Anyone try Nuvet?

KeeperBoy · 11-13-2009, 04:07 PM

I'm thinking of ordering this for my two. Some breeders swear by it. The lady at the pet store joked that I "better like my dogs" since they are going to live forever

It doesn't seem like there is anything too weird in there, but it seems like it couldn't hurt? Thoughts?

http://www.nuvet.com/nuvetplus.asp

daisy'smom · 11-13-2009, 05:29 PM

Sounds interesting. I have never heard of it but it might be worth trying.

Spyglass Sally · 11-13-2009, 06:18 PM

Since you feed raw, well balanced meals, I'm not seeing a lot in the ingredients Keepers and Boo aren't already getting. There are some, but I guess I'm wondering are you looking for a general supplement for them or is there something in particular you think they might need?

KeeperBoy · 11-13-2009, 06:43 PM

The things I'm most looking for are some eye and joint help. I don't know why I've been looking so hard for a supplement. I just feel like they aren't getting enough. Right now we are feeding lamb, duck, rabbit, pork and beef (bone and organ also). They get a little bit of THK, digestive enezymes and salmon oil also. It just seems like they need more. I just look at kibble (bad point of reference, I know) and they have so many ingredients...

Spyglass Sally · 11-13-2009, 07:07 PM

Are they having problems in those areas or are you just worried they might develop them?

I think for joint support your best bet would be glucosamine & chondroitin sulfates. Cosequin is the one that seems to be highly recommended and has the most supporting research. I think it uses low molecular weight G&C which is supposed to be able to work better at production of fluid in the joint and repair of cartilage.

If they are having eye problems then the therapy would be tailored for the specifics but generally vitamin A and carrots are good - which I think they are probably getting in their diet but you could give them some baby carrots to snack on if you think they need more.

Kibble has to add a lot of ingredients since they destroy so much of the nutrition in its production. I agree with you that it's probably not a good point of reference. I suspect Keepers and Boo are the best fed dogs for miles around your place.

KeeperBoy · 11-13-2009, 07:11 PM

Boo has LP, but not even bad enough to be diagnosed yet, but me and my agility trainer both notice it. The eye worries are just because bostons are prone to them. Do you know anything about lutein and billberry for eye health?

Spyglass Sally · 11-13-2009, 07:26 PM

They are both good for eye health. Eyebright and bilberry are two herbs Dr. Goldstein recommends for cataract treatment. He uses Visioplex (Progressive Labs) which also contains vitamin A and comes in a capsule.

Btw, he also says that in Chinese medicine the eye and liver are connected and when he sees a pet with chronic eye problems they also have liver imbalances so he starts them on a good diet and liver supplements like vitamin A which supports liver function.

KeeperBoy · 11-14-2009, 08:09 AM

Sally, you are the best! I think I'm going to start with a joint supplement for Boo. What is MSM that I've been seeing? She has never indicated any pain in the knee, but it just doesn't look right to me, you might have even noticed it when you met her. When she gets moving fast she skips a step with her right rear leg.

Spyglass Sally · 11-14-2009, 10:34 AM

MSM is the major form of sulfer in the human body. Sulfur is an important elemant for all cells and body tissues and especially for joint tissue where it functions in the stabilization of the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. As far back as the '30's researchers showed that people with arthritis are often deficient in it. Restoring sulfur levels can bring significant relief to those patients.

Btw, when people say they are allergic to sulfur, what they mean is they are allergic to sulfa drugs or sulfite containing foods. No allergies to MSM have been reported. I don't know much about dosages for dogs or children as I'm not aware of any evaluations on that. Adults the dose is usually 1500 - 8000 mg/day. But it can cause loose stools and also if someone's on blood thinning drugs they need to talk with their doctor because it can thin blood too.

It can also be used topically - not sure what you were thinking - but I'm sure that your vet or someone could help you out more with the specifics of what kind and how much.

I'm quite excited - we're bringing Buddy to a holistic vet in a couple of weeks for a check up. The person actually studied with Dr. Pitcairn! She used to practice traditional veterinary medicine but now only holistic practice. It's about an hours drive (her practice is in Ada) but I've been wanting him seen by someone just as a normal checkup. The vet we have now is respectful of our positions on food/vaccines/heartworm etc but I feel like I'm on my own really. It was like music to my ears to listen to her assistant explain to me that their philosophy is that nutrition is the foundation for health, they only do rabies because it's required by law, etc. Then she tells me about Dr. Pitcairn and says it's not required but they would like me to get the book. hahah! Get it? I've read it cover to cover many times and have it in paperback and Kindle format! When I told her we have never even wormed Buddy and what we're doing she's like "Why didn't you stop me!?" I told her I'm new at this and don't know what I don't know so I want to hear it all! There's nothing wrong with Buddy but I'd like to establish the relationship now so if something does come up she knows him and can maybe even do a phone consult which I guess is pretty normal in the practice since there aren't that many around.

I'm so excited I can hardly wait!