DIETARY AIDS FOR PETS

Various medications and nutraceuticals are being evaluated for use as an adjunct to the more traditional weight reduction program for pets, include the following : 

DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA ) which has been shown to have antiobesity activity in pets, for example : dogs receiving DHEA while being on a weight reduction program lost weight faster and had lower cholesterol levels than those dogs who were on a weight reduction program alone ( a recent study at the University of Wisconsin School ofVeterinary Medicine ).

Carnitine
Carnitine is being included in some weight reduction programs because of its effect on the utilization of fat by the body.

Pyruvate
Studies have suggested that another compound, pyruvate has favorably altered the metabolism of obese rats and humans. Pyruvate was associated with increased weight loss.

Chromium picolinate
Chromium picolinate has been demonstrated to promote the activity of insulin and can effect on weight loss in obese animals.

Herbal
The herbal compound Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid ( HCA ) which is being investigated as a potential antiobesity agent.

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 also known as ubiquinone, is essential for energy production at the cellular level. It has been shown to benefit humans with various heart and muscle diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 effect on obese animals are currently underway. It has been shown to be safe, with no adverse effects demonstrated in animal studies according to Nutramax, a company which produces Coenzyme Q10 in an oral form for dogs, cats, and horses.

Chitin
Chitin or chitosan a compound that may inhibit fat absorption and storage is undergoing evaluation as an adjunct to dietary alterations.

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