VitaHound

Cleaning Dog Teeth and Periodontal Health

bigdog — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:55:40 +0000

A dog’s health is influenced by the condition of their teeth and gums. Cleaning a dog’s teeth properly requires an understanding of the factors that cause a dog’s oral health to suffer. The accumulation of plaque and tarter on a dog’s teeth and gums encourages the onset of periodontal disease. The symptoms of this disease are visible in the dog’s gum tissue, swollen and inflamed gums indicate the gums are receding and pockets of harmful bacteria have reached very unhealthy levels. Bacteria flourishes in the presence of plaque, eventually plaque attracts calcium salts producing a mineralized substance known as tarter. Untreated plaque and tarter builds up between gum tissue and the bone structure of the dog’s teeth causing separation. The separation causes pockets to form producing a reservoir of saliva. These pockets increase the unhealthy bacteria load in dog’s oral bacterial flora causing the rate of plaque formation to reach levels detrimental to a dog’s overall health. Controlling the levels of harmful bacteria in a dog’s mouth interrupts the unhealthy progression of plaque and tarter on a dog’s teeth and gums.

Canine dentistry cleanings remove surface plaque and tarter reducing the damaging effects on a dog’s general health, however recent advancements in the understanding of dog’s oral biochemistry has resulted in alternative treatments. All natural sprays and gels have been developed for continual use in canine oral care.

These products utilize powerful antioxidants combined with natural antiseptics; the combination of these substances creates an effective treatment for a dog’s oral hygiene care, VitaHound Currently recommends the use of Petzlife products for cleaning a dog’s teeth. The formulations compatibility with the chemistry in a dog’s saliva enables the natural antiseptics to integrate into the saliva and act as an antibacterial agent.

The consistent use of these sprays and gels establishes the products antibacterial agents as a primary component in the dog’s oral bacterial flora. The antibacterial agents are distributed below the gumline into the pockets of bacteria loaded saliva, the agents destroy the harmful bacteria preventing the formation of plaque at the source.

The products continued use unburdens the dog’s gum tissue from the damaging effects of destructive bacteria, allowing the tissue to assist in providing for a dog’s overall oral health. Receding gums from disease is a common factor in tooth loss. When plaque and tartar accumulates on your dog’s teeth, swollen and inflamed gums may cause the teeth to bleed. If this problem is not treated, it can lead to receding gum lines and the ligaments which hold the teeth in may become damaged, eventually causing the teeth to fall out.

bigdog — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:58:28 +0000

VitaHound’s organization was founded to dramatically improve the availability of modern dog health science. The VitaHound Corporation is staffed with research experts dedicated to the discovery and development of dog health care products and information. Our site provides current articles regarding dog health, nutrition and the products that best deliver results. The pet industries humanization of pets is an attempt to both improve pet care and treatment while increasing the amount of money people are willing to spend on these new members of the family. Dog loving groups ranging from university veterinarian research departments to knowledgeable dog groomers are attempting to meet the growing demand for information on improving their canine’s quality of life. It’s not surprising the modern dog owner is willing to spend the time, effort, and money to improve their beloved hounds well being, however the majority of these resources are spent with the owner’s veterinarian. In other words, dog owners are still waiting until their dog’s physical condition is noticeably affected by an ailment before seeking a remedy. The term “dog symptoms” is googled 165,000 times a month while “dog health care” is only searched 33,000, prevention still lags treatment among dog owners interest. VitaHound’s objective is to accommodate the growing market of dog owners seeking a life style of prevention and healthy habits for their pooches. Our staff monitors a wide variety of organizations in the canine medical research and information industry, unfortunately one commonality in these organization’s forums is the lack of information on the most current dog health science. Owner’s enthusiasm for their dog’s health and well being has created a market for information on modern canine health care, diet, and products; however the growth of this market is blunted by the desire of groups providing information in this market to constantly recommend older unappealing methods of care. A recent article in Dog Fancy magazine represents the missed opportunity to help dog owners adopt modern dog health care approaches; in their Healthy Dog section they printed an article titled MAGGOT THERAPY. The article described the use of medical-grade maggots to sterilize wounds and assist the healing process, while this type of stuff is interesting it distorts the perception of owners that a modern approach either exists or is the most prudent means to canine health. VitaHound experienced this barrier while promoting the practice of always taking a dog’s temperature when an owner suspects their hound is not feeling well. The first step in supporting and improving your dog’s health is knowing how he feels. Canines instinctively try to hide signs of weakness from illness, exhaustion, or even injury. For this reason owners need a quick method to determine if there hounds are not feeling well. This method is taking a dog’s temperature, in fact your dog’s temp is as good as having a talking dog to determine how he is feeling. IF you google ” taking a dog’s temperature” all ten first page listings are articles explaining the method of taking a dog’s rectal temperature; requiring 2 people and petroleum jelly. A $40.00 pet ear thermometer is just as if not more effective, an animal’s ear drum is an accurate measure of an animals body temperature. The point is if your dog is slow to get up when you summon him for a walk, are your going to be motivated to check his temperature, not if you’ve referenced the so called authority websites for the proper method. VitaHound believes while the 17 million monthly google searches of the term “health care” are aimed at human health care the 80 million households that own cats and dogs are currently looking for reliable sources of modern health care information to apply to a healthy lifestyle for their hounds. VitaHound’s readers are consistently discovery valuable dog health care research along with easy to understand instructions on how to best utilize the findings.

