K9 Power - Puppy Gold®

We start with milk protein isolate, a blend of casein and whey proteins that contains 90% crude protein (minimum) and approximately 3% fat. The casein component is more slowly digested than the whey, providing a slow and steady release of amino acids into the body. Milk protein isolate is a completely balanced protein that contains the branched-chain amino acids important for optimal muscle growth and activity. It also has been shown to increase bone density by promoting bone growth and preventing bone breakdown, and it has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in the body.

Next highest in concentration is colostrum, the initial immunity shield that transfers passive immunity from the mother to the young, allowing them to fend off pathogens in their external environment. Colostrum provides components that accelerate and support the development of the puppies' own immune defenses (the innate immune system). Additionally, the shield between the intestinal lumen and the internal organs of the puppy, or the intestinal epithelial barrier and mucosa, is strengthened. Colostrum also supports the establishment of the proper mix of beneficial microbiota in the large intestine. Commercially available bovine colostrum contains immune factors (e.g., lactoferrin, lysozyme), growth and repair factors (e.g., insulin-like growth factor, epidermal growth factor), immune modulators (anti-viral, antibacterial), oligosaccharides (natural prebiotics), and antibodies.

Salmon oil powder is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and play a role in optimal health of the heart, liver, brain, and nervous system of the puppy. The primary omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil powder are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Research has linked these two fatty acids to a variety of health benefits as they suppress the body’s inflammatory response by reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory chemicals produced by immune cells.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for ~30% of its total protein. It is the primary building block of skin, muscle, bone, tendon, ligaments, other connective tissues, organs, blood vessels, and intestinal lining. The main amino acids that make up collagen are proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. The main role of collagen is to provide structure, strength, and support throughout the body. Collagen cannot be absorbed in its whole form; rather, it must be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids that can be absorbed. Oral collagen supplements come in the form of powders that usually contain the amino acids listed above and exist as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen that can be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Select amino acids are important to ensure optimal health of the puppy. Creatine monohydrate is an amino acid that helps facilitate recycling of ATP in muscle and brain tissue. It has many roles, two of which are important for the puppy and the mother: (a) it contributes to increased muscle mass, and (b) it supports cognitive function.

ProbioSEB Duo™ is a synbiotic with a variety of probiotic microorganisms along with the prebiotic, short-chain fructooligosaccharides. The probiotic organisms include Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, and Lactobacillus sporogenes, which contribute to gut and immune health. The prebiotic component serves as a readily available food supply for the probiotic microbes, as well as for the healthful microbial species residing in the gut. Synbiotics support and enhance the resident microbiota in the large intestine of the dog, positively impacting immune health and cognitive function. Inclusion of this ingredient in a puppy supplement helps ensure a stable and healthful gut microbiota from very early in life. Additionally, it helps stabilize digestive, immune, and cognitive health of the mother if provided with the supplement.

Safflower oil powder contains high concentrations of the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid. It has been shown to optimize blood circulation, support immune function, and enhance muscle growth.

A purified form of conjugated linoleic acid is added to Puppy Gold® to ensure adequate concentrations of bioavailable linoleic acid.

Glycine promotes collagen formation and supports nerve signal transmission.

Hyperimmunized egg contains two major categories of immune components: (a) immunoglobulins that diminish pathogens, providing protection against gastrointestinal problems, and (b) immunoregulatory factors that directly affect gastrointestinal surfaces and circulate systemically, affecting every immune, metabolic, and neuroendocrine pathway in the body.

Potassium chloride/sodium chloride (electrolytes) are highly bioavailable forms of sodium and potassium. They play key roles in contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscle and help maintain a healthy water balance and blood flow in the puppy and mother.

While the active ingredients are the most important components of the next generation Puppy Gold® supplement, the inactive ingredients also contribute to its nutritional quality. For example, maltodextrin provides a highly digestible source of energy to both puppy and mother, both of whom have high energy demands. A blend of natural mixed tocopherols serves to neutralize free radicals formed in the body due to metabolic processes. These also act as emulsifiers and chelating agents, offering protection against rancidity and contributing to supplement stability and shelf life. Pork liver powder enhances the taste, while whey protein concentrate, containing some carbohydrate (i.e., lactose) and fat, provides branched-chain amino acids (e.g., leucine, isoleucine), which are important for muscle growth and activity. It has also been shown to increase bone density by promoting bone growth and preventing bone breakdown.