Glossary of Nutritional Terms

Nutrition & Supplementation:

Amino Acids – Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein that are necessary for life. Protein is composed of 25 known amino acids, of these 10 or 11 are essential and cannot be produced by the dog's body. These 10 or 11 essential amino acids can only be obtained through what the dog eats. Many amino acids are available only from animal sources or proteins. If grains are the main source of protein in a dog food it is possible that the dog may suffer from an animal protein deficiency which can lead to a number of diseases.

Antioxidants – Antioxidants are special nutrients that protect the body from the invasion of free radicals. There are good free radicals and bad free radicals,antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium are good free radicals. Bad free radicals, like ethoxyquin, are responsible for the oxidation of body processes. They destabilize cells that keep the body in balance. Antioxidants, or good free radicals,work to clean up the bad free radicals in a cell's interior so that the dog can live a longer, healthier life.

Appetite Enhancers – Appetite enhancers are designed to help improve the appetite of dogs who are finicky eaters. When added to the food they improve the taste and enhance the dog's appetite.

Brewers Yeast – Provides extra protein, trace minerals, salts, chromium and selenium to the diet. Also contains low potencies of the B Vitamins, which may help with repelling fleas.

Calcium – Calcium is needed for proper bone, tooth and jaw development. Calcium also helps in regulating heartbeat, proper functioning of the nervous system, and blood clotting. Calcium helps to maintain correct balances of sodium, potassium and magnesium. It is also needed for the utilization of phosphorus and Vitamins A, C and D. Calcium competes with phosphorous in the intestine for absorption so it is important that the correct ratio of Phosphorous to Calcium be given if it is being supplemented. It is also important that calcium levels be monitored, too much calcium can be just as dangerous and create the same symptoms or problems as too little. These symptoms may include lameness, pain in joints and improper growth of long bones. Dogs that are calcium deficient may crave milk products as well as raw vegetables and fruit.

Digestive Enzymes – Digestive enzymes are enzymes that break down and digest food. Some dogs have enzyme deficiencies so they are not able to properly breakdown and utilize all of the food they eat. Some foods contain more enzymes than others. Cooked foods are almost completely deficient in enzymes, which are destroyed during the processing. This means that more of the dogs own enzymes have to be used in order to digest the food. If the bodies enzymes are constantly being used and never replenished the body will eventually break down.

Digestive Tract Conditioners – (See also Lactobacillus Acidophilus) Digestive Tract Conditioners contain billions of friendly active micro-organisms needed to normalize the intestinal flora. They replenish the good bacteria needed for a healthy digestive system.

Electrolytes – Electrolytes help to prevent dehydration and muscle tie–up. They help to maintain proper fluid balance in the blood and tissues and replace essential minerals and vitamins lost due to stress. Electrolytes are especially helpful in warmer climate and on hot summer days when dehydration is a potential problem for stressed or working dogs.

Fatty Acids & Coat Conditioners – Vitamin F (unsaturated fatty acids – linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic) promotes healthy skin and coat. These fatty acids are essential for a healthy life and are available only through what your dog eats. Fatty acids have also been credited with preventing cholesterol buildup, influencing glandular activity and making calcium available to cells. They also help to combat heart disease and burn saturated fats.

High–Calorie Supplements – These high-calorie, nutrient dense supplements help provide added protein and quality nutrition to picky eaters. They also act as an extra source of energy for sick, under-weight, stressed or working dogs. Nutritionists use the term calories to measure how much energy is produced by individual foods. If your dog is provided with a sufficient number of calories, his body will be able to produce energy for growth, maintenance, the production of enzymes and the ability to fight disease. If the correct calories are not provided,your dog will be unhealthy and short lived. Each dog requires a different number of calories in order to stay healthy, a dog should be fed according to his/ or her individual caloric needs.

Joint Support Supplements – Most of these supplements contain glucosamine hydrochloride and/ or shark cartilage which aid in the function and formulation of healthy connective tissue which in turn leads to better joint health, structure and support.

Kelp – Kelp provides Iodine which is needed for correct functioning of the thyroid gland. It is important that the thyroid gland function properly in order to maintain overall health, metabolism, skin and coat. Kelp also contains some protein, calcium, potassium and B vitamins. Kelp is used to improve pigmentation, healthy skin and coat, and to promote proper thyroid function.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus – Acidophilus is a beneficial and naturally occurring bacterium that lives in the intestinal tract which helps to keep fungi and microbes from growing. Acidophilus can be killed when antibiotics are given, leaving an environment where yeast and fungi can grow and cause diarrhea. This natural bacteria must then be replenished. Acidophilus can be found in good quality yogurts, kefir and in supplemental form.

Multiple Vitamins & Mineral Mixes – The purpose of these mixes are to supplement diets that are deficient in vitamins and minerals. Many dogs are in need of extra supplementation but it is important to keep in mind that more is not necessarily better. Over supplementing a dog can cause many problems as well.

Plant Protein – Plant proteins are rich in vitamins and minerals. Vegetable proteins alone are incomplete and unbalanced, but can be mixed with complete proteins to provide adequate amounts of essential amino acids.