Bad Breath in Dogs Caused by Unhealthy PH Levels

bigdog — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:20:51 +0000

The proper PH levels in dog’s mouth are responsible for preventing the unhealthy conditions that affect a dog’s teeth and gums. These conditions include plaque and tarter, gingivitis, and bad breath in dogs. Healthy PH levels in a dog’s mouth assist in the healing and regeneration of the oral tissue that supports the structure of a dog’s teeth. Cleaning a dog’s teeth involves the mechanical removal of dental plaque and tarter from a dog’s teeth by the physical process of brushing, while this traditional method of oral hygiene reduces a dog’s bad breath and chance of developing gingivitis it does not improve the health of the tissue in a dogs mouth.
Bad breath in dogs is a symptom of high levels of harmful bacteria present in the pockets of saliva located below the gums line where brushing does not reach, both brushing and saliva fail to neutralize acids (pH Levels) inside microscopic fissures on chewing surfaces causing the demineralizing of the dog’s tooth. pH level below 5.5 in the dog’s mouth supports much higher levels of bacterial colonies. A dog’s saliva acts as a buffer, altering the pH level the dog’s mouth preventing plaque from attaching to the dog’s teeth and assisting in the mineralizing of the tooth’s surface. The components of a dog’s saliva is designed to control external bacteria via licking wounds, but lacks the ability to overcome the effects a dog’s diet has on their mouths pH level.
Utilizing dog oral care sprays and gels that help control the pH level of dog’s oral flora can significantly lower the level of harmful bacteria in their mouth. This eliminates the bad breath in dogs that results from the presence of this harmful bacteria.

Canine Joint Supplements

bigdog — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:15:55 +0000

Today’s canine joint supplements have reached a level of efficacy that truly returns a dog’s mobility to near normal. No question canine joint products vary in quality, however dog owners need only understand a few simple aspects of how a dog’s bones are connected to each other. The biochemical function of a dog’s joints is the target of joint supplements; this article briefly explains how to identify the most advanced formulations. The most effective dog joint supplements are devised to treat the entire cycle of cartilage degradation in addition to rebuilding the joints strength. Modern advanced biochemistry has identified synergistic combinations of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support joint integrity and function, these superior formulations are ideal for active and senior dogs with Degenerative Joint Disease. Past joint support products and current less expensive formulations contain one or two active ingredients and may offer some benefit, however they lack the ability to fully support joint health.

