Other researchers believe that a certain amount of supplements is needed for several reasons, the most important being that the high temperatures used for processing dog foods can affect the nutritional value of the food. Some ingredients may contain the needed vitamins, but the dog may not be able to digest and metabolize them adequately. The ability to metabolize vitamins can be affected by the quality and type of ingredients being eaten, the dog' s breed heritage, age, general health and medication.

Before deciding to add vitamin supplements to your dog's diet, research the food you are feeding (or would like to feed) and find out about the quality of the ingredients, find out also if vitamins are added to the food. Look at your dog: What is the dog's state of health? Is its coat shiny and healthy? Is the dog happy and energetic? Is it mentally alert? If you have any questions, talk to your veterinarian.

CHELATED~(Keyi lated) This is the process by which mineral substances are changed into their digestible form. Amino acid bound chelated mineral supplements provide, three to ten times greater assimilation than common minerals do.

COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE: A trace mineral found in all body tissue. It works in respiration, synthesis of hemoglobin, and in the production of collagen. It is an Antioxidant that helps protect blood and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

MANGANESE AMINO ACID CHELATE: Is a Trace mineral that is also an important antioxidant that helps protect oxygen and slow aging. It activates many enzymes and works with the utilization of fatty acids.

ZINC AMINO ACID CHELATE: Is a trace mineral found through out the body. Zinc works with skin, hair, bones, muscles and blood. Zinc is important to a broad amount of body functions from digestion to reproduction.

IRON AMINO ACID CHELATE: A mineral present in every living cell. It is involved with blood and getting oxygen to it and in the digestion of fatty acids.

COBALT AMINO ACID CHELATE: An essential mineral, works with vitamin B12 and maintains the red blood cells.

CALCIUM: The most abundant mineral in the body. about 97% is utilized in the bones and teeth. The balance is involved with muscle tissue, cells, blood.

PHOSPHORUS: The second most abundant mineral in the body. It works with Calcium so it will effectively nourish bones and teeth. Every cell in the body contains Phosphorus.

When supplementing a commercial food, it's important to know what vitamins and minerals the food contains and in what amounts, because with many vitamins and minerals, too much is just as dangerous as too little. If you are in doubt as to what your dog is getting from its food, call the dog food manufacturer and ask.

Apples: We have all heard the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Does that apply to dogs as well? Some experts think so. Apples are packed with chemicals that have been shown to kill cancers in animals. Apples also inhibit infectious disease and stabilize blood sugar. A slice or two of fresh apple makes a great treat that many dogs will eagerly devour for the fruit's sweetness.

Barley: A grain an has recently been used more frequently in dog foods. Barley is known to improve bowel function and is thought to possible inhibit cancer.

Broccoli: Known to inhibit cancer and is also a great source of many vitamins, including vitamin A.

Carrots: Are a wonderful source of Beta Carotene, but they contain other vitamins and trace minerals as well. Recent reports indicate that enzymes in raw carrots reportedly kill harmful bacteria at the gum line. This harmful bacteria, if not killed is eventually absorbed into the blood system. It then attaches to the valves in the heart. Causing heart failure.

Cranberry Juice: Known to have beneficial effects on the urinary tract, preventing infections and cystitis. Cranberry juice is also recognized as having strong antiviral properties.

Fish: Especially saltwater fish, have a number of nutritional benefits. Ingestion of as little as one ounce of saltwater fish daily is known to boost the immune system, inhibit cancer, combat kidney disease and increase mental alertness.

Kelp: It is usually sold dried and ground to a fine powder, often encased in gel capsules. Kelp is an excellent mineral supplement as it is high in iodine, calcium and potassium as well as other trace minerals. Kelp is also known to boost the immune system, kill bacteria and add iron for the blood.

Yeast: Is a well-known food supplement; in fact, many dog foods contain yeast as a primary ingredient. Yeast are fungi grown in a fermentation of carbohydrates and are high in vitamins and minerals, especially the B vitamins. Brewer's yeast is the most nutritious of the different kind of yeasts available.

