5 Health-Boosting Ingredients for Your Pets

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When it comes to the well-being of four-legged household companions, most pet owners tend to take their pet's health as seriously as their own. That is because just like us, pets are vulnerable to arthritis, cognitive degeneration, and other health defects, especially as they age, per veazievet.com. So like us, dogs and cats can also potentially benefit from consuming enough of the right nutrients and other ingredients to keep them thriving over time. Like human supplements, pet supplements are generally not backed by a wealth of scientific knowledge. But, ensuring that your dog regularly gets enough probiotics and nutrients is likely to help them, giving you peace of mind at the same time. It is very important that you always consult your veterinarian before giving supplements to your pets. Following is a look at some of the most renowned, health-boosting supplements for your cat or dog.

Supplements to Ward Off Inflammation in Your Pet

Antioxidants, such as Coenzyme Q10 for dogs and those found in Vitamins C and E, are thought to help reduce inflammation and heart disease in dogs, per American Kennel Club (AKC). Inflammation is known to cause a variety of diseases in pets, just as it does in humans. This is why antioxidants might help fight heart disease in pets as well as other effects of aging such as cognitive decline and memory loss. Antioxidants are specifically effective in fighting off free radicals, which can cause cell damage or death throughout your pet's body. Fatty Acids such as Omega-3s and Omega-6s are just as helpful to pets as they are to man. While Omega-6 fatty acids are commonly found in pet foods, Omega-3s are not, per onlynaturalpet.com. Omega-3 fatty acids contain unique properties that target inflammation in your pet's body and brain. As a result, your pet's eyes and cognition are more likely to remain healthy as your dog ages, and they might be less likely to suffer symptoms related to arthritis. These fatty acids are most easily found in fish oil.

Glucosamine: A Supplement to Alleviate Joint Pain

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that can be effective in preventing and alleviating joint pain in dogs and cats. Per AKC, glucosamine is actually the most popular supplement out there for dogs. It is thought by veterinarians and pet owners alike to be effective in treating arthritis pain. Glucosamine is effective because it naturally exists in healthy bone and cartilage tissue that surrounds your pet's joints.

Supplements to Boost Your Pet's Digestive Health

Probiotics are the live, good microorganisms that live in the digestive system of animals and humans alike. Taking a probiotic supplement will help keep these good and necessary microorganisms thriving in your pet's belly. Per the AKC , probiotics aid with digestive and intestinal health, and are often used to relieve diarrhea and other digestive issues. They also might help reduce or prevent allergy symptoms in your pet. Probiotics are commonly found in some dog foods, but also in capsules and certain types of yogurt. Digestive Enzymes are essential aids in your pet's digestive system. Enzymes help break down the nutrients in foods that your pet, or you, consume. Without them, particles that are too large for your large intestine to process are released into the bloodstream, creating problematic immune responses, as explained by onlynaturalpet.com. Enzymes are extremely helpful for your dog or cat, because most enzymes are destroyed in food that is processed or cooked. Digestive enzymes can potentially be a crucial helper in alleviating a variety of health problems.