Natural Vitality and Longevity Support  Ingredients and Nutrients

Atlantic Sea Kelp

Atlantic Sea Kelp – can be found on the rocky shores of the east coast of Canada. It is a natural food source that delivers a very large list of nutrients,  including  over 70 minerals and trace elements, growth hormones, vitamins, enzymes, and proteins which include iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron.

There are a large number of kelp benefits that have been discovered throughout the years and taking a kelp supplement really can help to keep your body healthy. Some of the main benefits that have been discovered are:

- Atlantic Sea Kelp’s chelated mineral complexes can help to increase energy levels

- Help boost immunity

- Improve liver function

- Helps with poor digestion, flatulence and constipation.

- Helps to maintain the health of the mucous membranes

Caution must be used in the amount used as there is a natural high level of iodine in Atlantic Sea Kelp. We use a minimal amount to ensure absolutely no issues of excess iodine.

Alfalfa Leaf

Alfalfa Leaf – is rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids.. It contains vitamins A, D, E and K as well as chlorophyll and carotene and minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. It is non-allergenic and has been used by herbalists for many years to cleanse the circulatory system and soothing of the digestive tract, it also improves appetite and aids in the assimilation of other nutrients as well as lessens foul breath odor.

Note:

Alfalfa is an ingredient used in dog formulations only. Alfalfa should NOT be fed to cats. It is very important to only feed special formulations for cats and not a general purpose supplement.

Burdock Root

Burdock root has often been used to purify the blood by removing toxins that can build up in blood. Burdock root enhances the performance of many of the organs which purify the body and eliminate toxins or waste (like the kidneys, liver, colon, etc). This enhances overall health and helps correct disorders.

Burdock is a root that is found in Europe in Asia. It has many medicinal qualities and has been used in many herbal remedies. Burdock’s active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is proven to:

-        Support healthy cardiac function

-        Improve  muscle force

-        Convert fat to energy

-        Support healthy liver function

-        Ensure optimum energy metabolism of the senior dog

-        Help to manage dog weight

Lecithin

Lecithin is an important phospholipid needed by all living cells and can be found in major organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Lecithin aids in maintaining overall health and is utilized by every cell in the body.

Lecithin is a good source of phospholipid choline, which research shows may help maintain and support liver health and cognitive brain function.

Choline is regarded as “The Newest Vitamin.” Even though nutrition scientists have investigated choline for many years, only today are researchers fully understanding this vitamin. The National Academy of Sciences recognized it as an essential nutrient in 1998.

Enzymes that require lecithin play a huge role in overall health such as bile, which are produced in the liver, help with digestion and the breakdown of various chemicals inside the body. Without lecithin these enzymes would cease to be effective.  Lecithin and choline are essential to liver function and health. Research has shown that even a few weeks on a choline-deficient diet results in a fatty liver, which can lead to cancer of the liver.

Choline is also widely regarded as being important in brain and mental development.

ALL 3 Omega-3s

ALA, DHA & EPA Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are essential to optimal health but cannot be manufactured by the animal body. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained as pre-formed molecules from food and supplements.

Extensive clinical research indicates that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These Omega-3 essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for brain, eye and nerve health and function

In fact, puppies that do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy and while suckling are at risk for being more difficult to train and not developing as good vision as possible

Symptoms of Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include listlessness, easily tired (fatigue), poor training / learning response, dry itchy skin, dull fur or coat, poor circulation and inflammation.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that was discovered as critical for cats when cases of kittens suffering dilated cardiomyopathy (a disorder of the heart muscle) being exhibited because of a lack of Taurine in their diet.

Cat foods have been using Taurine in them for quite some time because of the benefits that it delivers.

Recently it was shown that some dogs may also have a dietary requirement for taurine and benefit from taurine supplementation.

Dogs’ bodies can make their own taurine from two other amino acids, cysteine and methionine however some dogs are less efficient at converting these two amino acids to make taurine and cannot make an optimal amount.

Many pet parents feed a lamb based dog food formula, however since lamb is lower in cysteine and methionine than some other meat protein sources a situation where a dog that is inefficient at making taurine and a lamb based diet could result with a taurine deficient dog. A taurine deficiency in dogs causes the same type of heart disease that it does in cats, dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM.

Some premium dog foods are now s adding taurine although most do not. Commercials dog foods, commercial raw pet foods and homemade diet formulations which appeared sufficient in protein and sulfur amino acid content, and met the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feeding trials for all life stages resulted in dogs exhibiting taurine deficiency.

