Hey there, fellow pet parents! We all want our furry companions to live long, healthy, and happy lives, right? One important way to achieve this is by ensuring that our dogs are getting the right nutrients and supplements they need to thrive. While some dog foods claim to be "complete," they may not provide all the essential nutrients that our dogs require.
Why So-Called "Complete" Dog Foods are not Complete
While "complete" dog foods may contain a variety of nutrients, they may not contain all of the essential nutrients that dogs need to thrive. Many dog foods on the market today are formulated to meet minimum nutritional standards, but these standards may not be sufficient for every dog's individual needs.
Diet supplementation is important for fully nourishing our dogs.
In addition, the processing and storage of commercial dog foods can degrade the nutritional content of the ingredients. Over time, some of the key vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the food may break down, reducing the overall nutritional value of the food.
How to Fill the Nutritional Gaps in Most Dog Foods
Supplementation with specific nutrients and ingredients can help to fill these nutritional gaps and ensure that dogs are getting all of the essential nutrients they need to live healthy and happy lives. By providing targeted supplementation to support specific areas of health, we can help our dogs to thrive and enjoy a higher quality of life.
"A balanced diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining the health of dogs. However, even the most nutritionally balanced dog food may not provide adequate amounts of certain nutrients. Supplementing the diet with appropriate nutrients can improve overall health and potentially prevent or treat certain health conditions." (Larsen, 2013)
That's why supplementation is important, especially for active and aging dogs. But with so many supplements on the market, how do we choose the right ones? Well, let's take a closer look at some of the key ingredients that your dog might be missing from their diet.
7 Ingredients Your Dog's Food May Be Missing
First up, we have glucosamine and chondroitin. These natural compounds are found in cartilage and can help support joint health and mobility, particularly in senior dogs or those with arthritis. They work together to reduce inflammation and protect joints from further damage.
Another important ingredient is MSM, which is a sulfur-containing compound that helps reduce inflammation, improves skin and coat health, and can even reduce allergy symptoms. And let's not forget about probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
Enzymes are also essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. They break down food into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body, making them especially beneficial for dogs with digestive issues or those that have trouble digesting certain types of food.
Vitamins are also crucial for our dogs' overall health and wellbeing. They can support the immune system, maintain healthy skin and coat, and promote healthy bones and teeth. And finally, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy brain function, skin and coat health, and can even help reduce inflammation and support joint health.
"Supplementing the diet with bioactive nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can reduce the risk of chronic degenerative disease and support overall health in dogs." (Roush, J.K., 2014)
Now, you might be thinking: how can I make sure my dog is getting all of these important nutrients? Well, Nusentia Array™ daily all-in-one chews is a comprehensive supplement that contains all of the key ingredients we just talked about. It's designed to support overall health and wellbeing, as well as improve joint health and mobility. Plus, it's free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
In conclusion, it's important to fill the nutritional gaps in our dogs' diets with the right supplements, such as Nusentia Array. By focusing on key ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, we can ensure that our furry companions are getting the nutrients they need to live healthy and happy lives.
Nusentia Array Daily All-in-One chews for dogs may be purchased directly here or at Amazon.com.
References
Roush, J. K., Cross, A. R., Renberg, W. C., Dodd, C. E., & Sixby, K. A. (2002). Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(3), 393-399. doi: 10.2460/javma.2002.220.393
Stockman, J., Fascetti, A. J., & Kass, P. H. (2013). Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1500-1505. doi: 10.2460/javma.242.11.1500
Weeth, L. P., & Fascetti, A. J. (2013). Meeting the nutritional needs of the senior dog. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 28(1), 25-31. doi: 10.1053/j.tcam.2013.05.003