Have you ever met a dog that was over 20 years old? đ We bet you havenât! đ Our four-legged friends generally live for 10-13 years, depending on the breed. Saying goodbye so early doesnât feel right to us.Â
It is possible for our furry friends to live happily in their 20âs! Bluey â an Australian cattle dog â made history by living for a full 29 years!Â
Dogs living this long is considered a rare phenomenon; we want to change that so dogs can live long, healthy lives.Â
What steps can you take to ensure your four-legged friend lives life to its fullest extent?Â
Our superfood gurus hit the books, researching whole foods and natural ingredients that could help support your dogâs health. After all that research, Epi-Genius Dogs was born!
Keep reading to learn more about these ingredients and how they can help your little pals feel their best!
Remember: We love dogs and superfoods, but weâre not veterinarians. Seek advice from your medical professional when necessary.Â
To Grain or Not to Grain: That is the QuestionÂ
One common question that many owners face when walking down the dog food aisle is: should I buy grain-free dog food?Â
At Purium, we love encouraging empowered choices and what feels right! While we do not judge which route you may take, our Epi-Genius Dogs can support both pathways.Â
If choosing a Grain Free diet, it is important to address the absence of grains. Insider reports that some grain-free foods may be missing out on nutrients like fiber, fatty acids, and protein. That is something to keep in mind, and it is also something that Epi-Genius Dogs can help with!Â
Check out the pure and premium ingredients.Â
Epi-Genius Dogs Ingredient Breakdown
Itâs important to know exactly what your loved ones are putting into their bodies, and the same concern applies to your dogs. In our Epi-Genius Dogs, weâve curated unique formulations that support gut health, joint health, and more.
Joint Health
Here are some of our favorite joint-supporting ingredients in Epi-Genius Dogs.
Velvet Antler
Sustainably-sourced velvet antler* tops the ingredient list. Velvet antler is the cartilage of adolescent deer antlers that contain fats, hormones, proteins, and other nutrients that promote growth.Â
These animals are very valuable and the welfare of the animal is therefore paramount. The removal of the Velvet Antler from the animal is carried in compliance with a strict Velveting Code of Practice by either Veterinarians, or Qualified persons under veterinary supervision, and the effect on the animal is minimized and minimal.
As one of the main superstars of our Super Life and Joint Flex blends for humans, this ingredient may support strength and endurance. Whatâs more, it is thought to help encourage recovery from muscle strain, like astaxanthin. (1) More study is encouraged, but traditional medicine and personal anecdotes have led many to believe in its medicinal value (2).
So, do the same benefits apply to dogs, too? Yes! In fact, one study published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal studied its effects on dogs with osteoarthritis. (3) Researchers gave a powdered form of velvet antler to 13 dogs in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After owner assessments, many noted improved energy and vitality in everyday living! Awesome, right?
Antler contains many great nutrients for dogs, like chondroitin, so this makes total sense. Chondroitin is one of the most vet-recommended solutions for dogâs joint and bone health.Â
Whatâs another great source of nutrients for dogs? Green-lipped mussel!
Green-Lipped Mussel
Because green-lipped mussel is high in omega-3 fatty acids, it may help reduce biomarkers of inflammation in the body. This shellfish also packs nutrients that may encourage the bodyâs reaction to joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Even the health titan Kaiser Permanente has recognized its benefits.
Furthermore, the Arthritis Foundation explored its effectiveness as a supplement to help support humans living with arthritis symptoms. We know what youâre thinkingâŠhow does it apply to a dogâs health?Â
Well, it seems to be just as positive for our four-legged friends! One study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a powder-form of this ingredient helped block a major biomarker of inflammation without causing stomach aches, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). (4) Pretty cool, right?! It was able to help reduce swelling and support joints in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA).
Another study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal studied green-lipped mussel benefits in a double-controlled and double-blinded clinical trial. After studying 45 dogs with chronic pain and diagnosis of OA, researchers concluded that this mussel would be a great alternative NSAIDs for dogs experiencing joint pain. (5)
And now we move on to yet another joint-supporting ingredient.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Okay, we know this sounds like something straight out of an Austin Powers movie, as if it was created in a secret, underground laboratory. Donât worry, MSM is actually natural! This chemical can be found in plants as well as in both humans and animals. Some companies may retrieve their sources from not-so-great places, but you know us, we keep things pure + premium.
It is most popularly known for its ability to help encourage joint mobility while helping the body respond to joint pain in both humans and animals. (6)
Dogs Naturally Magazine suggests MSM can help dogs deal with chronic pain and even help with inflammation due to its high antioxidant content. It may even help with allergies due to its nutrient content. Say goodbye to the doggie sniffles!
Okay, weâve talked a lot about joint health, so now letâs move on to gut health!
Gut Health
When it comes to gut health, we have a few fan-favorite ingredients. The first three are the main stars of Biome Medic, our #1 gut-supporting product we created for human consumption that our community members often share with their dogs.
