Keeping Your Pet Healthy Naturally (Defending Man's Best Friends)

Essential Fatty Acids—Innovative Pet Nutrition created its VetBalance Canine Wellness Formula, a supplement that provides dogs with a protein-derived, essential amino acid profile that mimics the needs of the dog, with an emphasis on omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Cod liver oil is another valuable source for EPA and DHA. Nordic Natural’s cod liver oil supplements for cats and dogs also deliver healthy levels of vitamins A and D. According to Hofve, the supplements support heart health, weight management, joint mobility, brain and eye development, and healthy skin and coat. Essential fatty acids also help decrease inflammation and improve immune response in dogs, and provide support for chronic kidney failure in cats.

Chia, a nutrient-rich seed, is an excellent source of dietary fiber and omega-3’s, and has been formulated into a supplement for Greens Plus’ PAWS line for dogs and cats.

Chlorella, also high in amino acids, especially EPA, and oftentimes referred to as a superfood, is a genus of single-celled green algae, belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta. Sun Chlorella USA developed Pet Sun Chlorella, a pet supplement with chlorella growth factor and sun eleuthero. “Chlorella growth factor, found only in chlorella, consists of a concentration of nucleic acids, which is believed to contribute to renewed cellular revitalization. Sun eleuthero is an adaptogenic herb, which helps the system adapt to stress that may be placed on the body,” explained Lynn.

Joint Health—Innovative Pet Nutrition has a joint formula with the company’s UC-II and GlycoMarine, a glycogen complex, extracted from the New Zealand green lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, which helps relieve the side effects of arthritis in cats and dogs.

Similarly, PAWS has a dog supplement with veterinarian-recommended dosages of glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for healthy joints.

Overall Health—Wellness offers pet owners a mix of complementary nutritional supplements to provide pets with complete nutrition. “We use fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant power, phytonutrient rich botanicals and herbs for well-being, and utilize essential-fatty acids for cellular function,” said Moser. “We also include essential vitamins, chelated minerals and active probiotics cultures.” In addition, Wellness recently launched three supplements for specific types of dogs: large breed puppies, large breed adults and small breed adults.

Pets are our constant companions, and it’s their owner’s responsibility to ensure they are given the right food to provide them with all the necessary nutrients. In order to help customers find the proper pet food, retailers need to “understand key ingredient definitions, especially the ones that educated pet guardians will automatically reject,” said Hofve. That knowledge will help retailers earn their customers trust and, in turn, help pets live long, healthy lives.