Pooch and Mutt: Dog Health Supplements

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PROBIOTIC

Bionic Biotic contains the only EU-approved probiotic for canine use. This promotes the optimum levels of ‘friendly bacteria’ in the gut, which allows the digestive system to work properly, helping a dog to retain more nutrients from their food and to excrete more toxins.

OMEGA 3 & 6

This is both a powerful aid to immunity and helps to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat. It can relieve skin symptoms such as itching and scratching, which are particularly common in dogs with alergies.

SOYA OIL

Along with the linseed oil this promotes a healthy, glossy coat and can help with skin problems.

ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS C & E

Included for their antioxidant properties to help the ‘mopping up’ of free radicals. Vitamin C is also associated with healthy lung function. Vitamin E is a vital antioxidant that helps cell membrane integrity

ORGANIC/ CHELATED MINERALS

The source of minerals and the level in the diet can affect not only the absorption or bioavailability, but also the bioactivity. For several minerals research has shown that the organic or chelated form of the mineral is more biologically active than the inorganic form and mineral retention can be significantly increased.

CHELATED ZINC

Supplementing zinc to a dog’s diet can be beneficial to puppies, pregnant bitches and performance dogs, who would require more zinc than would normally be in their food. By promoting a healthy skin and coat it is often fed to dogs with excessive hair-loss and shedding. The chelated form in Bionic Biotic is better for absorption and it is perfectly complemented by the omega 3 fatty acids. Zinc may also be beneficial to dog under a lot of stress.

SELENIUM

In it’s bioavailable form, Selplex. This plays a number of key roles including enzyme activity in the immune system where it interacts with the antioxidant vitamins.

MENTHOL & EUCALYPTUS

These both have antioxidant properties and are traditionally used to keep airways clear and help breathing.

BIOTIN (vitamin B7)

Part of the B-Complex vitamin set. It is water-soluble, which means that it is not stored in the fatty tissue and excess biotin is eliminated through the body by urination. Biotin plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin & hair, in growth, digestion, muscle formation and in enabling the body to use glucose as an energy source. It also may play a role in litter size of some animals. Prolonged taking of antibiotics has been shown to decrease biotin levels in the body.

Cobalamin (vitamin B12),

Known as ‘the energy vitamin’, vitamin B12 is essential for metabolizing fat – turning fat into energy.

MAGNESIUM

Acts as a catalyst in the utilisation of carbohydrates, fats, protein, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. It is important for energy and healthy maintenance of bones, teeth, arteries, heart and nerves.

COPPER

Aids in the formation of red blood cells, and works with Vitamin C to form elastin, an important protein that makes up bone, skin and connective tissue.

IRON

Necessary for hemoglobin and myoglobin (a type of hemoglobin found in muscle tissue). It is necessary for the oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron helps in protein metabolism and promotes growth. Iron is also necessary for energy production and a healthy immune system. Iron is an important element in maintaining healthy digestion, strong bones and a glossy coat.

MANGANESE

An enzyme activator that plays an important part in tissue respiration and carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Necessary for normal skeletal development and to maintain sex-hormone production.

METHIONINE

An essential amino acid that is not synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food or supplements. It is a powerful antioxidant and a good source of sulfur, which promotes healthy skin, glossy coat and healthy nails. It can help maintain a dog’s defences against agents such as lead and other heavy metals found in airborne pollutants. Methionine is essential for the absorption, transportation and bioavailability of selenium and zinc in the body. It also acts as a liptropic agent to control excess fat buildup in the liver, and can help fatigue. It controls histamine release, most relevant to dogs with allergies.