Flax Fur Pets

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For Dogs	For Cats

Vibrant Coats + Strong Hearts, Joints and Immune Systems = Healthy, Happy Pets! Flax Fur Pets® contains a rich blend of veterinarian-approved ingredients including 60 amino acids, 21 antioxidants, essential macro and micronutrients and essential fatty acids for your pet's well being. Flax is one of the most efficient, balanced sources of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9, which work synergistically to enhance the immune system, promote the formation of healthy cell membranes and provide for healthy skin and lustrous coats.

$19.95 (14oz)

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The Health Benefits of Flax Fur Pets'® Ingredients

Flaxseed and the Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 Essential Fatty Acids Flaxseed is derived from the seeds of flax plants. It is the richest source of lignans known, containing 10x more lignans than the next best source. It is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential in the maintenance of regularity. The fiber in flaxseed is gentle and soft in nature, so unlike other sources of fiber, it does not cause cramping and bloating as other sources of fiber can. Flaxseed is known for its rich alpha linoleic acid content. Linoleic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that is ultimately converted to EPA and DHA and is often used as a coat conditioner. Flaxseed oil contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than fish oil. It also contains arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that the body does not produce.

The word linoleic actually comes from the Greek word linon, which means flax. Lignans are natural plant compounds found not only in flaxseeds, but in beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Research findings are concluding that the chemicals released by these plant hormones in the body are able to block the action of certain cancer-causing substances. Because of their anti-inflammatory effects, large doses of omega 3 fatty acids have been shown beneficial in treating dogs and cats with allergies.

Flaxseed seems to improve overall health of all animals, building strong, healthy immune systems and healthy hearts. It can also bring down cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. As one of many remedies, flaxseed is often used in the healing of cancer in animals.

Many nutrition-conscious veterinarians have begun recommending that pet diets be supplemented with flaxseed. Studies have shown that when animals' diets are supplemented with flax, within just a few weeks their coats develop a beautiful sheen and dry, flaky skin is greatly diminished.

Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated and super unsaturated acids that are not made in the body and so must be acquired through diet. They are considered macronutrients5 because they are required in significant quantities daily.

Symptoms of EFA deficiency include hair loss, edema, kidney malfunction, dermatitis, numbness of the extremities, joint swelling, gastrointestinal distress and immune malfunction.

Omega-3 (linolenic acid), the lesser-known Omega-6 (linoleic acid) and Omega-9 (oleic acid) fatty acids are essential to good health. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are needed for cell membrane formation, metabolism of cholesterol, energy production for cells, and for lowering blood pressure. Linoleic Acid and Gamma Linolenic Acid are the two best known fatty acids. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help soothe muscles, tendons and ligaments for maximum mobility.

The principal building block of the brain is Omega-3 DHA, which is one of the most important factors in the development of the brain and nervous system. It is also essential for promoting heart health.

Omega-6 is needed for normal brain function, growth and development, bone health, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism and maintenance of reproductive processes.

Omega-9 is said to lubricate joints, reduce pain and swelling and relieve painful autoimmune conditions.

Working together, these three fatty acids work to promote the formation of healthy cell membranes and produce hormone-like substances called eicosanoids6.

Lecithin Lecithin is an essential fatty substance that is largely made up of the B vitamins choline and inositol, as well as linoleic acid and iron. High concentrations of lecithin are found in the brain, and studies have shown lecithin's effectiveness in improving neurological function in pets with cognitive disorder.

Lecithin acts as an emulsifying agent, enabling fats, cholesterol and other lipids to be dispersed in water and solubilized in the bloodstream. It also solubilizes dietary fats in the intestinal mucosa and controls blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body.

Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body. They are also present in blood plasma and, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids. Triglycerides in plasma are derived from fats eaten in foods or made in the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates. Calories ingested in a meal and not used immediately by tissues are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue to meet the body's needs for energy between meals.

Two more benefits of lecithin are that it maintains the structural integrity of cell membranes, protecting them from hardening, and it supports the hepatic (liver) functions.

Kelp (Seaweed) We use Norwegian Kelp, one of the richest sources of trace minerals in the world. Kelp contains over 60 minerals and elements, 21 amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, plant growth hormones and simple and complex carbohydrates, making it one of the great promoters of health. It supplies a natural source of iodine, which acts as an antibiotic to kill germs and support correct functioning of the thyroid gland. This influences overall health, metabolism, good pigmentation, and healthy skin and coat. Since the thyroid and pituitary glands regulate certain functions of digestion, kelp is beneficial in balancing out the animal's total system, particularly the health of the pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands. Compared with dairy products, seaweed provides up to ten times more calcium and iron by weight. This helps bones, nails, and teeth become stronger.

Kelp offers better utilization and absorption of nutrients from foods ingested. It is rich in carotene A, a precursor to vitamin A, and vitamins B, C, D and E. It contains protein, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and trace minerals. Because it does not have a root system, it can absorb minerals throughout its membranes without losing them. Kelp also contains mannitol, a gentle purgative and bile stimulant. Kelp also contributes to shiny hair coat and supple skin. It also contains small amounts of lecithin, a phosphorus compound thought to be of great importance in the repairing of broken bones, especially in the older dog.

Seaweed has traditionally been recommended to strengthen the circulatory system and help lower cholesterol and prevent ulcers by fighting bacteria. Research studies show that kelp may also help fight heart disease and hypertension. It also may bind with fecal bulk to help eliminate toxins safely.

Brewer's Yeast Brewer's yeast is derived from hops. It provides extra B vitamins and is a particularly good source of vitamin B7, or biotin, which is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in metabolizing energy, and vitamin B1, another water-soluble vitamin also known as thiamin. It also contains protein, trace minerals, salts and chromium and selenium, which are crucial to a dog's overall balance.

