Real, nutrient-dense functional foods.
Why we use the ingredients that we do, and how they help our dogs.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa
What is it?
Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant, with its leaves, sprouts, and herbs possessing an impressive nutrient profile.
How is it good for dogs?
Alfalfa provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions, thanks to the presence of vitamin C, chlorophyll and compounds which are known as saponins. Even better, the chlorophyll found in alfalfa can not only help to freshen breath and reduce body odour, but it can assist in removal of toxins from the body.
Providing minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, alfalfa can be a great contributor to any dog’s diet by contributing towards healthy bones, teeth, muscle function and nervous system regulation.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Blueberries
Blueberries
What are they?
Blueberries are small, nutrient-rich fruits that are frequently referred to as a superfood because they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.
How are they good for dogs?
Blueberries are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium for overall health. They also contain special compounds known as anthocyanins (which give blueberries their vibrant colour) potent antioxidants that reduce cell damage to assist with healthy ageing.
The high fibre content of blueberries can be beneficial for digestive, encouraging regular bowel movements and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome due to its prebiotic properties which feed beneficial gut bacteria.
You can find them in these VITAL DOG products:
Bone Broth
Bone Broth
What is it?
Bone broth is made from the bones and connective tissue of beef. The slow-cooking process allows for the extraction of valuable nutrients, before being dried into a powdered form.
How is it good for dogs?
Bone broth is found in all of our products for very good reasons. It’s abundant in essential nutrients that are easy to digest and absorb. Just as importantly, it has a savoury taste that can encourage picky eaters, or those with a decreased appetite due to age or illness, to get a greater level of higher-quality nutrients into their diet.
The mineral profile of bone broth supports energy production, muscle function and healthy bones and teeth. Amino acids, such as glycine and proline, are essential for a healthy gut lining and can aid in digestion, while glucosamine and chondroitin are known for their role in maintaining joint health.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
Bromelain
Bromelain
What is it?
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapples, particularly in the fruit and stem. It’s commonly used as a dietary supplement due to its various health benefits.
How is it good for dogs?
We incorporate bromelain specifically for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. It may help reduce inflammation in various parts of the body, including the skin, which can alleviate redness and itching caused by allergies.
Additional benefits of bromelain include the support of the immune system, and enhanced digestion of food as a result of enzymatic actions.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Chondroitin
Chondroitin
What is it?
Chondroitin is a naturally-occurring compound found in cartilage around joints in the body. In supplemental form, chondroitin sulfate is often sourced from animals like cows.
How is it good for dogs?
Chondroitin sulfate supports joint health by helping to maintain the structural integrity of cartilage and prevent its breakdown. It works by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue and providing essential nutrients to assist cartilage repair and regeneration.
Chondroitin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce joint pain and help improve mobility in dogs with joint disorders. It is often used in combination with glucosamine.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Collagen
Collagen
What is it?
Collagen is a type of protein derived from the skin, bones, and muscles of animals (in our case, from cows). It’s a rich source of amino acids and peptides.
How is it good for dogs?
Collagen provides two main benefits in our meal topper. First, it’s a protein source that is helpful in strengthening joints and connective tissue while providing structure and integrity for skin, coat and nails. Secondly, specific amino acids like glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and glutamine are beneficial for the maintenance of the gut lining.
The provision of protein and quality amino acids are important over the lifespan of dogs, especially as they age, where joints experience some degradation and skin loses elasticity.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
Colostrum
Colostrum
What is it?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals during the initial days after giving birth. We use bovine colostrum which is rich in antibodies, growth factors, vitamins, and minerals.
How is it good for dogs?
Colostrum is incorporated for its immune-supportive and immune-modulating properties which can be very helpful in managing allergies, itches and other hypersensitivity responses in dogs.
Additionally, colostrum contains growth factors that support tissue repair, digestive enzymes that aid in digestion, and essential nutrients for overall health.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Dandelion Leaf
Dandelion Leaf
What is it?
Dandelion leaf comes from the common dandelion plant, an unassuming nutritional ally with centuries worth of herbal medicine usage, more recently being acknowledged for pet nutrition.
How is it good for dogs?
Dandelion leaf plays its biggest roles in the areas of detoxification (via liver and kidney pathways) and the reduction of inflammation. In addition, vitamins A, C and K found in dandelion leaf are potent neutralisers of free radicals, preventing unnecessary cellular damage in the body.
Dandelion leaf is also a source of dietary fibres, including inulin, which is a prebiotic that can promote gastrointestinal function and promote a healthy population of beneficial gut bacteria.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Fulvic Acid
Fulvic Acid
What is it?
Fulvic acid is a unique, nutrient-rich natural compound found in the earth’s soil, sediment, streams and lakes. It’s derived from broken-down organic matter from plants.
How is it good for dogs?
