Supplements for Longevity

To increase longevity and maintain quality of life there are several supplements that can be added to the raw meaty diet, which includes:

-Vitamins B complex

-Vitamin C

-Vitamin E

-Selenium

-Kelp

-Phytogreens such as: spirulina, wheat grass, alfalfa, chorella

-Probiotics

-Digestive Enzymes

-Fish oil (eg: salmon or cod liver oil)

-Flaxseed, blackcurrant, borage seed oil

These supplements when added to a raw meaty bone diet assist the body to remain disease free and active. 

Essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and live enzymes are also found in raw meat, bone, offal, fresh fruits and vegetables.  However, in order for our cats and dogs to digest and absorb these highly beneficial nutrients, the fruit and vegetables need to be crushed or pulped using a blender or ideally put through a juicing machine.  (Billinghurst 1993) 

If fruit and vegetables are offered to our pets without crushing them, the nutrients will simply pass through the digestive tract and be wastefully eliminated. 

Juicing fruit and vegetables is not just beneficial to our pets but for us too.  The nutrients obtained and absorbed into the body from a fresh juice are far superior to eating them in their whole, raw or cooked state.

According to author of, 'The Complete Holistic Dog Book,' probiotics and digestive enzymes should be added to the diet on a regular basis.  To ensure, in particular, our older cats and dogs achieve good digestion and absorption of all nutrients, probiotics and digestive enzymes should be part of the long-term diet plan. 

In old age, even after a lifetime of good quality raw food, there is still some wear and tear in the body, which requires extra care to maintain.  Digestive enzymes taken on an empty stomach are an excellent anti-inflammatory.

 

Other important additions to the older pet’s diet include:

     Co enzyme Q10 which is a powerful antioxidant

     Spirulina, a single celled organism that is packed full of vitamins minerals and protein

     Psyllium husks, which can help our older pets, maintain normal bowel movement.

      

Common problems in the older adult to senior pet can include:

Muscle Atrophy

As older cats and dogs can begin to suffer from muscle atrophy, this can be slowed and alleviated by adding a supplement of MSM, B complex vitamins and Co enzyme Q10.

Senility

In old age, just like in humans there may be some behavioral, neurological changes, which can be treated on a long-term basis with the herbal supplement Gingko biloba.

Separation Anxiety

An older pet may become more reliant on their human companions and as a result may become anxious when left alone.  Valerian is a popular herb used for cats and dogs to relax them and reduce nervous behavior.

Skin changes

The skin in an older pet may become more dry than usual.  At this stage more essential fatty acids included in the diet will help this condition.  Vitamin E oil can also be rubbed into badly dry skin to assist healing and to alleviate discomfort.

It is also important to mention that in the aging process, dogs and cats become more sensitive to drugs.  This is due to a reduction in organ function such as the liver and kidneys. (Allegretti et al 2003).

In my own experience, my cats’ health greatly improved once I stopped relying on veterinary drugs and started applying alternative healing methods such as herbs, dietary supplements and acupuncture.  My 18 year-old cat is regularly treated for his well used, worn joints with supplements and acupuncture.  His sinusitis is treated with dietary supplements, which boost the immune system. His asthma is almost a thing of the past thanks again to the correct combination of dietary supplements, which goes hand in hand with the raw meaty bone diet. 

It is also interesting to note that senior dogs and cats require more protein than younger dogs.  Extra protein supports a hard working immune system, promotes cell division and maintains enzyme activity, all of which can decline with age.  As a result, more high quality human grade protein should be added to the diet. (Allegretto et al 2003) 

This however contradicts what the commercial pet companies promote.  The majority of pet foods aimed at senior cats and dogs have less protein, less fat and more carbohydrate in the form of more low quality grain. (Hodgkins 2007)

If there is a loss of appetite in our older dog or cat, B complex vitamins can be added to stimulate eating.  (Allegretti et al 2003). Another supplement, which can assist appetite, is the herb, alfalfa and a homeopathic remedy 'calcarea phosphorica.' (Pitcairn et al 2005)