assist in understanding supplement labels and ingredients
• Provide recommendations for the types of vitamins they need
• Educate you on the best supplement for your dog (or dogs)

Dogs are complex creatures. So, talk to your veterinarian to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients to live a long healthy life.

3. Track your dog’s diet.

Another great way to keep track of your dog’s nutritional needs is by monitoring their daily food intake. This is especially true if you are feeding your dog natural or homemade dog food.

Just like humans dealing with food allergies, dogs can benefit from logging the foods they eat and the behaviors that follow. Make note of dog food, human food, treats, soft chews, or vitamin supplements they eat every day. Plus, any changes or symptoms that arise.

4. Do your research.

Responsible pet owners spend time researching brands and products before they buy. A good rule of thumb when doing your research is, claims that sound too good to be true probably are. If a brand promises to reverse or completely eliminate a health problem be weary.

The best dog supplements come from trusted brands that are transparent about what goes into their products. They should also be honest about the benefits they provide your pup.

Look for:

• Full ingredient lists
• Verified customer reviews
• A quality seal from the National Animal Supplement Council
• A lot number

5. Find the right type for your dog.

Dog vitamins and supplements come in many shapes and sizes including soft chews, flavor tabs, powders, and dog food toppers. Find a supplement that you will give your dog every day and one they will actually eat.

The best dog supplement is one your dogs love and is specially formulated for their unique needs. As long as they have the right vitamins, it’s essential for your dog to actually like the taste and type.

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

Image-Courtesy-Google

Reference-On Request.