To ensure our furry companions live long, healthy, and happy lives, it's crucial to address the nutrients your dog's food may be lacking. By providing the right supplements with essential nutrients, we can ensure that they thrive alongside us. While some dog foods claim to be "complete," they may not provide all the essential nutrients that our dogs require.
Here is a comprehensive list of nutrients your dog's food may be lacking ... and how to fill in the gaps.
SUMMARY:
6 minute read
- Why So-Called "Complete" Dog Foods are Not Complete
- How to Fill the Nutritional Gaps in Most Dog Foods
- 7 Nutrients your Dog's Food May Be Lacking
- All 7 Nutrients and More in a Single Chew
Why So-Called "Complete" Dog Foods are Not Complete
While "complete" dog foods contain a variety of nutrients, they may not contain all of the essential nutrients that dogs need to thrive. Many dog foods on the market today are formulated to meet minimum nutritional standards, but these standards may not be sufficient for every dog's individual needs. So, they may be lacking in certain essential nutrients for your precious pup.
Many market dog foods lack the essential nutrients that dogs need to thrive.
In addition, the processing and storage of commercial dog foods can degrade the nutritional content of the ingredients. Over time, some of the key vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the food may break down, reducing the overall nutritional value of the food.
How to Fill the Nutritional Gaps in Most Dog Foods
Supplementation with specific nutrients and ingredients can help to fill these nutritional gaps and ensure that dogs are getting all of the essential nutrients they need to live healthy and happy lives. By providing targeted supplementation to support specific areas of health, we can help our dogs to thrive and enjoy a higher quality of life.
"A balanced diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining the health of dogs." (Larsen, 2013)
That's why supplementation is important, especially for active and aging dogs. But with so many supplements on the market, how do we choose the right ones? Well, let's take a closer look at some of the key ingredients that your dog might be missing from their diet.
7 Nutrients Your Dog's Food May Be Lacking
#1: Glucosamine
First up, we have glucosamine. This natural compound is found in cartilage and can help support joint health and mobility, particularly in senior dogs or those with arthritis.
#2: Chondroitin
Next up is chondroitin. Like glucosamine, this natural compound helps support joint health. Both chondroitin and glucosamine work together to reduce inflammation and protect joints from further damage.
#3: MSM
Another important ingredient is MSM, which is a sulfur-containing compound that helps reduce inflammation, improves skin and coat health, and can even reduce allergy symptoms.
RJX For Dogs: Natural Canine Joint Support
Extend playtime for your aging arthritic pups with RJX for Dogs. This is a must-have joint supplement that contains therapeutic amounts of all three nutrients we've already discussed: glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. If your dog is over 7 years old, is slow to rise, experiences stiffness or soreness, or lags behind on walks, then RJX is for them.
#4: Probiotics
Let's not overlook the importance of probiotics. These vital supplements introduce beneficial bacteria to our dogs' systems, offering a myriad of advantages. They support the immune system, enhance digestion, and can even improve mood, among other benefits. This is why Probiotic Miracle® provides a comprehensive range of probiotics made just for your pet.
#5: Enzymes
Enzymes are also essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. They break down food into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body, making a correct dosage of enzymes especially beneficial for dogs with digestive issues or those that have trouble digesting certain types of food.
#6: Vitamins
Vitamins play an essential role in maintaining the overall health and wellbeing of our dogs. They bolster the immune system, ensure healthy skin and coat, and contribute to strong bones and teeth. Although many dog foods contain some vitamins, they often provide only a minimal amount.
When it comes to multi-vitamin supplements for dogs, Nusentia offers two products to choose from for adult dogs. To focus on digestive support, choose Array. To focus on joint health, choose Spectrin.
#7: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
And finally, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy brain function, skin and coat health, and can even help reduce inflammation and support joint health.
"Supplementing the diet with bioactive nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can reduce the risk of chronic degenerative disease and support overall health in dogs." (Roush, J.K., 2014)
All 7 Nutrients and More in a Single Chew
Now, you might be thinking: how can I make sure my dog is getting all of these important nutrients?
The answer lies in our Array™ Daily All-in-One Chews.
Nusentia Array™ Daily All-in-One Chews is a comprehensive supplement that contains all of the 7 key ingredients we just talked about. It's designed to support overall health and wellbeing, as well as improve joint health and mobility. Plus, it's free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
To Conclude
In conclusion, it's important to fill the nutritional gaps in our dogs' diets with the right supplements, such as RJX for Dogs; (ideal for senior dogs) Nusentia Array; (ideal for adult dogs). By focusing on key ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, we can ensure that our furry companions are getting the nutrients they need to live healthy and happy lives alongside us!
Visit Nusentia for natural, trusted pet health supplements with proven formulas to improve your furry friend's overall health.
References
Roush, J. K., Cross, A. R., Renberg, W. C., Dodd, C. E., Sixby, K. A. (2002). Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(3), 393-399. doi: 10.2460/javma.2002.220.393
Stockman, J., Fascetti, A. J., Kass, P. H. (2013). Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1500-1505. doi: 10.2460/javma.242.11.1500
Weeth, L. P., Fascetti, A. J. (2013). Meeting the nutritional needs of the senior dog. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 28(1), 25-31. doi: 10.1053/j.tcam.2013.05.003