No matter what type of food you feed your dog or cat, these few specific supplements will provide important nutrients and improve their diet.
Many people, including veterinarians, believe that processed commercial pet foods contain all the nutrients dogs and cats need to be healthy. When they begin to realize that over-processing destroys nutrients, they may switch to higher quality or fresher foods. But even when these diets contain a full complement of necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, there is still room for improvement. Indeed, whatever the type of food you give to your companion, some specific supplements will complement and improve his diet.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play many roles in the body, but only two fatty acids are considered essential: linoleic acid (LA, an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, an omega -3). All the others can, at least theoretically, be produced in the body from these two precursors.
The most talked about omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Neither is considered essential, although DHA is needed during the growth of puppies and kittens. But the only meat that contains EPA/DHA (and even then, maybe not enough) is 100% grass-fed meat. All other meats are fed-lot finished or grain-raised, and therefore contain virtually no EPA/DHA.
The vast majority of vegetable oils come in the form of omega-6 fatty acids, which are typically oversupplied in our pets’ diets. Flaxseeds and some other seeds and nuts contain omega-3s in the form of ALA, which have their own beneficial effects, especially on skin and coat health. However, even if ALA is technically a precursor of EPA and DHA, dogs and especially cats have an extremely limited capacity to transform it (no more than 1% to 2% for EPA and almost 0% for DHA after weaning). Only oils of marine origin (fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil, green mussel oil and some algal oils) contain preformed EPA and DHA that our fellow carnivores can absorb and utilize . Dogs and cats should receive EPA and DHA directly.
1. EPA is important for cell membrane fluidity, circulation, skin health and immune system function. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, is useful for many inflammatory and degenerative conditions, and is especially beneficial for chronic kidney disease, arthritis, feline asthma, dermatitis, and cancer.
2. DHA is the most abundant fat in the brain and the main component of myelin. It is crucial for the development of the nervous and visual system. Research suggests that a DHA deficiency may play a role in anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggression; supplementation may be helpful in these cases.
Keys to choosing a good Omega-3 product
3. Look for products made from sustainably harvested wild (not farmed) fish, or clean, cultured mussels or seaweed.
4. Cod liver oil should be free of added vitamins A and D, which can reach toxic levels in small animals.
5. Products must be independently tested for freshness.
6. They must be free of toxins such as mercury, PCBs and dioxin, which are prevalent in the world’s oceans.
2. Digestive enzymes
Digestive enzymes break down food so it can be absorbed and used by the body. When food isn’t broken down properly, larger particles can enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response that can lead to inflammation, allergies, and other chronic health issues. Digestive enzymes also improve digestion, reduce gas, help regulate weight, and in the case of proteolytic enzymes, decrease inflammation throughout the body.
Normally, the pancreas provides these necessary digestive enzymes, although production slows as animals age. Raw foods contain many enzymes, including an array of digestive enzymes in cell lysosomes.
Cooking denatures enzymes. Digestive enzyme supplementation is especially important for animals that consume processed commercial pet foods (in addition to the enzymes listed on the label). Geriatric pets may also benefit, even if they are on a raw diet. Digestive enzymes can also be helpful in treating parasites such as giardia and can prevent pancreatic enlargement that can result from a processed diet.
Keys to Choosing a Good Digestive Enzyme Product
• Look for one from a plant or fungal source, so it works in the widest range of pH and temperature.
• It must contain at least: protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics include beneficial bacteria such as L. acidophilus and certain Bifidobacteria, Enterococcus And Streptococcus species. Probiotics help maintain the balance and health of normal gut bacteria.
The gut microbiota is an essential part of overall health. Constant back and forth occurs between gut bacteria and the brain through neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral connections. A balanced gut ecology has implications not only for physical health but also emotional and mental ones. It prevents pathogenic bacteria from taking hold; produces B vitamins, vitamin K and short chain fatty acids; and supports the normal functioning of the immune system.
Supplemental probiotics have benefits for allergies, including atopy and food allergies. They are also helpful for pets with any type of digestive problem including vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, IBD, colitis, and even hairballs.
Probiotics are also essential for pets that are taking or have taken antibiotics (including natural antimicrobial therapies such as herbs, medicinal mushrooms, colloidal silver, etc.). Continue probiotic supplementation for at least two weeks after treatment.
Keys to choosing a good probiotic product
• Look for a supplement containing at least Lactobacillus And Bifidobacteria.
• There should be a label guaranteeing the presence of live microorganisms.
• The product must have sufficient potency (at least 100 million per dose).
• Many products combine digestive enzymes with probiotics, and these can be a good cost-effective choice, especially for fussy pets that are difficult to supplement.
4. Antioxidants
The function of antioxidants is to scavenge and neutralize oxygen free radicals. Cells manufacture controlled amounts of free radicals as weapons against viruses, fungi, bacteria and abnormal cells. However, an excess of imbalanced free radicals creates oxidative stress, which can damage normal cells and create chronic inflammation. Processed pet foods are generally high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, so supplementing them with antioxidants is very important.
Free radical damage is the root of virtually all degenerative and inflammatory diseases, as well as many diseases that we don’t necessarily think of as involving inflammation, such as diabetes, cancer, hypothyroidism, heart disease and cognitive dysfunction. By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants likely have value in disease prevention as well as treatment. However, the mechanisms are complex and solid scientific evidence is still lacking. Nevertheless, antioxidants can universally be considered useful for most inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.
The keys to choosing a good antioxidant product
• It should contain several antioxidants, such as vitamin E, carotenoids (eg beta-carotene and lycopene) and flavonoids (eg vitamin C and quercetin).
• Look for a product that is natural or entirely derived from a food, rather than a chemically synthesized product. Natural products are usually found in the l form as opposed to the d or dl form; for example, d-alpha tocopheral is a synthetic product.
• Plant and fungal sources may be more bioactive.
• For cats, avoid products containing alpha-lipoic acid, due to toxicity concerns.
Incorporating these four categories of supplements into your dog or cat’s diet, regardless of what food they eat, will help ensure optimal overall health.
The 4 main nutrients that every animal needs appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
