Our product provides high potency enzymes to help the body utilize food nutrients by replacing the food enzyme activity lost in the cooking and processing of food. Each dose provides amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, glucoamylase and the amino acid taurine in a whole food base of alfalfa, barley, wheat grass, garlic, flax seed and safflower pedals. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum are included in this product for intestinal support and liver is added to enhance the flavor.
Cats have evolved as carnivores and as such, the importance of protein and fat in proper metabolism and good health cannot be understated; even so, the food must be digested for its nutritional value to be realized. Most commercial cat foods consist of a combination of cereals and meat proteins. Heat processing makes many of the nutrients difficult to digest, primarily proteins. The feline gastrointestinal tract is extremely short and ingested foods move quickly through the tract making digestibility highly critical for cats. Supplemental enzymes help assure that the cat receives the maximum amount of nutrition available form the food eaten.
Dosage varies with the size of the cat, but most cats receive 1/4 of a teaspoon daily sprinkled on their food. Each 2500 milligram dose (approximately 1 teaspoon) contains:
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Alfalfa Juice Concentrate
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20 milligram
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Amylase
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2000 DU
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Barley Juice
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20 milligram
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Beet Root Fiber
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781 milligram
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Cellulase
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125 CU
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Flax Seed
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260 milligram
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Garlic (Odorless)
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30 milligram
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Glycoamylase
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4.5 AG
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Lactobacillus Acidophilus
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500 million CFU
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Lactobacillus Plantarum
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100 million CFU
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Lipase
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70 LU
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Liver Substance
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1258 milligram
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Protease
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13230 HUT
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Safflower Petals
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20 milligram
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Taurine
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1.5 milligram
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Wheat Grass Juice
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20 milligram
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Protease digests proteins to produce small peptide chains and amino acids. Protein is the primary source of energy for cats. The absence of protein or the inability to properly metabolize this nutrient can drastically affect feline health. Amino acids are important building blocks, being used by the cat’s body to build muscles, metabolic enzymes, neurotransmitters and many other biochemicals. Amino acids supply nitrogen for the synthesis of all other nitrogenous compounds as well as a back-up supply of energy.
Lipase digests dietary fats releasing fatty acids and glycerol. Dietary fat is a concentrated source of energy, supplying four times the amount of energy as either protein of glucose. Important to feline health, fats act as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), build cell membranes and from prostaglandin, leukotrienes and hormones. Proper assimilation of fats is also important for a healthy skin and coat.
Amylases, Glucoamylase and Cellulase digest starches and cellulose, respectively, to produce small polysaccharides, disaccharides and free glucose. Although cats do not require starches for energy production, the glucose polysaccharides are often added to commercial pet foods to act as an inexpensive extender of the meat product. Although fiber digestion is not generally considered essential for feline health, the breakdown of some fiber has been shown to be beneficial, supplying a source of supplemental energy. Improperly digested carbohydrates can cause bloating, flatulence and diarrhea.
This formula also includes the amino acid taurine of which cats synthesize only limited amounts. Taurine deficiency is an important nutritional consideration for cats because they use much more per day than their bodies can synthesize. Cats require taurine for both bile metabolism and vision. Since cats conjugate bile salts almost exclusively with taurine, large amounts of taurine are excreted each day. Taurine deficiency can result in low weight, poor survival, reduced growth, cerebellar dystrophy, vision impairment and myocardial failure. For this reason, supplementation of taurine is considered essential for feline health.
The inclusion of a whole food blend provides additional natural vitamins and minerals (which are often missing from commercial pet foods, where synthetics are added to account for the loss which occurs with processing).
Garlic is naturally high in iodine, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, potassium and selenium: as well as the vitamins B1 and B3 . This herb/vegetable is well known for its beneficial effects on both the immune and cardiovascular systems. Garlic has been shown to kill worms and repel fleas.
Barley and Wheat Grass are important cereal grasses. When harvested during their early growth, they supply vitamins and minerals at levels comparable to the green leafy vegetables. These green foods are rich in sources of beta carotene, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine (B6), folic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium and potassium. Additionally, these grasses supply antioxidant activity; recently, the compound 2'-O-glycosylisovitexin has been identified in Barley grass which exhibits antioxidant activity greater than that of vitamin E. Antioxidant nutrients such as those found in cereal grasses are important in maintaining health and the body integrity.
Flaxseed and Safflower are rich natural sources of essential fatty acids which play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy skin and coat. Essential fatty acids are vital to healthy metabolism and the total health of the cat.
Desiccated Liver is a rich source of nutrients and enhances the products flavor. The product is more appetizing to the cat , increasing compliance and positive results.
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum are included in this enzyme multiple to further aid the gastrointestinal system. Naturally found throughout the gastrointestinal tract of healthy animals, these microorganisms help defend the body against invading pathogenic bacteria. Probiotic organisms produce lactic acid and keep the colon environment slightly acidic to prevent the growth of harmful organisms; furthermore, Lactobacilli are known to produce several antibiotic compounds to further inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms. Due to the prevalence of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment which kills the beneficial organisms as well as harmful bacteria, healthy intestinal flora may be lacking. In addition, Lactobacillus organisms have been found to significantly contribute to the reduction of lactose intolerance symptoms. Yet, another benefit of probiotics is their ability to regulate bowel movements and halt diarrhea. Lactobacillus organisms contribute to gastrointestinal health by providing a tonifying and health promoting activity.
References:
Berson, E.L. Et Al. "Renal Degeneration In Cats Fed Casein, Supplementation With Methionine, Cysteine Or Taurine." Investigative Ophthalmology, 15:52 (1976).
Brochu, E. "Special Behavior Of Lactic Bacteria And Their Relation To Nutrition And Health" (Rosell Institute Inc: Lecture August 10, 1985).
Howell, E. Enzyme Nutrition: The Food Enzyme Concept. (Wayne, Nj: Avery Publishing Group, 1985).
Huxtable, R.J. Et Al. Biology Of Taurine And Mechanisms. Advances In Experimental Medicine And Biology, Volume 217 (New York Plenum Press). 1987
Jennings, J. P. Feeding Digestion And Assimilation In Animals. (London: Macmillan Press Ltd., 1972).
Kim, H.S., Ph.D. "Beneficial Microorganisms As Dietary Adjuncts: Lactobacilli And Bifidobacteria" Miles Analecta 7 -11. 1986
Mcginnis, T. The Well Cats Book: The Classic Comprehensive Handbook Of Cats Care. (New York : Random House, 1993)
Pitcairn, R. H. ; Pitcairn, S. H. Natural Health For Dogs And Cats. (Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press, 1982).
Scott, P.P., "Diets (Natural And Synthetic): Cats And Other Felicae" In Nutrition And Food, Section G: Diets, Culture Media And Food Supplements, Edited By M. Rechcigi, Jr., (Cleveland: Crc Press, 1977).
Siebold, R. Cereal Grass: What's In It For You! (Lawrence, Ks: Wilderness Community Education Foundation, 1990).
Subcommittee On Cats Nutrition, Committee On Animal Nutrition, Board Of Agriculture, National Research Council. Nutritional Requirements Of Cats, Revised Edition. (Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1986).
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