Your dog's body naturally contains many antioxidants that work together, in a variety of ways to help protect and insure health. Antioxidants neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals. Free radicals are formed each time your pet takes a breath.

Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, environmental toxins, pollution, heavy metals, stress, diet and drugs, including antibiotics, also contribute to their production. Billions of free radicals are formed in your dog's body each day. They cause Oxidative Stress, which damages your dog's body; in much the same way that oxygen causes iron to rust.

Free radicals damage your dog's cells and can also adversely affect vital tissues, organs and even DNA, their genetic material. These harmful changes accumulate and have been proven to decrease the quality and length of life. Antioxidant supplements can increase your pets healthy life span and slow the aging process by providing the body with additional defenses against free radicals and decreasing the resultant levels of oxidative damage.

Oxidative damage has been associated with many of the leading age related degenerative diseases including cancer, heart disease, liver and kidney disorders as well as arthritis and diabetes.

The best dog vitamin formulas have a comprehensive range of vital nutrients. Vitamins A, C, and E along with the full spectrum of energy promoting B-Complex Vitamins help keep your dog's immune system running at peak form. With a healthy immune system, your pet will not only have more energy, but also become more resistant to common illnesses that tend to occur later in life.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant. It is also necessary for good vision, proper bone development and healthy skin. The best dog vitamins contain water soluble Vitamin A Palmitate.

Vitamin C is needed to regenerate and revitalize Vitamin E. It is also essential to normal collagen formation. Collagen is an integral part of the walls of blood vessels and is part of the matrix of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones and skin. The best dog vitamins contain only pure, crystalline Vitamin C which is hypoallergenic.

Vitamin E is needed to regenerate and revitalize Vitamin C. It is also important to help maintain the integrity of cell membranes, which is essential for them to function normally.

Selenium is an essential mineral, which is incorporated into many vital enzymes in the body. Selenium also works with Vitamin E as an antioxidant to help protect against free radical oxidative damage. Selenium is important for many vital processes in the body and promotes immune system function.

Zinc is an essential mineral and is a vital component of several biochemical and enzymatic reactions in your dog's body. In addition, zinc is needed to maintain the health and integrity of the skin and hair coat and promotes the integrity of the immune system.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar made of molecules called Glucosaminolglycans or "GAGS." Gags are found in almost every tissue of the body including joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, urinary bladder and blood vessels. Glucosamine is needed to maintain normal joint fluid. Joint fluid surrounds the joints providing them with important nutrients. It helps to lubricate and cushion the joints, acting like a shock absorber during movement and insulating the bones from friction. Glucosamine is necessary to maintain the overall health and integrity of cartilage, articular surfaces, bones and joints. It may also enhance your pet's mobility and flexibility. Glucosamine plays a role in the healthy formation of many bodily structures including ligaments, tendons, joint fluid, skin, bone and nails.

Nnumerous studies have demonstrated the fact that Glucosamine helps rebuild and restore vital glycoproteins, resulting in improved joint strength, flexibility and mobility. As a result, many owners who have used Glucosamine report their dogs have experienced less pain and fewer episodes of discomfort caused by sore, swollen joints.

A study by members of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University tested the effect of Glucosamine on adult dogs. During all test phases conducted at 1, 3 and 5 month intervals, supplemental Glucosamine enhanced the amount and viscosity of synovial fluid, making the joints more cushioned and resistant to impact.

Perna Caniculus (Green Lipped Mussel) is a natural nutrient extracted from the Green Lipped Mussel which lives only in certain parts of the Pacific Ocean near Australia and New Zealand. It is a natural source of Chondroitan 4 and 6 sulfate and works together along with glucosamine to help optimize collagen repair and improve joint structure and function.

Two recent clinical studies showed that Perna Caniculus is rich in several key anti-inflammatory and natural lubricating compounds which soothe joint swelling and improve flexibility.

The first study, presented at the 2002 International Symposium, Perna Caniculus was added into the diet of a group of dogs with obvious joint and mobility problems.