Yogurt: Besides being a nourishing food on its own, yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that improve bowel function. These bacteria help prevent intestinal infections, prevent diarrhea and kill problem causing bacteria. Yogurt is also known to boost the immune system and is thought to have anticancer properties.

Natural Bee Pollen: While not an herb, natural bee pollen is known to boost the immune system. It is also said to provide some pain relief for dogs as well. This is a by-product of the honey industry.

Ginger: Ginger root can be used to counter the effects if motion sickness (car and sea sickness) the average dosage is one knuckle of the root. This can be mixed into food or just chewed.

Alfalfa: (Which means "the father of all foods") is full of trace minerals and vitamins A, E, K, B, and D. It has also been used to alleviate the pain and stiffness of arthritis and the discomfort of stomach ailments.stomach ailments.

Aspergillus Niger: Is a fungus, it may produce enzymes that may be beneficial to plants, animals and humans. The closely related Aspergillus Flavus: Is one of the most deadly fungus on earth! It grows on various foods and produces chemicals called Aflatoxins: These are highly carcinogenic!

Bacillus Subtilis: Is a bacteria that produces metabolites, including enzymes that may be beneficial to both plant and animal protein in the body. A probiotic, helps reduce stress, and help prevent sickness.

Bearberry: This herb is often used in the treatment and prevention of Bladder stones. It is believed that it dissolves and can prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Bilberry Herb: is known as visual purple, it is said to be used for vision.

Brewers Yeast: One of the best sources of vitamin B. it aids in the repelling of fleas. A probiotic, It also helps reduce stress and reduces sickness.

Chicory Root:Roots are ground up and rosted, ground up and used in adulterated coffee. On the medical side they are used to treat liver complaints, rheumatism, gout, and hemorrhoids. In Ayurvedic medicine they are considered to be a cooling herb.

Dandelions: Are known to help the body filter toxins from the system.

Echinacea: Is an herb known by experts to stimulate the immune system, so much that physicians are even recommending it to patients during flu season.

Fennel Seed: Stimulates proper stomach and intestinal functions.

Garlic: Has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Whole books have been written about the wonders of garlic, Garlic boost the immune system and stimulates the internal organs, especially the liver and the colon, helping to rid the body of toxins.

Ginseng: Often called a wonder drug. This root is known to strengthen the heart, build general mental and physical vitality and stimulates the endocrine glands, which control the body's systems. Ginseng is a preventative, which means it is not given as a medicine but rather as a daily supplement.

Milk Thistle Seed: Use is to stimulate pproper liver and gallbalader functions.

Nettle Herbs: This is a Natural source of Iron unlike the chemical version which can cause constipation and very loose stoole.

Mustard Seeds: This is sometimes used as a natural wormer in dogs. It is not as harsh on the digestive system as the commercial medications currently in use today. The Seeds are ground up and given internally.

Papain: Comes from the Papaya. papain is a chemically similar to pepsin, an enzyme that helps digest protein in the body. It is a safe and natural digestive aid. Papaya contains vitamins, A, B, D, G, K, and C. Also contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sodium.

Pau d' Arco: Have very strong anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties.

Parsley Leaves: It has been said that Parsley Leaves can assist in the healing of kidney diseases. It is also used to combat bad breath.

Peperment Leaf: Provides for relief of flatulence, intestinal colic and stress.

Red Clover: Is a stimulant for healing and is good for a recuperating or older dog.

Reishi and Shlitake Mushrooms: Used to boost and support the immune system and blood sugar regulation.

Rosemary: Is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is also used to treat bad breath and stimulating the hair bulbs to grow new hair.

Sage: Strengthens the mind and concentration abilities. It aids in healing skin sores and skin eruptions and removing dandruff. It has been mostly employed in disordered states of the digestion , as a stomachic.

Rose Hips: These are really not herbs in the true definition but are instead the seed pods left after a rose blossom passes by. Rose hips are full of vitamins, including A, B, E, K and more vitamin C than any other food we know - even more than citrus fruits. However, rose hips should only be used when they are free of insecticides, fertilizers and fungicides.

