Category: Healthy Aging Vet™

Healthy Aging Vet™

Geriatric Support For Dogs and Cats… Naturally!™

Aging dogs and cats need nutritional supplements in addition to what they eat on a daily basis. Aren’t our pets’ fresh, commercially available food healthier than in times past? There are many amazing diets, but aging causes digestive tracts to have reduced absorption of nutrients, so even the best ingredients do not get ideally absorbed in geriatric pets.

It wasn’t long ago that we entertained the same questions about our own nutrition, and the science behind adding nutritional supplements into our daily diets. But now many people routinely take a multivitamin and many other supplements. The reason is that most Americans do not eat enough fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods on a daily basis to get what our bodies need.  Plus, overfarmed soils often have too few nutrients for harvested foods to be as healthy as they were a few decades ago. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the many biochemical processes of the body including energy production.  Complementing our diets with these and other supplements helps our bodies work better.

Another threat to nutrient content of foods is the fact that heat processes (through cooking or commercial preparation) destroy nutrient levels in processed foods. Humans have the ability to substitute fresh raw fruits and vegetables for overly cooked or processed foods, but our animal friends do not– they depend on us for their daily nutrition. Their diets also lack the variety of foods found in the human diet. If we accept the need for proper nutrient supplementation in our own diets, shouldn’t we do the same for our dog and cat family members?

Healthy Aging Vet™ is a unique nutritional complex containing essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and naturally occurring plant-based herbs to complement your pet’s healthy diet, in order to maximize nutritional benefits and slow the effects of aging on your pet. Age is not a disease! In fact, aging is simply the normal time-dependent changes that we all undergo, including our beloved pets that do it faster than we do!

Unfortunately, chronic exposure to oxidative stressors (aggravated by aging) causes progressive damage to all cells, especially in the brain. The brain consumes 20% of the body’s total oxygen, has lower levels of endogenous antioxidants compared to other tissues, and it has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Normal physiological and biochemical processes result in the production and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which directly damage RNA, DNA, and proteins and lipids in all cells, including the brain. This results in a gradual decline in neuronal function.

Supplementing the body with antioxidants to counteract and slow this process may:

  • Support the body’s natural resistance to stress-induced damage
  • Enhance mental well-being
  • Support eye health and function

Each of the ingredients in Healthy Aging Vet™ has been chosen specifically to promote good health and support the body’s natural resistance to disease in our pet family members. Some of the potential benefits are:

Vitamin A (as 100% Beta-carotene):

Beta-carotene is a natural vitamin A precursor and potent antioxidant. Foods high in beta-carotene:  whole grains and also fruits and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe and others.  Unfortunately, animals’ diets rarely contain the fresh fruits and vegetables required to supply the beta-carotene our pets need.

Benefits from vitamin A include: reduction of oxidative stress; protection of cells and tissues of the body; and support of normal blood pressure.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid):

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has been shown to fight free radicals and help maintain healthy blood sugar. It is integral to collagen formation and helps maintain normal histamine levels, as well as assisting with immune system support. Foods high in vitamin C content include citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, melons, and various berries etc., as well as many vegetables.

Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol D-3):

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It is found in cod liver oil, salmon, sardines, tuna, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D-3, the active form of Vitamin D is also produced when UV-B rays strike the skin.

Vitamin D provides factors for bone development and building of connective tissue as well as joint reinforcement. Vitamin D supports healthy joints and joint mobility.

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl):

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that improves vascular reactivity and reduces oxidative stress, as well as being a fat soluble cell membrane stabilizer.  Due to its positive benefits on vascular tissue, vitamin E also helps support cardiovascular function to help keep pets in top condition.

Vitamin B-1 (as Thiamine mononitrate):

Vitamin B-1 is found in foods including yeasts, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and certain meats.  Vitamin B-1 is required to properly process carbohydrates, and supports a healthy brain, as well as stress reduction and healthy behavior patterns.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin):

Found in milk, meat, eggs, nuts, flour, and green vegetables, riboflavin is important for the development and function of the skin, lining of the digestive tract, blood cells, and many other parts of the body.   Vitamin B-2 helps support healthy immune system function.