Today’s family pet experiences a level of health care far above any level in the past, nevertheless a dog’s lack of mobility is still a common condition that leads to a dog being euthanized. Today’s joint supplements offer a real method for preventing the pain, stiffness, and eventually lameness aging dog’s suffer from. Innovative supplements now utilize carefully balanced formulations of five or more compounds proven to support cartilage growth and reduce inflammation. More and more dog owners are finding the joint supplements be powerful treatments for their aging dog’s joint issues. The highest degree of joint support is achieved by supplements that include these primary elements:
Glucosamine HCl, an amino sugar produced naturally in the body whose primary function is to stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) in the articular cartilage.
MSM (Menthyl-Sulfonyl-Methane), a natural anti-inflamatory and analgesic whose levels in the body decrease with age.
EPA and DHA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid), anti-inflamatory omega-3 fatty acids that work by inhibiting inflammatory prostaglandins.
The first step in treating joint deterioration is understanding the principal role of synovial fluid and its friction reducing function. Arthritic joints develop when the synovial fluid and cartilage are broken down by free radicals, enzymes, and other substances. The synovial fluid loses viscosity and its ability to provide nutrients to cartilage is reduced. Cartilage then becomes brittle and weak. The undernourished joint cells (chondrocytes), which make up the cartilage, cluster and die, and the resulting disruption in joint cell activity initiates degeneration and inflammation. The affected animal experiences pain, within the cycle of cartilage degradation, there are two phases that contribute most to joint pain: 1) inflammation leading to cartilage loss, and 2) decreased joint lubrication and nutrition. After the initial insult to the joint, the body tries to fix itself. In the process, white blood cells from the immune system release free radicals that cause further damage and inflammation.
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during biological processes such as breathing and digestion. Free radicals are also the result of environmental factors including injury or infection. Once active, the free radical steals electrons from molecules in many body tissues and cells. Free radical damage has been linked to many diseases including arthritis. Joint tissue cells may be damaged by free radicals as your pet gets older, which often explains the stiffness associated with aging. Reducing the negative forces of free radicals is accomplished via supplementing the diet with OPC flavonoids (bioflavanols), which are potent antioxidants, to protect against damaging free radicals and enzymes. Antioxidants remove or neutralize the reactive free radical. Antioxidants benefit the joint tissues by providing greater flexibility, strength and endurance. They may improve the immune response and healing and may also reduce inflammation caused by free radicals. VitaHound recommends utilizing two different supplements, employing one for reducing the impact of free radicals and one for joint support that includes antioxidant elements targeted to joint tissue.
Comprehensive joint support formulations contain some well-known nutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, zinc, and cysteine (sulfur source). These are necessary for maintenance and proper synthesis of joint tissues. All four support the body’s antioxidant defenses as well.

Anesthesia Considerations in Cleaning Dogs’ Teeth

bigdog — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:17:24 +0000

Dogs and cats need to be anesthetized for lengthy painful surgical procedures; however general anesthesia is now being routinely used as a chemical restraint in short-duration treatments. A majority of veterinarians now consider a typical dog teeth cleaning cause for the dog to be unconscious. While the veterinarian profession asserts the need to evaluate the dog’s cardiovascular and respiratory condition in combination to their medical history, many believe a complete examination is unnecessary and may only do a simple blood test. Because the cost of cleaning a dog’s teeth is already on the upper limit of a many dog owner’ budgets, even the simple biochemical assessment to analyze various elements in a dog’s blood is being skipped. Although there is evidence that longer and more involved procedures place dogs at greater risk, short-duration procedures are not inherently safe. Anesthesia used during short-duration procedures can contribute to complications and even and death. Since the short duration of dog teeth cleaning procedures does not reduce the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory derangements associated with anesthesia it is irresponsible to take short cuts aimed at cost savings.

Treating Dog Osteoarthritis with Supplements for Dogs

bigdog — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:01:50 +0000

Today’s dog owner is realizing their pet shares several of the health conditions that humans suffer from. The American dog’s standard of living is both extending their lifespan and creating a lifestyle that encourages many of the conditions human’s experience. Millions of American men and women suffer from one form or another of arthritis; a painful, frequently debilitating and potentially crippling disease of the joints. Twenty five percent of the 55 million dogs in the U.S. are affected by some level of this disease. A vast majority of canine arthritis instances fall into the category of osteoarthritis commonly referred to as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease. This condition causes a degradation of a dog’s joints, including articular cartilage and the subchondral bone. Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes an effusion.

