Natural pet products designed for dogs and cats help to enhance health without exposing pets to potentially harmful toxins. They help to:
- Maintain healthy skin & shiny coat.**
- Support immune system function.**
- Promote joint flexibility & comfort.**
What are Pet Products?
There are more than 70 million pet dogs and 74 million pet cats in the U.S. For six out of ten pet owners, these dogs and cats are considered to be part of the family. As more pet owners become aware of the risks associated with exposing pets to toxins in their food and their environment, more people are turning to natural pet products and supplements. Pet owners take the well-being of their four-legged friends seriously, leading them to explore safe, natural and botanically derived solutions to enhance pet health.**
Most commercially available pet foods are manufactured using byproducts from poultry, meat and fishing industries, with added ingredients such as grains and vegetables. The labels on non-natural pet foods can be confusing, however. According to FDA rules, a pet food labeled as a “chicken dinner” may contain as little as 25% chicken, while a food labeled “with chicken” is only required to consist of 3% chicken. Further, the label “chicken flavor” simply means that the food must contain detectable amount of chicken.**
Studies indicate that many commercial foods often contain high amounts of corn or corn gluten meal, an ingredient that’s been found to be harder to digest for pets. On average, a typical dry pet food contains up to 32% protein, up to 22% fat, and up to 74% carbohydrates. These percentages are weighted heavily toward carbohydrates – a result of the amount of grains and corn in many products – and skimp on fats and proteins, increasing the chances of inadequate nutrient intake in pets.**
Natural pet supplements provide the nutrients, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that are essential to pet health, such as taurine, L-carnitine, vitamins A, E, and K, and B-complex vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and thiamine. Pet supplements may also be formulated to address specific aspects of wellness, such as coat appearance or joint comfort.**
Some of the most popular pet products include:
- Multivitamins for Dogs: Non-natural dog foods are often lacking in vitamins; multivitamins for dogs provide these essential nutrients. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as K, E, D, A, and water-soluble B-complex vitamins are necessary for smooth skin and a lush coat, good eyesight, strong muscles and healthy brain function. Dog multivitamins also provide antioxidants that fight the effects of free radicals, which cause age-accelerating damage at the cellular level.**
- Multivitamins for Cats: Cat food may not provide a complete, balanced array of the vitamins and minerals that healthy cats need. Cats require fatty acids, such as arachidonic and linoleic, in order to process vitamins A, D, E and K for smooth, healthy fur and skin. If fat in cat food goes rancid, it destroys the value of certain nutrients. Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E help to fight this loss. Cats also require B-complex vitamins for eye, neurological, renal and heart health, as well as a number of metabolic and enzymatic functions.**
- Joint Health for Dogs and Cats: As pets age, their connective tissues and ligaments lose flex and lubrication, much as humans’ do. Overweight, injury and an imbalance in the ratio of phosphorous to calcium in the diet all exacerbate degenerative joint problems in pets. Supplements help to restore proper lubrication, modulate inflammation and optimize flexibility. Popular choices include glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote comfort by nourishing and “plumping” cartilage. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) helps speed recovery from injury, aids in bone growth and reduces joint discomfort. Both animal and human studies indicate that vitamin C helps to ease joint inflammation, while the mineral manganese has been found to strengthen bones and help maintain bone mineral density.**
Pet Products
Pet products are available as chewable tablets and liquids. Some supplements are also available as liver-flavored treats, making them easy for pets to chew and swallow.
Pet Products Directions for Use
Dosage for these products varies, depending on formulation and intended use. Hip and joint supplements for dogs and cats are typically in the range of 1000 mg, supplying balanced servings of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and other supportive nutrients.**
