We're going back to our roots. To the wisdom our grandmothers knew when they poured fresh blood from the butcher into a dog's bowl. Today, science confirms what they sensed long ago: for a dog, blood is much more than just a liquid. It's a concentrated form of energy, vitality, and above all, the most bioavailable iron that nature has to offer. Let's explore why this ancient ingredient is a small miracle and how modern science can help your dog too.
Not All Iron Is Created Equal: The Great Secret of Two Worlds
When we hear "iron," most of us picture a single element. But for your dog's body (and ours), there are two completely different worlds of iron:
Non-Heme Iron: Found in plant sources (grains, legumes, vegetables) and most cheap dietary supplements (e.g., ferrous sulfate). Its problem? It has very poor absorption. The body can't quite figure out how to use it. Imagine it as a locked treasure chest—the body sees it's there but doesn't have the key to open it. Most of it passes through the digestive tract unused and can cause digestive issues like constipation or irritation.
Heme Iron: This is the VIP of iron. It's found exclusively in animal tissues—in muscle (myoglobin) and especially in blood (hemoglobin). A mammal's body is evolutionarily "programmed" for it. It has a special transport pathway that allows it to be absorbed 2-3 times more effectively than non-heme iron. It's like having a VIP pass that lets you skip all the lines and obstacles.
This is where the magic of blood lies. It is the richest natural source of this super-efficient heme iron.
Why Is Blood Such a Miracle? 3 Scientifically Proven Benefits
Based on studies examining the effects of heme iron on humans and animals, we can confidently say why blood is so valuable for dogs.
1. Maximum Absorption Without Side Effects
A study on iron-deficient women (Hoppe et al.) clearly showed that supplementing with heme iron (in the form of blood-enriched bread) improved their iron status just as effectively as high doses of pharmaceutical supplements. The key difference? The heme iron group reported almost no digestive issues, which are common with standard supplements.
What this means for your dog: The body utilizes the maximum amount of iron provided without burdening the digestive system. No unnecessary irritation, just pure benefit.
2. Supports Blood Formation and Muscle Oxygenation
Iron is the fundamental building block of hemoglobin—the red blood pigment that carries oxygen throughout the body. Sufficient oxygen means energy, endurance, and proper function of all organs.
- For athletic and active dogs: Better muscle oxygenation leads to higher performance and faster recovery.
- For growing puppies and pregnant females: It meets the massive demands of the body for creating new tissues and blood.
- For senior dogs: It helps combat fatigue and supports overall vitality.
3. The "Meat Factor" Effect
Scientists have discovered a fascinating phenomenon called the "meat factor." Heme iron from blood is not only well-absorbed on its own, but it also helps the body absorb the less-available non-heme iron from other food components (like vegetables in the bowl). It acts as a "door opener" for other nutrients.
What this means for your dog: By adding blood to the bowl, you not only improve iron intake from the blood itself but enhance the nutritional value of the entire meal.
Who Is Blood Ideal For?
- To boost any meal – whether you feed kibble, canned food, or a carefully prepared BARF diet for dogs.
- Dealing with a loss of appetite in your dog? Blood is perfect for picky eaters because its scent is irresistible and works as a fantastic meal topper.
- For dogs under physical stress (sports, training, hunting).
- For dogs in recovery after injuries, surgeries, or illness.
- For females after giving birth to support their body's recovery.
- For dogs with anemia as targeted support for blood formation.
A Smart 4-in-1 Solution: Why Essence Is More Than Just Blood
We understand that handling fresh blood is impractical. That's why we developed one of the most comprehensive supplements for dogs on the market: Essence. It contains not only the power of blood but also other synergistic ingredients in a simple, clean form.
It's not just about iron. Essence is a thoughtfully designed formula where every ingredient has a purpose:
- Gently Dried Pork Blood: The heart of the product and the best natural source of heme iron. We specifically chose pork because it poses a minimal allergy risk for dogs.
- Dried Egg Yolks: A true nutritional powerhouse and a source of natural vitamins for a dog. They contain vitamins A, D, E, biotin, and lecithin for a healthy coat, skin, and brain function.
- Probiotic Culture: Because health starts in the gut, we specifically added the best probiotics for dogs (Enterococcus faecium). These live cultures support optimal digestion, better nutrient absorption, and build a strong immune system.
- Seaweed Lithothamnium calcareum: The secret to balanced nutrition. This natural source of calcium ensures the product has the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, a cornerstone of a healthy canine diet, especially for those who feed BARF.
Perfect for Any Bowl
Whether you feed kibble, raw meat (BARF), or canned food, you can easily mix Essence into any meal to instantly boost its nutritional value.
Because we know the needs of small and large dogs differ, we have prepared two versions:
- Essence for Small Breeds - the formula and dosage are precisely tailored to the metabolism and needs of smaller dogs.
- Essence for Medium & Large Breeds - to cover the higher nutritional demands of larger dogs.
Give your dog more than just ordinary vitamins for dogs. Give them the power of iron, digestive support, and perfectly balanced nutrition in a single scoop.
Author: Lenka Martens Zachová
