Guts & Glory Supplement

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in amino acid metabolism and numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. It functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, supporting overall energy and nutrient utilization.

Vitamin B6 also contributes to the normal function of the nervous system by participating in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These compounds are involved in mood regulation, behavior, and the body’s response to stress, making vitamin B6 relevant in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting calm and balanced behavior.

In addition, vitamin B6 supports immune function and contributes to normal metabolic activity in rapidly renewing tissues such as skin. A well-functioning immune system and healthy skin are important for overall resilience and wellbeing.

Because of its combined role in metabolism, nervous system function, and immune support, vitamin B6 is commonly included in formulations aimed at supporting both emotional balance and overall health in dogs (Curely, 2025).

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in many metabolic processes in the body. It is a key component of coenzyme A, which plays an essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, supporting normal energy production.

Through its role in metabolism, vitamin B5 contributes to maintaining muscle function and overall physical performance, which is particularly relevant in animals with increased activity levels.

Vitamin B5 also supports the maintenance of healthy skin and contributes to normal cellular renewal in tissues such as the skin and the digestive tract. These processes are important for maintaining skin condition, gut integrity, and overall wellbeing (Kobayashi, 2011).

In addition, pantothenic acid plays a role in maintaining normal physiological balance and supports processes involved in immune function (Curely, 2025).

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B vitamin involved in several metabolic processes related to fatty acid metabolism and keratin production. Keratin is the structural protein that forms the basis of skin, hair, and coat.

Healthy skin depends on the continuous renewal of skin cells and the maintenance of a strong skin barrier. Adequate biotin intake contributes to normal keratin synthesis and supports the structural integrity of skin tissues.

In dogs, nutritional strategies that support skin metabolism and barrier function are particularly relevant for animals prone to skin sensitivity, itching, or coat problems. Because of its role in skin health and coat quality, biotin is commonly included in nutritional formulations aimed at supporting skin comfort and maintaining a healthy coat (Bonny Canteen, 2023; Springer, 2008; Curely, 2025).

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient involved in DNA synthesis and cellular division. These biological processes are particularly important during periods of rapid cell growth, such as reproduction and fetal development.

Folate participates in one-carbon metabolism together with nutrients such as vitamin B12 and choline. These metabolic pathways are involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids and amino acids and contribute to normal cellular growth and tissue formation. The Journal of Nutrition

Because of its role in cell division and development, folic acid is commonly included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting reproductive physiology and healthy development during pregnancy.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant involved in many metabolic processes in the body. It helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and supports the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which can increase during exercise, growth, and other physiologically demanding periods (Garcia, 2022).

Vitamin C also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, a process essential for the formation and maintenance of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin. These tissues are important for movement, flexibility, and overall structural support.

Because of its combined role in antioxidant defense and connective tissue metabolism, vitamin C contributes to maintaining normal mobility, recovery, and overall physiological balance in horses (Curely, 2025).

Vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) is an essential fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress. Because these membranes are rich in fatty acids, they are particularly sensitive to oxidative damage, making antioxidant protection important for normal cellular function (ScienceDirect, 2014).

Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining muscle cell integrity and supports normal nerve function. It also contributes to immune function and helps maintain healthy tissues such as skin and coat (Fagan, 2018).

Horses naturally obtain vitamin E from fresh grass, but intake can be limited when pasture access is restricted, making additional supply relevant (University of California, 2019).

Vitamin E can occur in different forms (tocopherols), each with specific antioxidant properties. A combination of these forms provides broader antioxidant support compared to a single form alone. As a fat-soluble vitamin, delivering vitamin E in an oil-based form supports its natural absorption (Quigley, 2021).

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism. These minerals are important for maintaining normal bone formation and overall structural support.

Beyond its role in mineral metabolism, vitamin D3 also contributes to immune system regulation. Immune cells contain vitamin D receptors, and adequate vitamin D levels support normal immune responses and physiological balance.

Vitamin D is also involved in cellular growth and differentiation, including in tissues such as the skin. These processes contribute to maintaining skin integrity and overall tissue health.

Because of its role in immune function, skin health, and metabolic balance, vitamin D3 is commonly included in nutritional formulations designed to support overall wellbeing and resilience in dogs (Chrobak-Chmiel, 2023; Dogru, 2017; Hattangdi-Haridas, 2019; Mostafa, 2015).

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in energy metabolism and cellular function. It participates in enzymatic reactions involved in DNA synthesis and the formation of red blood cells, which are important for oxygen transport and overall vitality.

Vitamin B12 works closely together with folate in one-carbon metabolism, a pathway involved in the synthesis van nucleic acids and other essential biological molecules. These processes support cellular growth, tissue maintenance, and overall metabolic balance.

