Our Supplements are PURE

The pic above lists the 'other ingredients' in the ever so popular supplement called COSEQUIN.  Most vets, pharmacies pet stores sell this! Let's analyze shall we?

Dextrose: Pure SUGAR! It's been called an epidemic. 40% of pets are overweight many of whom have diabetes.  Diabetes can only be managed, not cured and can lead to:

• Cataracts (leading to blindness)
• Enlarged liver
• Urinary tract infections
• Seizures 
• Kidney Failure 
• Ketoacidosis
• Yeast infections and Candida overgroth

Dried Brewers Yeast: 

This is an active form of yeast which, even though it's tasty, contributes to the growth and spreading of candida and ear infections.  As a reminder, the good yeast is called "Nutritional Yeast" this is an inactive form.

Magnesium Stearate: 

A controversial ingredient most commonly used in supplement manufacturing as a ‘flow agent’ or 'lubricant,' which helps ensure that the equipment runs smoothly and the ingredients stay blended together. It may have a detrimental effect on your immune function and has been linked to suppression of T cells. The filler also stimulates your gut to form a biofilm, which can prevent proper absorption of nutrients in your digestive tract.

Microcrystalline Cellulose: 

 It can cause moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome and cause loss of energy and weight when ingested in large amounts,  as it can not be absorbed and reduces the absorption of other dietary nutrients. Causes allergic reaction in some individuals, the typical reaction is diarrhea or gas problems.  MC is a term for refined wood pulp manufactured through plant fibre hydrolysis, available as fine white or almost white odorless powder. It is widely used as emulsifiers and accepted as a safe food additive in many countries.

Artificial Flavors: 

Artificial flavors are additives (chemicals) designed to mimic the taste of natural ingredients. They are a cheap way for manufacturers to make something taste like strawberry, for example, without actually using any real strawberries.

Natural Flavors:

This ambiguous ingredient scares me the most.  The name sounds innocent enough, but these mild-sounding words are used by the food industry as an umbrella term for some pretty horrible stuff, including certain ingredients that come from methods that make animals suffer using parts of their bodies that you would rather not consider ever knowing about. I don't want to totally gross you out, but a popular natural flavor and scent such as orange, raspberry and vanilla, tends to come from Castoreum.  European and North American Beaver was hunted to near extinction, both for its fur and for it's castoreum.  The Food and Drug Administration states it's "generally recognized as safe" and therefore food manufacturers don't always have to include castoreum in their ingredients lists and may instead refer to it as "natural flavoring."  If you’re feeling adventurous you can GOOGLE where castoreum comes from 

Silicon Dioxide:

Silicon dioxide exists naturally within the earth, plant foods and within our bodies. There isn’t yet evidence to suggest it’s dangerous to ingest as a food additive, but more research is needed on what role it plays in the body. Chronic inhalation of silica dust can lead to lung disease.  In supplements, it’s used to prevent the various powdered ingredients from sticking together.

As with many food additives, consumers often have concerns about silicon dioxide as an additive. However, numerous studies suggest there’s no cause for these concerns at all, in fact it can be a great mineral used to produce collagen in the body. Collagen strengthens and support connective tissues that hold together in place ligaments, joints, muscles, bones and organs.  I buy Silica by Eidon from my natural market and take it myself..

• The takeaway:  1 out of 6  'Other Ingredients" is ok.  The rest, not so much folks.