Nutritional Benefits of The Complete Meal for Cats©
What are Vitamins and Minerals?
Vitamins and minerals make bodies work properly.
Some foods have more vitamins and minerals than others.
What do Vitamins and Minerals Do?
Vitamins and minerals boost the immune system and support normal growth and development, which help cells and organs do the job they are designed to do.
What’s in our Food?
Meat and Bone:
- Organic meat and bone should be the greater part of the feline’s meal, (we recommend including a bone 2-3 times per week).
- Organic meat, which is high in amino acids, is an excellent protein source.
- Amino acids determine how much protein can be used by the body.
- It is the source of high quality protein that is vital to build new cells, repair damaged tissue and for general maintenance of the body.
- Without good quality protein, the body cannot function well and muscle will suffer.
- Bones are an integral part in dental hygiene and contain bone marrow and cartilage, (we recommend including a bone 2-3 times per week).
- Organic meat is a good source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Vitamins:
- B1: Thiamine helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy and is necessary for the heart, muscle and nervous system to function properly.
- B2: Riboflavin is essential for turning carbohydrates into energy and producing red blood cells. It is also important for vision.
- B3: Niacin helps the body turn food into energy, it helps maintain healthy skin and is important for nerve function.
- B6: Is important for normal brain and nerve function. It also helps the body break down proteins and make red blood cells.
- B12: Helps make red blood cells and is important for nerve cell function.
Minerals:
- Calcium: Essential for building strong bones and teeth.
- Iron: Helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Anemia and fatigue can be symptoms of lack of iron.
- Phosphorus: Helps form healthy bones and teeth. It also helps the body make energy. It is part of every cell membrane and every cell in the body needs phosphorus to function normally.
- Zinc: Is important for normal growth, strong immunity and wound healing.
Essential Fatty Acids:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: are considered essential for the body, and must be derived from the foods we eat. They are needed for the body to function normally. They have a number of health benefits including reducing inflammation in the blood vessels and joints, and they are beneficial to cardiovascular and brain health. Organic and free-range animals have much higher levels of Omega-3’s than typical grain-fed animals.
- Omega-6 fatty acids: are also essential for the body and they play an important role in cell growth, brain development and muscle development. The Omega-6’s play a critical role in the production of hormones and in the nervous system as a transmitter of nerve impulses.
Offal (Liver, Heart, Lung, Kidney, Trachea):
Offal is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A and D, B Vitamins, Copper, Zinc, Iron and Selenium.
- Vitamin A – a powerful antioxidant, supporting growth and development and a healthy immune system
- Vitamin D – involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus; supports a healthy immune system; supports healthy bones and muscles
- B Vitamins – support many functions within the body including a healthy nervous system, healthy cellular function and a healthy metabolism
- Iron – aids the formation of hemoglobin, transports oxygen to the blood cells
- Minerals such as Zinc, Copper and Selenium – antioxidant properties, support bone and joint health, support healthy skin and coat, as well as support for a healthy immune and endocrine system.
The Extras That Make a “Complete Meal”:
Australian Hemp Oil:
Hemp seed oil has the best balance of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s), in particular Omega 3 & 6, which are vital for the building and renewing of cells and maintaining healthy skin, coat, heart and joints. Hemp seed oil also contains Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), required for optimum health, as well as easily digestible proteins and minerals.
Organic Coconut Oil:
Coconut Oil is all natural. The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil are the good fats that provide many benefits, including support for a healthy immune system, they promote a healthy skin and shiny coat as well as supporting healthy cognitive function. Coconut Oil supports your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
Australian Black Chia Seeds:
- Omega-3, Protein, Calcium, Fibre and Iron.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and considered essential fatty acids.
- Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development.
- Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
- Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid may include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems and poor circulation.
Taurine Supplement:
- Taurine is found in muscle meat and is most highly concentrated in the heart and liver.
- Deficiency of taurine can cause the retina to slowly degenerate, causing irreversible blindness.
- Taurine is also essential for cardiovascular function and the central nervous system.
- We highly recommend Certified Organic Heart, Liver or Kidney be added to “Complete Meal” for cats at least once a week.
- Certified Organic Heart, Liver and Kidney are available at The Complete Pet Company.
Wholefood Nutritional Supplement:
- Contains a powerful electrolyte.
- May boost cardiovascular health.
- May stabilize and regulate the immune system.
- May remove toxins including heavy metals from the body.
- Contains chelated technology – coats the ingredients in amino acids for superior absorption.
- May reduce muscle pain from lactic acid.
- Contains alkaline minerals which reduce acidosis (grain poisoning).
- Powerful antioxidants, cellular protection.
- Optimal well-being.