In addition, vitamin B12 contributes to normal nervous system function and is involved in pathways linked to mood regulation. Research shows that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with changes in mood and increased signs of stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depression. Maintaining adequate levels therefore supports overall mental balance and resilience (Todorov et al., 2017 ; Stover, 2004; Curely, 2025).

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body. It plays a key role in cellular metabolism, immune function, and tissue maintenance.

In the skin, zinc contributes to normal cell turnover and supports the structural integrity of skin tissues. Adequate zinc intake is therefore important for maintaining healthy skin and coat condition.(Schwartz et. al., 2006; Glutsch et. al., 2019).

Zinc is also involved in immune system activity and antioxidant defense mechanisms that help protect tissues from oxidative stress. Because of these roles, zinc is commonly included in pet nutrition to support immune balance, skin health, and overall physiological function (Animals, 2021).

Enterococcus faecium is a probiotic bacterium commonly used in animal nutrition to support the balance of the gut microbiome. It contributes to maintaining a stable population of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

A balanced microbiome plays an important role in digestion, as it helps break down nutrients and supports the normal function of the intestinal environment. In dogs, supplementation with E. faecium has been studied for its effects on gut health, including improvements in microbial balance and digestive stability (Bybee et al., 2011; Microorganisms, 2022).

By supporting the intestinal environment, this probiotic strain can contribute to maintaining normal stool quality and overall digestive comfort, especially in animals with sensitive digestion (Benyacoub et al., 2003).

Alpha-amylase is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down complex starch molecules into smaller sugars that can be absorbed in the digestive tract. Efficient starch digestion supports balanced nutrient absorption and digestive efficiency. Richards et. al., 2003

In animals consuming carbohydrate-containing diets, enzymatic activity helps facilitate the breakdown of starch before it reaches the hindgut, where excessive fermentation can sometimes contribute to digestive disturbances.

For this reason, supplemental enzymes such as alpha-amylase are sometimes included in digestive formulations to support nutrient digestion and maintain gastrointestinal stability.

Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down cellulose, one of the primary structural fibers found in plant cell walls. Although herbivorous animals rely largely on microbial fermentation to digest fiber, supplemental enzymes may help support the breakdown of plant material in the digestive tract.

By assisting the breakdown of fiber components, cellulase can help improve the availability of nutrients from plant-based feeds and contribute to overall digestive efficiency.

Because fiber digestion is central to gastrointestinal health in horses, enzymes that support the breakdown of plant material are sometimes included in nutritional strategies aimed at maintaining digestive balance and nutrient utilization.

L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays an important role in cellular metabolism and antioxidant defense. It is a key precursor for the synthesis of glutathione, one of the body’s most important intracellular antioxidants.

Glutathione participates in biochemical pathways involved in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting normal detoxification processes. Because the liver plays a central role in these metabolic pathways, nutrients involved in glutathione synthesis are often included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting liver function and metabolic balance.

In animals exposed to environmental stressors, dietary changes, or recovery from illness, maintaining adequate antioxidant capacity can help support normal physiological resilience and cellular health.

L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays an important role in cellular metabolism and tissue maintenance. It is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and serves as a key fuel source for rapidly dividing cells, including intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells.

In muscle tissue, glutamine participates in nitrogen transport and amino acid metabolism, processes that are involved in muscle protein turnover and recovery following physical activity. Because of this role in cellular metabolism, glutamine is commonly studied in relation to exercise, recovery, and metabolic support.

Glutamine also contributes to maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, as intestinal cells rely on it as an energy source. For this reason, it is often included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting both digestive health and overall physiological resilience (M. I. Lindinger, 2020).

Turmeric is used to support joint comfort because curcumin and related compounds help maintain a healthy inflammatory response. In dogs with osteoarthritis, controlled studies and veterinary research are emerging, including trials investigating turmeric-derived ingredients for mobility and comfort outcomes. 

Turmeric can also support digestive health by helping maintain a balanced gut environment. Research suggests curcumin may influence the gut microbiome by supporting beneficial bacteria and helping reduce irritation in the intestinal lining, which can be helpful for overall gut resilience. Springer Nature Link, Frontiers, Scazzocchio et al. 2020, Andrews et. al. 2022

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic herb known for its high concentration of phenolic compounds such as carvacrol and thymol (Plants, 2018). These compounds have been widely studied for their interactions with microbial populations.

Maintaining a balanced microbial environment in the digestive tract is an important aspect of gastrointestinal health. Ingredients that support microbial balance may contribute to maintaining digestive stability and gut comfort.

Because of its bioactive compounds and traditional use in digestive formulations, oregano is sometimes included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting gut health and microbial balance in animals with sensitive digestion (Veenstra & Johnson, 2019).

