Tail Wagging Nutrition The Benefits of Incorporating Ava Puppy Food into Your Pet s Diet
AVA Puppy Food Review
Find out if Ava puppy food is good enough to provide all the nutrition that your growing puppy needs, as we take a close look at the ingredients.
Advanced Nutrition Vet Approved known as AVA is a high-quality premium brand which is produced by Pets at Home.
Designed to support wellbeing and health, as well as provide superior nutrition, AVA puppy food has a special blend of nutrients to support your growing pup.
Pets at Home produce a range of other foods and products; theyre not just a retailer.
They have created AVA to be a particularly gentle and natural addition to their products, perfect for pooches who are on the sensitive side.
AVA puppy food includes both wet and dry food so you can select the option that suits your pet.
But what do the AVA puppy food reviews make of this product?
Heres a look at whats inside the packaging.
Range of Foods
When you purchase dog food, some brands offer different options depending on the size of your dog.
AVA goes one step further and caters specifically for certain breeds, such as Shih Tzu, Yorkshire terrier, and many more.
Thats not the case with their puppy food though; this more selective type of food is only available with AVA adult dog food.
AVA puppy food is available in either a wet or dry format. The whole range is made from premium, natural ingredients only and is completely free of pork, soya, dairy, wheat and gluten.
Therefore if youve got a dog whos prone to allergies, this puppy food could be a top pick.
The wet puppy food they offer includes:
- Chicken pate
- Chicken and lamb pate
And their dry puppy food:
- Small breed chicken kibble
- Medium breed chicken kibble
- Large breed chicken kibble
Both 2kg and 15kg size bags are available.
The kibble is sold in bags for either small, medium and large breeds, which is a simplified version of their breed-specific adult food.
Its important to pick the type that corresponds with your poochs breed because the individual kibble will be sized for your dogs mouth.
Kibble which is too small wont feel satisfying for your canine, and if its too big, they may struggle to eat comfortably.
Recommended:We take a close look at Burns puppy food in our latest guide.
Health Benefits of Ava Puppy Food
No matter which type of AVA puppy food you select, your dog will be enjoying natural ingredients with no artificial additives.
The formula focuses on skin, coat and digestion to help your dog look and feel their best.
Puppy food has very different requirements than adult dog food and AVA has received official approval from vets.
It has been formulated to deliver a high-calorie diet which is rich in important nutrients to encourage healthy growth and development.
The protein is carefully chosen to be easily digestible by immature canine systems. It contains slow-release carbohydrates to support steady energy levels plus soluble and insoluble fibre to aid digestion.
Ongoing brain development, kidney health plus skin and coat conditioning are supported by nutrients which include Omega-3 and Omega-6.
Recommended: Dont miss our Acana puppy food review next.
Beneficial Ingredients
AVA is a dog food which aims to go beyond just providing good nutrition; the blend of ingredients help to improve your poochs health and get them in tip-top condition.
It does this by not only relying on the highest quality proteins and ingredients but including their own special blend of nutrients.
Known as +Imuvita, this collection of extracts has been carefully selected to boost your dogs wellbeing. It includes green tea extract, cranberry, beta-glucans and pomegranate.
Brewers Yeast is also included as an ingredient because of the health benefits its linked with. In dogs, Brewers Yeast is believed to promote healthy function of the eyes and liver, plus boost the hair and skin.
Brewers Yeast includes B vitamins as well as a whole host of minerals including chromium, selenium, zinc, potassium and iron.
These are good for your canines body in many different ways, such as supporting the immune system and helping with the production of red blood cells.
Recommended:Make sure to check out our Bakers puppy food review after this.
Is Ava Dog Food Good Value for Money?
AVA puppy food is geared towards dogs who have sensitivities and owners who want to ensure that theyre buying high-quality, all-natural ingredients.
This means its not aimed at the budget market and is competing with other premium brands.
Compared to other puppy foods which have a similar profile, AVA is middle of the range.
Its not the cheapest food nor is it the most expensive. Broadly speaking, its on a par with brands such as Iams.
Are There Any Negatives?