Dried Cooked Chicken Liver Naturally Stabilized with mixed Tocopherols and Rosemary

Real chicken liver – a very high quality easily digested protein source – minimum 56% protein – low in ash and ideal for growth and maintenance. Cats and dogs just crave the rich, dense nutrition of chicken liver.

Dried Salmon Meat Naturally Stabilized with mixed Tocopherols and Rosemary

Real salmon meat – no heads and no viscera! a very high quality easily digested protein source – minimum 62% protein – low in ash and ideal for growth and maintenance.

Immunity Health Support Ingredients and Nutrients

Bovine Colostrum

Colostrum is the fluid that a cow produces prior to regular milk production, lasting for approximately two to four days after the calf is born. Colostrum has no known toxicity and is “a rich natural source of nutrients, antibodies and growth factors for the newborn.”

Bovine Colostrum Use for Puppies

Ideal to boost the immunity and health of young just weaned puppies and older puppies.

Bovine Colostrum for Kittens

Ideal to boost the immunity and health of young just weaned kittens and older kittens.

AGRIMOS®

PREBIOTIC

AGRIMOS® is a natural product that may be used in organic animal feeds. It is derived from the cell walls of yeast cells, and thus is NOT a living yeast cell. It is termed to be a mannan-based oligosaccharide (a complex sugar polymer made up of 3 – 10 simple sugars joined together) and is clinically researched and found to be very beneficial to the health and wellbeing of pet cats and dogs.

AGRIMOS® provides ß-glucans, essential components of yeast cell walls, are particularly important to support the non-specific immune system of the animal.

PREBIOTIC

Prebiotics are defined as “a non-digestible feed supplement, beneficially affecting the animal by selectively stimulating growth and/or activity in one or a limited number of bacteria in the large intestine/colon.” Prebiotics help to increase the number of “friendly” microbial bacteria of the gut, and consequently, improve the overall health of the pet.

BENEFITS OF PREBIOTICS

There is more mounting scientific evidence being reported of the symbiotic relationship between prebiotics and probiotics significantly contributing to overall excellent pet health.

- Anti-carcinogenic activity,

- Enhanced “friendly” microbial gut activity – especially  Bifidobacteria,

- Stabilized blood sugar levels,

- Boosting of the immune system,

- Improved calcium mineral absorption and balance,

 - Reducing harmful microorganisms such as E. coli and Salmonella through “competitive exclusion” in the gut,

- Helping to prevent constipation and diarrhea.

Probiotic Blend

6 clinically proven unique types of Probiotic Bacteria in effective dosages

Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host (FAO 2001). Researchers are finding that probiotics may improve general health

+ Inhibit Growth of Pathogens

+ Enhance Growth of Friendly Bacteria

+ Reduce Toxins

+ Increase Immunity or Resistance to Infections

+ Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics

+ Produce Vitamins & Nutrients

+ Alleviate Flatulence

Six Way Probiotics Blend Of:

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus casei

Bacillus licheniformis GG-0260

Bacillus subtilis GG-0227

Bifido bacterium bifidium

Enterococcus faecium

Levucell SB

Probiotic Yeast

Levucell SB is Saccharomyces cerevisiae type boulardii registered at the Pasteur Institute Collection.

The health shield effects of Levucell SB are:

+ Improves intestinal health and efficacy

+ Stimulates immune system

+ Lowers the prevalence of diarrhea occuring

Digestive Health & Digestive Enzymes Ingredients and Nutrients

Digestive Enzyme

7 way blend

An enzyme is a protein molecule that speeds up chemical reactions. Each enzyme has a unique shape that determines its function. One enzyme works on one type of substrate.

High temperature pet food processing techniques that overheat food ingredients or poor diet formulations or ingredient choices can greatly reduce the enzymatic digestion in the small intestine. This can lead to an increase in the overflow of undigested nutrients into the large intestine. This may lead to pathogenic bacteria overgrowth, toxin formation, digestive problems, ingredient allergies and bloat.

Grains (protein and carbohydrate sources) are often added in large amounts and are very difficult for cats and dogs to digest as grains are not naturally a large part of their diet.

Amylase

The enzyme, Amylase has a shape that allows it to wrap around starch(substrate) and cut it up into individual glucose units.