Fulvic acid is a remarkable substance, known for its ability to help the body extract and absorb more nutrients from food. This is due to its chelating properties, which bind to minerals and trace elements. More bioavailability of nutrients means that dogs can get more nourishment from their existing diet.
With more than 70 trace minerals that are often lacking in commercially processed dog food, along with electrolytes and vitamins and antioxidant-rich compounds, fulvic acid can help to prevent cellular damage that is associated with cardiovascular stress and ageing.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine
What is it?
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring ‘amino saccharide’ that helps to maintain cartilage structure and reduce joint inflammation.
How is it good for dogs?
Glucosamine is most commonly used for the purposes of joint health, including as nutritional support for conditions like osteoarthritis. It’s widely considered a chondroprotective agent, meaning it assists in the treatment and prevention of cartilage breakdown in the joints.
Results from using glucosamine, alone, may vary between dogs, which is why we prefer to use glucosamine in combination with other joint-supportive and anti-inflammatory ingredients in our comprehensive formulations for better outcomes.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Glutamine
Glutamine
What is it?
Glutamine is an amino acid that is critical in several bodily functions. It can be depleted in times of stress or illness, as the body’s requirement for glutamine outpaces its ability to replace it.
How is it good for dogs?
Glutamine is a powerful nutrient to promote the health of the gastrointestinal tract, largely due to this amino acid being a preferred energy source for the cells that form the lining of the gut. It can help to reduce the likelihood of ‘leaky gut’, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system (70-80% of a dog’s immune system is found in the gut).
Dogs who are ill (or have had a recent illness), those who get a lot of moderate-to-high intensity exercise, or those experiencing chronic stress or anxiety may benefit from glutamine supplementation in the diet.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
Green-Lipped Mussels
Green-Lipped Mussels
What are they?
Green-lipped mussels are a species of shellfish native to New Zealand. They’re known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
How are they good for dogs?
Known mostly for their proven joint health benefits in canines, the general anti-inflammatory properties of green-lipped mussel powder can also be beneficial for inflammatory conditions of the skin. These anti-inflammatory effects are mainly driven by the omega-3 fatty acid, EPA.
When it comes to joint health, we like to ensure that green-lipped muscle is used in conjunction with chondroitin, glucosamine and turmeric to work towards better movement and mobility outcomes.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Hemp Seeds
Hemp Seeds
What are they?
Hemp seeds posess a rich nutritional profile, inclusive omega 3 fatty acids, protein and substances known as terpenes. They are extracted from the hemp plant and don’t contain THC.
How is it good for dogs?
The fatty-acid balance of omega-3 and omega-6 in hemp seeds is a real health asset. The balance of these fats, in addition to the inherent terpene content, helps to modulate inflammation throughout the body while also contributing to health skin, shiny coats and energy production.
If that wasn’t enough, hemp seeds contain all of the essential amino acids, fat-soluble antioxidants like vitamin E, plus a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibres that support gut health and digestive processes.
You can find them in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
Liver
Liver
What is it?
Liver powder is a concentrated form of dehydrated grass-fed beef liver. Known for its being nutrient-rich and highly-appealing to dogs, it’s a versatile and beneficial ingredient.
How is it good for dogs?
A true, highly-palatable superfood of the canine world, we think of liver as one of ‘nature’s multivitamins’. It boasts one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin A found in nature, which is beneficial for dog’s skin and coat health, vision, and immune system function. It also contains carosine which helps to reduce oxidative stress associated with ageing.
Being packed with B vitamins, especially B12, liver supports nervous system health and the production of red blood cells. Essential fatty acids contained in liver tissue can aid in maintaining healthy coat and skin, while other nutrients like CoQ10 play a role in energy production and cardiovascular health.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
Nettle Leaf
Nettle Leaf
What is it?
Nettle leaf, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, is a versatile herb commonly used in health supplementation due to its rich nutrient profile and variety of health benefits.
How is it good for dogs?
Nettle leaf possesses natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective in helping to alleviate allergy symptoms like itching, redness, and sneezing in dogs that may arise from environmental or food triggers.
Despite being primarily used for allergies and itchiness, the anti-inflammatory benefits of this ingredient extend to other areas of the body, including joints and the digestive tract.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Norwegian Sea Kelp
Norwegian Sea Kelp
What is it?
Norwegian sea kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) is a species of seaweed commonly found in the North Atlantic, recognised for its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
How is it good for dogs?
Oral hygiene can be promoted through intake of Norwegian sea kelp, with studies showing benefits for the reduction of plaque and tartar along with the promotion of fresh breath. Other health benefits include antioxidant effects thanks to vitamins A, C and E, and supporting skin and coat quality due to omega-3 fatty acids and a range of vitamins and minerals.