The physical wear and tear on a dog’s joints develops gradually as a consequence of several factors including lifestyle, inherited mechanical abnormalities (genetics), and the absence of nutrients important to bone structure. The well-known Genetically inherited malformation, hip dysplasia, is fairly difficult to prevent, however recent advancements in canine nutrition provide supplements capable of preventing the various other forms of the disease. Arthritic symptoms present in larger joints typically involve stiffness in the shoulder and elbows of dogs, and is regularly observed in its early stages allowing for its effective treatment. The diseases presence in the smaller joints and the spine generally progresses unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. Supplements formulated to support a dog’s joint physiology are very effective at preventing the damaging effects of arthritis and aging have on their joints.

As dog’s age their cartilage erodes, the cartilage is a smooth tissue that protects the ends of bones from rubbing directly against one another within the moveable joint. The cartilage may be worn down to the point where the bones come into contact with each other at the joint. The bones contact with other bone results in inflammation and a disfiguring of the socket causing the joint to experience sever pain and weakness. The result is stiffness and a reduction in dog’s physical activity, the area of the effected joint will be warm and tender to the touch. The lack of physical strain results in muscle atrophy as dog compensates for the pain caused by using the limb. Untreated, the condition eventually leads to the dog losing the ability to effectively use the limb. Since the lively hood of our pet dogs requires their ability to get around without assistance, arthritis can easily be the reason for a dog to being euthanized.

A dog’s joints consist of cartilage, ligaments, bone, synovial tissue, and synovial fluid. Osteoarthritis affects the ability of these joint components to function without pain and inflammation. Dog supplements formulated to support the health of the various bone, tissue, and fluids involved in dog’s joints can significantly reduce the impact of canine osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis is incurable the emergence of powerful formulations to support dog joint health are proving effective at minimizing the diseases impact on their physical mobility. These advanced all natural products utilize the compounds glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega unsaturated fatty acids. Dog owners need to seek out canine joint supplements that use the best types and combination of ingredients known to support the structure and function of joints.

It is essential for dog supplements designed to advance the health of a dog’s bones and joints to contain the following ingredients.

Glucosamine HCL derived from Aspergillus Niger is the best form of glucosamine for building a dog’s joint cartilage. This form of glucosamine enhances the processes in a dog’s body that manufacture collagen, this substance is the most abundant protein in dogs and is the main component of their connective tissue. Additionally it contributes to the function of synovial fluid’s capacity to lubricate a dog’s joints.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic form of sulfur, a mineral that is necessary for the production of proteins in a dog’s body. Sulfur is necessary for the formation of a dog’s skin and coat, muscle, bone, teeth, cartilage, and the hormone insulin. MSM’s secondary benefits are the results of its ability to synergistically react with the vitamin C in the synthesis of collagen.

Hyaluraonic Acid is a component of a dog’s connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate. It is a primary component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and reduces friction between bones for healthy, pain-free join movement.

Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from radical damage. It is anti-inflammatory, it supports the circulatory system, and it promotes healthy skin and coat, especially when MSM is present.

Boron is involved in proper bone structure and strength, and has been used effectively in the treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis. It appears to have a regulatory effect on calcium and potassium metabolism.

Bromelain is an enzyme that helps to inhibit pro-inflammatory compounds, which reduces pain and swelling. It has been found to be very effective in helping to control the progression of degenerative joint diseases.

Vitamin C contributes to the synthesis of collagen, and to the synthesis of a neurotransmitter that is critical to brain function and temperament. It is important to bone growth and mineralization, and it may help to prevent hip dysplasia.

Manganese is an essential trace element that enhances the effectiveness of Glucosamine. It is responsible for the activation of a number of enzymes, such as enzymes required for the synthesis of proteoglycans that are utilized in the formation of healthy cartilage and bone. It is essential for a healthy immune system.

Omega 3, 6, & 9 essential fatty acids reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis and alleviate joint stiffness. They are useful in the prevention of cardiac problems, and they help to maintain proper eye function. They are also very helpful in restoring a dull dry coat and reducing the symptoms of allergic dermatitis.

Several medical and surgical treatments are available to relieve the pain dogs experience with this disease. But dog owners interested in both improving the a dog’s joint health and or treating existing osteoarthritis are using the advanced formulations found in the canine joint supplements.

