One of the most rewarding experiences in your life may be the relationship you share with your dog or cat. In return for the love and companionship your pet provides, you want to give them the gift of a long, healthy and happy life. Your dog or cat will have a better chance at such a life if you start a "wellness program" that includes routine wellness check-ups at home and at the veterinarian as well as a high quality diet aided by the use of proper supplementation.

A healthy diet is a good place to start when starting a “wellness program” for your pet. A healthy diet, promoting optimal health, is effective in warding off disease, as well as maintaining your pets youth and vitality. A healthy diet for dogs and cats includes as much fresh food of the highest quality you can provide. Unfortunately, even the best quality food will not provide optimal health if your dog or cat can not properly digest it or if it is missing key nutrients. A daily routine of supplements is generally recommended depending on the pet's specific diet. There are some essentials nutrients that almost every cat or dog can benefit from.

Here are some general recommendations for your healthy pet.

Multi-Vitamins^*

You probably take a daily multi-vitamin to insure you receive beneficial amounts of important vitamins and minerals, why shouldn't your pet?
As you well know, the typical American diet does not provide a well-balanced source of most nutrients for most people. So we take supplements as “insurance” against illness and chronic disease. Our pets can also benefit from a daily multi-vitamin. Processing of packaged pet food can destroy much of their vitamin and mineral content. Even if reintroduced after the processing, vitamins and minerals can break down rapidly when exposed to air and light. While the first serving of food from a bag or can may contain most of what the label claims, it's difficult to know how much, if any of the vitamins are left in the last portions. Even fresh raw foods you prepare for your pet can be lacking in some essential vitamins and minerals. This is why a basic multi-vitamin supplement is a good investment. It's a sort of health insurance for your pet. Multi-vitamins help insure your pet has everything he needs for proper cell function and health, while possibly reducing your veterinarian visits and cost in the long run.


Essential Fatty Acids^*

Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for optimal health (hence their name). Fish oils provide the purest and most natural source of these essential oils. Omega-6 fatty acids, found in oils from corn, soy, sunflower and poultry are usually plentiful in you pets day to day diet. This is generally not true of Omega-3 fatty acids and why supplementation is often recommended.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation, therefore lessening the effects of arthritis and many other joint related problems. It has also shown positive and beneficial effects on the liver, immune and cardiovascular systems and provides support the brain and its function.


Digestive Enzymes^*

Nutrients in food, even the highest quality food, are only effective if the food has been properly broken down in the digestive system. Food reaching the large intestine without being properly processed passes right through and provides little benefit. This is because the particles are too large for the body to process and absorb into the bloodstream. This can lead to an immune response causing inflammation, allergies, diarrhea and other chronic health problems. Beneficial digestive enzymes can be found in just about every fruit, vegetable, and animal food source available, but unfortunately these enzymes are easily destroyed by the heat of cooking and processing. Dogs and cats eating processed (cooked) food should receive digestive enzymes with every meal in order to improve digestion and help in the assimilation of nutrients.

A host of diet-related problems such as eating stools, body odor, excessive shedding, flatulence itchy skin, hot spots and poor coat can be improved by aiding digestion and utilization of nutrients by the use of digestive enzymes.


Puppies, kittens and aging pets require extra support

Because the immune systems of puppies and kittens are still developing they are more vulnerable to parasites and disease than their mature counter parts. Additionally, the stress of separation from the familiarity and safety of their mothers, while learning to live with a human family provide undue stress that further weakens their young immune system. Therefore supplementation is highly recommended to help strengthen their immature system for at least a month or so after weaning.

Aging pets have special needs in order to stay healthy and maintain vitality. Starting dogs on targeted support for joint health at the age of 8-9 years old, and cats at the first signs of stiffness, is often recommend by traditional and holistic vets alike . Quality joint supplements, with  ingredients such as  glucosamine^* and chondroitin^*, as well as MSM^* have been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis and joint degeneration. Additionally, herbs like boswellia^* and romelain^*, as well as other herbal formulas can be added for additional joint support.

^*Please consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement regiment. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.