Supplements show increasing prevalence across pet food markets
The percentage of people who take dietary supplements has reached an all-time high: 77% of adults take some form of vitamins or minerals to augment their diets. This trend extends to our pets as well, with more pet owners than ever adding supplements to their dog and/or cat’s regular diets.
Many pet owners supplement their pet’s diet to increase palatability, improve health or increase the nutritional quality. When our pets aren’t feeling their best, inadequate nutrition may be a root cause. All of which has led to an increasing demand for pet food supplements.
Fish Oil is a very popular pet food supplement, for many of the same reasons it appeals to humans. Studies show that it can support proper lipid balance in the skin1, reduce inflammation, and help boost the body’s ability to identify and destroy cancerous cells2. This is thanks to the abundant supply of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.
Turmeric is a spice that humans have benefited from for years. It’s long been known for its anti-inflammatory properties; popular for people suffering from conditions like arthritis. The same holds true for cats and dogs, too. Many pet owners feel that turmeric may reduce the risk of cancer in their animals by reducing or preventing cell damage from various kinds of oxidative stress3 and reducing the inflammatory response4.
Blueberries are an easy, convenient treat for dogs and cats5. They’re packed with vitamin C and K, fiber, and certain antioxidants which bolster the immune system. In fact, blueberry powder is already an ingredient in some pet foods and pet food supplements.
Seaweed is a common supplement in diets looking to introduce some “greens”. Seaweed is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals which helps maintain healthy skin and coats6. It is also easily digestible and, depending on the species, has been indicated in improving gut motility and reducing carbohydrate absorption.
While supplementing can improve the quality of pet diets or add functional benefits, feeding a high-quality diet will provide all of the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that your pet needs.
NaturPak Pet’s wet foods come packed with protein and all of the nutrients a pet needs. Many wet pet food products on the market in Recart already contain these supplements to provide added benefits. Besides providing nutritive benefits, adding supplements to recipes increases marketplace variety and consumer appeal. With a dedicated Research & Development lab, NaturPak Pet is focused on the development and manufacture of complete and balanced wet pet food products, using fresh and whole food ingredients. For more information on the benefits of NaturPak Pet food, contact a representative today.
Scientific References:
- Xue, Bingzhong, et al. “Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids antagonize macrophage inflammation via activation of AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.” PloS one 7.10 (2012).
- Siddiqui, Rafat A., et al. “Omega 3-fatty acids: health benefits and cellular mechanisms of action.” Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry 4.8 (2004): 859-871.
- Hutchins-Wolfbrandt, Amanda, and Anahita M. Mistry. “Dietary turmeric potentially reduces the risk of cancer.” Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 12.12 (2011): 3169-3173.
- Bachmeier B, Mohrenz IV, Mirisola V, et al (2008). Curcumin downregulates the inflammatory cytokines CXCL1 and -2 in breast cancer cells via NFκB. Carcinogenesis, 29, 779-89.
- Howell, A. B. “Update on health benefits of cranberry and blueberry.” IX International Vaccinium Symposium 810. 2008.
- BROWNLEE, Iain, FAIRCLOUGH, Andrew, HALL, Anna and PAXMAN, Jenny (2012). The potential health benefits of seaweed and seaweed extract. In: POMIN, Vitor H., (ed.) Seaweed : ecology, nutrient composition and medicinal uses. Marine Biology : Earth Sciences in the 21st Century . Hauppauge, New York, Nova Science Publishers, 119-136.