Dog Supplements Benefit the Domesticated Canine Physiology

bigdog — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:29:27 +0000

Dog Supplements

Today’s domesticated dog suffers many of the nutrient deficiencies of their human owners. The family dog’s physical well-being is experiencing many of conditions the human physiology is experiencing. Our long relationship with the dog has influenced its lifestyle and diet, therefor their physical health and well-being is declining from its natural state. The modern dog’s diet lacks the ability to support the physical and chemical functions of the tissues, organs, and organ systems of canine biology.

Filling in the nutrition gaps of the typical dog food is best accomplished with dog supplements that boost the health of the canine digestive system. While the dog food industry is offering hundreds of different formulations among their various brands, commercial dog food all suffer from the same limitation. The dog’s digestive system is unable to assimilate the vast variety and amounts of nutrients contained in most dog foods. Various brands have attempted to add probiotic ingredients to assist the dog’s digestive process however the probiotic concentrations and activeness are rendered ineffectual by the manufacturing process of the dog food. The addition of dog supplements formulated to improve a canine’s digestive system allow the typical dog food to be a beneficial aspect of the modern dog’s diet.

Today’s dog supplements provide a synergistic blend of substances including mild detox and cleanse properties combined with pro and pre biotics. These powerful bacteria blends provide powerful enzyme activity that boosts the vitality of a dog’s digestive system. The supplements allow the dog’s digestive system to assimilate all the nutrients in their food supporting the physical and chemical functions of the dog’s tissue and organ systems. A healthy digestive process strengthens the canine immune system; a vigorous immune system sustains a healthy skin and coat. The unhealthy condition of a dog’s skin and coat frequently initiates and complicates several health conditions that affect the average dog.

Selecting a dog supplement that will function as a digestive aid and deliver the ultimate health benefits for the typical dog is best accomplished by knowing what ingredients are important and what ingredients deliver little benefit. The formulation utilized by the VitaHound Daily Supplement is the ultimate combination of nutrients, bacteria blends, and detoxifying compounds. The VitaHound organization represents an element of the dog nutrition industry that provides exceptional supplements via a true understanding of the canine physiology, while the remaining majority of dog nutrition products are basically useless. Dog owners should avoid a majority of dog vitamins and supplements that are simply human products relabeled to sell to pet owners and utilize products formulated specifically for the canine biology.

One specific dog supplement ingredient is extremely beneficial to the canine biology and is completely absent from the modern dog’s diet. The substance is known as taurine, an amino acid present in every cell of a dog’s body. The only food containing taurine is red meat, since red meat is rare in the average dog’s diet, supplements containing this nutrient provide an essential nutrient responsible for the healthy function of a dog’s various cells. The VitaHound Daily Supplement contains taurine in the proper concentrations to properly benefit a dog’s physical health vitality at the cellular level.

Plaque Composition on a Dog’s Teeth

bigdog — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:48:43 +0000

The extracellular layer that protects the dental plaque(bacteria) on a dog’s teeth is the primary reason a majority of canine oral care products do little to remove plaque and tarter on dog’s teeth and gums. VitaHound’s recent advances in cleaning a dog’s teeth are based on the recognition that dental plaque is a biofilm protect by a extracellular slime layer that acts as a barrier to antibiotics, antimicrobials, and a host of natural defense mechanisms. Changes in thinking about the structure of dental plaque have improved VitaHound’s understanding of why periodontitis is so difficult to treat and has allowed our staff to identify the best formulations to prevent and control periodontitis over the lifetime of a dog.

Bacteria may be free-floating or attached to a surface. Recent studies have revealed that most bacteria live in complex communities called biofilms. A biofilm is a well-organized community of bacteria that adheres to surfaces and is embedded in an extracellular slime layer. This slime layer repels the active ingredients in many of today’s products marketed to clean a dog’s teeth. Once a bacterium attaches to a dog’s tooth surface, it activates a whole different set of genes that gives the bacterium different characteristics form those that it had as a free-floating organism. Bacteria are extremely vulnerable until they attach to a surface, it is estimated that 99% of live bacteria is attached to a surface.

