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When it comes to our beloved pets, we always strive to provide them with the best care possible. From wholesome meals to enriching activities, every pet parent wants to see their furry companions thrive in health and happiness. A crucial aspect of pet care often includes the supplementation of their diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients, especially tailored to their unique needs. Here, we delve into the world of pet supplements, focusing on the importance of understanding that each pet is an individual and may require different nutritional support.
Should I add supplements to my pets diet?
Supplements are something that we must be careful with as they are not as well-regulated as food is. Almost anything can be sold under the name ‘supplement’ even if it has no nutritional value. It is a good idea to discuss anything you are thinking of supplementing in your dog’s diet with a holistic vet or pet nutritionist first, and to research thoroughly.
Most dogs that are on a complete well balanced diet have no need for supplements. However, a dog’s metabolism and needs can change, and their nutritional requirements will change with it. If you give your dog a good quality food but they are not looking well or acting as they should for their age, then additional nutrients may be required. The first thing to do is get a full health check with a holistic vet to obtain their opinion on general condition. They can do a physical examination, carry out blood and urine tests and highlight any obvious problems. The vet may then recommend a specific supplement for early intervention.
Only give a supplement if your pet needs it or as a prevention, not just because it’s the latest product on the market or your friend gives it to their pet. If for any reason they have a negative response stop feeding it.
❌Potential hazards
All supplements come with their own healthy benefits. Overconsumption can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, or bowel irritation, among other things. In some cases, dogs may have an allergy towards certain supplements. When you feed them to your pet for the first time, pay attention to their reaction and subsequent behaviours. If you suspect something is wrong, talk to your holistic vet or pet nutritionist. Remember moderation is key - too much of a good thing ends up being toxic!
Some Supplements we recommend at our store :
Betty's Healthy Joints
Betty's Healthy Joints is a comprehensive joint health supplement designed to provide maximum support and relief. Here's a closer look at the unique ingredients we included and their benefits:
1. Shark Cartilage
Shark cartilage is rich in proteins and mucopolysaccharides, substances known to support joint health. It contains chondroitin sulfate, which helps maintain cartilage structure and joint lubrication. Additionally, shark cartilage has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce joint pain and swelling.
2. Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolyzed collagen is a form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides. Collagen is a major component of cartilage, and its supplementation can help in the repair and maintenance of this tissue. It supports overall joint health by improving the integrity of cartilage and reducing joint pain.
3. Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring substance in the connective tissues of humans and animals. It helps retain water in the cartilage, providing cushioning and elasticity. This helps in reducing joint pain and slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis by maintaining the integrity of cartilage.
4. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
MSM is an organic sulfur compound known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It supports the reduction of joint pain and inflammation, enhances collagen production, and improves joint flexibility. MSM also helps in the detoxification process and boosts the overall health of the connective tissues.
5. Sea Shells (Calcified)
Calcified sea shells are a natural source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones. The calcium from sea shells helps in the formation and maintenance of bone structure, which is crucial for joint support. This can prevent bone-related issues that can impact joint health.
6. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber. It helps in maintaining the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid, which is critical for smooth and pain-free joint movement. Supplementation with hyaluronic acid can alleviate joint pain and improve mobility, especially in cases of osteoarthritis.
7. Boswellia Serrata Extract
Boswellia serrata extract is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree and is well-known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing joint inflammation and pain by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes. Boswellia serrata extract can improve joint function and decrease symptoms of joint disorders like arthritis.
By incorporating these unique ingredients into Betty's Healthy Joints, we have created a supplement that not only provides the foundational joint support with glucosamine and chondroitin but also enhances joint health through additional, carefully selected compounds. Each ingredient works synergistically to promote better joint function, reduce pain and inflammation, and support the overall health of their joints.
Betty's Complete Boost
For pet owners looking to provide comprehensive nutritional support, Betty's Complete Boost stands out as a versatile option. This supplement is designed to fill potential nutritional gaps in your pet's diet, offering a well-rounded blend of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Whether your pet needs an extra boost during growth stages, recovery from illness, or simply to maintain optimal health, Betty's Complete Boost can be a valuable addition to their daily regimen.
1. Hydrolyzed Poultry Meat and Offal
Benefits:
High Bioavailability: Hydrolyzed poultry meat and offal are broken down into smaller peptides, making them highly digestible and easily absorbed by the body. This enhances their effectiveness in supporting various bodily functions.
Rich in Collagen: These sources are rich in collagen, which is essential for maintaining healthy cartilage and joints. Collagen supports joint flexibility, reduces pain, and helps in the repair and regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Nutrient-Dense: Offal, or organ meats, provide a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, iron, and zinc, which are crucial for overall health, immune function, and energy metabolism.
