The Anti-Aging “A” Natural Pet Supplement List for Your Dog & Cat

The Anti-Aging “A” Natural Pet Supplement List for Your Dog & Cat compiled by Dr. Carol Osborne at Chagrin Falls Veterinary and Pet Clinic

Vitamin A: The water soluble form which is called Vitamin A Palmitate is a vital antioxidant for your pet that enhances immunity, and is essential for your dog and cat to utilize protein in his or her diet.  Beware of supplements containing Retinyl Palmitate.

Retinyl Palmitate is the fat soluble form of Vitamin A. It accumulates in the body and can become toxic because unlike water soluble vitamins it is not eliminated daily in the urine. In addition cats are not able to convert Retinyl Palmitate to the active, usable form of Vitamin A.
Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid is the form of Vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin C is needed for tissue growth and repair. It also enhances pet immunity and is needed for your pet’s body to utilize Vitamin E.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is one of the four fat soluble vitamins along with Vitamin A, D, and K. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. It also prevents heart disease, promotes wound healing, needed for your dog and cat’s body to utilize Vitamin C.
B-Complex Vitamins: As a group, B vitamins help your dog to maintain healthy nerves, skin and muscle. B-Vitamins are needed to provide energy to the body. Beware of supplements containing Brewer’s Yeast!

Brewer’s Yeast is a leading cause of allergies and itching in dogs and cats and is commonly used to provide low cost, inferior quality B Vitamins.
Coenzyme Q-10: A powerful, antioxidant which is found in the highest quantities in your pet’s heart. CoQ10 is essential for your pet’s immune function and is not only, beneficial for heart function but in Europe is used to treat heart disease.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: This antioxidant is both water and fat soluble and helps your dog to restore energy metabolism.
Selenium: Selenium is an essential mineral that works with Vitamin E to help your pet combat infection, by boosting internal Immunity. Selenium also acts an antioxidant and is beneficial to your pet’s skin and hair coat. Deficiencies of Selenium have been linked to cancer and heart disease.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral pet’s need for protein synthesis. Zinc promotes healthy immune systems; an aid wound healing and is critical for hundreds of biological processes in your dog and cat’s body.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty Acids are essential components of cell membranes in your pet and are vital to healthy heart and brain function along with maintenance of dog and cat skin and hair coats.
Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids enhances the absorption of Vitamin C, have antioxidant effects, promote normal blood circulation and combat allergies for your dog and cat.
Glucosamine and Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane (MSM): Both of these naturally occurring nutrients promote strong healthy bones, joints and cartilage for your dog and cat.
Digestive Enzymes: Digestive Enzymes are essential to life. There are five essential digestive enzymes pets require: Amylase to digest carbohydrates, protease to digest protein, lipase to digest fat, Cellulase to digest cellulose or plant fiber and lactose to digest lactase which is milk protein. Digestive Enzymes are manufactured in your pet’s pancreas and are vital to digest dietary nutrients for dogs and cats.
Melatonin: Melatonin is a naturally occurring amino acid found in highest concentration in your pet’s brain. Melatonin is the chief nutrient responsible for maintaining the health and wellness of the brain. It also combats Alzheimer’s and senility. In addition, it acts as an immune modulator and an antioxidant, triggering restful sleep for your dog and cat.
Ginseng: Ginseng has been used in Europe for centuries as a natural energizing herbal tonic which also promotes brain health and overall wellness for your dog and cat.
L-Glutamine: This is the primary amino acid needed for your dog and cat to energize the cells of their digestive system so dietary nutrients can be properly absorbed from the intestines and utilized after they have been digested in the stomach.
Colostrum: The first milk your puppy and kitten receive from their mother. Colostrum provides your dog and cat with their initial antibodies to protect him or her against disease and aid in immune system function.
Exercise: 20 minutes twice a day minimum for your dog. Ten minutes of playtime 4 times a day works well for cats.
Balanced, natural diet: Feed your dog and cat at least two meals daily. Fresh organic and natural nutrient sources are best.
Relaxation: Stress and anxiety affect pets and people adversely and elevated the aging hormone called Cortisol. Set aside an hour a day to relax and enjoy your dog and cat. Consider massage, yoga and music.
Positive mental attitude: The mind-body connection is a potent promoter of well-being for you as well as your dog and cat.
Pure water: Fresh, non-chlorinated preferably distilled water is essential for people and best for your dog and cat. Fresh water should be available at all times 24/7.