Q) What is an EFA after all?
A) EFA stands for essential fatty acid. These are healthy fats the body needs for proper development and function to key organs. The most important of the EFA’s are the Omega-3 fatty acids. The three major omega-3 fatty acids are ALA (alpha linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They are called essential because they body is unable to make them and must get them from dietary sources.

Q) Exactly what will EFA’s do to their hearts and other organs?
A) EFA’s are primary components of the brain (grey matter), retina, and nervous system tissues. They are also important building blocks of cell membranes. Omega-3 essential fatty acids have significant beneficial effects on the heart. They lower blood pressure, decrease growth of atherosclerotic plaques, inhibit platelet function, and reduce the susceptibility of the myocardium to fatal arrhythmias. EFA’s are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents.

Q) What are phenols?
A) The more accurate name is polyphenols. They are powerful antioxidants that protect cell wall and cellular DNA from damage. They are found abundantly in olive oil, red wine and tea in the human diet.

Q) I was warned about all the toxins in fish. Why should I give them to my animals in this EFA oil?
A) EPA and DHA are not found in most foods. They are almost exclusively found in cold-water fish. Some ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA but this is not a very efficient process and does not meet body needs. Many cold-water fish are contaminated with mercury. The good news is that the methyl mercury found in fish is water-soluble not oil-soluble. Therfore, mercury cannot contaminate fish oil and prevent it from delivering the necessary EPA and DHA. Fish oil is a safer more reliable way to get the omega-3 essential fatty acids humans and dogs need rather than from eating fish.

Q) When I was pregnant my doc told me to take omega-3’s to provide the fetus with critical nutrients. Should I take the same approach with my female dog who is pregnant?
A) EFA’s are so important to the developing brain and eyes that any pregnant mammal needs them in optimal levels.

Q) EFA’s are not really senior-only products are they?
A) EFA’s are for any dog or cat at any age.

Q) Your daily dosage seems very small for a big dog vs a little cat. Can you explain, please?
A) The body cannot store EFA’s. It is more important to get a consistent daily supply. The higher the doses of EFA’s should be used for dogs or cats with existing diseases. The healthy animals do well on a supplement dose.

Q)I love olive oil. I cook with it all the time. But for my dogs and cats?
A) Olive oil is a mono-unsaturated fat, the healthiest fat known. It contains powerful antioxidants that research has shown reduces the oxidation of LDL, therefore, reducing the harmful effects of LDL.

Q)I am very dubious when I see labels for pets that look exactly like what I have on my shelves at home for me…flaxseed oil? Come on…
A) We can understand that…however, flaxseed oil is the best source of ALA and is easily and safely digested by dogs and cats.

Q) Can you explain your EPA/DHA ratios to me? What made you choose your ratio? Seems pretty potent for an everyday dosage for my little pooch.
A) The consensus among researchers is that a ratio of DHA/EPA of 2: or 3:1 is the best combination. DHA is somewhat more important than EPA.

Q) Omega3’s have been touted as outstanding for glossy coats. Can’t I just spray it on their fur instead of making them ingest it?
A) Omega-3 essential fatty acids work from the inside out. They must be in the diet so the body can utilize them properly.

Q) I just found out the EFA’s can be as beneficial to my pooch’s joints as glucosamine. Is that possible? If so should I give her both every day?
A)The anti-inflammatory properties of EFA’s make them very beneficial to joints. A combination of glucosamine and omega-3s provides both nutrients to repair cartilage and nutrients to reduce pain.

Q) You have all this oil and natural Vitamin E, which I know is expensive. Why the E?
A)The vitamin E found in fish oil supplements is act as a preservative. The antioxidative effects of vitamin E prevent fish oil spoilage.

Q) My pets (I have both cats and dogs) get a lot of fats from their food. Won’t adding all this oil make them fat? More susceptible to heart disease, clog their arteries? Especially when they are old and less active.
A) The EFA’s are the healthy fats. They protect against the harmful effects of diets high in saturated fats. Commercial pet foods use saturated fats to provide the energy dogs need. The EFA’s are the unsaturated fats that are not used for energy but rather for healing.

Q) Will EFA’s make my doggie any smarter?
A) DHA and EPA are found in large concentrations in the brain. They are essential to the development and function of the brain. Observational studies strongly suggest there is improved brain function in animals given omega-3 supplements.

Q) You call your product ultra-refined, what does that mean to me when I am comparing EFA’s?
A)Refining fish-oil is the process where any pollutants are removed. It also allows the manufacture to concentrate the omega-3s by removing other EFAs present.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid with a very high content of phenols. Phenols have strong antioxidative properties which protect against degenerative processes within the body.

Flaxseed Oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. It consists of 56% omega-3 and 16% omega-6. It is provides linoleic acid, the primary omega-6.

Borage Oil is the richest source of gamma- linolenic acid. Borage Oil contains almost twice as much gamma-linolenic acid as any other source. The combination of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid contributes to healthy skin and coats, plus provides strong anti-inflammatory effects to protest against inflammatory and degenerative processes.

Fish Oil in this concentrated and refined form provides the two most important omega-3s, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil is the best source for these two key long-chained omega-3s. DHA and EPA are essential to the normal development and function of the heart, eyes, and brain. They have amazing heart protective and brain protective properties. Fish oil provides a mercury free source of these key nutrients.