The structure of biofilm represents a community that facilitates and protects existing attached bacteria while providing the habitat for new bacteria to attach and survive. The community comprises bacterial micro colonies, an extracellular slime layer, fluid channels, and a primitive communication system. Different micro colonies may contain different combinations of bacterial species. Thus the biofilm structure provides a range of customized living environments with different pHs, nutrient availability, and oxygen. Both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria are supported in this environment.

Controlling or destroying bacteria before it attaches to an existing bio film can be accomplished with fairly mild antiseptics, after the bacteria attached to the bio film its durability increase dramatically. Bacteria begin to attach to the tooth’s surface within minutes of being introduced into a dog’s mouth. Reducing the amount of existing plaque and polishing the tooth’s surface increase the amount of time bacteria takes to attach to the surface. Utilizing oral care sprays and gels that act as anti-bacterial agents in dog’s saliva are very effective at destroying bacteria before it attaches to the tooth’s surface.

Supplements

bigdog — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:20:11 +0000

Supplements

Probiotic Dog Supplements

bigdog — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:42:16 +0000

Recently probiotics have become available in a variety of foods and supplements that promise a wide range of health benefits for humans, however the greatest use of these friendly bacteria have been used in raising healthy livestock for the past 30 years. The agriculture industry’s incentives to advance the nutritional science in animal-rearing resulted in the most advanced probiotic supplements ever developed. These formulations are the bases for the VitaHound Daily Supplements.

As with other vitamins, supplement formulations, and nutrient aids the level of efficacy varies from product to product. For this reason dog owners need to recognize what makes a probiotic supplement work. Probiotics are favorable bacteria that are available in different strains providing different health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Probiotics also exist naturally in foods such as cultured or fermented yogurt, cheese, and vegetables. It is very uncommon for these food sources to be included in a dog’s diet. Although humans can easily adjust their eating habits to include the specific probiotics desired, dogs are best served by probiotic dense supplements, the microbes that benefit a dog’s physiology matches that of livestock, this match allows canine supplement developers access to the finest research and development known increasing domesticated animal health.

A dog’s ability to assimilate nutrients from their food is the cornerstone of the health and well-being. A healthy digestive tract is important for the overall health and wellness of the family dog. A normal digestive tract includes a balance amount of beneficial bacteria, but various factors can upset this balance. Today’s dog food contains adequate nutrients to sustain the natural vitality of the canine biology nevertheless commercial dog food contains several inherent nutritional limitations. Dog food processing requires high levels of heat, this heat destroys both beneficial and harmful bacteria eliminating any meaningful probiotic characteristics of the dog food. Adding a probiotic dense supplement is the optimal method of assuring your dog’s digestive system is receiving effectual amounts of the probiotic.

Not all microbes sold as probiotics have been tested for health benefits and not all products should be expected to work the same.

Probiotics contain different genera, species, and strains of the same species- not all microbes sold as probiotics have been tested for health benefits and not all products should be expected to work the same. Therefore, product claims of the average pet supplement are based on probiotics influences in general and are not related to institutional studies of specific microbes. VitaHound’s formulation is a synergistic blend of high-potency multi-strain probiotics, proven in the agriculture industry for years to provide peak health.

Sixty percent of the canine body’s immune cells are located in the digestive system, the health of the dog’s digestive system directly affects their natural immune defenses. Dog digestive aids optimize the canine immune health by reinforcing the protective barrier of the intestine. The synergistic blend of probiotics with other vital nutrients delivers multiple health benefits to the various organ systems in a dog’s body.

Combining a high quality probiotic with a nutrient dense substances provides a dual level of support for the dog’s immune system, while boosting the digestive systems ability to assimilate the vital chemical compounds a dog’s cells require to be especially healthy. The combination of probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics (Included In VitaHound Daily Supplement) works in harmony with the immune system ensuring the delivery of probiotics to the gut and vital nutrients to the stomach for optimal absorption.

Superior probiotic supplements will identify the genera, species and strain of the probiotics used in the formulation, example Bifidobacterium(genera), bifidum(species), MF20/5(strain). Next the level of probiotics delivered per dose for the life of the product, this number is expressed in “colony-forming units” or “CFUs”. Probiotic supplements range from useless to life extending, of health digestive system is the cornerstone to a dog’s health, therefor only the best products available should be feed to your dog.