You can help dogs or cats live long, healthy lives with good food choices.  Quality pet foods lead to healthier pets. But there are situations when feeding a good food, clean water, and exercising your pet may not be enough.  In these cases, natural supplmentation, often given in conjunction with or following NSAIDs or antibiotics,  allow the pet to be more vibrant and healthy.   

              Joint Building Blocks:  Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid

           Anti-inflammatory Support: Yucca, Black Cohosh, Cayenne, MSM

           Anti-oxidants:  Turmeric, Ginger, Devil's Claw, Alfalfa, Vitamin C

           Circulartory Stimulants:  Nettle Celery Seed

Digestive/Immune Health – 6.5 million dogs and 12.4 million cats suffer from chronic digestive problems, creating discomfort and reducing immune health. Healthy digestion leads to a strong immune system, among other benefits. Digestive supplements should contain enzymes to break down and deliver nutrients from a pet’s food to every part of the body. Situations that lead to insufficient enzyme levels include advanced age, strenuous exercise, illness, stress, processed food, genetic factors or antibiotic use.  The four key enzymes for dogs and cats are:

      ·        Protease for Muscle: Provides protein digestion in the stomach and small intestine

·        Amylase for Energy: Digests starchy foods to release simple sugars

·        Cellulase for Fiber: Provides dogs and cats with the enzyme needed to reduce the bulking effect of fibrous foods

·        Lipase for Overall Health: Digests fatty acids allowing the pet to absorb Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamins A, D, E and K

Also, digestive supplements with prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) support intestinal balance and a healthy immune system. FOS selectively feeds the beneficial, native bacteria in the dog or cat’s system.  Unlike probiotics (live microorganisms), FOS does not have to be refrigerated and is more customized to your pet’s unique system, promoting growth of bacteria already naturally present.

To find high quality natural supplements that will work well, look for products that add back what the body would naturally make if it were healthy. Compare ingredients and look for supplements that contain clinically-tested levels of active ingredients, and minimal inactive ingredients. Finally, look for the NASC Quality Seal.  This means the manufacturer has passed rigorous quality audits.