Although Brewers Yeast is associated with many health benefits in dogs, it can be problematic for some.
If you notice your dog is suffering with more gas than usual or is bloated, this could be due to the Brewers Yeast in the food.
Most dogs only suffer from mild symptoms which quickly pass but for others, the problem can be quite severe.
This is more likely to occur in dogs which have known digestive difficulties or a breed which has a tendency to bloat.
Larger breeds with deep chests are more likely to have tendency to bloat (such as St Bernard, Weimaraner, Irish Setter and Great Dane).
Brewers Yeast also has the potential to interfere with any medication your dog may be taking.
This is especially the case if the medication includes any Brewers Yeast already. Although the amounts involved are quite small, its best to clear it with your vet first.
Conclusion
AVA puppy food is one of the premium brands from Pets at Home that offers dog owners the opportunity to buy a natural, hypoallergenic formula which has been carefully blended to provide optimal health benefits.
Compared to lots of other dog foods, AVA stands out for its commitment to quality, receiving vet approval on the formula.
AVA dog food puppy reviews reflect this fact with the majority of owners praising it, and describing the positive effect on their canine.
If you want a dog food that will deliver a real bargain, AVA probably isnt what youre looking for.
However, if youre searching for a premium puppy food that contains high levels of protein and no hypoallergenic ingredients, this formula is very affordable.
Alternatives to AVA include Iams, Eukanuba, Skinners and Autarky, which range from cheaper than AVA to more expensive.
However, even with the alternatives, there are very few which are high in protein, a complete food, and hypoallergenic in the same way that AVA is.
For this reason, its widely rated by veterinary professionals as a top food for your pup.
Ultimate Guide to Boosting a Dogs Immunity with Supplements
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As I learn more about canine health and nutrition, I have concluded that focusing on my dog's gut health and immune system is essential to longevity. I do this by feeding a fresh food diet that includes whole food supplements. The immune system protects dogs from various infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. A robust immune system offers the following benefits:
- helps a dog resist (and recover faster from) infections, illness, and disease
- contributes to a dog's overall health and well-being, potentially extending their lifespan
- makes a dog less susceptible to allergies and sensitivities, reducing itching, GI issues, and respiratory distress
- enhances the effectiveness of vaccines, potentially reducing side effects and generating a strong and more long-lasting immune response
While focusing on a dog's immune system won't stop aging, it may slow it down by helping our dogs survive illness and disease and age gracefully.
Gut Health and the Immune System
The connection between a dog's gut and the immune system is crucial in maintaining overall health. The gut (gastrointestinal or GI tract) is home to a diverse community of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota.
The gut microbiota and the immune system have a bidirectional relationship, meaning they constantly interact and influence each other. Here's how they are connected:
Gut Microbiota Composition: The gut microbiota helps to educate and modulate the immune system. The bacteria in the gut produce metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which influence immune cell development and function. Additionally, the microbiota helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, preventing harmful substances from leaking into the body and triggering an immune response.
Immune System Development: During early life, exposure to a diverse range of gut bacteria helps shape and train the immune system. This exposure helps the immune system differentiate between harmful pathogens and harmless substances, preventing unnecessary immune responses and allergies later in life.
Immune System Regulation: The gut microbiota is crucial in regulating immune responses. It helps balance immune tolerance (not reacting to harmless substances) and immune activation (fighting off pathogens). Imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can lead to immune dysregulation and various health issues.
Immune Response at the Gut Barrier: The gut is the largest interface between the external environment and the body's immune system. Immune cells in the gut lining constantly survey the gut contents, recognizing and responding to harmful pathogens. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), a part of the immune system, is located in the gut wall and helps coordinate immune responses within the gut.
Systemic Immune Effects: The gut immune system protects against pathogens within the gut and influences immune responses throughout the body. It communicates with other immune tissues, such as the lymph nodes and spleen, through circulating immune cells and signaling molecules. This cross-talk helps coordinate the immune response to pathogens and other immune challenges.
