ANTIOXIDANTS - ANIMAL NUTRITION

Antioxidants are substances that help to keep fats and fat-soluble ingredients (including vitamins A and E) from becoming oxidized. Once a fat is oxidized, it starts to taste rancid and loses much of its nutritional value. Dog and cat foods, which often contain significant levels of fat, are especially susceptible to oxidation. Canned foods are protected because they are airtight, but dry foods need to have antioxidants added to preserve them. If an antioxidant is used, then the common name of the antioxidant must appear on the label, along with a reference to the fact that it is being used as a preservative. There are both natural and artificial antioxidants, and they all work to preserve food from oxidation. The most common artificial antioxidants used in the pet food industry are ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Commonly used natural antioxidants include tocopherols (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid, and rosemary.

GUINEA PIG - VITAMIN C

Guinea pigs do not produce their own vitamin C, but require a good amount need to be supplemented. some vegetables high in Vitamin C can be given on weekly basis.

vegetables high in vitamin C - peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, spinach, kale

vegetables low in vitamin C - beetroot, cucumber, lettuce, radish, sweet potato

Dermatitis in dogs

Itching and scratching are the important symptoms of skin problems in dogs. The dog goes through the scratching to rid their body of an itch and this disturbs you and the dog as the itching continues until proper treatments relieve the underlying problem. Now you must find out the cause of the dog health skin problems. It can be either environmental dermatitis or nutritional dermatitis.
Environmental dermatitis, your vet may ask questions about where the dog sleeps or plays and urinates, what the dog likes to do like dig holes, swim in the pool or roll in the grass. After taking a full history of the dog, vet will start eliminating one thing at a time.The skin disease may have come from dirt, grass or swimming pool. Dogs with thick hair usually lack proper grooming and become a good ground for bacterial growth. Moist eczema or hot spot is the most common form of dermatitis in dogs. It takes time to pinpoint the exact cause because there are so many reasons for the reaction.
Nutritional Dermatitis - Improper and imbalanced nutrition results in nutritional dermatitis in your dog. Poor skin condition and dull coats can come from an improper diet. If you do buy cheap dog food, you may need to supplement the diet with vitamins for prevention of nutritional dermatitis.
Dogs are a part of the family and will be faithful and loving if properly cared. so you should take care of your pet for the sake of its health and your relief as well.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS FOR YOUR PET

Fats are an important source of energy for dogs and cats. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are vital to the normal development and growth of both humans and animals. The term EFA means that the body is unable to produce these fats and they must be obtained in food. They are found in all cell membranes, tissues, and organs of the body. Even before birth, EFA’s are key to normal development of the brain, eyes, and bones. These are the nutrients that have protective properties essential to good health. In animals, there is clear evidence that deficiency of the EFA’s causes disease. Dogs and cats often do not get the daily supply of EFA’s they need. As a result of which the normal growth and development of the brain, eyes, skin, and hair suffers. Researches have proved that supplementing the diets of dogs and cats with EFA’s is an effective way to provide these vital nutrients.The most important of the EFA’s are the long-chained omega-3s, and two of the omega-6s - Gama-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are the important omega-6s. These omega-6 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammory agents in the body and also required to have healthy skin and coats. They are subject to much faster degenerative processes. They are also important to maintaining healthy bones. The long chained omega-3s are found almost exclusively in fish oil. A refined fish oil can provide DHA and EPA more safely than by eating the fish itself. It is too risky to rely on diet alone. Daily small amount of these fats is simple and effective. It eliminates the possibility that EFA deficiency can harm your pet. These are available in the market in liquid form as well. Different companies like Ayurvet, Venky etc are marketing it by the trade name of vitacharm and glossycoat. In my practice i have seen that administartion of these EFA's are very helpful in controlling the skin diseases and other related disorders. So, i always recommend that these EFA's should be added to the diet on daily basis. So that you can your promise to give healthy life to your dog.