Digestion of starch begins in the mouth for humans, whose saliva contains amylase, dogs do not have any salivary amylase. Dogs and cats digest starches in the small intestine where they use amylase produced in the pancreas to break down starch. As dogs quickly wolf their food down with little if any chewing and did not evolve eating very much grain. Thus this may be the reason for no amylase enzyme in their saliva.

Cats are more of a carnivore than dogs are – dogs produce about 3 times as much digestive amylase enzyme than cats do.

Beta Glucanase Enzyme

The enzyme Beta Glucanase digests fiber which helps remedy digestive problems such as malabsorption.

An important enzyme to add because the cat or dog’s body cannot produce it on its own.

Beta Glucanase helps in the breakdown of plant walls (cellulose), and increases the overall efficiency of binding excess toxins in the intestines for removal.

Beta Glucanase may be beneficial in helping to avoid Candida (yeast infections), bloating,  foul gas and acute food allergies.

Bromelain (Protease)

Bromelain is present in all parts of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), but the stem is the most common commercial source, presumably because it is readily available after the fruit has been harvested. Pineapples have had a long tradition as a medicinal plant among the natives of South and Central America.

A popular natural digestive aid due to its ability to digest proteins. It’s used for relief of bloating, gas and other digestive symptoms and as an anti-inflammatory. Bromelain is often used alone or in combination with other enzymes such as lipase, which digests fats, and amylase.

Cellulase

An enzyme complex, produced by fungi and bacteria, capable of decomposing cellulose into small fragments, primarily glucose that can be digested.

Hemicellulase

Hemicellulase is an enzyme that breaks down hemicellulose. Hemicellulose catagorizes a variety of polysaccharides that are more complex than sugars and less complex than cellulose, that are found in plant walls.

Lipase

Lipase is an enzyme necessary for the absorption and digestion of nutrients in the intestines. This digestive enzyme is responsible for breaking down lipids (fats), in particular triglycerides, which are fatty substances in the body that come from fat in the diet. Once broken down into smaller components, triglycerides are more easily absorbed in the intestines. Lipase is primarily produced in the pancreas

In general, lipase digestive enzyme supplementation are thought to help the body absorb food more easily, keeping nutrients at appropriate, healthy levels throughout the body.

Xylanase

Is the name for a class of enzymes which breakdown one of the major components of plant cell walls into digestible glucose.

AGRIMOS® Prebiotic

AGRIMOS® is a specific combination of manno-oligosaccharides (MOS) and glucose (ß-glucans) extracted from the yeast cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

MOS are natural oligosaccharides, composed of various mannose chains, that block pathogen colonization within the digestive tract of the animal.

ß-glucans, essential components of yeast cell walls, are particularly important to support the non-specific immune system of the animal.

Herb & Spice Oils

A proprietary blend of herb and spice oils that act as both a flavor enhancer and provides a natural boost to overall digestion and digestive health

Yucca schidigera Extract

Yucca schidigera is a natural product from ingredients extracted from the desert yucca plant. Research has shown that a reduction in ammonia and other harmful gasses associated with dog fecal excretions. University clinical trials have reported that a 30 to 50% reduction of ammonia and other noxious gases.

Cancer Prevention Health Support

Ingredient & Nutrients Information

Phytonutrients &  Antioxidants

Phytonutrients are natural chemicals from plants. These natural plant chemicals act as antioxidants and detoxifiers that naturally protect plants. There are many different kinds of phytonutrients. When we include an abundant wide variety of these plant nutrients in our diets, we get some of the very same protection and benefits! This is why safe, consumable plants high in phytonutrients are called super foods.

Antioxidants are natural substances that help to fight harmful molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage which can lead to cancer. Free radicals are created from a chemical reaction called oxidation which is a normal by-product of living things that are creating cellular energy by transferring electrons.

Free radicals are also produced from tobacco smoke, air pollutants, radiation, sunlight, high carbohydrate and high fat diets.

This oxidation damage builds up over time, leading eventually to the common signs and symptoms of aging, such as arthritis, macular degeneration, and cancer.

There are many antioxidants found in foods.

Alfalfa Leaf

Alfalfa Leaf – is rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids… It contains vitamins A, D, E and K as well as chlorophyll and carotene and minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. It is non-allergenic and has been used by herbalists for many years to cleanse the circulatory system and soothing of the digestive tract, it also improves appetite and aids in the assimilation of other nutrients as well as lessens foul breath odor.

