We will begin with the organic compounds (Macromolecules) living organism are composed of and require for sustaining life. There are four categories:

Carbohydrates – The principal nutrient derived from carbohydrates is glucose, the simple sugar (monosaccharide) or blood sugar that is metabolized by nearly all known organisms is derived from glucose. A majority of food categorized as carbohydrates contain glucose which possesses the substance polysaccharide. A dogs digestive system is responsible for converting glucose so it can be utilized by the body, first it is processed in the small intestine where the polysaccharides are broken down into monosaccharides these molecules supply energy for various functions in the body. The liver is then responsible for further breaking down monosaccharides into glycogen which is stored by the body for later energy needs. The substance glucose is essential for energy, this energy is used by cells, tissue and organs to function properly. The means by which the body derives energy and synthesizes the other molecules it needs from the fats, carbohydrates and proteins (food) we feed our dogs, is the process of metabolism. It is imperative your hounds supplement contain high quality nutrients that support a dog’s metabolism, the promotion of healthy nutrient assimilation is step one in bolstering your canines ability to prevent disease and improve the health of their various organ systems.


Lipids – fats (lipids) are highly digestible and the main source of stored energy for dogs. One gram of fat provides 2.4 times the energy of one gram of protein or carbohydrates. Fat is also essential for the proper absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are two groups of low-saturated fats that are known as essential fatty acids (EFA) and are crucial to maintaining a dog’s good health. Circulating fatty acids provide substrate for energy production, linoleic acid is a member of the omega-6 group and is considered to be the bodies primary metabolite. The other group of essential fatty acids is the omega-3 fatty acids, for example Alpha-linolenic acid. Fatty acids are the molecular building block of fats which effect the bodies inflammation control, GI support, and specific to dogs is healthy skin, coat and eyes. There are three omega-3 EFA’s dogs should have, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dogs lack the ability to manufacture ALA and must get their required amount via their diets. ALA is vital to a dogs skin and coat health, tissue repair, immune system strength and reproduction function. Given the importance of a healthy coat and skin to a dogs vitality, it is essential that a dog supplements contain a ALA. A premium source of ALA is flax seed, additionally this substance is a high quality fiber.


Protiens – are composed of the elements carbon (C), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and nitrogen (n). They have a variety of uses in the body, including serving as a source of energy, as substrates (starter materials) for tissue growth and maintenance, and for certain biological functions, such as making structural proteins, transfer proteins, enzyme molecules, and hormone receptors. Proteins are also the major component in bone, muscle, and other tissues and fluids. Proteins are formed by the linking of different combinations of the twenty common amino acids found in food. Of these, ten are essential for the human in the synthesis of body proteins (eight are essential throughout a human’s life, whereas two become essential during periods of rapid growth, such as during infancy). Dog health originates at the cellular level, via metabolism and biochemical regulation of energy. These processes are the bases for life and involve catalytic proteins called enzymes.


Nucleic Acids – control cell repair and cell reproduction processes that are encoded within the structural make-up of nucleic acids. DNA strands are responsible for maintaining the cell’s genetic information, while RNA strands work to coordinate cell processes according to these genetic instructions. RNA molecules are also involved in manufacturing the proteins needed by the cell for normal function. In order to coordinate all of these processes, the RNA nucleic acids reside in the cytoplasm that surrounds the nucleus, while DNA strands are located in the nucleus of the cell.
The ribosome is a complex particle that makes the thousands of proteins that are required for the structure and function of each living cell. Specifically, the ribosome translates the genetic code of nucleic acids known as messenger RNAs into chains of amino acids that make up proteins. The 30S ribosomal subunit recognizes messenger RNA and insures that the sequence of information in the RNA is correctly copied into a protein. The 50S subunit performs the chemical steps involved in linking together amino acids to form proteins. The 30S and 50S subunits work together to generate proteins in all living cells. Supplementing the diet with nutrients such as Bifidobacterium thermophilum which contain ribosome particles that are not destroyed in the intestinal tract but live and function as probiotics. The abundance of probiotic substances compete with pathogens in creating cells, this competition decreases the creation of cell that cause infections and viruses and increase antibody cells. This process is the bases of your dogs immune system.

4. Integumentary Systemis the skin and fur that cover the animal’s body. The skin protects the underlying organs. The fur helps insulate against heat loss. Dogs and do not sweat through their skin. They only sweat from their footpads and nose. They lose water by panting rather than sweating.


5. Musculoskeletal System includes all the muscles, bones and joints. The mobility of dogs relies heavily on their synovial fluid. .Synovial fluid has two main functions: to aid in the nutrition of articular cartilage by acting as a transport medium for nutritional substances, such as glucose, and to aid in the mechanical function of joints by lubrication of the articulating surfaces. The fluid contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. Supplements containing the nutrients which aid a dogs joints and cartilage health can significantly improve a dogs mobility.


