Many of us make New Year’s resolutions to get healthier. What about our four-legged friends? With an increasing obesity rate for pets, chances are high that our dogs could benefit from that same resolution to be more active, eat better, and take good care of our health. But unlike most people, pets don’t control the factors that most impact their health. They depend upon their human care-givers to help them be at their best. Supporting your dog’s digestive health may the single most significant thing you can do to for a healthier canine companion in 2012.
Healthy Digestion Helps Keep Dog’s Immunity Strong
Many health challenges begin in the gastrointestinal system, therefore promoting good digestive health is critical to your dog’s overall wellbeing. Scientists are also studying the connection between healthy digestion and a strong immune system. Since 70% of circulating white blood cells live in gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it makes sense that supplementing your dog’s digestive health may help him fight off disease and live a longer, healthier life.
Naturally-occurring, beneficial bacteria live in your dog’s gut every day. These healthy microbes, called probiotics, have been shown to positively affect the body’s immune system. Various components in them and secretions by them stimulate activity within immune cells. This, in turn, enhances the efficiency of the immune system. These bacterial components have also been shown to increase antibody production as well as the release of immune-modulating cytokines which play an active role in the innate immune response. So supporting the bacteria naturally present in your dog’s GI tract has the potential to improve not just his local gut immunity, but his overall immune function, as well.¹ Pet supplements with prebiotics help since prebiotics increase this naturally-occurring bacterial population (probiotics already there)by providing food for them and enhancing their activity.
Digestive Enzymes Help Your Dog Get the Most from His Food
It is estimated that pet parents spend $223 million every year on natural and premium pet foods.2 Adding a digestive supplement with the right enzymes, will help ensure that your dog gets the most nutrition from his high-end pet food. Digestive enzymes allow your dog to absorb more nutrients from his food, so less food passes through undigested.
Digestive enzymes specifically break larger food particles and nutrients into pieces small enough for the dog’s intestine to absorb. Different enzymes digest different types of food:
· Protease – break down protein
· Lipase – break down fat
· Amylase – break down starch
· Cellulase – break down plant cell walls, or fiber
· Carbohydrase – break down carbohydrates
ASSURE® is a specialized blend of prebiotics and enzymes designed to support optimal digestion, absorption of nutrients, and healthy immune function in your dog. Because large differences exist between the nutrient compositions of various dog foods, two versions of ASSURE are available. ASSURE for Puppy & Performance Diets is designed for dog foods that are high in protein (approximately 25% or more), contain little or no grains, and very little fiber. ASSURE for Adult & Weight Control Diets works best with dog foods having a more typical profile: Up to 25% protein, some cereal grains, and low to moderate in fiber. For more information about ASSURE, visit www.arenus.com.
1. http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=55617
2. Packaged Facts, March 1, 2011, Pet Food in the U.S., 9th edn, www.packagedfacts.com