Note:

Alfalfa is an ingredient used in dog formulations only. Alfalfa should NOT be fed to cats. It is very important to only feed special formulations for cats and not a general purpose supplement.

Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is important in a number of functions in the body including bone formation and an antioxidant.

Any deficiency of ascorbic acid results in dogs exhibiting weak bones and swollen joints usually accompanied by severe skin bleeding.

Vitamin C has been used with varying degrees of success in helping prevent the formation of some bladder stones 

Dried Whole Blueberry Powder

Blueberries are considered to be one of the most beneficial health berries in the world with an ORAC score of 2,400. Foods with high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values are believed to help slow down/reduce the oxidation processes linked to aging. Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidant phytonutrients.

- Brain research shows that blueberries may improve motor skills and actually reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging.

- Cancer researchers have shown that blueberry compounds may inhibit cancer tumor growth.

- Urinary Tract Health: Just like cranberries, blueberries can be helpful in preventing urinary tract infections.

- Eye Health: Vision researchers from around the world have shown that blueberries help to improve night vision and prevent strained eyes.  Researchers believe that anthocyanin, in the blue pigment of the blueberry is responsible for the eyesight improvement.

Biofix II®

Biofix II is produced by Biomin in Austria and is a mycotoxin binder. Mycotoxins are the products of fungal diseases in corn and cause cancers, appetite and reproductive problems. Any dog foods using grains could be at risk.

Contains a binder to bind and hold aflatoxins.

Contains 2 specific enzymes that denature and detoxify DON type mycotoxins and Zearalenone – the cause of reproductive problems. Biofix II denatures them.

Contains plant phytosterols at low levels to support liver health – the organ most under stress in mycotoxin challenges.

Blend of Diatomaceous Earth and Kaolin Clay 

Though mined from the ground, diatomaceous earth (DE) is not an earth, but the fossilized deposits of microscopic shells of single one-celled plants called “diatoms”. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) are composed of silicon dioxide and

around 14 trace minerals.

Evidence exists that the Chinese added DE to their animal feeds 5,000 years ago, and various countries have been using DE as an animal food additive for some time now. It acts as a detoxifier.

Kaolin Clay provides an assortment of minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium and silica — all alkalizing to the blood and tissues. The minerals in this very special clay exist in natural proportion to one another. It is an excellent detoxifier because of its surface exchange capacity that binds toxins. Numerous medicines also use kaolin clays, which has long been a traditional remedy to soothe an upset stomach. Also, Kaolin is or has been used as the active substance in liquid anti-diarrhea medicines.

Dried Carrot Powder 

Carrots provide beta carotene, alpha carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and folate. They are also rich in enzymes that aid in digestion and absorption of food.

Beta-carotene is a very safe source of vitamin A. The  beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A by the body and depends on the level in the diet. If more beta-carotene is eaten, less is converted, and the rest is stored in fat reserves in the body.

A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England and Denmark, found that the compound falcarinol found in carrots reduced the risk of cancer developing in rats by over 30%.

Dried Whole Cranberry Powder

Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) grows in damp bogs and is a low-growing evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and bright-red berries. Medicinal properties of cranberry have been recognized for centuries by Native Americans who used raw cranberries as a wound dressing. Early English settlers used the cranberry for a number of ailments including blood disorders, digestive problems, and to cure scurvy disease caused from vitamin C deficiency that causes weakness, gum disease, and spontaneous bleeding in the skin.

Cranberries are rich in a number of natural fruit acids including citric, malic, quinic, and others. The “quinic acid” in cranberry is excreted in the urine unchanged, which makes the urine sufficiently acidic to help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Cranberries also contain, flavonoids, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and vitamin C. Cranberries are rich in polyphenolic antioxidants that may help to protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. The proanthocyanidins and other compounds found in cranberries may also help to inhibit tumor growth.

Research has shown that cranberry is very beneficial in preventing urinary tract infection. Cranberry prevents E. coli–the most common cause of urinary tract infections–from adhering to the wall of the bladder, making it much more difficult for infection to become established. It does not cure urinary tract infections; it only helps to prevent them from occurring.

Researchers have also found that cranberry also helps to deodorize urine. 

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

Added Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics aids the digestion of high temperature processed cereal and meat meal containing pet foods. Maximizing nutrient adsorption and gut transit times avoids slowly digested foods that reside in the gut and have toxic bacteria types produce minute amounts of toxins.

