WHY SUPPLEMENTS ARE A GOOD IDEA

Since pet foods are considered to be "100% Complete," it would seem that nutritional supplements would be unnecessary. But that is incorrect on three counts. One, "complete" foods are not complete. Two, even if they were, the toll processing and time takes on nutrients makes them far less than they started out to be. And three, it is simply not possible to get a sufficient dose of some important nutrients on a processed food and have them remain viable for any length of time.

Supplementing is like an insurance policy.

For those preparing home meals with fresh and natural foods, insurance is a good idea as well. No modern food is perfect even if it is all raw. The only perfect food for carnivores is that which they would themselves find and eat in the wild, given an adequate supply of their natural prey.

Supplementation can help deliver an array of beneficial nutrients that have not been degraded by processing. Supplements can optimize nutrients to protect against and reverse disease, and increase lifespan. They can also help neutralize toxins from the environment and from food.

Given the remarkable history of safety and benefits of supplements (hundreds of thousands of scientific proofs exist in the literature), there is no reason not to give your pet (or your family) these advantages.

It is not necessary that all of these supplements be given at every meal. Think of them as a food choice. Just like you do not have only one food in the refrigerator or pantry for your family, neither should you for your pet. Such supplements provide a nutrient condiment insurance arsenal when health is present, and a nutritional adjunct for specific conditions when stress occurs or health is compromised.

Video: Zeeleeuw does sit-ups

He's a long way from a six pack, but you have to appreciate the effort!...

Thought for the day: "In a world lit only by reason, disease would be an oddity."

Phrase of the day: 'optimal nutrition' - Nutrition that provides the best levels and balances of nutrients to achieve optimal health. Since nobody knows precisely what levels of which nutrients are required for any given person or animal, it is best to rely on natural foods. However, unless natural foods are consumed in variety and in their fresh and unadulterated state, there can be no certainty if optimal nutrition is being achieved. The best option, therefore, is to try to achieve the ideal diet but, in addition, use supplements that respect nature as an insurance policy.