Are you looking for natural pet supplements to improve your pet's health? Pets are an important part of many people's lives, and keeping them healthy is a top priority. A variety of supplements can help pets stay healthy, and these 5 natural pet supplements are some of the best.
Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs
Omega 3 fatty acids are great for animals, just like they are for humans. They can help improve your pet's coat and skin, reduce inflammation and joint pain, and boost their immune system. High levels of Omega 3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play an important role in the healthy functioning of the brain, heart, joints, skin, eyes, immune system and coat. DHA supplementation supports healthy brain function in dogs and a new study by Dr Ragen McGowan at the latest Purina research summit found that Omega 3 fatty acids may be the key to reducing anxiety in dogs. JP Holistic Nutrition offers an Omega 3 supplement for dogs that contains the anti-oxidant Vitamin E which prevents the Omega 3 fatty acids from oxidising. Our Doggie Omega supplement comes from the small fish anchovy, which does not contain heavy metals that large fish can. We never use farmed salmon for our Omega 3.
Milk thistle for cats and dogs
Milk thistle is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries to support liver health. A new study on Milk thistle, Silybum marianum showed that this incredible herb was not only extremely safe but it also had incredible hepatoprotective properties when fed to dogs. Milk thistle contains silymarin which is an active bioflavonoid that has a number of hepatoprotective properties. Hepatoprotection is the ability of a substance to prevent liver damage.
When drugs damage the liver, bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer or inherited conditions liver markers are increased. In this study, the levels of liver markers such as ALT, AST and GGT significantly decreased. The study confirmed that Milk thistle does not interfere with digestion and “exerts no detrimental effect on dogs’ health and metabolism.” The study showed that Milk thistle has a massive beneficial effect on dogs suffering from liver disease and can help to regenerate the liver. Their conclusion was that Milk thistle is safe and “supports liver function in dogs with hepatopathies.” Hepatopathy is liver disease, in one UK study, 12% of dogs had chronic liver disease.
Milk thistle is available in capsules or liquid form.
Bentonite clay for cats and dogs
Bentonite clay is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate clay from the Smectites family. It is a natural detoxifier that can help to remove toxins from the body. It is also great for the skin and coat and can help to soothe itchiness. Bentonite clay may help to absorb bacterial enterotoxins, restore the mucosal barrier and increase the reabsorption of water in the gastrointestinal tract, firming faeces and helping to maintain a healthy gut. By supporting the beneficial bacteria of the gut microbiome bentonite clay helps to improve digestion and the immune system. This is because 90% of the immune system comes from the gut and the Gut-Brain axis is so important to health and well-being. Bentonite clay works in similar ways to diatomaceous earth for parasites by dehydrating and binding to them.
Probiotics for cats, dogs and rabbits
Probiotics are also known as the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. They populate the gastrointestinal tract and help to metabolise food, absorb nutrients, prevent pathogenic colonisation, and help maintain intestinal health. It is essential to maintain the correct balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut as depletion of beneficial bacteria can lead to a range of health conditions.
The link between the central nervous system and gut microbiota is referred to as the gut-brain axis and has been of significant interest in recent years. Reduced gut health has been linked to anxiety and mood function in dogs and cats. Probiotics have the ability to restore normal microbial balance, and therefore have a potential role in the prevention of anxiety.
A clear link has been established between the health and quantity of the beneficial bacteria in the gut and the effect this has on the brain and hence mood function. The body maintains symbiotic relationships with prokaryotic organisms, some of which are known as probiotics. In the gastrointestinal tract, these organisms help metabolize food and maintain intestinal health. Probiotics compete with pathogenic bacteria for physical space and nutrients in the host tissue. Probiotics are thought to be able to block pathogenic bacteria from finding a spot on the host tissue to bind and grow. Shop our probiotic paste for dogs & cats.
Boswellia serrata for cats and dogs
Boswellia serrata, also known as Frankincense is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain and inflammation because it is a potent natural anti-inflammatory. Boswellia serrata is a branching tree found in India, North Africa, and the Middle East. A gummy oleoresin is found under the bark, which contains oil, resins, and gum. Extracts of this gummy exudate have been used medicinally and scientifically evaluated. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID’S) drugs can damage articular cartilage in joints, cause glycosaminoglycan degradation and stomach irritation but Boswellia serrata supports articular cartilage as well as being a natural anti-inflammatory. It has been proven to be extremely safe for people and animals.
Keep your pet healthy and happy
These are just some of the natural supplements that you can give to your pet to improve their health. For more information on these and other supplements, please visit our website or contact us today.
JP Holistic Nutrition is a leading provider of natural pet supplements. We offer a wide range of products to help improve your pet's health. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how they can help your pet!
Dr Paul Boland BVSc MRCVS
JP Holistic Nutrition
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