Two Important Components for Dogs

They say that a dog is a man’s best friend, but who are dogs’ best friends? In today’s article, we won’t be talking about relationships between living beings. Instead, we’ll be talking about two important components for dogs. These components help to ensure they have as healthy a life as they can.

Our dogs need lots of nutrients and components. However, there are two essential components that are really beneficial for them: acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid. These components are fairly well-known because of their many positive effects. Now, experts are testing their effects on dogs since their brains are so similar to ours.

Benefits of L-carnitine, one of the important components for dogs

L-carnitine is an amino acid that fulfills the function of transporting fats to the place where they’ll be burned and turned into energy. Although we need fats in our diets, as do dogs, they do need to be converted into energy. If they aren’t, you run the risk of becoming overweight or developing certain diseases.

This energy gives dogs the strength to carry out their daily activities. In addition to that, L-carnitine has the following benefits:

• Burns fat when doing physical exercise.
• It’s good for weight loss, in both people and dogs. It can also be taken by those who suffer from diabetes, those with spinal injuries, or those with osteoarthritis.
• It strengthens the immune system.
• Improves cardiac activity using the energy received from fat burning.
• Good for hyperthyroidism, it generates new reserves.
• Essential for sports dogs: hunting, racing, sledding, mushing and others.

By burning fats and converting them into energy, it helps prevent weight gain as well as the risk of heart disease. It helps the dog have a lower degree of body fat, improves the immune system and also helps with fertility. The latter is because L-carnitine is a natural component in semen.

Alpha lipoic acid, benefits for dogs

Alpha lipoic acid is one of the most dog-friendly antioxidants. It plays a very important role in your dog’s health. 

Antioxidants fight free radicals in our body. These are the molecules or atoms that cause our body to age. Because of that, they help:

• The immune system
• Reduce the risk of arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, hip dysplasia, respiratory problems and even cancer.
• Prevent eye diseases such as cataracts or blindness.
• Prevent and treat skin infections.

This antioxidant, which is extremely important for your dog’s health, is found in fruits, vegetables and legumes. Make sure your dog is getting enough of these foods in his diet.

If not, you can talk to your veterinarian. He’ll recommend a different type of dog food. Alternatively, you can also buy a vitamin complex rich in alpha lipoic acid.

Studies show the effects of these antioxidants

FASEB magazine published a study that showed the effects these two antioxidants have on canine health.

The study used older beagle dogs. The dogs had to find pieces of food marked with a yellow clip. 66% of the dogs that took supplements with alpha lipoic acid and L-carnitine were able to complete the test without problems. 

Only 33% of those who maintained a normal diet were able to do it. As they spent more weeks in training, the success rate increased for those who took alpha lipoic acid.

Experts have already shown that these compounds improve memory and energy levels in other animals. Additionally, the studies have shown that it speeds up the mind’s ability to learn new things.

As you see, these two important components for dogs have so many benefits. However, you have to remember to always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements, even if they’re natural ones like these ones.