Norwegian sea kelp contains iodine which can support thyroid function in healthy dogs. The iodine amount used in VITAL DOG Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend is a small, supplemental dose which is less than 10% of the recommended daily limit for dogs (AAFCO) however we do recommend consulting your veterinarian before taking any iodine-containing supplements if your dog has known thyroid issues.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Probiotics
Probiotics
What are they?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, including specific strains of bacteria and some yeasts, that add to the population of healthy microbes in the gut. They’re similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the canine gastrointestinal tract.
How are they good for dogs?
Probiotics help to maintain maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which is essential for healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and a strong immune system. They can help with various digestive issues, such as diarrhoea or constipation, and can also have beneficial effects on the overall health of the dog, including reducing inflammation and improving allergic reactions.
We use different strains of probiotics across our portfolio, all which are supportive of a flourishing microbiome, yet also have their own distinguishing characteristics: B. coagulans (resilient bacteria promoting gut health), B. lactis (nutrient absorption and immune function), L. rhamnosus (gut inflammation and diarrhoea), L. paracasei (immune-modulating, anti-microbial). L. plantarum (overall digestive health and reducing ‘leaky gut’) and S. boulardii (supportive during and after antibiotic treatment to help rebalance the microbiome).
You can find them in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
Propolis
Propolis
What is it?
Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by bees. It is more commonly used in canine nutrition supplements due to its role in immune function.
How is it good for dogs?
Propolis is beneficial for dogs due to its antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Including propolis in a dog’s diet may support overall immune health, promote oral hygiene, aid in wound healing, and provide protection against environmental stressors.
When it comes to immune system support, propolis contains compounds that have immunomodulatory properties, helping to ensure that dogs are resilient to infections and illnesses while at the same time, reducing the likelihood that immune responses are not excessive.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Psyllium
Psyllium
What is it?
Psyllium powder is derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant’s husks. It’s a soluble fibre that’s popular as a dietary supplements for humans and animals to promote digestive regularity.
How is it good for dogs?
Most of psyllium’s health benefits are related to gut health and digestion. Being a soluble dietary fibre, psyllium contributes to bowel regularity and stools that are slightly firmer and better-formed. Amazingly, it’s able to assist with both diarrhoea and constipation through its regulation of water balance in the bowels.
Psyllium also serves as a prebiotic; a food source for the ‘good’ bacteria of the gut, promoting a healthy, balanced microbiome.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Pumpkin
Pumpkin
What is it?
Pumpkin is a nutritious fruit belonging to the squash family. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, making it a popular ingredient in both human and pet diets.
How is it good for dogs?
Pumpkin is incorporated into some of our products for its nutrient-density, which supports general wellness and vitality, as well as its fibre content which promotes digestive regularity, stool quality and anal gland health.
Other vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in pumpkin may support a healthy immune system and reduce oxidative stress within the body.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Quercetin
Quercetin
What is it?
Quercetin is a flavonoid compound found in various fruits, vegetables, and plants. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular dietary supplement for both humans and pets.
How is it good for dogs?
Quercetin is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic compound that makes for a great ally to the immune system by modulating its responses to irritants, and helping to allevaiate symptoms which include redness, heat, and itchiness (leading to our dogs incessantly scratching, licking their paws and/or shaking their heads).
Perhaps best known for its anti-histamine properties, quercetin can help to reduce discomfort by stabilising mast cells in a way that reduces or prevents histamine release (the compounds that cause allergic reactions) while also helping to inhibit other inflammatory enzymes.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Spirulina
Spirulina
What is it?
Spirulina is a form of algae, known for its vibrant green colour, that is rich in nutrients and is used as a dietary supplement for both humans and animals for a nutritional boost of phytonutrients.
How is it good for dogs?
Spirulina possesses an impressive nutritional profile that helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation while promoting natural detoxification processes. The chlorophyll content of spirulina can also help with reducing doggy odours such as bad breath and smelly fur.
The array of B-vitamins in spirulina can help with cellular energy production, adding to movement and vitality, while omega-6 fats from GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) contributes towards smoother skin and shiny coats.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato
What is it?
Sweet potato is a nutritious root vegetable that is packed with fibre and an array of vitamins and minerals. It’s dehydrated and ground into a powder for for our products.
How is it good for dogs?
Sweet potatoes pack a proportionately-high dietary fibre content, which is great for digestive support, along with vitamin A (in the precursor form, beta-carotene) which helps to promote proper immune function and healthy skin and coats. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index.
Micronutrients like vitamins C, B5, B6 along with potassium work together to contribute to energy production and the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Turmeric
Turmeric
What is it?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, mainly for its anti-inflammatory activity.
How is it good for dogs?
Turmeric, and its primary active component, curcumin, has received increasing attention in the field of veterinary science for not only its anti-inflammatory properties, but also its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal benefits.
While it’s almost common knowledge that turmeric can assist with reducing inflammation and pain in areas like joints, science and direct practitioner experience has demonstrated that these benefits may extend to the reduction of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut and the skin.
You can find it in these VITAL DOG products:
Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend, Advanced Gut Health, Advanced Allergy & Itch.