A healthy gut microbiota is essential for maintaining a well-functioning immune system in dogs. Imbalances in the gut microbiota can lead to immune dysregulation, increased susceptibility to infections, inflammation, and various digestive disorders. Therefore, maintaining the health of a dog's gut through proper nutrition, probiotics, and lifestyle choices is crucial for supporting the immune system and overall well-being.
How to Boost a Dog's Immune System
Supporting a dog's immune system is easy, starting with a fresh food diet, regular exercise, and reduced stress. My dogs eat a raw diet I formulated to meet their nutritional needs. I walk my dogs daily, allowing them to take regular sniff breaks as they explore the outdoors. And my dogs live a relatively stress-free life.
But is this enough?
Because 70-80% of the immune system lives in the gut, I believe supporting their gut health is the key to building a hardy immune system. Along with feeding a fresh food diet, I alternate the following supplements weekly:
1 Gussy's Gut Daily A foundational blend of fermented vegetables that are organic, freeze-dried, and rich in antioxidants. It offers essential nutrients for daily well-being, gut health, healthy aging, and detox support. The formula is packed with high levels of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols. These beneficial nutrients are easily absorbed by dogs through our proprietary fermentation process, ensuring they receive maximum benefits compared to consuming raw vegetables. Daily is created using 19 enzymatically activated superfoods, which are fermented and freeze-dried, preserving their raw form
2 Daily Dawg, Real Mushrooms A supplement for dogs that contains a blend of extracts, including certified organic mushrooms, herbal adaptogens, probiotics, seaweed, phytoplankton, krill, lignans, antioxidants, and fatty acids.Daily Dawg supports mobility, immunity, digestive system, heart health, weight management, allergies, and longevity.
3 Fido's Flora by Adored Beast Apothecary The first ever biologically species-specific probiotic designed exclusively for dogs. Developed by experts in the field, this remarkable product is a meticulously crafted blend of multiple strains of probiotics, enriched with the potent minerals fulvic and humic acid and prebiotic larch. Fido's Flora is especially beneficial in rebuilding the gut microbiome after a round of antibiotics.
4 MYOS Muscle Formula This supplement is made with Fortetropin, a proprietary advanced nutrition product sourced from fertilized egg yolk.Fortetropin has been proven in multiple veterinary clinical studies toaccelerate gains in muscle mass and support animal muscle health. In reviews, dog owners shared that MYOS has helped their dogs recover faster after injury, minimize the chance of injury, improve mobility, and keep pups comfortable and strong in their older years.
5 Immune Support by Earth Buddy Pet This mushroom tincture features a unique blend of five mushroom species (Agarikon, Cordyceps, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail) and elderberry extract. It can be easily mixed into food or squirted directly into your pet's mouth and is formulated to support a balanced immune response.
Boosting a Dog's Immune System On a Budget
1 Feed a Fresh Food Diet feeding dogs a raw (or cooked) diet promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in immune system regulation. Balancing over time by feeding various foods (alternating proteins and other ingredients) ensures an adequate intake of critical nutrients, supporting immune cell development, proper immune response, and overall immune system strength.
2 Broccoli and Alfalfa Sprouts sprouts support gut health by providing dietary fiber that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive system. They also support the immune system due to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Broccoli, in particular, is high in vitamin C and is known for its immune-boosting properties. Both sprouts contain phytochemicals like sulforaphane, which support immune function.
3 DIY Golden Paste made from turmeric, black pepper, and oil, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may support joint health, aid digestion, improve skin conditions, boost the immune system, and potentially relieve various ailments such as arthritis, allergies, and digestive disorders.
4 DIY Bone Broth nutrient-dense and offers benefits such as promoting joint health, boosting the immune system, aiding digestion, and supporting gut health. It is rich in collagen, amino acids, minerals, and gelatin, which can help improve skin, hair, and nail health and support overall wellness.
5 Exercise regular exercise promotes the immune system by improving circulation, reducing stress, helping to maintain a healthy weight, and enhancing the production and activity of immune cells. It can help flush out bacteria from the airways, increase antibody production, and reduce inflammation, all contributing to a more robust and effective immune response.
