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What the research says about essential amino acids and canine health

Written by: THRIVE Pet Nutrition

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Time to read 2 min

The role of amino acids in canine nutrition and health is becoming increasingly significant as research continues to uncover their various benefits and applications. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are crucial for numerous biological processes in dogs. This post dives into several key studies that shed light on why freeform essential amino acids are beneficial for dogs, offering a straightforward summary of their findings and implications.

Enhancing Nutrient Absorption and Metabolic Health

Study: Oberbauer AM, Larsen JA. Amino Acids in Dog Nutrition and Health. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021.

A Dalmatian eats from a bowl beside a model of a protein molecule.
THRIVE Pet Nutrition

Summary: This study by Oberbauer and Larsen explores the essential role that amino acids play in canine diets, particularly focusing on how they influence health and disease prevention. The researchers review the mechanisms through which amino acids contribute to metabolic health, muscle development, and immune function. The paper highlights the advantage of freeform amino acids—these are not bound to proteins, thus they are more readily absorbed and utilized by the dog’s body, leading to improved health outcomes.

Protein and Amino Acids: Bioavailability estimates for Canine Food

Study: W. H. Hendriks, E. J. Bakker, G. Bosch, Protein and amino acid bioavailability estimates for canine foods, Journal of Animal Science, 2015.

Summary: Hendriks et al. analyze the bioavailability of proteins and amino acids in various canine foods. Their findings indicate significant variability in how well dogs can absorb and utilize proteins from different sources. The study suggests that freeform amino acids can be particularly beneficial as they bypass the complexities of protein digestion, ensuring that dogs receive the full nutritional value directly and efficiently.

Managing Canine Skin Conditions

Study: Successful Long-Term Management of Canine Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis With Amino Acid Infusions and Nutritionally Balanced Home-Made Diet Modification.

Summary: This clinical case conducted by Jaffey et al. demonstrates the effectiveness of amino acid infusions in treating a severe skin condition in dogs, known as Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis. By supplementing the dog’s diet with freeform amino acids, the study showed marked improvements in the dog’s skin health, underscoring the potential of amino acids in managing dermatological issues.

Digestive and Pancreatic Health

Study: Canine gut receptors mediating pancreatic responses to luminal L-amino acids.

Summary: Meyer, Kelly, Spingola, and Jones investigate how amino acids interact with gut receptors to influence pancreatic health. Their research found that specific amino acids when administered in their freeform, stimulate receptors in the canine gut that trigger beneficial pancreatic responses. This interaction supports digestive health and optimizes nutrient absorption, illustrating the importance of amino acid supplementation in promoting gastrointestinal function.

Immune System Support

Study: Effective induction of neutralizing antibodies with the amino terminus of VP2 of canine parvovirus as a synthetic peptide, 1994.

Summary: This study focuses on the immune response in dogs, particularly how synthetic peptides derived from amino acids can effectively induce neutralizing antibodies against canine parvovirus. The findings highlight the potential of amino acid-based supplements to boost the immune system and protect against infections.