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a nutrient-rich microalgae known for its high protein content and abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant pigments. It contains essential amino acids as well as bioactive compounds such as phycocyanin and beta-carotene. 

These pigments have been widely studied for their antioxidant properties and their role in supporting healthy tissues and cellular protection. Antioxidants help maintain normal skin integrity and support hair follicle health, both important factors for a healthy coat (Aksoy, 2024). 

Because skin and coat condition often reflect overall nutritional balance, spirulina is sometimes included in pet nutrition as a natural source of protein, micronutrients, and antioxidant compounds that contribute to overall vitality (Cabrita, 2025).

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a botanical root traditionally used in herbal nutrition for its bioactive alkaloids, primarily berberine and hydrastine. These compounds have been studied for their interactions with microbial and digestive processes (Verhelst, 2025).

A balanced microbial environment in the gastrointestinal tract is important for maintaining digestive stability and normal intestinal function. Botanical ingredients that support microbial balance may therefore contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive ecosystem.

Because of its traditional use and studied biological compounds, goldenseal is sometimes included in nutritional formulations aimed at supporting digestive balance and overall gut health in animals with sensitive digestion.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that plays an important role in several physiological processes in the body. Sulfur is a key building block of amino acids and structural proteins such as keratin and collagen, which contribute to the strength and integrity of connective tissues including hooves, joints, skin, and tendons.

Through this structural role, MSM supports tissue quality and resilience, which is relevant for maintaining strong hooves and healthy joints, especially in horses exposed to physical stress or metabolic challenges.

In addition, sulfur is involved in metabolic pathways linked to the body’s antioxidant systems. These pathways support the processing of metabolic by-products and contribute to maintaining normal cellular balance. This makes MSM relevant in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting liver function, digestion, and overall metabolic stability.

Because of its dual role in both structural support and metabolic processes, MSM contributes to maintaining connective tissue health, digestive balance, and overall physiological resilience (Jiao et al., 2025; Marañón et al., 2008; Kalman, 2012).

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a natural source of bromelain, a group of proteolytic enzymes that support the breakdown of proteins during digestion. By supporting protein digestion, bromelain contributes to efficient nutrient utilization and overall digestive function.

Bromelain has been used as a digestive enzyme in cases of reduced digestive capacity, where it helps support normal intestinal function and improves the processing of nutrients. It has also been associated with improvements in common digestive discomforts such as bloating and indigestion (Rathnavelu et al., 2016).

In the gut, bromelain has been shown to interact with the intestinal environment by supporting barrier function and reducing the adhesion of certain unwanted bacteria to the intestinal lining. This contributes to maintaining a balanced gut environment and normal digestive comfort (Novaes et al., 2015).

Papaya (Carica papaya) contains papain, a natural proteolytic enzyme known for its ability to break down dietary proteins into smaller peptides. Enzymes such as papain support digestive processes by assisting the breakdown of nutrients during digestion (Tacias-Pascacio, 2021).

Supporting efficient digestion can contribute to maintaining gastrointestinal comfort and improving nutrient availability. This is particularly relevant in animals with sensitive digestion where enzymatic support may help maintain digestive balance.

Because of its natural enzyme activity, papaya powder is often included in nutritional formulations aimed at supporting digestive efficiency and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal environment (Jesús Fernández-Lucas, 2017).

Linseed is valued for alpha-linolenic acid (aplantomega-3) and is commonly used in horses and dogs to support healthy skin andcoat. It is especially relevant when animals eatmainly hayor processed diets with less natural omega-3 compared with fresh forage. Linseed also provides gentle mucilage-like fibers that many owners associate with digestive comfort. Sembratowicz et al., 2020

Magnesium glycinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium in which magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is well absorbed and gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for regular use in nutritional formulations.

Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function by helping regulate contraction and relaxation. Adequate magnesium intake supports normal muscle relaxation, which is important for both physical comfort and smooth movement.

In addition, magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function. The presence of glycine, an amino acid involved in inhibitory neurotransmission, further supports a calming effect by helping maintain balanced nerve signaling.

Because of its role in both muscle and nerve function, magnesium glycinate is commonly included in formulations aimed at supporting relaxation, reducing tension, and maintaining overall mobility and comfort in dogs (Boomsma, 2008; Noah, 2021; Wienecke, 2016).

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It plays a key role in converting nutrients into usable energy, supporting overall vitality.

Thiamine is also important for normal nervous system function, as it supports nerve signaling and cellular communication. Proper nervous system function contributes to overall physiological balance and behaviour.

Because of its role in energy metabolism and nerve function, vitamin B1 contributes to maintaining general health and resilience in both dogs and horses (Curely, 2025).