Standard Process for Furry Family Members
Veterinarian approved formulas for all pets
Approximately 63% of households have a dog and 40% own cats. In our clinic, we have found that nearly 50% of our patient base has a furry or feathered family member.
In our experience, nurturing the well-being of our beloved four-legged companions starts with optimal nutrition.
Many owners ask us, “Does my dog really need nutritional supplements?” The simple answer is yes. Unfortunately, most dogs and cats are being fed foods that are devitalized. We have many pet owners who are under care our tell us that their dogs and cats have eaten the same processed Kibble for their entire lives. Just imagine youerself eating 1 processed food everyday for years. Even worse, imagine what your health would look like.
Just like us, dogs and cats have specific nutritional requirements that need to be met to ensure they live a life full of vitality, wellness, and joy. While a balanced diet is the cornerstone of optimal health, there are instances where nutritional supplements can play a crucial role in addressing specific health concerns, filling nutritional gaps, and enhancing the quality of life of our pets.
In this health article, we will delve into the world of canine and feline nutritional supplements. We’ll explore the scenarios where supplementation can be beneficial, the types of supplements available, and how to choose the right ones for your beloved canine companion. Together, we will navigate through the complexities and nuances of canine nutrition, armed with evidence-based knowledge and a holistic perspective, to empower you to make informed decisions that support the unique needs of your pet.
Your pet’s well-being is as much a journey as it is a destination, and I am here to walk this path with you, offering insights, guidance, and support every step of the way.
What Are Nutritional Supplements For Dogs and Cats?
Nutritional supplements for dogs and cats are products designed to provide nutrients that may not be consumed in sufficient quantities in their regular diet. These can range from vitamins and minerals to amino acids, fatty acids, and other essential elements that contribute to optimal health and well-being.
A Note on Glandular and Organ Support
Historically in the wild, cats and dogs would capture a prey animal and then eat the entire animal. This included all the vital organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and thyroid glands. Studies have demonstrated that the ingestion of certain organs provide direct support for the same organ in the animal that consumes it. For example, some research has tracked up to 80% of the proteins from the ingested organ end up being assimilated into the animal that ate it. So, you would eat a healthy liver to support the health of your liver. Heart to support the heart, and so on. Most commercially prepared pet foods contain only muscle meat or are processed to a degree in which these vital nutrients are degraded or lost. I use specially prepared, body system specific supplements to restore health and healing in your dog or cat.
Why Your Dog or Cat Needs Nutritional Supplements
As we continue our exploration into the world of canine health and wellness, we arrive at a pivotal question that many pet owners grapple with – why does my dog need nutritional supplements? In this section, we will unveil the circumstances and conditions where supplementation can be a vital ally in your dog’s health journey. Every dog is unique, with individual nutritional needs shaped by factors such as age, breed, lifestyle, and health status. While a balanced diet lays the foundation for optimal health, there are instances where supplements become essential to address specific nutritional deficiencies, support health challenges, and enhance the overall quality of life. Join me, as we delve into the science and holistic insights that will illuminate the path to informed and conscious supplementation choices for your beloved canine companion.
1. Loss of Nutrients Due to Modern Agriculture and Over-Farming
One reason why every dog needs nutritional support today is due to the results of modern agriculture. The commercial farming industry has repeatedly harvested food crops without giving the land time to rest and recover. We have stripped the land of nutrient resources for decades. The result has been a food supply that only contains a fraction of the vitamins and minerals it used to. This drastic decrease in nutrients has been estimated to range from 37% – 85% according to recent studies. So our dog’s food is automatically starting from about one third the amount of vitamins and minerals than our dogs of past generations.
2. Loss of Nutrients Due To Processing
In addition to starting with food void of nutrients, additional nutrients are also lost in standard commercial processing procedures. Today pet food is processed at temperatures in upwards of 600 – 700 degrees, depending on the brand of food. During exposure to such high temperatures, vital nutrients are completely lost or irreversibly bound to other compounds. This makes it impossible for our pets to absorb or utilize them. There are many physical changes made to our pet’s food before it ends up in the bag at the grocery store, these include:
- Temperature and Pressure
- Drying and re-hydrating
- Exposure to gas for extended periods of storage
- Changes in pH
- Exposure to solvents and chemicals
Canine Adrenal Support
- Reduce fear and anxiety behaviors
- Prevent muscle loss
- Strengthen the immune system
Mood Support (when Anxiety is present)
Provide the following Trio:
Canine Adrenal Support
Min-Tran
Valerian Complex is great for dogs, but takes time to work
During times of loud noises, such as fireworks, we recommend thunder jackets/vests and a Happy Hoody or a pair of noise cancellation ear muffs.
Musculoskeletal Support
- Prevent progression of arthritis
- Reduce inflammation and joint pain
- Supports healthy tendons, ligaments, muscle, and bone
ACL Repair or Arthritis Support
Provide the following Trio:
Canine Musculoskeletal Support
Ligaplex II
A-F Betafood for 10 days, then add in Betacol to support healthy movement of bile through the biliary system so the liver has a portal to aid in the removal of toxins. Betacol contains the 'Wulzen' or "anti-stiffness factor."
Calcifood Wafers.
Dermal (Skin) Support
- Reduce shedding
- Control the growth of yeast
- Reduce itching and infections
Skin Support (when Allergic Dermatitis present)
For complete skin support, we recommend the following:
Canine Enteric Support
Antronex
Tuna Omega-3 Oil
Parotid PMG
Allerplex
If the itching has a behavioral component, then we also recommend Min-Tran. The kelp in Min-Tran is a rich source of trace minerals.
DIETARY: Must switch to a 100% GRAIN FREE DIET.
Cardiac (Heart and Lungs) Support
- Improve circulation, especially to the brain
- Balance blood pressure
- Prevent and treat heart disease (such as DCM)
Additional Cardiovascular Support
For optimal heart health, we also recommend Cardiotrophin PMG
Enteric (Organs) Support
- Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Maintains a healthy immune system
- Supports gut flora balance
Digestion Support Trio
For optimal Digestion, we recommend this Trio:
Canine Enteric Support
Zymex II
AF-Betafood
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS: Must be on a 100% GRAIN FREE DIET.
Immune Support
- Prevent infections and illness
- Support healthy immune function
- Calm allergies and autoimmune reactions
Additional Immune Support
For optimal immune health, we also recommend Thymex.
Kidney Support
- Support optimal urinary health
- Maintain healthy red blood cell numbers
- Assist kidneys to eliminate chemicals and heavy metals
Thyroid Support
- Balance optimal thyroid hormone levels
- Maintain healthy body weight
- Normalize circulation and healing
DIETARY UPGRADES
NOTE: Diet modification is necessary in almost all of our dog and cat cases. We recommend grain free pet foods. Some brands include Evo, Merrick BG, Taste of the Wild. We recommend a raw food diet, but for animals that have been living off a 100% cooked diet, be sure to start off mixing 50% raw & 50% cooked and gradually increasing the raw proportion. Avoid Science diets as they contain many chemicals that pose a threat to organ health.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only, focusing on pickleball-related health and wellness. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized health guidance, please consult with healthcare professionals who can offer expert advice tailored to your specific health needs. This will ensure that any health decisions you make are informed and appropriate for your individual circumstances. Professional consultation is especially crucial for managing your health effectively.
