L-Methionine is known for its ability to help prevent and reduce symptoms associated with certain types of urinary issues in dogs. It also provides a variety of other health benefits for our furry companions.
L-Methionine is an amino acid, which are the building blocks of proteins. Unlike many other amino acids, your pet’s body cannot manufacture this amino acid naturally. They must get this essential amino acid through their diet. Amino acids perform many functions in an animal’s body. For example, L-methionine supports the growth of new blood vessels and helps to restore proper pH balance in a dog’s urinary system.
American bacteriologist, John Howard Mueller, was the first to discover L-methionine in 1921. It is found in meat, fish, dairy products, nuts and grains. Many pet foods contain minimal amounts of the proteins that have naturally occurring L-methionine. Foods containing these proteins are often times diluted with other fillers. Supplements, like NuVet Plus, work to fill the gap in your pet’s diet.
Benefits of L-Methionine
L-Methionine plays a role in the production of s-adenosylmethionine, or “SAMe,” which supports the proper function of the immune system. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin that relay messages between the brain and other parts of the body depend on the SAMe produced by L-methionine. SAMe is essential for healthy cell membranes.
This amino acid also helps to reduce alkalinity of urine and restore its proper pH levels to help optimize a dog’s urinary tract function. It can also aid in the odor control of your dog’s urine by reducing the ammonia content.
An animal’s body uses L-methionine to create another type of amino acid, known as creatine. Creatine can enhance muscle performance and build lean body mass that facilitates health.
L-Methionine also contains sulfur which a dog’s body uses for healthy growth and metabolism. Many body systems outside the urinary tract rely on sulfur for healthy function. In particular, the skin, hair and nails rely on sulfur. L-methionine is a principle supplier of sulfur to the body and may help prevent skin conditions in your pet.
L-Methionine belongs to a group of compounds known as lipotropics, which help the liver process fats. It helps lower cholesterol in the blood by increasing the liver’s production of lecithin, which dissolves fat and cholesterol. It also reduces the amount of unhealthy fat in the liver.
Additional Health Benefits
There are many other health benefits associated with L-methionine. It helps protect the kidneys, acts as a natural chelating agent to help clear the body of heavy metals, and it regulates the formation of ammonia in urine.
It also supports the absorption of trace minerals, selenium and zinc, into a dog’s body, which increases bioavailability and transportation. Consequently, more selenium and zinc is able to enter the circulatory system and move to tissues throughout a dog’s body.
As an antioxidant, L-Methionine fights free radicals that can damage cells and tissue. Free radicals form as the result of oxidation, a destructive process that occurs when molecules become unstable after the loss of an electron. Free radicals damage other molecules as they “steal” electrons, turning those molecules into unstable free radicals. This amino acid works as an antioxidant to stabilize free radicals and halt their destruction.
L-Methionine is an important aspect of canine health. It is a crucial ingredient for eye health, skin and coat development, heart health and urinary health. Adding a quality pet supplement like NuVet Plus K-9 or NuVet Plus Feline Powder to your beloved pet’s daily diet can help provide the essential levels of nutrients they need to thrive.
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