My pet eats a natural diet, is it necessary to add supplements?
A balanced natural diet is the main source of a wide variety of essential nutrients; however, our pets' bodies suffer from stress, are exposed to pollution, particles that affect their immune system, receive vaccines, are given antibiotics, and even their activity level affects their bodies and therefore their nutritional requirements.
Why Supplements?
In the world of natural nutrition, supplements are those products or ingredients that provide vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, fatty acids and amino acids with specific benefits for the body of our pets.
Whether as a preventative measure due to genetic predisposition or to alleviate symptoms of a condition, the ideal approach is to provide the appropriate supplements based on their nutritional value and benefits. Some conditions that may be addressed include: persistent ear infections, environmental allergies, urinary tract infections, colitis, intestinal inflammation, gastritis, arthritis, pancreatitis, dermatitis, and cancer.
Important: Supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect your pet has a chronic illness or condition, consult your veterinarian for a clinical diagnosis and appropriate testing.
Types of Supplements
- Vitamins such as C, A, D, E and B12 complex.
- Minerals such as zinc.
- Probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes for healthy digestion.
- Fatty acids, especially omega-3.
- Coenzyme Q10 for heart health.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic substances that our bodies need for optimal development and function. Carnivorous animals like dogs and cats obtain most of their essential vitamins from the raw organs of other animals. Liver, for example, is an excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. Other vitamins, such as vitamin C, come from plant sources; for example, broccoli and kale are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Each vitamin has its function in the body and a relationship with other vitamins and minerals. When there is an imbalance due to an unbalanced diet or a deficiency due to a medical condition, it is necessary to supplement with multivitamins (preferably non-synthetic) to meet these nutritional requirements. Some specific functions include:
- Vitamin B: supports the development of the nervous system in puppies, and maintains healthy kidney function, vision, and skin.
- Vitamin C: acts as an antioxidant, helps collagen development, protects against bacteria and viruses, promotes wound healing and the production of anti-stress hormones.
- Vitamin A: antioxidant, helps with respiratory infections, and promotes healthy vision and skin.
- Vitamin D: helps with the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, promotes healthy bones and teeth, helps maintain a healthy heart and muscle tone.
- Vitamin E: antioxidant, helps fight cancer, protects vitamins C and A from oxidation, promotes healthy circulation, helps with arthritis problems, regulates the nervous system and prevents premature aging.
Aid With Digestion
Specific digestive supplements include probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes. Each individual dog's digestion will depend on their current health status, type and quality of food, lifestyle, and physical activity. If your dog suffers from inflammation in the digestive tract or an imbalance in the intestinal flora causing diarrhea, reflux, or vomiting, it's important to consider adding supplements that help with efficient food processing.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: promote the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut flora, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. They promote nutrient absorption and protect the gut flora during antibiotic treatment.
- Digestive enzymes: help process carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. There are three types of enzymes: amylase, protease, and lipase. They are necessary in cases of gastrointestinal problems and pancreatic deficiency.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are components that come from food and are divided into saturated and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are divided into monounsaturated fats, such as omega-9, and polyunsaturated fats, which include omega-6 and omega-3.
The topic of fatty acids is very broad and goes beyond the scope of this blog, but for now we'll focus on omega-3, some of its benefits, and natural sources. Not all fats are the same, and not all omega-3s are processed or synthesized in the same way in our pets' bodies. Omega-3s, for example, are divided into three types: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA comes from plant sources such as chia seeds, heme oil, walnuts, and flaxseed; however, dogs, being primarily carnivores, cannot utilize this type of omega in the same way that humans do. On the other hand, EPA and DHA fatty acids are much more functional and can be used directly by our dogs.
Some natural sources include:
- EPA: sardines, anchovies, salmon and mackerel.
- DHA: marine algae such as spirulina and kelp, and mollusks such as mussels.
Important: Fatty acids, such as omega-3, are very sensitive to temperature and oxygen. Therefore, they must be obtained through fresh or raw foods, or with specific supplements like oils and concentrates. Dehydrated fish treats are not considered sources of omega-3, as these substances are lost during cooking and should not be included in the diet for this purpose.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that the body produces naturally. It supports cardiovascular function and strengthens the immune system. It helps with heart-related problems such as heart failure and fluid buildup in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF), chest pain (angina), and high blood pressure.
Important: As dogs age, they stop producing their own CoQ10, and it is recommended to add this supplement to dogs over 8 years old.
Supplements & Health Conditions
Whether for symptom relief or as a method of prevention, it is ideal to select supplements from natural sources (i.e., not synthetic nutrients artificially made in a laboratory) because they have greater absorption in the body.
A healthy diet based on unprocessed foods, exercise, consistency, and a combination of supplements that work synergistically are essential for achieving results. Here are some recommended supplements for common ailments:
- Urinary Tract Infections: Probiotics, B12 complex, Coq10, and pomegranate extract.
- Colitis, gastritis and other gastrointestinal problems: Probiotics, L-Glutamine, digestive enzymes, and omega-3.
- Dermatitis: Probiotics, Vitamin C, E, and omega-3.
- Cancer: Antioxidants, Coq10, medicinal mushrooms, and omega-3.
- Pancreatitis: Probiotics, pancreatin, digestive enzymes, and omega-3.
- Allergies: Probiotics, digestive enzymes, colostrum, medicinal mushrooms, and omega-3.
- Joint support: Probiotics, medicinal mushrooms, omega-3, and glucosamine.
- Ear infection: omega-3, taurine, magnesium, and B12 complex.
Remember that a raw diet is a learning process, an approach, and above all, a commitment to your pet's health. Offering the right supplements can make all the difference in their health, preventing diseases, improving their quality of life, and increasing their lifespan!
🚫 Supplements are not a substitute for veterinary treatment or medical care. If you suspect your pet is suffering from an illness or condition, it is necessary to consult your veterinarian for necessary tests and a diagnosis.
📖 Source: Raw Natural Nutrition for Dogs by Lew Olson, PhD.