- Bio-available nutrients.
- Full spectrum vitamins and minerals, botanical extracts, essential fatty acids.
- May provide improved odour control.
- May be a valuable ‘animal rescue remedy’ during periods of stress, for sick, weak, and/or elderly animals.
- Economical.
Ingredients:
- Vitamin A (retinol) – Powerful antioxidant, essential for normal growth and development and for a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – Dogs and cats produce their own vitamin C, however, stress can increase the body’s overall requirements. Vitamin C is used to manufacture collagen, is vital for wound repair, healthy gums, and for structures that support the body such as ligaments, cartilage and tendons. Vitamin C is very important for immune function and is an antioxidant. Vitamin C may be helpful for the treatment of allergies and immune conditions.
- Vitamin D (calciferol) – Actively involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, promotes strong bones.
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) – An important fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant, protecting cell membranes against free radical damage, necessary for immune functions and beneficial for protection against a multitude of conditions.
- Vitamin K – Beneficial for heart, bone and skin health, and the blood’s ability to clot; an extremely important vitamin for the cardiovascular system including veins and arteries.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – Plays an essential role in protein metabolism and the formation of haemoglobin – the pigment in blood that carries oxygen around the body. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 is required to cure dermatitis. Deficiencies have been linked to anaemia.
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) – A water soluble vitamin that plays a key role in many processes of the body. It is essential for good digestion and the absorption of nutrients, for good carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and for synthesis of protein.
- Vitamin B9 (folate) – Liver is a high source of vitamin B9. This vitamin is required for numerous body functions including DNA synthesis and repair, cell division and cellular growth.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – Supports adrenal function, helps to calm and maintain a healthy nervous system and facilitates key metabolic processes including turning food into energy for the body. B2 is crucial for helping other B vitamins undergo the chemical changes that make them useful for health.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin) – Necessary for metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and for the maintenance of tissues, cell integrity and health. B3 is required for proper digestive function, plays a role in antioxidant and detoxification processes, and in the creation of hormones.
- Vitamin B7 (biotin) – Considered very beneficial for the growth and health of hair, maintains good skin texture, and keeps the nervous system in a healthy state.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – Vitamin B5 is found in the blood plasma. It is essential to maintain the body’s balance of sodium and potassium, and therefore vital for regulation of body fluids and blood pressure. It is found in all living cells, plant and animal. Vitamin B5 is used in the body by bacterial flora in the intestines. B5 and B2 work together with CoQ10 to synthesis fatty acids.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – Also called ubiquinone, CoQ10 is related to Vitamin K. CoQ10 naturally occurs in the body and is particularly important in mitochondrial energy synthesis. It acts as a cofactor that creates adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the body’s major source of energy to fuel its biochemical reactions. The benefits of CoQ10 include: boosting the immune system, especially for chronic disease states, improving inflammation, especially gingivitis, and it is also helpful in heart diseases, including cardiomyopathy.
- 70 Micronutrients – Micronutrients are different from macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat) because they are only required in tiny amounts, but are still essential for good health. Micronutrients include boron, calcium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulfur and zinc.
- 24 Botanical Extracts – Botanical extracts are processed by scientifically eliminating the non-beneficial parts of a plant, then continually processing it to reach a ratio that shows the amount of actual plant processed versus the actual amount of the beneficial finished product. As an example, Alfalfa Leaf 4:1 means that four pounds of alfalfa leaves were processed to produce one pound of finished powdered herb. This means that Alfalfa 4:1 is 4 times stronger than the raw herb powder. The botanical extracts are beneficial for optimal well-being.
- 17 Amino Acids – The building blocks of protein; proteins provide structure for all living things, and in various forms it participates in vital chemical processes that sustain life. There are 28 commonly known amino acids. Nine of these are called essential amino acids and cannot be produced by the body. They must be obtained from food or supplements (making them ‘essential’). The other 19 can be produced by the body from other amino acids as needed. Amino acids are utilised to make crucial substances in the body including enzymes, hormones, haemoglobin, and antibodies. They have a role in repairing muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails/claws and hair. They also enable vitamins and minerals to carry out their jobs efficiently.
- Marine lipid concentrate – This refers to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 is found in oil from certain types of fish, vegetables and other plant sources. Marine lipid concentrate is sourced from plants, and studies show it can have benefits for healthy skin and coat, cardiovascular system and heart, muscles and joints.
- Olive Oil – Studies into the benefits of olive oil on pet health are mixed. There are only a few published studies where pets were fed olive oil for specific health complaints. However, the following results have been recorded – the addition of olive oil in the diet had a positive effect on digestibility when compared to sunflower oil for both dogs and cats, and it may play a beneficial role in canine weight control.
