Our product provides high potency multiple 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, and glucoamylase in a whole food base of garlic, alfalfa, barley, wheat grass, flaxseed; safflower and brewers yeast. In addition, the beneficial microorganisms Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum are included in this product for intestinal support.
Dogs require dietary sources of energy which may be supplied by either plant or animal products, as long as the food that they ingest is digested and the nutrients are absorbed. Most commercial dog foods consist of a combination of cereals and meat proteins. Heat processing makes many of the nutrients difficult to digest, primarily proteins. Supplemental enzymes help assure that the dog receives the maximum amount of nutrition available from the food eaten.
Dosage varies with the size of the dog. Dogs under 15 pounds receive 1/4 of a teaspoon daily sprinkled on their food. Dogs 15 to 30 pounds receive 1/2 teaspoon; and dogs over 30 pounds receive 1 teaspoon. 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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321 milligram
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Brewers Yeast
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1715 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 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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Protease
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13230 HUT
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Safflower Petals
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20 milligram
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Wheat Grass Juice
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20 milligram
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Protease digests proteins to produce small peptides and amino acids and since dogs do not synthesize essential amino acids, it is of utmost importance that the diet be digestible. Amino acids are important building blocks, being used by the dog'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.
Amylase, Glucoamylase, and Cellulase digest starches and cellulose, respectively, to produce small polysaccharides, disaccharides and free glucose. Dogs require glucose to supply energy for all life functions. Complex polysaccharides are often added to commercial pet foods to act as an inexpensive extender of meat product. Although fiber digestion is not generally considered essential for canine health, the breakdown of some fiber has been shown to be beneficial, supplying a source of supplemental energy.
Lipase digests dietary fats releasing free fatty acids and glycerol. Dietary fats is a concentrated source of energy, supplying four times the amount of energy as either protein or glucose. Fats are important to canine health. Fats act as a carrier for fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), built cell membranes and form prostaglandin and leukotrienes. Assimilation of fats is also important for a healthy skin and coat.
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).
Brewers yeast is a rich source of the B-Complex vitamins and is high in the minerals magnesium and phosphorus. Combinations of brewer's yeast and garlic have also been found to be effective in reducing flea infestations on dogs. In addition, brewer's yeast has a pleasant taste that supports compliance.
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.
Alfalfa is considered highly nourishing and is a rich source of many trace minerals in addition to providing magnesium, iron, B-vitamins, chromium, vitamin C and beta-carotene. Chlorophyll has been shown to have a cleansing action on the body, detoxifying and preventing odors.
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 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; 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 integrity of our bodies.
Flaxseed and Safflower are rich natural sources of the essential fatty acids which play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy skin and coat. The essential fatty acids are vital to a healthy metabolism and the total health of the dog.
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:
Abrams, J.T. "The Nutrition Of The Dog" In Nutrition And Food, Section G: Diets, Culture Media, And Food Supplements Edited By M. Rechcigl, Jr. (Cleveland: CRC Press, 1977)
Brochu, E. "Special Behavior Of Lactic Bacteria And Their Relation To Nutrition And Health" (Rosell Institute Inc: Lecture, August 18, 1986)
Howell, E. Enzyme Nutrition: The Food Enzyme Concept. (Wayne, NJ: Avery Publishing Group, 1985)
Jennings, JB. Feeding, Digestion And Assimilation In Animals. (London: Macmillian Press, Ltd., 1972
Kim, H.S., Ph.D. "Beneficial Microorganisms As Dietary Adjuncts: Lactobacilli And Bifidobacteria" Miles Analecta 7-11. 1986
Pitcairn, R.H.; Pitcairn, S. H. Natural Health For Dogs And Cats. (Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1982)
Subcommittee On Dog Nutrition, Committee On Animal Nutrition, Board Of Agriculture, National Research Council. (Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1985).
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