Each dog was scored for mobility, as measured by his or her ability to walk, trot and climb stairs. In addition, their joints were scored for pain, swelling and range of movement. Within 4-8 weeks of consuming the enriched diet, these dogs improved in every area. They progressed in their ability to walk and run, and demonstrated reduced swelling and pain in their joints.

A second study, published in the journal of Veterinary Therapeutics, tested the effect of Perna Caniculus on 31 mixed-breed dogs. Within just 6 weeks, the nutrient helped improve each dog's total arthritis score, reducing joint pain and swelling in the process

MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) a unique natural, organic form of sulfur that helps reduce arthritic joint pain and acts together Glucosamine to restore normal joint function and integrity.

Manganese. A trace mineral needed for vital enzyme reactions and proper bone development. It plays a key role in supporting the body's production of vital elements required to rebuild cartilage in damaged joints.

Chromium Picolinate & Vanadyl Sulfate. These nutrients improve blood sugar metabolism, blood lipid concentrations and reduce body fat. Together they act to improve the body's sensitivity to the hormone insulin which reduces the risk of diabetes.

To further enhance energy production and weight control, the best dog vitamins contain four key nutrients to enhance your pet's ability to regulate blood sugar, reduce the risk of diabetes and maintain a lean, healthy body weight. The trace minerals chromium and vanadium have been shown to help balance blood sugar levels, which can prevent the energy "ups" and "downs" that often result from consuming meals high in carbohydrates.

In a study conducted by Dr. G.W. Evans and colleagues at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in San Diego, California, chromium supplementation enhanced the absorption and metabolism of sugars. In addition, the nutrients Inositol and L-Carnitine help promote the metabolism of fats and sugars, which helps your pets body utilize and burn them more efficiently. Japanese researchers found that supplemental Inositol also has lipotropic or fat-burning qualities and helps prevent fatty deposits in animal organs. These nutrients help your pet's body burn fat effectively so they can maintain a lean, healthy body weight.

Green Tea. The anti-oxidants in green tea may decrease the risk of heart disease and protect the blood vessels that nourish the heart and brain. The Epigallocatechin Gallate in green tea may also be cancer protective.

Cranberry Extract has been demonstrated to be beneficial in promoting an acid urine PH and helps maintain the health of the urinary bladder.

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. It is the major energy source for the cells that line the small intestine of your dog's digestive track. It helps to energize the body by aiding in the maintanence of normal digestive system function. L-Glutamine is a precursor to Glucosamine, which the body uses to produce Glucosaminolglycans, (GAGS), as well as purine nucleotides, which are constituents of your dog's genetic material, (DNA& RNA).

B-Complex Vitamins . These are critical cofactors necessary for energy production. They are essential to metabolize proteins, carbohydrates and fats. B-Complex Vitamins aid in the release of energy from foods and help to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. All the best dog vitamin products contain the full spectrum of B-Complex Vitamins.

Siberian Ginseng. The root of this plant was used for centuries in Asia as a strengthening tonic that rejuvenates and revitalizes the body. It also maintains blood glucose levels, regulates blood pressure, strengthens the cardiovascular system and boosts immunity.

Digestive Enzymes are important to maintain overall health. The body's production of enzymes naturally decreases with increasing age. Proper supplementation of enzymes can enhance your dog's ability to digest, absorb and utilize nutrients you feed him (or her), which are essential for energy production and ultimately, for life itself. All the best formulas contain the full spectrum of enteric coated digestive enzymes including: amylase, lipase, protease, lactase and cellulase which work together to support digestion and utilization of the nutrients in your dog's diet.

The stomach and intestines play a vital role in keeping the immune system functioning properly and absorbing all of the key nutrients from food.

Intestinal bacteria play a key role in proper digestion. These "good bacteria" aid regular digestion, control gas, ease bloating and encourage healthy fecal processes. The best pet supplements addresse this "nutritional gap" by providing highly efficient Probiotic digestive enzymes. In a recent report published by Italian researchers,