Our vital components
Prebiotics support the growth of probiotics, which help keep bad bacteria under control in the dog’s gut. By supporting the good bacteria, prebiotics help to prevent disease, improve digestion and nutrient absorption (especially minerals), and enhance the immune system. Dogs fed prebiotics are less likely to get diarrhea caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria, and soluble fiber also helps to prevent or treat diarrhea by absorbing water and slowing intestinal transit. Fed to females during pregnancy and lactation, prebiotics provide enhanced immune protection to the puppies through colostrum and milk, and the puppies have an enhanced response to vaccines.
Soluble fiber is fermented by bacteria in the colon to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the primary fuel for the cells of the colon. Increased concentration of SCFAs and numbers of beneficial bacteria support gastrointestinal health and the immune system. Prebiotics may be especially beneficial for dogs with immunosuppression or digestive disorders, and for all dogs following antibiotic therapy. Studies done on rats show that prebiotics may help correct hyperlipidemia (high blood triglycerides or cholesterol) brought about by diabetes and other conditions. Human studies have shown that prebiotics may reduce the risk of colon cancer and irritable bowel disorders.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are chondroprotectives.
What is a chondroprotective?
Chondroprotectives are nutrients found in Nulam® that have become popular because of their amazing ability to resolve joint pain. Many pet owners prefer to use chondroprotectives like glucosamine and chondroitin because they work to help the body become healthier rather than mask symptoms. They also have relatively few side effects and allow pets to take fewer prescription drugs. In addition, most nutraceuticals (antioxidants, fatty acids, and chondroprotectives) can be taken before injury occurs so that pets are predisposed to have a less significant loss of function. Because they work naturally, changing the body one cell at a time, it generally takes several weeks before we observe the benefit from taking glucosamine in your pet's body. Just as benefits are slow to materialize, they are also slow to leave if the nutraceutical is stopped; that is, they have a carry-over effect and there is continued improvement over time. Fortunately, chondroprotectives are generally safe to use for long periods, even for a lifetime.
Key facts about glucosamine and chondroitin:
• Glucosamine and chondroitin (chondroprotectives) are given to pets for arthritis, injuries, and dysplasia.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin (chondroprotectives) help pets with inflammation, incontinence, or that have the potential to develop stomach ulcers.
Omega 3 & 6
Omega 3 % 6 Fatty acids
Fatty acids aren't acids like acid in the stomach, but are chains of carbon molecules linked with single or double bonds. The location of the double bond determines whether it's called an Omega 3 or an Omega 6 fatty acid. Omega 3 fatty acids have the first double bond at the third carbon: ALA (alpha linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega 6 fatty acids have the first double bond at the sixth carbon: LA (linoleic acid) and GLA (gamma linolenic acid).
Both Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids are essential for health. Pets with allergic (flea allergy dermatitis), auto-immune (pemphigus, rheumatoid arthritis), or inflammatory (arthritis, glomerulonephritis) conditions need more Omega 3 fatty acids. Pets that have chronic illness (FIV, FIP, cancer) need more Omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids are both incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body. When the cell membranes are damaged, fatty acids are released. Released Omega 6 fatty acids are 10-100 times more likely to promote inflammation than are Omega 3 fatty acids. Inflammation is beneficial if there is an infection your pet needs to fight. Most pets, however, have health problems caused by too much inflammation (flea allergies, arthritis, auto-immune disease), so most pets benefit from higher concentrations of Omega 3 fatty acids.