Dietary supplements - Supplements from A to Z

The optimal nutrient supply of our dog or cat should be at best through a balanced and varied, fresh food. Nevertheless, we recommend to supplement certain nutrients additionally. Be it in times of increased need (pregnancy, illness, post-operative, etc.) or as a cure to replenish the nutrient and vitamin stores. Or simply because they are not or not sufficiently present in the feed rations.

Below we have compiled some food supplements and their effect. This also explains why cranberries, for example, are added to some foods or with which herbs or oils you can supply your dog/cat naturally. Let's go!

 

Algal Lime
Algal lime is obtained from a marine algae and is suitable for calcium supplementation in the feed, especially when feeding BARF rations without bone content.
Ideal also for growing puppies or bitches during pregnancy. If bones are fed, the amount must be reduced accordingly so that there is no calcium excess.

 

Brewer's yeast
Brewer's yeast has a unique combinations of nutrients and has been considered a means for beauty since ancient times. Brewer's yeast nourishes skin, hair and nails and also in dogs it can be given as a preventive supplement for healthy skin and shiny coat.

Brewer's yeast is rich in natural B vitamins, trace elements and essential amino acids. It has a probiotic and digestive effect, improves nutrient and vital substance absorption in the intestine, binds toxins and pathogens, supports the mucous protective barrier of the intestine and its non-specific immune system.

Brewer's yeast can be used for eczema, lichen, pustules, and weeping and itching rashes. It is equally effective for fungal skin diseases.

 

Borage oil
Borage oil is obtained from the seeds of Borago officinalis L. (borage plant) .
This particular oil contains high levels of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. It can be applied externally or taken with food. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin diseases and relieves itching. Also ideal for strengthening the immune system and for a shiny coat and healthy skin.

 

Chlorella
Chlorella is a green freshwater microalgae. It has a high content of nutrients such as B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. It also provides the body with fiber and important essential amino acid and fatty acids. Since the alga binds pollutants such as heavy metals and these can then be excreted, it has a detoxifying effect.

 

Cranberries
Cranbarries have a high vitamin C content, are strongly antioxidant - thus protect the cells - and support healing in urinary tract infections. In addition, the Vit C helps to slow down inflammatory processes in the body.

 

Rosehip powder / rosehip peels
Rosehips have a very high content of vitamin C! Dogs can synthesize Vit C themselves, however, it is recommended especially after surgery, longer periods with Mediakamtengabe or older dogs rosehip powder to strengthen the immune system to add! In addition, it has a positive effect on the digestive tract and has a blood purifying effect.
Vitamin C is antioxidant, has a positive effect on inflammation and supports cell renewal.

 

Hemp oil
Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds and contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids as well as an ideal ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids. Together with the containing linoleic acid it becomes anti-inflammatory and strengthens skin and coat.

 

Raspberry leaves
Raspberry leaves are rich in vitamin C, iron and calcium. They are given supportively to pregnant bitches to facilitate delivery. Raspberry leaves have a decongestant and labor-promoting effect. The effect is known not only in animals, but also in us.

 

Deer horn flour
Deer horn flour is obtained from the antlers of deer and is therefore a 100% natural product. It contains no harmful additives, is hypoallergenic and rich in calcium and other minerals such as sodium, magnesium, potassium and iron. It is suitable for supplementation in the feed, especially when bones are not fed in meat feeding.
Deer horn, like bone, naturally contains the optimal ratio of calcium and phosphorus.

 

Coconut fat / coconut oil
Coconut oil is obtained from the dried kernel meat of the coconut. It is rich in nutrients such as iron, phosphorus and zinc. It becomes liquid at approx. 23°C and can be stored for up to 2 years thanks to its high content of saturated fatty acids.

Coconut fat is not stored in the body, but is immediately available for energy metabolism. It promotes nutrient absorption and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, coconut fat relieves the pancreas and liver and can also be fed in pancreatic hypofunction as a source of fat! This is because no enzymes from the pancreas are needed for digestion and also no bile!
More about the miracle weapon coconut you can find in the blog post on the subject!

 

Coconut flakes
In addition to the high content of nutrients, coke flakes or coke shavings in the intestine can act prophylactically against worm infestation.

 

Herbs
Wild and garden herbs should be a regular part of the dog's diet. They provide important secondary plant compounds and omega 3 fatty acids.

Suitable are: Parsley, basil, dill, borage, chervil, lovage, nettle, dandelion, tarragon, alfalfa, goutweed, yarrow, sorrel, field horsetail, rosemary, peppermint, sage

Medicinal herbs such as devil's claw, St. John's wort, raspberry leaf, comfrey, cat's claw, etc. should only be fed for therapeutic measures. More about therapeutic effects of herbs you can find in a separate blog post on the subject!

 

Salmon oil
Salmon oil should be fed 3-4 times a week, especially in BARF feeding.

Salmon oil naturally supplies the daily requirement of essential omega 3 fatty acids. These have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and are necessary as metabolic products DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPH (eicosapentaenoic acid) for the retina, brain, joints and heart.

 

Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is obtained from the liver of cod, codfish or haddock. In addition to iodine and phosphorus, cod liver oil has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids and the fat-soluble vitamins A,D and E. Especially for dogs that are not allowed to be fed offal (e.g. purine-deficient diets), cod liver oil is an optimal substitute. The nutrients support the bone structure, strengthen the immune system and have a positive influence on skin and coat.

But be careful! Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fatty tissue in case of overdose and can have a toxic effect depending on the amount. So always follow the dosage recommendation!

 

Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is obtained from the plant of the same name and contains a high proportion of essential omega 6 fatty acids. In addition, the important linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids are found in the oil. Both can not be sufficiently produced by the body itself and are responsible for healthy skin, a shiny coat and have a strengthening effect on the immune system!

 

Black cumin oil
Black cumin oil belongs to the spices and contains essential oils and fatty compounds and therefore has a very intense smell.
It has a positive effect on the immune system, allergies, fur and skin problems or flatulence. Even in cancer therapy, there are now studies that show an inhibition of tumor growth.

But it is most known as a defense against ticks in dogs and cats. Regularly rub the dog on the ears and in the loin and armpit area with a little oil before going for a walk.
Black cumin oil can also be added to food in small amounts. However, it can cause irritation of the stomach lining in sensitive dogs. Also, in too large a dosage, it can stress the liver and kidneys.

 

Spirulina
Spirulina, like Chlorella, is a microalgae and is particularly rich in nutrients and vital substances. In addition to protein, chlorophyll and nutrients such as calcium, iron and magnesium, spirulina has an alkaline effect on the organism. The alga is said to have multiple, positive effects on the body. Among other things, it supports the metabolism and the oxygen supply of the cells. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, protects against infections and viruses and activates the body's self-healing powers. Like chlorella, spirulina has the ability to bind heavy metals and thus eliminate them from the body. For this it is important to pay attention to the origin of the algae!