2. Inactivated Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Benefits:
Immune System Support: Inactivated yeast still contains beta-glucans, which are known to enhance immune function by stimulating the activity of macrophages and other immune cells.
Gut Health: It supports digestive health by promoting a balanced gut microbiome and enhancing nutrient absorption. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to better overall health and well-being.
Rich in Nutrients: Provides essential B-vitamins and trace minerals such as selenium, which support metabolic functions, energy production, and antioxidant defenses.
3. Collagen Peptides
Benefits:
Joint Health: Collagen peptides help maintain the structural integrity of cartilage, reduce joint pain, and improve joint flexibility and mobility. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with osteoarthritis or other joint disorders.
Skin Health: They improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance, promoting healthier, younger-looking skin.
Bone Strength: Collagen supports bone health by maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fractures, thus indirectly supporting joint health.
4. Chlorella Algae
Benefits:
Detoxification: Chlorella helps detoxify the body by binding to heavy metals and other toxins, facilitating their removal. This can improve overall health and vitality.
Nutrient-Rich: It is packed with chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support immune function, energy levels, and overall health.
Anti-Inflammatory: Chlorella has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, including in the joints, thus alleviating joint pain and stiffness.
5. Shiitake Mushroom
Benefits:
Immune Support: Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides like lentinan, which enhance the immune system's response to infections and diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory: They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint inflammation and pain, making them beneficial for individuals with arthritis.
Nutrient Dense: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, shiitake mushrooms support overall health and wellness, contributing to better joint and connective tissue health.
6. Boswellia Serrata Extract
Benefits:
Potent Anti-Inflammatory: Boswellia serrata contains boswellic acids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that reduce joint pain and inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes.
Improved Joint Function: It enhances joint function and mobility, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions.
Symptom Relief: Effective in reducing symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling, thus improving the quality of life for individuals with joint issues.
7. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory: MSM is known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Collagen Production: It supports the production of collagen and other connective tissues, essential for maintaining healthy joints, skin, and muscles.
Improved Mobility: MSM helps improve joint flexibility and overall mobility, alleviating discomfort and enhancing the ability to perform daily activities.
8. Silicon Dioxide
Benefits:
Bone Health: Silicon dioxide, or silica, is essential for bone formation and the maintenance of bone density and strength, which indirectly supports joint health by ensuring a strong skeletal structure.
Collagen Formation: It aids in the synthesis of collagen, supporting the health and integrity of joints, skin, hair, and nails.
Connective Tissue Support: Silicon dioxide helps maintain the elasticity and strength of connective tissues, promoting overall joint and skin health.
9. Magnesium Oxide
Benefits:
Bone Health: Magnesium is crucial for bone health, as it aids in the absorption of calcium and maintains bone density, which supports overall skeletal and joint health.
Muscle Function: It supports proper muscle function and prevents muscle cramps and spasms, which can indirectly affect joint health by reducing muscle-related joint pain.
Nervous System Support: Magnesium is essential for the functioning of the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and support overall well-being.
By incorporating these carefully selected ingredients, Betty's Complete Boost provides a holistic approach to joint health and overall wellness. Each ingredient offers unique benefits that contribute to reducing inflammation, improving joint function, enhancing nutrient absorption, and supporting the immune system.
Betty's Probiotics
The significance of gut health in pets should not be underestimated. Probiotics play a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and boosting immune function. Betty's offers two different probiotic supplements, each catering to specific needs. Probiotics can aid in digestion, alleviate gastrointestinal issues, and even support skin and coat health. Incorporating probiotics into your pet's diet can contribute to their overall health and vitality, ensuring they can better absorb essential nutrients from their food.
When choosing probiotics for your pet, it's important to understand that not all probiotics are created equal. Different strains of probiotics target specific health needs and functions. Here’s an elaboration on the differences between the two probiotic supplements mentioned:
Probiotic Supplement 1
Ingredients:
-Leonardite (70%): Leonardite is a natural source of humic and fulvic acids, which can aid in nutrient absorption and have antioxidant properties.
-Brewer’s Yeast: Brewer’s yeast is a good source of B-vitamins and can support immune health and digestion. It provides prebiotic benefits by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
-Chlorella Algae: Chlorella is a nutrient-dense algae known for its detoxifying properties and high chlorophyll content. It supports overall health but is not a probiotic.
-Inactivated Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 9.8%): Inactivated yeast is often used for its immune-boosting properties and nutritional content. While beneficial, it does not contain live probiotic cultures.
Benefits:
-Nutrient Support: Provides a range of nutrients and antioxidants.
-Immune Boost: Supports immune health through brewer’s yeast and inactivated yeast.
-Detoxification: Chlorella aids in detoxifying the body.
Probiotic Supplement 2
Ingredients:
-Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) 250mg: FOS are prebiotics that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy microbiome.
