If you take vitamins and minerals to supplement your diet, the chances are that you have at least thought about doing the same for your pets.
We all like to think that we are getting the nutrition we need from our daily diet, but in this age of processed foods and preservatives that add to shelf life, that is not always the case. Similarly, not all pet foods are created equal.
I like to believe that pet parents feed the best that they can afford and are definitely better educated about their pet’s food than ever before. But, just like people, our fur kids, as they go through various life stages, or suffer from age-related problems, or are recovering from surgery or some kind of health set back, need a dietary boost to improve their overall health and well being.
Back in the Nineties, the big buzzword to boost health was nutraceuticals, a word coined by Dr. Stephen DeFelice, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine (FIM). He defined a nutraceutical as “any substance that is a food or a part of a food and provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease.”
It was in the same time frame that veterinarian Dr. Robert M. Collett began researching the degenerative diseases he was seeing in his patients. And in so doing, he determined that there were significant nutritional deficiencies in pet foods, particularly a lack of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.And a whole lot more … His work led to the formulation of a product line called The Missing Link, formulations of highly concentrated flaxseed-based additives for pet parents to simply add to the food bowl.
We don’t hear much about nutraceutricals any more as this millennium this term has more or less been replaced by a new buzzword, namely “superfoods”.
And, there is no doubt that research done in the past decade really does put these superfoods such as the Missing Link line-up in a category of their own as researchers discover new benefits from natural resources and perfect ways to ensure a stable delivery of such vital nutrients to the food bowl.
I believe that every pet deserves a general wellness check-up every year and this could be a good time to discuss diet, and in particular,any changes or additions to improve over all health.
Nevertheless, there are certain signs look for that that should prompt a veterinary opinion at any time. Common symptoms such as a dry, flaky and often itchy skin and a lack-luster coat are common signs of a possible dietary deficiency of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. While studies have shown that glucosamine, a 2-amino derivative of glucose, and chondroitin, which is found in animal cartilage, including whale and shark cartilage, have a therapeutic effect on joint and cartilage problems in both cats and dogs. Another superfood being promoted for both human and animals are Green Lipped Mussels said to aid join support.
When my late calico cat California was 15 years old, she pulled a ligament in her hind leg. The vet said that she would have been in worse trouble if she had not been taking glucosamine and chondroitin for a number of years. So basically the point I am making is that the benefits are long term …
The patented formulations in the line-up of superfoods from Missing Link offer balanced amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support cardiovascular and intercellular health and also boost nutrient absorption. They contain dietary fiber to promote a healthy digestive system along with various plant nutrients to support overall good health and nutrition. The products are natural and contain no preservatives, corn, wheat, added sugar or any artificial colorants of flavors. The range focuses on skin and coat and joint issues with special emphasis on products for senior dogs and puppies.
In this day and age of everything having to be super convenient, Missing Link superfoods are highly concentrated and in a powder form, making it easy to add to both wet or dry foods. Also it means that a little goes a long way. And, because the products contain live naturally occurring microorganisms must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 90 days of opening.
In the case of California’s accident that resulted in a pulled ligament, it was the vet who determined the injury would have been worse and taken longer to heal if she hadn’t been taking gluconsamine and chrontroitin. But in cases where the issue is a dry flaky skin or a dull fur, it can only take a few weeks to see visible improvement.
Again, anything to do with your pet’s diet needs in-put from your veterinarian who knows your pet well. However, the Missing Link website has a link to the company’s “on site” veterinarian Dr. Gary Clemons. Gary Clemons received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University He is a partner/owner of Milford Animal Hospital and serves as Chairman of the Board of the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Cincinnati.
Take advantage of this web tool to seek advice. There are also products in the lin-up for birds, rabbits and horses. And, while you are on a “health kick” perhaps you should do some research into superfoods that could boost your health too!
This post was sponsored by The Missing Link. However, all opinions are my own. I only write about topics, events and products that I consider readers will consider useful information and relevant to their interests.
If your cat loves to drink water from a running tap, consider getting a drinking fountain for her. Cats in the wild drink running water and a pet drinking fountain recreates this in the home.