Pawstive Health Dog Vitamins, Can They Give Your Dog a Longer Life?

 

If you are a vet or involved in the pet industry, I am sure you have been hearing about the new Pawstive health breed specific dog vitamins. These vitamins contain all of the vitamins and minerals needed for pets and are optimized for specific breeds based on common health problems commonly associated with each breed. Many vets claim these pills can add years on to a pets life by preventing some of the most common ailments that abruptly end a pets life. Only time will tell, but they certainly can't hurt.

We have analysed the foundation ingredients in these products and they seem to be pretty good, but here is an in depth explanation.
Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of a dogs body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression.
Chondroitin is a major part of cartilage – the connective tissue that cushions the joints. Chondroitin occurs naturally and prevents the breakdown and compression of cartilage. It assists in the repair and formation of cartilage. Cartilage remains healthy as chodroitin absorbs fluids into it making it flexible. It reduces pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and improves the functioning of the dog's knee or hip joint. Chondroitin is believed to relieve symptoms of overactive bladders and interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome. It is also recommended for heart diseases. Chondroitin is not found in specific food items and supplements are recommended to make sure your pet can move freely without pain.
Copper is being considered a mineral with immense medical advantages, copper has been used as a supplement in its gluconate form. Copper is one of the most important constituents of the blood and prevents poly – unsaturated fatty acids from turning rancid. Copper also increases the health of the cell membranes and is actively involved in the formation of hemoglobin. Copper Gluconate is instrumental in treating conditions such as irregular beating of the heart, hypoglycemia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and in lowering the cholesterol levels.
Glucosamine Sulfate provides lubrication for healthy joints and helps in arthritic pain. It is helpful in alleviating joint pain and other symptoms. It ensures a natural replacement for aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs that are very dangerous to a dog. It promotes repair in worn-out joints and assists in maintaining normal joint function and resiliency. Studies have shown that glucosamine plays an important role in assisting to keep the joints lubricated. It stimulates manufacturing of glycosaminoglyúcans, which are important structural components in cartilage that line the joints. It also encourages incorporation of sulfur into cartilage. This makes glucosamine sulfate the most effective type. It helps control pain and inflammation of degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis.
Iodine is an important trace element that plays an important role in the normal growth and development. It essential in maintaining a healthy thyroid gland which, kills harmful germs, makes up its own hormone thyroxin, and gives energy. It assists in maintaining a proper metabolic rate which can influence the blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and body weight. It is also important in the utilization of calories for energy. It plays an important role nail and teeth growth. Iodine also aids in the normal growth and maturity of reproductive organs.
Iron is vital to proper nutrition, there are two types, Haem-iron and non-haem iron. Foods rich in haem-iron include meat, liver, fish, and poultry. Foods that are high in non-haem iron are those of vegetable origin, like green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, dry fruits and jiggery. Iron is vital for numerous functions, including hemoglobin formation, brain development and function, muscle activity, regulation of body temperature and catecholamine. Deficiency of iron affects immune system, reduces the number of T-cells and production of antibodies. Iron is also necessary for binding oxygen to body cells as its main function is oxygen transport and cell respiration. It works as an anti-cancer agent. Iron increases energy level, improving physical performance. It prevents insomnia.
Linoleic Acid is an unsaturated omega 6 fatty acid which may be found in olive oil. It helps lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) level, and control blood cholesterol. It prevents clotting which may cause heart problems. Linoleic Acid is also decreases the inflammation and alleviates pain and swelling of arthritis . It improves and promotes lean muscles and regulates blood sugar levels. It also helps improve the immune system and fight against viral and bacterial infections.
Magnesium manipulates polyphosphate compounds, most prominently the DNA, RNA and the ATP. Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium ions to function properly. This metal is not found as a free element naturally on Earth, generally the metal is obtained through electrolysis of magnesium salts. Magnesium can be obtained through vegetables, tea, cocoa, cereals, coffee, nuts and spices.
Manganese is a trace mineral that has long been associated with musculoskeletal health. It activates enzymes that are necessary for the production of collagen and proteoglycan, components of connective tissue. It also aids in the absorption of calcium. It helps prevent the development of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Manganese helps in the digestion and utilization of vitamin E in the body that makes it a potent antioxidant. It fights free radicals from damaging the cells that may lead to premature aging, heart problems and cancer and may help extend the life of a pet.
Potassium is an electrolyte, a substance that maintains the fluid levels in your pet's body. It is helpful in regulating blood pressure and heart function. Research has found that a potassium supplement intake decreased incidence of stroke by 60 percent. It neutralizes acids and restores alkaline salts to bloodstream.  It acts along with sodium cells to maintain or restore membrane potentials. Potassium is also vital for nerve functioning and cardiovascular, and regulates nutrients’ transfer into cells and adds to muscle energy. It also helps recuperative powers, besides regulating water balance. Potassium is beneficial for eliminating wastes. It is helpful in controlling headaches and convulsions, and quickens healing of cuts, bruises and other injuries.
Vitamin A- Otherwise known as retinol is the vitamin which helps the eyes to adjust to changes in light levels as well as keeping the eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist. Vitamin A is very hard for a pet to get as it comes mainly from meats. Retinol has antioxidant properties that help to repair tissue and cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals.
Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin that also helps with energy with no known toxic effects if taken with other members of the vitamin B complex.
Vitamin B12 is a potent vitamin that needs only a little amount of dosage to work efficiently. It is sometime referred to as “cobalamin” because of its cobalt contents. It plays an important role in the production of protein from amino acids, maintenance of nervous system, growth and development, and in the production of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It helps prevent anemia because it promotes the production and formation of healthy red blood cells. It also protects the myelin in the nervous system that enables them to function properly that promotes mental clarity, and prevent memory loss. It is also important in cell replication, and proper metabolism of energy.
Vitamin B3, commonly called Niacin, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide and also helps your pet have more energy.
Vitamin B6- There are three traditionally considered forms of vitamin B6: pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), pyridoxamine (PM), all of which help your dog have more energy.
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic (a-SKOR-bik) acid, is needed for many functions in your pet's body, including helping to use carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Vitamin C is found in most citrus fruits and green vegetables and is a strong antioxidant.
Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is a secosteroid and is structurally similar to steroids, such as testosterone and cholesterol. Depending upon its biochemistry and physiology, it has both inactive ( unhydroxylated cholecalciferol ) and active ( hydroxylated cholecalciferol at 1 and 25 position)forms. The active form is actually a hormone and thus has profound effects. It maintains the proper functioning of several organs but its major function is to increase the blood calcium and phosphorus level by promoting their absorption from the intestines and then later to promote the reabsorption of calcium form the glomerular filtrate in the kidneys. In this way it has profound effects on the health of the bones by not only supporting the remodeling process but also proper bone mineralization.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is known for protecting the tissues of your pet's body from damage caused by free radicals.
Zinc is a mineral that is present in every cell in your dog's body. It is good for maintaining a healthy skin. It promotes healing of wounds. Zinc improves the immune system by activating white blood cells to fight against infections, virus, and even cancers. It also helps improve the brain functions such as memory retention. It may also help in the formation and development of muscles.
Overall, this is a pretty good formula and would definately help replace some of the vitamins and minerals that a dog definately needs and can not get from typical "dry" pet foods alone. Considering the cost of a simple checkup at your vet, these dog vitamins would definately be a low cost safety precaution to help keep a dog healthier.

Comments (1)

sandy
Said this on 5-31-2010 At 07:17 pm
Yes, these are great, my dog loves them and I really notice that he has more energy and less pain from his arthritis.
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