Keeping Dogs And Cats Healthy And Happy

Antarctic Krill is a top source of omega-3s and also offers astaxanthin, a strong antioxidant, along with natural choline and tasty marine proteins. These nutrients make it an exceptional marine ingredient that supports the health of cats and dogs at all life stages.

 

Jump to chapter

 

  1. Krill health benefits for pets
  2. Studies show the effects of krill meal
  3. Proven health benefits of omega-3s
  4. Video: How important are the right omega-3s
  5. Choline - an essential nutrient for pets
  6. Video: The importance of choline
  7. Natural source of astaxanthin and marine proteins
  8. Video: The health benefits of QRILL Pet
benefits-bg

Krill Health Benefits For Pets

  • + Skin and coat

    Fat is very important for healthy skin and coat in pets. A regular diet based on essential fatty acids like those found in krill is essential to keep the skin barrier fit and the coat shiny.

  • + Liver

    Omega-3s and choline improve and maintain a healthy liver function, and can aid in the proper metabolism of fat.

  • + Joints

    Krill omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and can contribute to reducing inflammation and thereby joint pain caused by wear and tear during ageing or osteoarthritis.

  • + Brain

    Omega-3s and choline from krill are essential in supporting brain development, the learning process, the nerve transmitters and affect the overall mental well-being of pets.

  • + Heart

    Omega-3s are important for a healthy heart and can help lower blood pressure and prevent dangerous blood clots that could be damaging to the heart.

  • + Immune system

    A healthy, balanced diet that includes omega-3s and astaxanthin can support and enhance the immune system of cats and dogs of all ages, making immune cells more flexible and resistant.

One Ingredient, Many Benefits

 

Krill Is Naturally Rich In

Omega-3 Icon QRILL Pet (1)

Superior

 

Omega-3

 

Omega-3s have been shown to provide numerous health benefits for pets, including supporting the heart, liver, brain, joints, skin, and fur.

Astaxanthin Icon QRILL Pet (1)

Powerful

 

Astaxanthin

 

Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant found in krill, safeguards all body cells against oxidative damage.

.

Choline Icon QRILL Pet (1)

Natural

 

Choline

 

Choline is a vital nutrient necessary for maintaining liver health in pets. It also plays a crucial role in supporting brain health and muscle function.

Marine Proteins Icon QRILL Pet (1)

Tasty

 

Proteins

 

Krill-derived marine proteins are highly palatable, easily digestible, and serve as an alternative protein source.

Studies Show The Positive Effects of Krill Products

 

We are dedicated to documenting the impact of krill meal inclusion and have conducted numerous studies to ascertain and comprehend the benefits and mechanisms of incorporating dietary krill meal in canine diets. Our research consistently demonstrates that phospholipid omega-3s and other essential nutrients present in krill meal, such as choline, have beneficial effects on vital organs, which are crucial for the healthy development and maintenance of dogs.

These encouraging findings motivate us to continue exploring the unique components of krill, particularly the beneficial effects of its omega-3s and choline on the health of various vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, joints, brain, eyes, skin, and coat.

A krill-rich diet increased the Omega-3 Index of active dogs

 

A recent six-week study conducted by Aker QRILL Company aimed to compare Omega-3 Index concentrations when omega-3s were administered in phospholipid form versus triglyceride form.

The study involved 20 adult Alaskan Husky dogs. Ten dogs were provided with a diet containing 8% QRILL Pet inclusion, while the control group of ten dogs received a diet with omega-3 triglycerides. The levels of EPA/DHA in both diets were equivalent.

 

  • + Conclusion

    The results have shown that the phospholipid-bound omega-3s from krill are more effective in raising the omega-3 index in a dog’s body compared to triglyceride-bound omega-3s, such as those found in fish oil. The group receiving QRILL Pet increased their Omega-3 Index by 62%, while the fish oil control group only increased by 21%.

  • + What is the Omega-3 Index?

