Feline Ingredient Glossary

Vetrazymes™ - A proprietary blend of active digestive enzymes that aid in digestion and help to facilitate more efficient absorption of nutrients. Helps to ease the strain on internal organs.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (lipoic acid)

A powerful antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble. Why is this important? Because it is able to trap free radicals in all parts of the body. It can also cross the blood/brain barrier providing powerful antioxidant activity to the brain. Lipoic acid supplementation increases glutathione which has antioxidant activity and helps eliminate toxins from the body. In humans, lipoic acid has been found to be helpful in the treatment of diabetes, AIDS, cataracts, and Alzheimer's.

Barley Grass

A whole food high in vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and minerals. Also contains high levels of cleansing chlorophyll which also has antioxidant properties.

Beta-Carotene complex

Although cats lack the enzyme to convert Beta carotene to Vitamin A, studies have shown Beta Carotene and other carotenoids offer antioxidant protection and have immune enhancing effects which strengthen the immune system.

Biotin

Involved in fatty acid and protein synthesis in the body. Biotin plays a large role in metabolizing energy for the body. Important for healthy skin and hair coat, growth, digestion and muscle function.

Chlorella

Is single cell green algae that is high in many vitamins, enzymes, protein, and cancer fighting carotenoids. Chlorella has the highest concentration of chlorophyll compared to all the green algae. Chlorella is a powerful de-toxifier because it has the ability to bind toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides and eliminate them from the body. Chlorella has been helpful in treating bad breath, body odor and fecal odor. Chlorella is alkaline and helps balance the body's pH. Chlorella has also shown to be helpful in fighting cancer.

Choline bitartrate

Important for proper neurological functioning. Critical component of cell membranes in the body. Choline supplementation has been found to be useful in the treatment of certain neurological and liver disorders. May be helpful in warding off senior cognitive disorders (Alzheimer's).

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Also called Ubiquinone (derivative of ubiquitous). Why? Because of it's critical role in the health of all cells. CoQ10 is a powerful fat soluble natural antioxidant that is required by every cell of the body.

This vitamin-like nutrient has been found to be very helpful in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, periodontal disease, immunodeficiency problems, decreased energy, and diabetes. CoQ10 has also been used to aid in weight loss and to help in the treatment and prevention of cancer. (Note: If your pet is on chemotherapy, talk to your vet first before using CoQ10. It is such a powerful antioxidant, it may interfere with chemotherapy drugs since they are designed to kill cells.)

DL-methionine

An important essential amino acid that is often the first limiting amino acid in the diet. It's also a precursor to taurine which is critical to feline health. Methionine is a critical amino acid for healthy hair, skin and coat. Methionine also acts as an antioxidant by supplying sulfur to inactivate free radicals and it assists in fat breakdown which aids digestion and helps prevent fat accumulation in the arteries. Methionine aids in the removal of heavy metals from the body. Methionine can be converted to cysteine which is a precursor glutathione - a powerful antioxidant that is of great importance to liver detoxification.

Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are found in every cell of the body and are necessary for life. They are a critical component in processing food and extracting nutrients, cleansing the colon, regulating cholesterol levels, purifying blood, and maintaining optimal energy levels. Enzymes are vital to your pet's health. Without them they would not be able to survive. Enzymes are required to convert food into components that can be used for energy. They are also needed to enhance absorption of essential nutrients. Enzymes are normally present in raw foods, but can be destroyed by heat and processing.

Enzymes do not survive the high heats required to process commercial pet foods.

A diet of commercial pet foods puts excess strain on a pet's digestive system. Temperatures as low as 118 degrees F will deactivate most enzymes, requiring the pet's body to produce the extra enzymes needed for digestion.

Adding enzymes to your pet's diet helps process the food faster, thus decreasing the strain on its body.

Consider how a dog or cat eats in the wild. When a dog or cat kills a mouse, it eats the whole mouse. The intestines, stomach, pancreas of the mouse are rich in digestive enzymes. The dog or cat gets the benefit of these external enzymes to help to digest the meal it has just consumed. This produces far less strain on the digestive system. Studies have shown that animals in the wild are healthier than their domesticated counterparts. Much of this is attributed to eating a raw food source.

