Supplement mix for the Healthy Adult Cat

The supplement mix I recently made for my cats is based on advice from a variety of pet nutritional authors including, Dr. Billinghurst from, ‘Give Your Dog a Bone,’ and author of ‘The Holistic Cat,’ Jennifer Coscia.  Dosage of supplements, vary considerably from one author to the next.  I give my cats 1 flat teaspoon each of this supplement mix every day in their food.  The vitamin C had to be added gradually due to the bitter taste and due my cats being super fussy.  Over the time I’ve been learning and researching what to put into this supplement mix it has changed considerably.  Due to my ongoing learning, this supplement mix will continue to change with new ingredients added, some taken out and the amounts will no doubt change.  It is a work in progress.

*Supplement mix:            1tsp=2grams

6 grams            brewers yeast                                     100mg

6 grams            alfalfa powder                                    100mg

12 grams             lecithin granules                                    200mg

6 grams            kelp                                                            100mg

60 grams            ground sunflower seeds                        1000mg

12 grams            Vitamin C                                                200mg

6 grams            Vitamin B complex                                    100mg

3 grams            spirulina                                                50mg

6 grams            L-Lysine                                                100mg                                   

1.8 grams            MSM                                                            30mg           

1.2 grams             odourless garlic                                    20mg

1 teaspoon of this supplement mix weighs approx 2 grams.  As this mixture weighs in total 120 grams, it makes approximately 60 individual servings.

The brewers yeast is highly recommended by many pet nutritional authors.  It contains most of the B vitamins (except B12).  It contains 16 amino acids, 14 minerals including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and the antioxidant selenium and vitamins.  However it can cause allergies with some animals.  Brewers yeast is one of the richest, most concentrated forms of nutrients known.  Torula yeast is similar, except it is lower in sodium, which may assist heart or kidney disease.  Brewers yeast contains a high ratio of phosphorus to calcium (4:1), which is a consideration when giving this supplement to cats with renal disease.

Alfalfa powder contains vitamins, minerals, calcium and magnesium, beta-carotene, high amounts of B vitamins.  It is a natural antibiotic, reduces fluid retention, prevents kidney stones, improves urinary tract health, it is good for the intestines and has a detoxifying effect on the body.

Lecithin granules can be used for inflammation of the kidneys, to increase energy levels and brain function. It’s a phospholipid (fats which cell membranes are made of), protects cells from oxidation, detoxifies, provides liver support, helps the body emulsify and absorb fats across the gut wall, improves the condition of the coat and improves digestion.

However, lecithin, like brewers yeast, is high in phosphorus and low in calcium.  The ratio is 4:1.  This is another supplement I am aware of due to the high phosphorus in relation to my cat’s renal disease.

Kelp contains lots of minerals, it benefits the kidneys and heart, it is antibacterial, contains Vitamins A,B,C,D,E,K, beta-carotene, biotin, folic acid and the minerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc and copper.  Kelp contains protein, PABA, selenium, sulfur, iodine, it neutralise carcinogens, improves digestion, hair growth, glandular functions and lowers radiation toxicity.  Kelp is very high in iodine necessary for the correct functioning of the thyroid gland (for growth and metabolism).

Sunflower seeds include Vitamin E (a primary fat soluble anti oxidant), B vitamins, selenium, manganese, they support the production of cortisol, which moderates the inflammatory response, regulates blood glucose and the blood pressure.  Sunflower seeds are also thought to reduce asthma, prevent migraines and calm the nerves.  They contain the minerals copper, selenium, tryptophan, and phosphorus. (Schultze 2008)

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.  It is required for bone synthesis, healthy joints, prevents bladder stones, strengthens the immune system, it is an antihistamine, contains anti-inflammatory properties, it prevents urinary tract infection, lowers joint pain, eliminates cystitis if taken in it’s acidic form, lowers pH (so increases acidity), it is easily absorbed, reverses cancer, improves appetite, supports cortisol production and in high doses is a natural laxative.

Various forms of Vitamin C:

- Calcium ascorbate            acidic (bitter tasting)

- Ascorbic acid                        very acidic (sour tasting)

- Sodium ascorbate            non acidic (the most mild tasting)

- Rosehips            a natural source of vitamin C from the seed pods of roses

- Ester C (non acidic)

Non-acidic Ester C can assist with gingivitis, the immune system, facilitating the destruction of harmful microbes.  It can be mixed with a little live yoghurt for palatability.

Whilst cats and dogs can in fact produce their own vitamin C, they certainly benefit from having it added into the diet.  This conclusion is from my own experience whilst taking care of sick pets and doing most of the healing with good food and supplements.

B Vitamins have a vast number of essential tasks in the body. They assist the skin, kidneys, brain, the immune system, growth, hair, digestion, mucous membranes, teeth, muscles, nerves, assists enzymes, production of red blood cells, cell growth and repair.  Vitamin B12 lifts the energy as it speeds up fat and carbohydrate metabolism.  Cats require more B vitamins especially when sick, stress depletes body of vitamin B.

Vitamin B6 is involved in more bodily functions than any other vitamin, a warrior on cancer, heart disease, prevention of kidney stones, treats asthma, arthritis, acts as a mild diuretic.  In combination with L-lysine and vitamin C, it fights the herpes virus and aids in the absorption of L-Lysine and Vitamin C.

Spirulina is known to be one of the superfoods.  It contains 8 essential amino acids, vitamins B12, and it is 70% protein. (Wolfe 2009)

L-Lysine is an amino acid, when taken with Vitamin C it relieves heart conditions, treats chronic herpes (when given long-term), it prevents bone loss, improves the immune system, aids in the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes, it is also good for sneezing and watery eyes.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Depleted soil and cooking foods destroys sulfur.  It is needed for the blood, amino acid formation, connective tissue, skin, nails, it assists allergies, inflammation, helps to correct pH, the manufacture of bile and insulin and activates the use of Vitamin C, biotin and thiamine.  Assists heartburn, arthritis, muscle pain, cancer and respiratory infections.

I only use odourless garlic in my cat’s food.  If their food smells of garlic they won’t touch it.  Garlic provides protein, Vitamins A, B, C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, selenium and amino acids.  It is a natural antibiotic, controls internal parasites, it is an antioxidant, digestive aid, lowers blood pressure as it thins the blood, supports the immune system and is a great flea deterrent.