    The Omega-3 Index measures the amount of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA compared to the amount of other fatty acids in cell membranes. This diagnostic tool provides a useful indication of a pet’s long-term intake of omega-3s.A sufficient omega-3 index will be beneficial for keeping a healthy heart, brain, vision, joints, and skin.

  • + Other benefits of a higher Omega-3 Index

    The benefits of an increased Omega-3 Index were shown in an earlier study involving huskies participating in the Iditarod race, an ultra-endurance race in Alaska. [2] The race is known to induce muscle damage and inflammation.The Alaskan huskies received pet food with 8% QRILL Pet inclusion for 5-week prior to the start of the 2016 Iditarod sled dog race. The control team didn’t receive any pet food with krill meal.We found out that the dogs receiving QRILL Pet with a higher Omega-3 Index at the start of the race showed lower muscle damage and 55% less inflammation at the end of the race when compared to the other group.

How Important Are The Right Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely acknowledged for their health benefits in both canines and humans. Selecting pet food enriched with omega-3 is an essential initial step. View the video to learn more about omega-3s and their advantages for pets.

.

Dogs on a krill diet had their choline plasma levels increased

In 2018, a team of 20 Alaskan Huskies participated in a six-week study to evaluate whether phosphatidylcholine derived from Antarctic krill could enhance the concentration of choline and its metabolites in the plasma of sled dogs. These high-performing sled dogs were divided into two groups. The first group was administered a diet containing 8 percent of a proprietary krill dietary supplement, while the second group of ten dogs was provided with a control diet devoid of krill.

  • + Conclusion

    After 6 weeks, the dogs which received a QRILL Pet diet have an average increase of 52% of their choline levels. The results demonstrated that a nutritional strategy, such as the addition of phosphatidylcholine to the diet, can help to significantly increase plasma choline concentrations.Choline is an essential nutrient for dogs that has an impact on healthy brain development, heart health, liver function, muscle function, as well as the nervous system.

How important is choline in a dog’s diet? Find all about this essential nutrient and what its main health benefits for both pets and humans from our video.

A powerful antioxidant

Another powerful nutrient naturally found in krill is the antioxidant astaxanthin, known as a natural protectant. 

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment naturally occurring in krill, functioning as a biologically active antioxidant protecting all cells in the pet’s body.

Astaxanthin has shown to be more than 100 times more powerful than vitamin E and 10 times more powerful than vitamin C.

Studies show that astaxanthin protects the immune system, improves vaccine response and has anti-inflammatory properties. Astaxanthin supplement has also been found to elevate antioxidant function and liver function.

When provided in a pet’s diet, astaxanthin is integrated into the immune cell and protects it from destruction by free radicals.

  • + Tasty marine proteins

    Marine proteins are other important nutrients found in krill. They are highly palatable, easy to digest and present an alternative protein source. Krill protein has a complete protein profile meaning it contains all the essential amino acids a pet needs in a diet.Ensuring pets like the taste of the food they eat is essential. Just like humans, some pets are picky eaters, and this worries their humans. They want to offer a healthy meal to their pets as well as provide them with a meal that they will enjoy.In a study done by Aker BioMarine, 9 out of 10 dogs preferred the food that included a high-quality Antarctic krill ingredient. This shows that the highly palatable marine proteins that are included in Antarctic dried krill meal are the preferred choice by many dogs.

The Health Benefits Of QRILL Pet

QRILL Pet has many nutritional and health benefits for pets. Learn more about the scientifically documented effects in our latest animation.

References

1. Burri, L., et al., Enhanced omega-3 index increase in dogs with dietary inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids from krill versus fish. Vet World, 2020.

2. Burri, L., et al., Effects of dietary supplementation with krill meal on serum pro-inflammatory markers after the Iditarod sled dog race. Res Vet Sci, 121: p. 18-22.

3. Burri, L., K. Heggen, and A. Storsve. Phosphatidylcholine from krill increases plasma choline and its metabolites in dogs, Vet World, 2019. 12(5): 671-676.

What's new

 

QRILL Pet Blog