-Digestive Enzymes Blend 150mg: This blend includes enzymes such as amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, lactase, and bromelain, which aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, cellulose, and lactose, respectively.
-Active Live Culture Blend (2 Billion CFU): This blend includes:
-Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Supports digestion and immune health, helps prevent diarrhea.
-Lactobacillus Plantarum: Helps maintain intestinal permeability and supports digestive health.
-Lactobacillus Brevis: Supports overall gut health and boosts the immune system.
-Bifidobacterium Animalis Lactis: Supports digestion, enhances immune response, and helps prevent constipation.
-Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Known for its ability to survive stomach acid and colonize the intestines, supports digestive health and boosts immunity.
Benefits:
-Digestive Health: The combination of digestive enzymes and live probiotic cultures enhances digestion and nutrient absorption.
-Gut Microbiome Balance: The probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can prevent gastrointestinal issues and boost overall health.
-Immune Support: The diverse probiotic strains support the immune system.
Differences Between the Supplements
Probiotic Content:
Supplement 1: Does not contain live probiotic cultures. It provides prebiotic benefits and overall nutrient support through ingredients like brewer’s yeast, chlorella, and inactivated yeast.
Supplement 2: Contains live probiotic cultures with a specific blend of beneficial bacteria (2 Billion CFU) that directly target gut health and immune support.
Functionality:
Supplement 1: Focuses on providing nutritional and immune support through non-probiotic ingredients.
Supplement 2: Specifically targets digestive health and gut microbiome balance with a comprehensive blend of probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Digestive Enzymes:
Supplement 1: Does not contain digestive enzymes.
Supplement 2: Includes a blend of digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown and absorption of various nutrients, enhancing overall digestive health.
Prebiotics:
Supplement 1: Contains brewer’s yeast, which has prebiotic effects, but does not contain dedicated prebiotics.
Supplement 2: Contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are dedicated prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Probiotics can modulate the immune system and improve gut health, which in turn can help alleviate allergy symptoms. The specific strains in Probiotic Supplement 2 that can help with allergies include:
Lactobacillus Acidophilus: This strain has been shown to help balance the immune system and reduce inflammation, potentially decreasing allergy symptoms.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Known for its ability to support the immune system, L. rhamnosus can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions by promoting a healthy immune response.
Bifidobacterium Animalis Lactis: This strain helps strengthen the intestinal barrier and immune system, which can reduce systemic inflammation and allergic responses.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections in pets, often caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, can be mitigated by maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora. Probiotics can help by competing with pathogenic yeasts and enhancing the immune response. The specific strains in Probiotic Supplement 2 that can help with yeast infections include:
Lactobacillus Acidophilus: This strain produces lactic acid, which lowers the pH of the gut environment, making it less hospitable for pathogenic yeasts like Candida. It can directly inhibit the growth of yeast and other harmful bacteria.
Lactobacillus Plantarum: Known for its ability to produce antimicrobial substances, L. plantarum can help suppress the growth of yeast and other pathogens in the gut.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: This strain can enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infections, including those caused by yeast overgrowth.
Mechanisms of Action
Immune Modulation: Probiotics help balance the immune system by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This helps reduce allergic responses and inflammation.
Gut Flora Balance: By maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics help prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic yeasts and bacteria that can cause infections.
Barrier Function: Probiotics strengthen the gut barrier, preventing harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream and causing systemic issues, including allergies and infections.
Active Live Culture Blend (2 Billion CFU):
Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Supports immune health and inhibits yeast growth.
Lactobacillus Plantarum: Produces antimicrobial substances to suppress yeast.
Lactobacillus Brevis: Supports gut health and immune response.
Bifidobacterium Animalis Lactis: Strengthens the intestinal barrier and immune system.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Enhances immune response and fights infections.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): Prebiotics that feed beneficial bacteria, supporting their growth and activity.
Digestive Enzymes Blend: Enhances nutrient absorption and overall gut health, indirectly supporting immune function.
While both supplements offer health benefits, they serve different purposes. Probiotic Supplement 1 is more focused on providing overall nutritional and immune support. It is beneficial to give when your pet needs a good detox especially after medication, food transitions or gastritis.
Probiotic Supplement 2 is designed to enhance digestive health, support a balanced gut microbiome, and boost the immune system through a targeted combination of live probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes. Depending on your pet’s specific needs, you may choose one over the other for optimal health benefits.
Probiotic Supplement 2 is particularly also effective in addressing both allergies and yeast infections in pets due to its diverse and potent blend of probiotics. The strains included in this supplement help modulate the immune system, maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, and directly inhibit the growth of pathogenic yeasts. By enhancing overall gut health and immune function, these probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of allergies and prevent yeast infections.
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