Mixed Natural Tocopherols (Vitamin E source)

Vitamin E in as antioxidant that acts to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cancer.

Vitamin E is essential to the life of red blood cells and helps the supply of oxygen to the heart and muscles. Vitamin E exists in eight unique forms with each form having its own bioactivity and potency or functional use in the body.

Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of Vitamin E and is a powerful biological antioxidant. We use a natural blend of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta- tocopherols. 

Alpha-tocopherol made in the laboratory and found in many supplements is not identical to the natural form, and is not quite as bioactive as the natural form. 

Natural Extract of Rosemary Oil

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is well-known by most as a dried culinary herb used for seasoning food. Most are not aware that rosemary extract has a long history of medicinal uses to treat a such ailments as stomach upsets and digestive disorders,

Recent research is showing that even more benefits of rosemary extracts including its ability to help prevent cancer and skin damage and help boost the functioning of the liver.

The two major bioactive functional ingredients in rosemary,  are thought to be caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid – both are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.  These natural acids are shown to be effective in reducing inflammation.

Research on rosemary is showing that it can be an important defence against cancer. The antioxidants contained in rosemary extract help to protect the body’s cells from damage by free radicals. These antioxidants include monoterpenes, phenolic diterpenes and flavonoids, which are renowned for their ability to slow down the production of free radicals.

Rosemary extract is also a good source of natural Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol, another potent antioxidant which further contributes to its free radical fighting powers 

Sel-Plex® 2000 (selenium enriched yeast)

Selenium has a wide variety of functions. It helps make special protein antioxidant enzyme, which along with Vitamin E and other antioxidant agents play a vital role in preventing harmful damage caused by peroxidative reactions in body cells

Stabilized Rice Bran

Rice bran is the outer brown layer of the rice kernel which is removed during the rice milling process of white rice for human consumption. Since bran is such a small portion of the rice kernel, it has been estimated that nearly 1000 pounds of rice must be milled to produce a single 50 pound bag of stabilized rice bran.

Stabilized rice bran provides some unique potent antioxidants, B vitamins  and trace nutrients that play a vital role in so many aspects of animal physiology.

- Antioxidants and co-factors such as Gamma Oryzanol and Phytosterols

- Vitamin E complex with complete Tocotrienol & Tocopherol

- Naturally rich in niacin (B3), thiamin (B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) vitamins

- Inositol

- Carotenoids, including beta-carotene

- Essential amino acids including tryptophan, histidine, methionine, cystein, cystine, and argenine.

Tart Red Cherry Powder

According to a study conducted by Michigan State University researchers, tart red cherries contain 17 different antioxidant compounds and can attack free radicals in the system and help protect against cancer.

ALL 3 Omega-3s

Consuming significant amounts of marine Omega-3 fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of some cancers. Clinical studies show that low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the body are a marker for an increased risk of cancer.

SKIN & COAT  Health Support Ingredient & Nutrients Information

REAL Salmon Oil with a 9% EPA : 11% DHA ratio

Our select low temperature processed genuine salmon oil is ACTUALLY REAL GENUINE SALMON OIL.

Real genuine NATURAL salmon oil has a natural ratio of 9% EPA:11% DHA. If you see products heavily promoted as being a “Wild Pacific Salmon Oil” and it has a ratio of 18% EPA : 12% DHA you know that they must have used some extremely strange “Wild Pacific Salmon”! Most likely they are just using an ordinary anchovy, mackerel and sardine oil blend of 18% EPA : 12% DHA and are passing it off as a “Wild Pacific Salmon Oil”!

Tuna Oil  5% EPA : 25% DHA ratio

We source our extremely high DHA Tuna Oil from the sustainable tuna fisheries of Australia.

Dry Form Micro-Encapsulated Fish Oil

18% EPA : 12% DHA ratio

In our dry powder formulations we use a specially micro-encapsulated protected fish oil blend of anchovy, sardine and mackerel body oils. We use this micro-encapsulated fish oil to make certain that you are NOT feeding your precious pet friends rancid oxidized fish oils of any kind! Rancid oxidized oils are loaded with “cancer causing free radicals” that cause cancers and suppressed immunity. We do everything possible to AVOID RANCID FISH OILS in our products.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are extremely susceptible to become rancid through oxidation – the process of oxygen reacting with the molecular bonds of  these polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) oils.