Thiamin enhances circulation, assists in blood formation, enhances brain activity and cognitive function and as an antioxidant. It also maintains muscle tone in the intestines, stomach and heart. The body uses thiamin to process fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Every cell in your pet's body needs thiamin to make adenosine triphysphate (ATP), which is the body's main energy-carrying molecule.

In addition to metabolizing energy, biotin acts by assisting four essential enzymes that metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Biotin aids in cell growth, fatty acid production and in the utilization of other B vitamins and proteins. It is needed for healthy skin and coat and helps relieve muscle pain. It also may help pets on chronic antibiotic therapy.

In the form of brewer's yeast, thiamin has been advocated as a natural therapy to prevent flea infestations, and is often used as part of a comprehensive flea control program. The theory is that the thiamin is excreted through the sweat glands and produces a foul odor and taste found unacceptable to fleas.

Alfalfa Alfalfa is one of the richest sources of minerals necessary for great health. It is especially rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Alfalfa also contains fluoride in a natural form, trace minerals, all vitamins, essential fatty acids, fiber, calcium, which is great for bones, antioxidants such as chlorophyll and many phytoestrogens and phytonutrients. It is an antioxidant-rich herb that battles the free radicals, which contribute greatly to joint problems as pets get older. It reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes general liver health, detoxifies the bloodstream and body, relieves the pain and stiffness of arthritis, increases energy levels and reduces fatigue.

Like other members of the legume family, alfalfa is a good source of protein (up to 50%), B-complex vitamins and several minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, and potassium). Due to its generally high nutritive value, alfalfa could possibly help to prevent fatigue associated with vitamin/mineral deficiency or protein energy malnutrition.

Barley Grass Barley grass is among the family of green foods, which contain a variety of nutrients. Ingestion of these nutrients seeks to prevent and treat illnesses that may be induced by an imbalance of minerals, enzymes and vitamins in processed diets. Barley grass, in particular, contains large amounts of vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B6, E, biotin, folic acid, choline, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid, iron, chlorophyll, potassium, calcium, carotene, magnesium, manganese, zinc, proteins, phytonutrients and enzymes.

Barley grass improves stamina, skin texture, offers strong anti-inflammatory action and, in studies, was shown to actually repair the DNA in the cells of the body. This aids in the prevention of carcinogenesis, aging and cell death.

Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is stored by the body. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E provides a way for oxygen to reach the tissues of the body, dilating blood vessels and improving circulation. It helps to protect the lungs and other tissues from air pollution. Vitamin E helps to retard the aging process and is critical for the correct functioning of the reproductive organs. It is used in the treatment of heart disease and arthritis in older dogs.

Bone meal Bone meal is necessary to balance the calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels in your dog's body, and is one of the primary sources of calcium in the diet. Bone meal is important to the proper formation of bones and teeth, and assists in the prevention of skeletal and joint diseases.

Vitamin C (Ester C®) Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which has been known to protect against the harmful effects of pollution as well as protect against infection. We use Ester-C® because it is an innovative, patented, readily absorbed, non-acidic complex of Calcium Ascorbate. It contains the essential minerals calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc, bound in a PH-neutral complex along with vitamin C metabolites that enhance the absorption of vitamin C. In this form, it does not cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea because of its rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Ester-C® powder is specially used for animals suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, feline AIDS and feline leukemia, as it generally enhances immunity. Animals' bodies do not produce vitamin C, so it must be obtained through the diet and/or in the form of supplements.

Dogs and cats do not have a specific dietary requirements for vitamin C, however, many doctors will supplement with vitamin C during times of stress and illness. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and is used for normal repair of tissues. It is required for adrenal gland function, is used for collagen (a connective tissue which is an integral part of cartilage) synthesis and is needed for maintaining healthy gums. It is needed for the metabolism of some amino acids and several B vitamins including folic acid. It is also needed for norepinephrine (a nerve transmitter) synthesis as well as for cholesterol synthesis. Because it is so vital for the synthesis of collagen, it is often prescribed for pets with arthritis.

Vitamin C appears to work synergistically as an antioxidant with vitamin E. It appears to attack free radicals (chemicals produced as a by-product of cell-metabolism) in cellular fluids whereas vitamin E attacks the free radicals in the cell membranes. Vitamin C also protects against unnecessary blood clotting and bruising and aids in the healing of wounds. A deficiency of vitamin C causes slow scar formation.

Findings suggest that although dogs, unlike humans, can manufacture their own vitamin C, they may not produce enough to counteract the effects of aging, injury, stress, inherited dysfunctions, joint malpositioning, environmental irritants and poor quality or high fat pet foods. Early studies in dogs and horses suggest that daily vitamin C supplementation and might also be beneficial in reducing chronic inflammation.

Citrus fruits, green foods such as alfalfa, herbs, berries and various vegetables are good sources of vitamin C.

Garlic Garlic lowers high blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, reduces blood cholesterol levels, builds the immune system and fights disease. Garlic has proven effective in healing and preventing urinary tract infections (FUS) in cats. It also contains properties that repel fleas and enhance immunity in all animals.

Rosemary Rosemary and citric acid are used as natural preservatives for our supplement.

Ingredients

Flaxseed, Lecithin, Norwegian Kelp*, Dried Brewer's Yeast, Alfalfa, Barley Grass, Vitamin E, Steamed Bone Meal, Calcium Ascorbate** (source of Vitamin C), Garlic Powder, Rosemary Extract and Vegetable Oil.

* Norwegian Kelp is one of the richest sources of trace minerals in the world.

** Ester-C® is a unique, patented, readily absorbed, non-acidic complex of Calcium Ascorbate. It contains the essential minerals calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc, bound in a PH-neutral complex along with vitamin C metabolites that enhance the absorption of vitamin C.