Siberian Ginseng Root: Increases resistance to allergies.

Yucca: Used for its reduction of both breath and stool odor! a cleansing agent, Used by the Indians of the southwest for skin disorders, skin eruptions and helps avoid inflammation.

Vitamin 'B' Complex:
Brewer's Yeast, whole grain cereals, liver.

Vitamin 'C':
Fruits an vegetables, especially broccoli, cabbage, leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin 'D':
Sunshine, dairy products, fish liver oil.

Vitamin 'E':
Cold-pressed vegetable oil, meats, raw nuts and seeds, leafy green vegetables, soybeans.

Vitamin 'K':
Kelp, alfalfa, yogurt, egg yolk, fish live oils.

Vitamin 'B' Complex:
Deficiency: fatigue, irritability, nervousness, hair loss, skin problems.
Excess: Water soluble; when taken as a complex, excess is usually excreted in the urine. Unusual excess can cause nerve damage, blood or digestive disorders.

Vitamin 'C' (Research ongoing and greatly debated)
Deficiency: Impaired lactation,shortness of breath, swollen joints, slow healing, poor dental condition.
Excess: Water soluble; most excess excreted in the urine. High doses can result in diarrhea.

Vitamin 'D'
Deficiency: Rickets, bone diversities, poorly developed muscles,nervous disorders,vision problems.
Excess: Increased frequency of urination, nausea, vomiting, muscular weakness, calcification of muscles, including the heart.

Vitamin 'E'
Deficiency: Blood and bleeding disorders, collagen problems,amino acid breakdowns, reduction in functioning of several hormones, reproductive failure.
Excess: Generally considered nontoxic; however, can cause elevated blood pressure.

Vitamin 'K'
Deficiency: Bleeding disorders, miscarriage.
Excess: Generally considered nontoxic.

Chloride: Salt (sodium chloride), kelp.

Copper: Liver, whole grain products, leafy green vegetables, legumes.

Iodine: Fish, kelp.

Iron: Liver, oysters, fish lean meats, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, molasses.

Magnesium: Green vegetables, raw whole grains, oil-rich seeds and nuts, soybeans, milk.

Manganese: Whole grains,eggs, seeds and nuts, green vegetables.

Phosphorus: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, whole grains, seeds and nuts.

Potassium: All vegetables, potatoes, bananas, whole grains, sunflower seeds.

Selenium: Yeast, organ and muscle meats, fish, whole grains.

Sulfur: Eggs, meat, cheese.

Zinc: Whole grains, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds.

Chloride:
Deficiency: Hair loss, impaired digestion, poor muscular contraction.
Excess: Adverse reactions suspected but unknown.

Copper:
Deficiency: General weakness, impaired respiration, anemia, skeletal abnormalities, skin sores.
Excess: Toxic hepatitis.

Iodine:
Deficiency: Enlarged thyroid, dry skin an hair coat, loss of vigor, slow / poor growth, reproductive failure.
Excess: Unknown.

Iron:
Deficiency: Weakness, constipation, anemia.
Excess: Unknown.

Magnesium: Deficiency: Neuromuscular excitability or irritability, tremors, depression.
Excess: Unknown.

Manganese:
Deficiency: Slow or retarded growth, reproductive failure, abnormal bone growth, paralysis, ataxia, blindness, deafness.
Excess: Unknown.

Potassium:
Deficiency: Respiratory failure, cardiac arrest,nervous disorders, insomnia.
Excess: Unknown.

Selenium:
Deficiency: Premature aging, puppy death, skeletal and cardiac myopathies.
Excess: Hepatitis, nephritis.

Sulfur:
Deficiency: Slow or retarded growth, sluggishness, fatigue.
Excess: Unknown.

Zinc:
Deficiency:Retarded growth, delayed sexual maturity, diabetes, skin problems.
Excess: Relatively nontoxic, but excessive intake may have harmful side effects.

If you think your dog is deficient in a vitamin or mineral. Before you supplement ask your vet. for advise.

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