- Organic Flaxseed Oil – Flaxseed is rich in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, which we know have beneficial physiological effects. Flaxseed is great for the cardiovascular system because it is the richest source of both ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and lignans. Lignans are found in the cell walls of plants, and have proven health benefits for human and animal bodies.
- Borage Seed Oil – Has one of the highest amounts of GLA (linolenic acid) of any seed oils. It is thought to provide therapeutic benefits in cases of rheumatologic illness due to it’s anti-inflammatory effects. It therefore may also have benefits for arthritis, atopic eczema, and respiratory inflammation.
- Wheatgrass Extract – Wheatgrass is well known as a “super food”. It has high levels of chlorophyll, flavonoids and other antioxidants, and important micronutrients including vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, as well as biotin, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium. Research shows significant benefits for the respiratory system, for eczema, and for women undergoing breast cancer radiation. Wheatgrass is considered one of the most potent natural medicines in the herbal pharmacopeia.
- Garlic – Garlic is a very well-known beneficial herb, safe for dogs and cats in small doses. Garlic promotes the well-being of the heart and immune system, has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and helps maintain healthy blood circulation. The active component in garlic is allicin, produced when garlic is chopped, chewed or bruised. It is a powerful antibiotic, a potent agent that helps the body inhibit the ability of germs to grow and reproduce. Garlic also contains germanium, which tests have shown to be an anti-cancer agent. Garlic helps regulate blood pressure, strengthens the body’s defenses against allergies, and is known to kill and expel some intestinal parasites.
- Parsley Extract – Parsley is often used in herbal medicine for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, gastrointestinal disorders and a whole list of other conditions. Most commonly it is used as a breath freshener. Parsley may also help stimulate appetite and improve overall digestion. Many people are surprised to learn that parsley contains three times more vitamin C (166mg per 100g) than oranges and about the same as blackcurrants. The iron content is also high, 5.5mg per 100g.
- Saw Palmetto – Derived from the deep purple berries of the saw palmetto fan palm (Serenoa repens), saw palmetto is rich in beneficial fatty acids. This is the most common reason for supplementing with it. Despite some claims that saw palmetto is beneficial in cases of prostate cancer, research trails show inconsistent results. It has, however, been shown to assist persistent coughs, digestive problems, frequent urination, and urethra blockages.
- African Pygeum – Derived from the African cherry/plum tree (pygeum africanum). Pygeum is an anti-inflammatory, reduces oedema, and is beneficial for treating bladder discomfort. Studies also show that it may be beneficial for prostate issues.
- Papaya – Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. It is very high in vitamins C and A, and is rich in antioxidants, including carotenes and flavonoids, folate and more. In combination these nutrients may promote the health of the cardiovascular system, provide protection against some cancers, and promote good digestion. Papain is often compared to bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapples, and used for inflammation. Papaya has been shown to improve healing from burns.
- Blackberry extract – Abundant with antioxidants and important vitamins, blackberry extract helps protect against free radical damage. Studies with blackberry extract have shown an ability to reduce the size of cancerous tumors and prevent the spread of cancer cells in mice.
- Silica – Silica is an essential requirement for the body, needed by bones, tendons, skin, cartilage, blood vessels, blood and organs. The body is unable to make silica itself, so it must be provided through food or supplements. The benefits of silica are extensive. Ask us for a fact-sheet on silica if you would like more information.
- Calcium – Most pets that eat raw bones or small whole fish don’t generally require calcium supplementation. Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and blood coagulation.
- Selenium – A powerful antioxidant that works with vitamin E to strengthen cells, fight degeneration, and protect the immune system.
- Chromium – A trace mineral; sometimes given for diabetes in cats and dogs because of its links with improving insulin effectiveness.
- Magnesium – Important for muscle and nerve activity.
- Iodine – A rich source of iodine is found in kelp; may assist with thyroid problems, acts to calm the body and relieve nervous tension and promotes clear thinking.
- Vanadium – A trace mineral that may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.
- Boron – A mineral that can aid in the absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus from foods. Boron may be helpful in cases of osteoarthritis, fracture healing and obesity.
- Manganese – An essential trace mineral needed for vital enzyme reactions, healthy bone development and metabolism, joint health and can also assist in rebuilding cartilage.
- Iron – As its primary function, iron binds with copper and protein to form haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells.
- Copper – Necessary for the formation of collagen, bone and connective tissue, the absorption of iron, development of red blood cells, the development of hair pigment (coat colour) and it also acts as an antioxidant.
- Zinc – Very important for skin health, supports the immune system, helps fight viral infections, and is recommended for body odour – ‘if you stink, take zinc’.