DOES MY PET REALLY NEED SUPPLEMENTS?
Animals in their natural environments consume fresh, raw food which they scavenge following their natural instincts and needs. They receive all their nutrient needs through this food. They have to be physically active and alert in order to get the food, which also helps them properly digest what they eat.
This natural process of hunting, eating, digesting, and activity is compromised once the animals are domesticated and are dependent on us to fulfill their needs. We need to compliment as much as possible of what the otherwise would get in their natural habitats.
Here is a quick look at some of the supplements you may consider adding to your pet’s diet.
ENZYMES
For those who are not able to provide an all-raw diet for their pets, enzyme supplements are available to replace enzymes killed by the processing of food. Enzymes increase the assimilation of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in food. Enzyme supplements have impressive records of health improvement of animals, and they are safe to use for all animals from dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, primates, horses and humans. Veterinarians who have tested enzyme supplements have reported improved coats, healthier litters, easier pregnancies, and increased mobility in
older animals.
HORMONES & GLANDULAR EXTRACTS
In the wild, animals don’t dine on fish fillets and rib steaks. When animals hunt, the first thing they eat are the prey’s organs, which are packed with hormones. Hormones play an important role in the growth of new skin and hair; they keep noses and fur from changing color; and help prevent allergic reactions. Glandular supplements are not a quick fix for any problem. It takes months of regular supplementation to see noticeable differences, but they correct hormonal imbalances that no other supplements are able to. If the animal has no apparent health problems, providing a variety of glandular supplements on a rotating basis will supply the nutrients otherwise missing in your pet’s diet.
VITMAINS & MINERALS
In an ideal world, our pets would be fed on fresh, whole, raw foods and get plenty of physical activity in fresh air and sunlight. Alas, this is not the case. Pets who have mostly consumed commercial food, vitamins and minerals can be the difference between life and death. A multiple vitamin/mineral supplement helps prevent a variety of health problems, some of which are so common we believe them to be ‘normal’. A naturally derived multiple vitamin/mineral supplement can help prevent hip dysplasia, improve immunity, treat viral and bacterial infections, prevent arthritis and joint problems, improve vision, maintain the health of soft mucous tissues, strengthen and protect the nervous system, improve reproductive health, improve health of the heart and other organs, prevent ear infections and gum diseases, to name just a few!
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Yup! Apple Cider Vinegar is highly valued in the naturopathic circles for its wide-ranging benefits. These benefits are not limited to humans only. Long a folk remedy, apple cider vinegar has been used to improve the health of dairy cows, horses, dogs, cats, and other farm animals. Some of its many benefits include: reduces common infections, improves stamina, prevents muscle fatigue, aids whelping, improves immune system, and protects against food poisoning. Add vinegar to food or drinking water, starting with small amounts and not exceeding 1 tsp. for small dogs and cats, and no more than 1 tbsp. for large dogs. You can dip fruits and vegetables in cider vinegar for your rabbits and birds, or sprinkle it on other foods of their choice.
WHEATGRASS & OTHER SPROUTS
Some vets are nervous about using fresh grasses because they may harbor mold or bacteria. This is easy to prevent by growing gasses in the great outdoors during warmer season, and under full-spectrum lights during cold winters. You can grow grasses of wheat, rye, oat, kamut, spelt, barley, buckwheat, sunflower seeds, or any other grain of your choice. Once they sprout, grains and seeds can be used as food for your pet. You can harvest the grass and keep it stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Offer fresh grass to your pets, mincing it finely for dogs and cats. This brings a green roughage factor to their diet like no other.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
It is a powder made from fossilized, microscopic one-celled plants called diatoms. Diatoms are wondrous for digestive health. When added to animal’s diet, it prevents intestinal parasites, removes existing worms and prevent re-infestation by scouring the intestines; helps animals gain weight; prevents hair balls in cats. While safe to use, it should be handled carefully to avoid inhalation of dust by both humans and animals. The recommended amount is ½ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.
Whether you are feeding your pet an all-raw, whole food diet, combining raw with processed food, or are only able to feed them processed food, using supplements will only enhance the well-being of your companions’ life, and in turn will enrich your bond with them. Make sure you consult with your veterinarian before using supplements to address any health conditions. Other than that, best of luck!