Enzymes have another important function: They decrease the transit time of food through the gastrointestinal tract, moving food through the intestines faster.

Why is this an advantage?

When food is slowed in the intestines, it putrefies, releasing toxins into the body. Slowed transit time also causes the food to ferment, creating gaseous by-products that cause unpleasant and unhealthful flatulence (gas). Enzymes increase the nutrient availability of foods and also decrease the toxic byproducts that result from impaired digestion.

Enzyme Supplementation benefits your pet by:

• Increasing the bioavailability of nutrients by helping to convert food into fuel the body can use for energy.
• Decreasing transit time of food through the gastrointestinal tract, thus decreasing toxic byproducts. Toxins move through and are eliminated faster.
• Helping to decrease the odor of feces.
• Helping pets that tend to vomit after eating by assisting with digestion.
• Improving skin and hair coat.
• Assisting in recovery from surgery, illness or injury.

Many veterinarians have found enzyme supplementation to be beneficial in immune and digestive disorders, cancer prevention, joint disorders, poor skin and hair coat, excessive shedding, allergies and lethargy (low energy levels).

Daily supplementation with Vetraceuticals provides excellent enzyme supplementation to help your pet thrive.

Folic Acid

Necessary for the formation of red blood cells and white blood cells from the bone marrow. Deficiency can lead to anemia and increased susceptibility to infection. Also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Grape (seed) extract (GSE)

A natural bioflavonoid that is a powerful antioxidant. Oligomeric Procyanidolic Complexes (OPCs) are the active components and have antioxidant capacities that are about 50 times stronger than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C. Plus OPCs can protect in both fat and water soluble environments. GSE has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties.

Green Tea extract

Green Tea extract contains high levels of polyphenols and catechins which posses strong antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Green tea is also helpful in fighting infection and decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides. Current information shows that green tea is also helpful in stimulating metabolism and aiding in weight loss.

Kelp

Rich in vitamins, chelated trace minerals and amino acids. Can help support healthy thyroid function.

L-Carnitine

Carnitine is an amino acid used in energy metabolism. Specifically, carnation helps convert fat into energy for use by the cells and is believed to aid certain tissues in energy production. Carnitine helps support the cardiac muscle and may aid in treatment of certain types of cardiac disease. It also may help decrease obesity and help protect cats form hepatic lipidosis a serious disease of the liver.

Lecithin

An additional source of Choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine.

L-Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid which has been used to help with inflammation. It has proven useful in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal diseases as well as arthritis. Glutamine nourishes the cells that line the digestive tract and helps prevent and treat certain intestinal problems. Glutamine can cross the blood-brain barrier and once in the brain it's converted to glutamic acid and increases the concentration of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Glutamic acid and GABA are critical for proper brain function.

Liver

A flavorful source of vitamins and minerals.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Vitamin B3 is necessary for the functioning of many enzymes involved in energy metabolism. It is also important for making several reproductive and stress-related hormones. It is required for healthy skin and aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Vitamin B3 is necessary for the functioning of many enzymes involved in energy metabolism. It is also important for making several sex and stress-related hormones. It is required for healthy skin and aids in the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)

Necessary for metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Required to convert these substances to energy. Deficiency can cause hair loss, diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. This vitamin is often referred to as the anti-stress vitamin because it is involved in the production of adrenal hormones and antibodies. In humans, Vitamin B5 enhances stamina and may be helpful in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)

Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in protein synthesis. It is an important factor for proper hormonal and neurological functioning.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that benefit intestinal microflora and promote your pet's good health in a variety of ways. The probiotics in Vetraceuticals are a complex human-grade formulation that provides highly beneficial bacteria to your pet's digestive system. Probiotics help reinforce the intestinal barrier, which helps prevent the attachment of pathogens (disease causing agents) and the entry of allergens (substances that cause allergies) into the system. These friendly bacteria aid in the digestion of proteins and are needed to produce many B vitamins and to detoxify a number of pathogenic organisms. Probiotics also have anti-fungal properties, enhance nutrient absorption and help lower cholesterol. Probiotics have proven very useful in alleviating many food allergies, and current research also indicates that they may have some immune stimulating and anti-cancer properties.