Lipid peroxides (found in rancid oxidized Omega-3 oils) start free radical process that damage fatty cellular membranes. These rancid oxidized lipid peroxides consume the body’s store of vitamin E and other critical antioxidants that are used to neutralize them, thus leaving the body short of many of its natural antioxidant defences and susceptible to cancer causing free radicals.

We are always dismayed to see so many loving pet parents buy large bottles of liquid fish oils as these products have a normally have a minimal amount of antioxidant additives! Enough antioxidant additives perhaps to keep them stable in the cheap plastic bottle package but not nearly enough to keep them from going rancid from all of the mixing with air (oxygen) that happens from the daily dosing. The oil gets shaken and mixed up with air when people pour out the contents.

For the first 2 or 3 weeks the KEPT REFRIGERATED fish oil delivers natural Omega-3 natural heath benefits however then for the next 2 or 3 week or however much longer the supply lasts it creates all kinds of health issues.

 Micro-encapsulated fish oils are vastly technically superior and do cost a great deal more than free flowing liquids however to have the peace of mind knowing that the fish oils we use in all of our powder formulations are still fresh and not rancid or oxidized is well worth it to you and to us. We trust that now that you know the difference you will agree.

 Fish oils provide the essential fatty acids; EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are Omega-3s and they are scientifically linked to be necessary for good health.

EPA and DHA Omega-3s are much more valuable to your pet’s brain, eyes and nerves, acting cancer preventative and anti-inflammatory than the Omega-3 (ALA) from flax seed.

Note:

The benefits of fish oils, Omega 3 DHA and EPA are from the body fat of fish NOT the liver. Cod Liver Oil is not the same as Fish Oils.

Cod Liver Oil has low levels of Omega-3 when compared to body fat fish oils. Cod Liver Oil is a very rich source of vitamins A and D. These vitamins are essential, and in fact, too little of either can cause health problems.

DHA GOLD®

A dry DHA Omega-3 form that provides an excellent and consistent high quality DHA Omega-3 from a natural, vegetarian source – algae.

Organic Ground Flax Seed

It has been well known for centuries that flax seed is a very nutritious beneficial food source. However what is not always well known is that flax seed is very difficult to digest because of its seed coat and natural enzyme inhibitors that prevent digestion. This means that un-ground flax seed just passes through the body and actually could still grow into a plant.  Mother Nature’s way of ensuring animals, birds and humans distribute plant seeds. When whole flax seed is consumed there is extremely little nutritional benefit however there is a very large laxative effect.

Grinding whole raw flax seed allows for much better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Organic Ground Flax Seed provides Alpha – Linolenic Acid (ALA) Omega-3. 

FIBRE AND LIGNANS

Flax seed is the richest source of lignans, providing 75 – 800 times more lignans than most seed and plants. Lignans are phytonutrients that are thought to help prevent certain cancers and help in reducing or slowing tumors.

Whole Ground Chia Seed

Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a plant that originated in the central valley of Mexico. It is an ancient grain that in pre-Columbian times it was extensively cultivated by the Aztecs. It was one of the five most important food plants in that time. After the arrival of the Spaniards, this highly nutritious plant seed almost became extinct because of cultural and religious reasons.

Today Chia is once again grown in limited amounts for its highly prized seed, a food that is very rich in ALA Omega-3 essential fatty acids, IT IS THE VEGETABLE OIL SOURCE  with the most ALA Omega-3 content.

It also delivers a powerful addition of:

- Antioxidants

- A good source of B vitamins

-Supplies calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and copper minerals

- High molecular weight soluble fiber

- Is gluten free and has a high protein content

Borage Oil

Borage oil, an excellent source of gamma linolenic acid = GLA “The Good” Omega-6, is a little known secret for keeping dogs skin healthy and coats vibrant and shiny. It is natural plant oil that not only restores moisture and subtle smoothness to dry and damaged dog skin, but can also provide relief to pets that suffer from chronic skin disorders such as hot spots and atopic dermatitis.

The great value of borage oil is that it is the richest known source (24%) of an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA “The Good” Omega-6).

Dog and cats are capable of naturally producing gamma linolenic acid. In order to do so, they must have as its starting material linoleic acid (LA) another Omega-6 . This is an LA Omega-6 essential fatty acid that is unable to be produced by the body and must come from the common everyday diet. Fortunately pets get plenty, in fact too much linoleic acid Omega-6, in their daily diets since it is commonly found in almost all edible vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are commonly added to pet foods as an energy source.

