
SUPPLEMENT FACTS:
Iron: As its primary function, iron combines with copper and protein to form hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Iron also is necessary in order for certain enzymes in the body to function normally. Iron is absorbed primarily from the small intestine, and the body needs a constant supply of iron to help replace red blood cells since they live less than 4 months. A deficiency in iron results in the development of anemia (low red blood cell count). Signs of anemia include decreased growth rate, weakness, lethargy, and increased susceptibility to stress or disease. Animals with iron deficiency may also develop constipation.
Vitamin B complex: Vitamin B complex consists of multiple B vitamins. Some of the most important include thiamin (Vitamin B1), niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), and cobalamin (B12). Toxicities from B vitamins generally pose no concern. Certain drugs (anticonvulsants, antacids, antidepressants, antidiabetic drugs, anti-inflammatories, drugs for hypertension, and cholersterol-lowering drugs) have been associated with the development of B vitamin deficiency, leading to a nonregenerative anemia. Below are functions and the conditions that may result from deficiencies of the B vitamins found in VitaPaw original formula vitamin-mineral water for pets.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is required
for the normal function of muscles and nerves. Like all water soluble vitamins, there is only limited storage of thiamin within
the body so it is extremely important that your pet ingest sufficient quantities of thiamin. A
deficiency of thiamin results in slow growth, poor appetite, weight loss, coprophagia (eating feces), weakness, depression, loss of
reflexes, and loss of nerve control.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) plays a role mainly in helping enzymes to function properly. A pet suffering from niacin deficiency may lose weight, fail to eat, and have red inflamed gums, lips,
and inner cheeks. Nervous stomach and bloody diarrhea may also occur. Niacin
deficiency is generally encountered when owners formulate their own
diets for their pets and do not include meat as part of the ration. Be sure to consult with a veterinary nutritionist if you plan to try to convert a pet into a vegetarian. Dogs are omnivores which means they must eat meats and vegetables. Cats cannot make their own niacin, and are carnivores which means they must eat meat.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is essential to normal growth, muscle
development, and hair coat. Riboflavin is found naturally in organ
meats and dairy products, and is lowest in grains, vegetables, and
fruits. The unsupplemented vegetarian pet is at extreme risk of
developing a riboflavin deficiency. Pets fed a diet deficient in
vitamin B2 may develop anorexia, weight loss, nervousness, apprehension, decreased activity and respiratory rate poor growth, weakness in rear
limbs, skin infections, and in cats, fatty liver.
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is found in sufficient quantities in most raw
foodstuffs including meats and vegetables. Processing of foods will
reduce the amount of pantothenic acid available to the dog or cat. Pantothenic acid enables the
body to create usable energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency include loss of hair, diarrhea, and stomach upset. It has also been associated with abnormal graying,
particularly in black-coated animals.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is found in many
foods, but is easily destroyed in processing and storage. It is stored in muscle, so pets that have decreased muscle mass require a continuous source of this vitamin. B6 has many functions in the body, including glucose (energy) production, red blood cell function, nervous system function, immune response, fat metabolism, and hormone modulation. It is absolutely essential for life.
Deficiencies of pyridoxine lead to anemia (low red blood cell count), poor growth, weight loss, anorexia, muscle twitching, nervous dysfunction, kidney or bladder stones, and decreased immune function, and may be associated with development of obsessive-compulsive disorders such as licking.
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) is needed to produce red blood cells, and a deficiency can lead to advanced anemia. This vitamin also prevents nerve damage, aids fertility, promotes normal growth and development, and is necessary for normal digestion and proper food absorption.