Q) ) I have several cats…all different breeds, mostly the same size. How do I know when they are “senior”? And what does it matter…they’ll all live forever anyways.
A) A cat is considered a senior at the age of 8. Cats over the age of 12 are considered geriatric. There are numerous cases where cats have lived for more than 30 years. Older cats have health issues just like everyone. They may not become apparent until the disease is very advanced.

Q) I have heard choline mentioned by my vet. What makes it necessary for older cats?
A) Choline is a nutrient essential for cardiovascular and brain function and for cellular membrane composition and repair.

Q) I have heard that cats don’t have the heart problems that dogs do, why?
A) It is true that senior dogs have a much higher rate of heart disease than cats. The reason for this is not clear.

Q) I have two dogs and a cat. I am faithful in making sure that my dogs have their glucosamine every day. Should I start giving my cat the same? What dosages? She is getting on in years, too and I want her to be as spry as long as possible.
A) The weight-bearing joints of cats are structurally different than dogs. Cats do not experience the joint cartilage destruction as quickly or as extensively as dogs. Senior cats do eventually develop arthritis and can benefit from low dose glucosamine supplements at that time.

Q) My friend’s cat has had kidney problems as he gets older. What can I do to prevent my cat from having the same problems?
A) Kidney disease is the number one health issue in cats. Most veterinarians would agree that chronic renal failure is the leading cause of death among senior cats. It is a slowly progressive essentially untreatable disease.

Q) How does proper oral hygiene factor in a cat’s health? What can I do if she can’t stand the brushing thing?
A) ) Good dental health is important not only for the teeth and mouth of your cat but also for good overall health. The bacteria found in diseased gums has been linked to heart disease. A healthy immune system is key to minimizing the ill effects of poor oral hygiene.

Q) ) I’ve been pumping zinc – anytime I feel a cold coming on – so I get it. But for my cat?
A) Zinc does not seem to boost the immune system in cats, but it helps improve the coat and hair. Zinc works best when used in combination with a fatty acid supplement.

Q) ) I buy the best food money can buy for my lovely little tabby, Izzy. Why does he need supplements?
A) Supplements are not a substitute for good nutrition. The fact you buy the best food money can buy is great. A supplement will support the excellent food you provide by making sure the essential micronutrients cats need are available. The nutrients added to the food are generally not adequate to do this.

Q) I notice that your product has a lot of B-vitamins in it. What’s the big deal?
A) The B-vitamins are essential to the conversion of food to energy. They also play important roles in proper metabolism within the body.

Q) Since when does Vitamin-C become important to a cat?
A) Cats have the ability to make vitamin C in their intestines. Older cats appear to need more vitamin C than the cat can produce. Vitamin C helps older cats fight infection, heal wounds, and manage stress.

Q) Biotin? I take biotin to rid myself of wrinkles. Same for older cats?
A) Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin important in energy production, maintaining a steady blood sugar level, and for healthy hair and nails in cats.

Q) Cats don’t seem to have the same bone issues as dogs – yet you decided to but Vitamin D, phosphorous and calcium in your product. Why?
A) Cats do not have the same arthritis issues that dogs do, but need Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphorous to maintain healthy bones.

Q) CoQ-10- wow! I thought that was only for humans. Is that why this product is priced higher than other similar products? Why on Earth does my little kitty need CoQ- 10? Isn’t that overkill?
A) CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body. It plays an important role in cellular energy production within the mitochondria. It is expensive but it provides unique antioxidant properties as well as heart protective properties.

Q) ) Fish oil seems to be everywhere. Why do cats need more?
A) Fish oil is the main source of the long-chained Omega-3’s EPA and DHA. Cats use these healthy fatty acids to maintain healthy eyes, heart and brain. They also are powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients that protect joints, skin, and blood vessels.

Q) What is the big difference between Omega’s? Is 6 twice the potency of 3’s? Their wet food has tons of fish in it. Do I really have to supplement with more fatty acids?
A) Most commercial pet foods contain used vegetable oils which are omega-6’s. They are unsaturated fats that provide energy but no healing properties. They taste good to cats and have lower levels of cholesterol than saturated fats. The omega-3s are not used for energy. They are simply too important for that. You need the omega-3s to balance the amount of omega-6s in the diet. You also need all the omega-3s you can get for the heart, brain and eye benefits they provide.

Q) GLA, EPA, DHA? I am not a scientist here…?
A) EPA and DHA are the omega-3s found in fish oil. GLA is an omega-6 found in plants. All three are essential fatty acids that do amazing things for cats. GLA is necessary for normal brain function, bone health, and stimulation of skin and hair growth.

Q) L-taurine has not been on any other product that I have seen for my good old Cheshire, Tawny. Will it make a difference?
A) L-taurine is an amino acid needed for healthy eyes, coats, and a healthy heart in cats.

Q) Electrolytes I know are important for kidney functions, right?
A) Healthy kidneys keep the body’s electrolytes in balance. In chronic renal failure, the poor kidney function causes electrolyte imbalances. This can cause additional health issues.

Q) Bitsy is as healthy as ever at age nine. Why should I be so concerned if she looks great and has a healthy appetite?
A) A nine-year-old healthy cat has reached the time when key nutrients are very likely to benefit them most. You simply can not be sure these nutrients are present in the diet of even the best eater of the best food.