Dietary Fiber (Inulin) & Probiotics
Inulin is naturally found in many foods. As a fiber, it helps support digestive health. Because of its chemical makeup (it is made of fructan molecules), it travels to the lower gut and serves as a prebiotic. This means that it helps feed the good bacteria in the stomach, supporting the bodyâs second brain (the microbiome).(7)
Not only is it great for humans, but it can be just as effective for dogs. One study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that insulin supplementation can help support a healthy gut for dogs and help with food allergy and digestion of other foods (8).
In addition to a prebiotic, Epi-Genius Dogs contains a probiotic called Bacillus coagulans. In humans, this strain supports stomach health by aiding intestinal gas, constipation, diarrhea, and other uncomfortable symptoms. (9, 10)
Luckily, it can help do the same with dogs! The Whole Dog Journal suggests the strain helps support the gastrointestinal health of your little pupper. So if your dog has bad gas, this ingredient may be able to help with that!
Digestive Enzymes
Next up in our gut-health line-up, we have digestive enzymes. Both humans and dogs create these enzymes naturally; however, some of us donât generate enough enzymes to properly digest the foods we eat. For example, some of our lactose-intolerant friends may not produce a lot of lactase- an enzyme that breaks down lactose in dairy products-thus, they experience discomfort when ingesting dairy.
The same process works for dogs. Enzyme supplementation may help break down foods that are harder to digest.
But do dogs need digestive enzymes? Well, healthy dogs with a normal-functioning pancreas may not necessarily! That is because they will produce the enzymes they need naturally.
However, Dogs Naturally Magazine recommends digestive enzymes for older dogs with declining health or any other dog that may need a little extra enzyme help.
Remember: Inulin, prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes are just some of the proprietary ingredients of our Biome Medic for humans.Â
Fennel Seed
Our final ingredient that weâre spotlighting today is fennel seed. This medicinal plant is used for natural digestion and gut support for humans. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that the phytochemical makeup of its oil could help reduce bacteria that causes indigestion, diarrhea, and other gut symptoms (11)
That makes total sense to us! Why? Because herbal and traditional medical practitioners have prescribed fennel seed for flatulence issues (yeah, weâre talking about farts). In addition, this seed is thought to help aid stomach spasms that are caused by digestive disorders and illnesses.
So, does fennel seed work the same for dogs as it does for humans? It certainly can!
The dog experts at Rover (a reputable doggy day care company) suggest the herb may help with bad breath and indigestion.
Superfoods for Your Super Dog
So, there you have it! We hope these special ingredients help make your dog feel healthy and happy! Let us know how the product is working out and pleeeeease tag us in your doggy photos!
Tag us on Instagram.Â
Epi-Genius Dogs is a part of our new line of product based on the emerging science of epigenetics. We released a product for kids too, Epi-Genius Kids!Â
Cited Links
- Velvet Deer Antler: The Ultimate Antiaging Supplement, Dr. Alex Duarte, O.D., Ph.D. pp. 14-17, 30, 32, 59-63.Â
- Huo, Y. S., Huo, H., & Zhang, J. (2014). The contribution of deer velvet antler research to the modern biological medicine. Chinese journal of integrative medicine, 20(10), 723-728.
- Moreau, M., Dupuis, J., Bonneau, N. H., & LĂ©cuyer, M. (2004). Clinical evaluation of a powder of quality elk velvet antler for the treatment of osteoarthrosis in dogs. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 45(2), 133.
- Bierer, T. L., & Bui, L. M. (2002). Improvement of arthritic signs in dogs fed green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). The Journal of nutrition, 132(6), 1634S-1636S.
- Hielm-Björkman, A., Tulamo, R. M., Salonen, H., & Raekallio, M. (2009). Evaluating complementary therapies for canine osteoarthritis part I: green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6(3), 365-373.
- Ezaki, J., Hashimoto, M., Hosokawa, Y., & Ishimi, Y. (2013). Assessment of safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane on bone and knee joints in osteoarthritis animal model. Journal of bone and mineral metabolism, 31(1), 16-25.
- Sekirov, I., Russell, S. L., Antunes, L. C. M., & Finlay, B. B. (2010). Gut microbiota in health and disease. Physiological reviews, 90(3), 859-904.
- Verlinden, A., Hesta, M., Hermans, J. M., & Janssens, G. P. J. (2006). The effects of inulin supplementation of diets with or without hydrolysed protein sources on digestibility, faecal characteristics, haematology and immunoglobulins in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 96(5), 936-944.
- Kalman, D. S., Schwartz, H. I., Alvarez, P., Feldman, S., Pezzullo, J. C., & Krieger, D. R. (2009). A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group dual site trial to evaluate the effects of a Bacillus coagulans-based product on functional intestinal gas symptoms. BMC gastroenterology, 9(1), 85.
- Rogha, M., Esfahani, M. Z., & Zargarzadeh, A. H. (2014). The efficacy of a synbiotic containing Bacillus Coagulans in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench, 7(3), 156.
Kaur, G. J., & Arora, D. S. (2009). Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 9(1), 30.