Nutritional Supplements
I think the right mindset for this topic is…..Why add a Nutritional Supplement to your pets’ diet? The why is much more important than the how.
Let’s start with putting the aging per year of your pet’s life into perspective. They age 7 years to our 1 year of life. That of course, is an approximate time, that has been given over decades. Using this time line will help you understand their digestive tract and absorption. Everything in your pet’s life moves faster that in your life. They age faster, digest faster, heal faster. They lose weight faster due to health issues and gain weight faster when over fed.
Let’s investigate further!
When your dog eats, their stomach breaks down the food to move it along to the small intestine. The stomach flora has to be in good shape in order to properly break down the food for digestion. The flora is made up of digestive enzymes and good yeast, also found in probiotics.
The food then moves into the small intestine for absorption. The small intestine moves the broken-down food throughout the long journey of nutrient absorption. The digestive enzymes and probiotics in the stomach help the absorption of nutrients, such as, protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The entire process of eating, digestion, and the elimination of waste can take from 6 to 12 hours compared to our 24 to 48 hours. Again, let’s compare the 7 years to 1 year theory and apply it to this digestion process. If everything moves faster for your pet than it does for you, your pet needs the perfect gut health to ensure proper absorption.
As the food is being absorbed the waste then moves into the large intestine. Stool is formed, as is the waste in liquid form, that will have gone to the kidneys. At this point, the digestion process is pretty much over. The job now is to eliminate the waste and make room for another meal.
Now that we understand the jobs within the GI tract, let’s move on to how important supplements are to your pet and why.
In a perfect world, your pet should eat a premium pet food that consists of human grade ingredients, low or no grain, and contain all of the vitamins, minerals and amino acids needed. Supplements for proper digestion should be given daily, in the form of a granulated, organic or human grade probiotic with digestive enhancers. This is an insurance policy for your pet to absorb all of the nutrients along this fast journey. It also is protection for the gut during times of stress, travel, antibiotics and wormers. All of these conditions eliminate the good flora in the gut which then prohibits proper digestion.
Additional supplements that we recommend are for bone and joint health. We like to give puppies a balanced joint supplement as they grow to ensure both glucosamine, and chondroitin are properly broken down and absorbed. This is especially important in larger breed dogs. Their joints will take a beating as they grow and mature. Arthritis is almost always found in larger breed dogs by age 7. Joint supplements can be given a pet’s entire life or you can do it for the first two years and again at age 7. At 7 years old they are considered a senior and should be on an added bone and joint supplement. Many people think that because the food they are feeding list glucosamine and chondroitin on the label, that supplements are not needed. Remember, kibble is baked and during that baking process the added supplements lose their effectiveness. Why then do they add them? I honestly think for two reasons: First, something is better than nothing. Secondly, it helps sell the product. Adding a granulated form of a bone and joint supplement eliminates the stomach having to break it down. It also speeds up absorption. As we have already established, absorption is the key to good nutrition and supplementation.
Another everyday supplement is coconut oil or salmon oil. Either can provide much needed omega for the skin, coat, joints and more. Omegas are the lubricate for the body! We have a separate blog that explains more in-depth the differences. Definitely worth the read!
In addition to the everyday supplements, many dogs need supplements for health issues. Heart, kidney, liver, allergy, bowel issues all have holistic supplements that help with maintaining and healing your pet.
Every pet has different health needs just as we do. Keeping yourself in mind as you examine your pet’s diet will help you find the areas that need additional supplements. Remember, our pets’ needs are very much like ours. They just have a shorter life span and speedy digestive tract that needs to be taken into consideration.
Recap: Why add a Nutritional Supplement to your pets’ diet?
· Gut flora is the most important aspect to your pets’ nutritional needs.
· Although a premium food will provide a foundation. This foundation alone cannot supply all the nutrients necessary to fill your pets’ individual requirements.
· Nutritional requirements are determined by age, activity level, environment, genetics, breed, and health needs.
· A deficiency of one or more nutrients can leave your pet susceptible to disease
· Nutrients that support your pet's immune system are crucial to good health.
· Last but not least, remember the 7:1 ratio of your dog’s life in all that you do for them
To assure that your pet maintains the best possible health, consider dietary supplements. To tailor a plan that is specific to your pet’s needs, please request a private 1 on 1 consultation. We are happy to help with the right plan for your pet as well as give recommendations of products and brands.
Annette Clark
Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer
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