In times of stress, illness, poor diet or administration of antibiotics, the good bacteria in the intestinal tract can become overwhelmed by bad bacteria, leading to digestive problems, flatulence and foul odors. Disease and aging are additional factors that have an adverse impact on the intestinal microflora. Vetraceuticals helps normalize your pet's digestive tract with an infusion of beneficial bacteria.

Retinyl Palmitate

A preformed source of Vitamin A. Cats lack the enzyme to convert beta carotene to vitamin A and must consume their vitamin A from a preformed source. Vitamin A is important for vision, proper growth, reproductive functions, healthy skin and hair coat, and mucous membranes lining the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. Vitamin A has been recommended in the treatment of certain neurological disorders, allergies, and immune related diseases.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Necessary for normal growth, hair coat and muscle development. Important for metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B2 is used in the production of red blood cells and antibodies therefore is important in fighting disease. In humans, vitamin B2 is used to help prevent cataracts. Vitamin B2 is susceptible to destruction by light and irradiation.

Sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C)

This is a buffered form of Vitamin C which is less acidic and easier on the gastrointestinal system. Although cats and dogs can both synthesize Vitamin C, adding additional amounts to the diets provides extra antioxidant protection and is often helpful in times of stress. Functions as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger and helps protect against cancer and other diseases.

• Important for normal bone formation.
• Used in collagen formation and is important in repairing tissues.
• Important for healthy gums.
• Required form proper adrenal gland function.
• Plays a role in the nervous system - Vitamin C is needed to synthesize norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter used in the central and sympathetic nervous system).
• Vitamin C is also a urine acidifier and may help reduce certain bladder stones. Vitamin C is Susceptible to destruction in commercial foods.

Soy bean oil

Is a concentrated form of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid. It helps maintain healthy skin and hair coat.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a concentrated super-food nutrient. Loaded with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, natural carotenoids, this phytonutrient is a powerhouse of free-radical scavenging activity. In-vitro studies have shown its cancer fighting abilities.

Taurine

This amino acid is essential to cats for proper functioning of their heart and eyes. Deficiency of taurine can lead to a degenerative disease of the heart called Dilated Cardiomyopathy and an ophthalmologic disease called Feline Central Retinal Degeneration which can lead to blindness.

Thiamin mononitrate (Vitamin B1)

Important for carbohydrate metabolism, converts glucose to energy. Required by muscles and nerves to function normally. Susceptible to destruction in commercial foods. Every cell in your pet's body requires Vitamin B1 to make ATP, the energy currency for the cells. Vitamin B1 acts as an antioxidant, enhances circulation and brain activity, and is important for the muscle integrity of the stomach, intestines and heart.

Vitamin B12

Also called Cobalamin (cyanocobalamin). Necessary for red blood cell and white blood cell formation. Important for proper neurological functioning.

Vitamin E

(natural mixed tocopherols) Most supplements contain only one form of vitamin E and that is alpha tocopherol. Vetraceuticals uses natural mixed tocopherols consisting of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols which provide a broader spectrum of protection. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant effective in protecting the body against free radical damage and helps prevent arthritis and diseases caused by free radicals. It has also been shown to help prevent heart and neurological diseases. Unfortunately, Vitamin E is extremely susceptible to destruction in commercial pet foods.

Wheat Sprouts

Whole food nutrition providing vitamins, minerals enzymes and phytonutrients. The sprouted form of wheat is high in antioxidants and helps produce Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) which is a powerful enzyme that attacks free radicals.

Zinc

A readily absorbable, soluble form of zinc. It is organically bound to the essential amino acid methionine providing optimal absorption and retention. Zinc monomethionine can increase plasma zinc levels in the body without affecting copper. This is important since zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Zinc is found in every cell in the body and is required in many enzymatic reactions throughout the body. Zinc is a precursor to the powerful antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Zinc is important for healthy skin and hair coat. Zinc deficiency is usually first noted as dull, coarse hair coat and skin lesions. It is essential for a healthy immune system and plays an important role in reproduction and development.