ThorneVet – Feline Basic Nutrients
by Keith Weingardt, DVM, CVA
This comprehensive multi-vitamin/mineral/nutrient supplement can be used for cats in all phases of life. It provides a broad range of nutrients to meet a cat’s diverse needs. Whether you are looking for a proactive way to keep your cat healthy or need to support a feline with health problems, ThorneVet’s Feline Basic Nutrients provides a comprehensive array of ingredients to help them achieve optimal health.
When cats are suffering from chronic conditions ranging from digestive disorders, renal failure, liver disease, and cancer, it is challenging to know if they are receiving the essential substances needed to maintain health. In addition, the absorption of these nutrients can be diminished or altered due to concurrent illness. Current agriculture practices and the processed nature of many pet foods result in food sources that can be deficient in nutrients that all companion animals – including cats – require to be healthy. Trace minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc), B vitamins (B6, B5, B12, folate) and antioxidants (Vitamin A, Vitamin E, selenium) act as important cofactors in enzymatic reactions throughout the body. A chronic deficiency in any one of these compounds can perpetuate the health problems we see in our companion animals.
By providing the most biologically available minerals and vitamins, Feline Basic Nutrients ensures the best opportunity to meet the diverse needs of the feline patient. For example, by choosing the tissue ready forms of B12 as methylcobalamin and folate as L-5-MTHF, ThorneVet ensures optimal utilization of these nutrients. Similarly, the trace minerals chromium, iron, and zinc are present as glycinate chelates, which are concentrated and well-absorbed. The macronutrients calcium and magnesium are present in concentrated, absorbable malate chelate form.
Feline Basic Nutrients also includes the potent antioxidant, Astaxanthin. This antioxidant can cross the blood-brain barrier and protect against neurodegenerative conditions. This nutrient has also been found to have protective, anti-proliferative benefits.
Another healthy addition to Feline Basic Nutrients is the incorporation of two stable probiotic strains to support the gastrointestinal microbiome. Bacillus coagulans and Saccharomyces boulardii both help to ensure a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria and yeast. This helps provide for optimal absorption of vitamins, minerals, and the building blocks of neurotransmitters from the gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Keith Weingardt owned and operated holistic veterinary practices in San Diego, California and Portland, Oregon. He currently practices in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Weingardt has spent almost two decades studying a wide array of modalities to support his patients. He is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and has received extensive training and certification in Chinese Medicine – Herbology. Dr. Weingardt blends a foundation of nutrition with both Chinese and Western herbal medicine and appropriate nutritional supplement support to achieve optimal health for his veterinary patients.
Dr. Weingardt has a consulting relationship with ThorneVet.
