The Power of Oral, Digestive, and Immune Health in Dogs
As dog parents, our top priority is to ensure the day-to-day well-being, quality of life, and longevity of our best friends — our dogs.
A vital aspect of their overall health is maintaining strong defenses against bacteria, pathogens, and other diseases. After the largest protective organ of the body (the skin), your dog’s next best lines of defense are their oral hygiene, digestive function, and immune response.
Just like humans, dogs require a balanced diet and proper care to bolster their oral, digestive, and immune health. Together, these three synergistic internal systems play crucial roles in safeguarding our dogs’ health and happiness.
Oral Health: The Gateway to Wellness
An often underestimated aspect of a dog's health is their oral hygiene. Poor oral health can lead to various issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath — but it doesn't stop there. The mouth is a gateway for both good things (vitamins, minerals, nutrients) and bad things (pathogens, viruses, and bad bacteria) to enter the body. When bad things coopt a dog’s mouth, it can sometimes enter their bloodstream and spread to other organs, potentially causing severe health problems.
That’s why regular dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral health in dogs. Brushing your dog's teeth, offering dental chews, and using specially formulated dental treats can help control plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and other dental issues. Additionally, providing them with hard toys to chew on can aid in keeping their teeth clean and strong.
Maev Spotlight: That’s one of many reasons why we freeze our Beef, Chicken, and Puppy formulas (as well as our collagen-rich Bone Broth) at approximately -14°F — well below the freezing point of fresh water. At this temperature, smaller ice crystals form (which helps prevent moisture loss) to better protect the cell membrane of our vet-formulated ingredients. Translation: your dog receives a fresher, cleaner feeding experience as well as better nutrient absorption during digestion. Plus, the frozen texture of our food and treats also helps remove residual plaque and tartar.
Digestive Health: The Foundation of Well-Being
A healthy digestive system is crucial for dogs as it directly impacts their systemic health and overall well-being. A well-functioning digestive system ensures proper nutrient absorption, which supports the growth and repair of cells and tissues, as well as boosts energy levels.
So, choosing high-quality dog food that is easily digestible and tailored to their specific needs is mission-critical. Foods rich in essential nutrients (micro and macro), vitamins and minerals, and probiotics (and prebiotics) aid in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, fostering good bacteria, and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens. Additionally, regular feeding schedules and portion control can help prevent digestive upset (think: indigestion, gas, and loose stools) and promote optimal health.
Maev Spotlight: All of our Raw Food formulas are flash-frozen for optimal nutrient absorption during digestion, and our Weight & Digestion Raw Food and Supplement Bars are specifically formulated with scientifically studied probiotics to support digestive function and regular BMs.
Immune Health: The Guardian of Vitality
The immune system is your dog's natural defense against bad bacteria, infections, viruses, and other diseases — it keeps them functioning and vibrant. Nutrition plays a vital role in bolstering their immune function. Did you know 70-80% of the immune system resides in the gut? Incorporating immune-boosting ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, D, E), and minerals (zinc, selenium) into their diet can provide the necessary support to keep their immune system robust and their gut barrier integrity supported. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish or flaxseed oil, can also help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune response.
Maev Spotlight: Our Raw Food formulas are PhD Vet-formulated to include all of the above immune-supporting antioxidants, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids (and then some).
Listening to Your Gut: How to Find the Right Dog Food
When considering our dogs' health, it's important to recognize the interconnectedness of oral health, digestive health, and immune health. A diet that addresses all these aspects is the key to ensuring they have the best possible defense against bacteria, pathogens, and diseases.
When choosing the right dog food, opt for premium brands that prioritize natural, whole ingredients that you’d find in the produce section of the market or lean proteins you’d serve at your own table. Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, fillers, and excessive additives, as these can be harmful to their nutrient absorption and overall health.
Here are some key points to consider when choosing your dog’s daily source of nutrition:
Quality Ingredients: Ensure that the dog food contains high-quality, natural ingredients without artificial additives, fillers, and preservatives.
Nutritional Adequacy: Verify that the dog food meets the nutritional standards of reputable organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Age and Size: Consider your dog's life stage and size when selecting the appropriate formula, as their nutritional needs change over time as they evolve.
Allergies and Sensitivities: If your dog has any known allergies or sensitivities, opt for hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets, and single-ingredient snacks/ treats.
Consult Your Veterinarian: Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.
One of the most impactful things we can do to help our dogs build strong defenses against harmful bacteria, pathogens, and diseases is prioritizing their oral, digestive, and immune health. Regular dental care, complete and balanced nutrition, and immune-boosting ingredients are the pillars of ensuring a longer, happier, and healthier life.
