Diet is often enough to meet our body’s nutritional requirements; however, dietary supplements may fill any gaps caused by lifestyle, age or illness.
Calcium is essential to bone health, while Vitamin D aids absorption. Furthermore, several nutrients have been linked to cartilage health including magnesium and boron.
Brain & Heart Support
Milk provides our bodies with essential vitamins and minerals. In particular, it’s an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D – the latter of which plays an integral role in bone health by helping prevent osteoporosis, improving immunity, boosting heart health and even helping prevent allergies – yet recent research suggests that high doses may not provide more benefits than moderate ones.
Milk is an excellent source of protein. Additionally, it is rich in omega-three fatty acids – essential for brain functioning and memory – as well as choline, an essential nutrient which assists muscle movement while aiding the production of neurotransmitters by the brain.
Experts advise choosing skim or low fat milk due to its reduced saturated fat, which may lower cardiovascular disease risks, over full-fat products with added saturated fat. Furthermore, those looking to control their weight should avoid flavored milk which often contains added sugars or other unhealthful ingredients; and supplements which claim to provide similar nutrition may not always deliver.
Digestive Support
Milk and dairy foods contain numerous digestion aids, such as vitamin D for calcium absorption, riboflavin to promote bone health, and protein for digesting fats and carbohydrates. According to a 2015 study in Gut, these nutrients can also improve gut microbiota.
Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are vitally important to digestive tract health, according to the NIH. They help your body break down carbohydrates you eat into energy that your body can use, form red blood cells and absorb iron more effectively; without enough of these vitamins in your system anemia could develop quickly.
Dairy milk is an excellent source of iron and contains lactoferrin, a protein which stimulates bone-formation cells (osteoblasts) while inhibiting those responsible for bone resorption (osteoclasts). Furthermore, milk components such as transgalactooligosaccharides and galactose have been demonstrated to promote calcium absorption through increased intestinal permeability.
Joint Support
Joint supplements may help to ease inflammation caused by arthritis and degenerative joint disease in dogs. They’re most effective when given over a prolonged period, serving both to promote healthier joints as well as help alleviate existing issues like osteoarthritis (OA).
Glucosamine and chondroitin have become two of the most sought-after ingredients in joint supplements due to being natural components of cartilage – which cushions joints when they move. Many joint supplements also include omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA or EPA which support healthy cell formation including cartilage formation in your joints.
One popular supplement is OptiMSM, which provides anti-inflammatory benefits and supports healthy joint function. Hyaluronic acid can also provide anti-inflammation and may help promote skin and coat health; both options come as soft chews with beefy flavoring or tablets designed for small, medium, and large breed dogs.