6. The respiratory system includes the mouth, nose, trachea, lungs and smaller airways (bronchi and bronchioles). The respiratory system is responsible for taking in oxygen and eliminating waste gases like carbon dioxide. Because dogs and cats do not sweat through the skin, the respiratory system also plays an important role in regulation of temperature.


7. The urogenital system includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra and the genital organs of box sexes. The urinary system is responsible for removing waste products from blood and eliminating them as urine. The genital organs are involved in reproduction.


8. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and all the nerves that communicate between tissues and the brain and spinal cord.


9. Endocrine System includes several glands that produce hormones. Hormones are substances that travel through the blood stream and affect other organs. Endocrine organs include the thyroid glands, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands and part of the pancreas. Hormones regulate many functions of an organism, including mood, growth and development, tissue function, and metabolism.
The thyroid gland — two small butterfly-shaped lobes located in the neck has a number of functions in dogs body, most importantly regulating a dog’s metabolism. Many dog health issues stem from the thyroid not functioning properly, the most common disorder of this gland is hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive, and unable to secrete enough thyroid hormone. This, in turn, decreases your dog’s metabolism. Overactive thyroid glands in the dog are rare and are usually associated with cancer. The hormones T3 and T4 produced by the thyroid are very basic and critical to almost all animal life.


10. Sensory System allow the animal to interact with its environment; sight, taste, smell and hearing. The ear has 3 major parts:
1 outer ear
2 middle ear
3 inner ear
The outer ear consists of the ear flap (also called the pinna) which can be upright (a prick ear) or floppy. The ear flap funnels sound into the ear canal. Unlike humans that have a very short ear canal, dogs have a long narrow ear canal that makes almost a 90 degree bend as it travels to the deeper parts of the ear.
The outer ear cannel is separated from the middle ear by a thin membrane called the eardrum or tympanic membrane. The ear drum is very fragile and can be damaged by ear disease or during ear cleaning. The middle ear consists of 3 small bones, an air filled cavity called the bulla and a thin tube (the eustachian tube) leading from the bulla to the back of the mouth.
The inner ear connects to the brain and contains nerves and centers for balance and hearing.


11. The hematopoietic system includes the bone marrow which is located inside the bones. Three types of blood cells are made in the bone marrow: white blood cells that fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen and platelets that are part of the blood clotting process.

Dogs possess exceptional hearing, a capability derived from the unique anatomy of their ears. While the anatomy of a dog’s ear allows it to function at relatively high levels the design presents a health problem to many dogs. A dog’s ear is relatively large and floppy making it prone to infections. Some breed’s ears naturally contain excessive hair in and around the ear canal which reduces air flow that help aid the dog’s ear health by removing moisture. Moisture is the source of the most common cause of canine ear problems that I see is caused by microorganisms, particularly yeasts. These inflamations are referred to as Otitis, they can occur in the outer part of the ear canal (otitis externa) and in the middle section of the ear (otitis media). While otitis media is significantly less common than externa, it is also more severe. A dog’s ears, as with the rest of a dog’s body, are normally home to a small number of bacteria and yeast cells. When these cells are present in their regular numbers, they tend not to cause any problems. However, when these cells become more numerous, an infection may result. An infection will also occur if these cells are replaced by disease-causing, pathogenic organisms. When these abnormal cells or abnormal numbers of cells are present, they cause irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Such an infection can become progressively worse if not promptly and properly treated, and can travel to other parts of the ear. In addition, there are certain homeopathic remedies available that can help to alleviate your dog’s painful and irritating symptoms. These products often include natural ingredients such as Tea Tree oil, chamomile, marigold, and myrrh. These substances have many properties that are beneficial to animals when suffering from pain, irritation, and inflammation. For example, the above named ingredients exhibit soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Some also provide a form of topical pain relief, while others are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to control and prevent the spread of infections. Many homeopathic products contain a combination of these natural herbs and substances in order to achieve the best possible results and the most effective relief for your pet.

Treatment

A dogs thyroid health is extremely important, since the thyroid is part of the Endocrine System wich include a dogs glands.

Treatment

high quality nutrients that support a dog’s gut flora

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein … Minimum …10%
Crude Fat … Minimum …10%
Crude Fiber …Maximum …17%
Moisture…Maximum …12%
Zinc…Minimum …2 mg/gm

*Omega 3 Fatty Acids …Minimum …6%
*Lactic Acid Microrganisms …Minimum …1.0x106CFU/gm
(L. acidophilus, L. casei, B. thermophilum and E. faecium)

Enzyme Activity per 8 gm (1 tbsp.) of supplement

*Amylase (A. oryzae)…………….. 152 mg starch dextrinized/min/gm
*Protease (A. oryzae) ……………. 640 mcg of tyrosine equivalence liberated/min/gm
*Lipase (A. niger) 40 micromoles fatty acids liberated/min/gm