Once linoleic acid is ingested it is acted upon by an enzyme called Delta-6-Desaturase (D6D) which biochemically converts LA Omega-6 into GLA “The Good” Omega-6. This is how animals normally get their daily fix of GLA. Note the importance of the enzyme D6D, without it there would be deficient in GLA no matter how much linoleic acid was in the  diet. GLA is further converted through a complex sequence of biochemical steps into a very important compound called “prostaglandin 1 (PG1)” which is a key molecule for maintaining healthy skin.

Prostaglandin 1 (PG1)  exhibits a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and also is very effective in protecting the skin from injury and damage.

The D6D enzyme is often referred to as a “lazy” enzyme because it can be easily impaired and thus slow in conversions of basic essential fatty acids to their highly  biologically active compounds.  Individuals with skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis will show increased levels of linoleic acid while at the same time show a decrease in gamma linolenic acid.  This strongly points to a reduction in the activity of the D6D enzyme.

The consequence is a decrease in the synthesis of PG1 may be responsible for the characteristic dry skin observed. This is where the critical importance of borage oil with its rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA Omega-6) becomes evident

When used as a dietary supplement borage oil can circumvent a “lazy” or impaired D6D enzyme by supplying the body directly with GLA “The Good” Omega-6, thus allowing the production of normal levels of PG1.

Recent research studies have indicated that borage oil supplementation greatly increases PG1 levels in the skin and suppresses chronic inflammation. Evidence from animal studies indicates that skin disorders associated with fatty acid imbalances of much too much linoleic acid (LA) Omega-6 LA compared to Omega-3 can be corrected through supplementation of borage oil. Actual similar research with humans has confirmed these findings, showing that supplementation of borage oil for patients with skin disorders can result in a direct improvement in the condition and health of their skin.

ZINPRO™ 100 (zinc methionine complex)

Chelated Organic ZINC

Zinc is an essential trace mineral for all animals. It is involved in some 100 enzyme reactions in the body zinc is required for the immune system, for reproduction and for regeneration of skin, hair and connective tissues. Some of the critical functions of zinc are:
- Enzyme systems: Zinc is an essential component of many different enzymes.
- Immune system function: special importance is the need for zinc to promote effective function of phagocytic cells that are the major mechanism used to remove bacteria and pathogens.

Sel-Plex® 2000 (selenium enriched yeast)

Chelated Organic SELENIUM

Selenium is an essential trace mineral and small amounts of selenium are very good for overall health status.

Feed ingredients have very variable amounts of selenium as it depends on the selenium levels in the soil where the plants and animal feeds were grown.

Selenium has a wide variety of functions. It helps make special protein antioxidant enzyme, which along with Vitamin E and other antioxidant agents play a vital role in preventing harmful damage caused by peroxidative reactions in body cells.

Selenium reacts with toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic producing biologically inert compounds.

- Some research and medical information has shown that selenium may help prevent certain types of cancers.

- Helps immune system to combat viruses

- Helps to maintain healthy eyes, skin and coat

A Word Regarding Minerals and Bioavailability

Of the 93 naturally occurring elements, most mammalian species must get approximately 50 from their diet in order to maintain a normal state of health.

In addition to the six core elements (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and phosphorus) of which carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nucleic acids are comprised, many other elements are essential to the nutritional requirements of mammals.

Some of these elements are required in relatively large quantities, in excess of 100 mg/day these are termed “macro”. Others are required in much smaller quantities, on the order of a few mg per day. These are termed “micro” or “trace” elements.

Over the past 50 years, continuous efforts have been made to meet the nutritional requirements of pets through the scientific formulation of pet foods. Traditionally, trace mineral supplementation is achieved by the addition of simple inorganic salts such as copper sulfate and zinc oxide.

Most of the research done on mineral needs were carried out 30 to 50 years ago and may not apply to our modern day pet’s requirements because of the ingredients used in today’s pet foods and high temperature processing practices.

Research has shown however that the BIOAVAILABILITY and hence the performance enhancement achieved by trace metal supplementation was significantly improved if the mineral metal was added in the form of a metal-protein complex or “chelate”. In essence a “chelated mineral” is as close to nature’s plant form as is possible in processing today. WellyTails uses these forms of minerals.