Nutrients & Their Sources For Your Dog's Health

[Ilghaus]

This thread will be slow going in as I am combining my notes and posting as I come to new info.
Please recheck from time to time as posts will have modifications and additions put in.

Omega Oils
Good health requires the right ratio of Omega 3 fatty acids to Omega 6 fatty acids in the diet.
Note: If purchasing fatty acid supplements for your dog , they may contain either active or inactive EFAs. Active EFAs are in a form that can be utilized right away while inactive EFAs must first be converted by enzymes. Some dogs because of health problems need additional enzymes added to their diet to be able to convert inactive EFAs.

Reported to help eliminate hot spots
Helps in the recovery of hair loss due to allergy problems

Omega 3
Helps to control skin inflammation
Helps Relieve Itching
Used to give a shiny coats

Activated omega 3 EFAs include
*Cod Liver oil
*Fish body oils such as Salmon oil

Inactive omega 3 EFAs include
*Flaxseed oil
*Hemp seed oil


??--need to verify
*Flax Seed


Omega 6
Aids in the prevention of a dry brittle coat
Replaces moisture in skin cells

Ativated omega 6 EFAs include
*Evening Primrose oil
*Borage oil
*Black Currant oil

Inactive omega 6 EFAs include
*Safflower oil
*Extra Virgin Olive Oil ? Need to verify placement
*Sunflower Oil
*Linoleic Acid

[Ilghaus]

Herbs

Rosemary  --  For thicker hair growth
Sage -- To fight eruptions on the skin, fights dry skin

[Ilghaus]

Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary for the chemical reactions in the body.

Vitamins are divided into two groups:
Fat-soluble (F)-- stored in the liver and fatty tissue
Water-soluble (W)-- if not used within a short time by the body they will excreted in urine. These vitamins need to be replaced daily.


Vitamin A (F)
The main source of Vitamin A is the yellow pigment (carotene) found in plants.

*Liver
*Fish liver oil
*Vegetables

Signs of Deficiencies: Night blindness, retarded growth, poor quality skin and hair


The B Vitamins (W):

Vitamin B1 (thiamin)

*Fruit
*Vegetables
*Meat

Signs of Deficiencies: Loss of appetite, loss of reflexes, loss of nerve control, weakness

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

*Organ meats

Signs of Deficiencies: Poor growth, eye abnormalities, heart failure

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

*Meat
*Meat by-products

Signs of Deficiencies: Loss of appetite and weight, inflamed gums, hemorrhagic diarrhea

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

*Meat
*Vegetables

Signs of Deficiencies: Hair loss, diarrhea, premature graying

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Found in most food sources but subject to damage during processing

Signs of Deficiencies: Anemia, poor growth, skin lesions

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

*Organ meats

Signs of Deficiencies: Macrocytic anemia

Biotin

*Organ Meat

Signs of Deficiencies: Poor hair, dry skin, diarrhea

Folic Acid

*Organ meats

Signs of Deficiencies: Hypoplasia of bone marrow, macrocytic anemia

Vitamin C (W)

*Citrus fruits
*Vegetables

Signs of Deficiencies:


Vitamin D (F) -- "the sunshine vitamin"

*Liver
*Fish Oil

Signs of Deficiencies: Rickets, poor eruption of permanent teeth


Vitamin E (F) -- (mixed tocopherols)
Nourishes and heals the skin

*Cold pressed vegetable oils -- safflower and wheat germ
*Meats -- liver and fat
*Green leafy vegetables

Signs of Deficiencies: Reproductive failure


Viamin K (F)
Naturally manufactured in the intestines by bacterial action

Additional sources:
*Kelp
*Alfalfa
*Egg yolk

Signs of Deficiencies: Increased clotting time and hemorrhage

[Ilghaus]

Minerals

"You can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency."
Linus Pauling, M.D.
Winner of two Nobel Prizes