Caution: high doses of riboflavin may cause an increase in urine output and diarrhea, as well as possibly changing the urine color to a dark yellow-orange.

Vitamin B-3 (as Niacin and Niacinamide):

Niacin and niacinamide are both forms of vitamin B-3, with niacin being converted to niacinamide in the body. Both are water soluble and well absorbed. They are required for the proper function of fats and sugars in the body, and to maintain healthy cells.

Niacin and niacinamide are found in such foods as: yeast, milk, meats, fish, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains.

Vitamin B-6 (as Pyridoxine HCl):

Vitamin B-6 is found in foods such as cereals, beans, vegetables, liver, meats, and eggs. It is required for the proper function of sugars, proteins, and fats in the body. It is also required for the proper growth and development of the brain, nerves, skin, and many other parts of the body. It may also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

One component of vitamin B-6 is pyridoxamine, which is most easily converted to its active form, pyridoxal-5-phoshate(PLP), which takes part in preventing a process called glycation. Glycation is a destructive reaction in the body when sugars react with amino acids, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This is a fitting acronym because AGEs accrue in the body with aging, which can cause cell damage and eventually death.

Vitamin B-6 is also a co-factor important in many natural metabolic reactions, including the folate metabolism pathway.

Vitamin B-9 Folate (as folic acid):

This B vitamin is responsible for the proper development of the body due to its role in the production of DNA. It is also needed for the process of erythropoiesis (blood formation and thrombopoiesis (platelet formation).

Foods naturally high in folic acid include: vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, okra, asparagus, and beans; fruits such as bananas, melons, lemons; and in yeasts, mushrooms, beef organ meats, and orange and tomato juices. It is also routinely added (as required by Federal law) to such commercially prepared foods as breakfast cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers.

Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin):

Cyanocobalamin, the synthetic form of vitamin B-12, supports healthy metabolism, blood cell formation, and nerve function. Vitamin B-12 can also be obtained from food sources such as: meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs, milk, and other dairy products.

Biotin (Vitamin B-7):

Biotin is a coenzyme and B vitamin (also known as “Vitamin H”) found in wheat germ, whole grain cereals, whole wheat bread, eggs, dairy products, nuts, salmon and chicken. It decreases insulin resistance and in combination with chromium, may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5) (as d-calcium pantothenate):

This B vitamin is found in meats, vegetables, cereals, legumes, eggs, and milk and is important for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Calcium (as calcium citrate):

As mentioned in the introduction, calcium is an essential nutrient and mineral, responsible for many functions in the body. Calcium is found in milk, dairy products, kale and broccoli, and is a mineral that is essential for bone health and teeth. It provides factors necessary for proper red blood cell function.


Known as the “Devil’s Element”, due to its use in bombs, poisons, and nerve agents, phosphorus is also a beneficial mineral of vital importance. Found in DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids that form cell membranes, it plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed to make proteins necessary for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues, as well as helping the body to make ATP, which is a molecule that the body uses to store energy. It also works with the B vitamins to help kidney function, muscle contractions, normal heartbeat, and nerve signaling. Food sources high in phosphorus are those that contain protein such as milk and meats.

Iron (as Ferrous gluconate):

Found in every cell in the body, Iron is an essential mineral because of its role in the production of hemoglobin – the proteins in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide. It is also important in the production of myoglobin, an essential component of muscle, as well as being part  of many of the body’s proteins and for playing an integral part in various chemical reactions in the body.

Common food sources high in Iron include: dried beans and fruits, eggs, liver, red meat, oysters and other shellfish, poultry, salmon, tuna, lamb, pork, whole grains, and green vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and asparagus. Combining lean meat, fish, or poultry with beans or dark leafy greens as a meal can increase iron absorption by up to 3 times the usual amount. Foods rich in vitamin C also help iron absorption.

Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach may increase the absorption of iron, but may also lead to stomach irritation. If necessary, give with food. It is also advisable to avoid giving iron supplements with foods that contain dairy products, as this may lessen iron absorption.

Iodine (as Potassium iodide):

Iodine is an element that the body needs to make thyroid hormones and plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system. Lack of iodine can lead to stunted mental and physical health. Since the body is not able to produce iodine on its own, supplementation is needed. For humans most of this need is accomplished by eating salt in the form of potassium iodide, but our pets rely on us to make sure their iodine quantities are sufficient.

Iodine enhances animals’ physical and mental well being to help keep them in peak condition.

Magnesium (as Magnesium glycinate):

Magnesium is an important trace mineral. More than 300 metabolic enzymes need magnesium to function. It is essential for: basic cellular life; energy function; blood clotting ability; insulin function; vitamin B activity; regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone; and bone, protein, and fat formation.

Magnesium supplements help support glucose metabolism and normal blood sugar levels.

Zinc (as Zinc aspartate):

Zinc is a co-factor in the body’s enzyme system, and is required for normal immune function and taste acuity, as well as helping support normal blood sugar levels.

Selenium (as Selenium aspartate):

Selenium is a mineral that enhances the effects of vitamin E and is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, therefore helping to reduce oxidative stress. It is also involved in arachidonic acid metabolism and may affect prostaglandin levels. Commonly found in crab, liver, fish, poultry, and wheat. Its concentration in these sources is highly dependent on the levels found in the soil or water of their origin. In the United States, soil concentrations are lowest in the Eastern Coastal Plains and the Pacific Northwest, and populations in these areas may be in greater need of supplementation.

Selenium is sometimes referred to as an antioxidant mineral due to the fact that it seems to enhance the action of antioxidants. It helps support cardiovascular and joint health.

Copper (as Copper glycinate chelate):

Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for producing and storing iron. Found in organ meats, seafoods, nuts, seeds, wheat bran cereals, cocoa, and grains, the body stores copper mostly in bones and muscles, and the liver regulates how much is found in the bloodstream.

Copper helps support joint health and may enhance kidney function.

Manganese ( as manganese glycinate):

Manganese is an essential mineral necessary in the metabolism of cholesterol, proteins, carbohydrates, and may assist in bone formation. It is essential for the action of many enzymes necessary to produce fatty acids and energy. It is found in many foods including whole grains, seeds, tea, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and legumes. Manganese is used to support bone health and normal blood flow.

Chromium (as Chromium polynicotinate):

Chromium is available from dietary sources such as brewer’s yeast, molasses, brown sugar, coffee, and tea, none of which are generally present in your pet’s normal diet. Chromium is an important trace mineral required for proper metabolism, and is necessary for the breakdown of fats and proteins. It is an insulin regulator, which causes a reduction in both insulin requirements and a reduction in blood sugar. An essential component of glucose tolerance factor, it may help maintain normal blood sugar level.

Molybdenum (as Molybdenum glycinate chelate):

Molybdenum is a trace mineral required for the activity of enzymes necessary for the elimination of toxic substances from the body. These enzymes assist in the breakdown of proteins and other substances so that they can then be safely eliminated.

It is found in foods such as milk, cheese, cereal grains, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, and organ meats. It is also found in drinking water. As with other dietary minerals, the concentration of molybdenum depends greatly upon the concentration found in the soil of origin.

Once ingested, molybdenum is absorbed quickly from the GI tract and transported to the liver, kidneys, bones and glands where it is stored. Small amounts are also found in the lungs, spleen, skin, and muscles.

Potassium (as Potassium aspartate):

Potassium is a mineral that plays many critical roles in the body, including the transmission of nerve signals, muscle contraction, fluid balance, and various other chemical reactions essential to the body’s well being. Foods rich in potassium include fruits, cereals, beans, milk, and vegetables. Potassium is somewhat unique in that an excess of potassium can be as dangerous and toxic to certain bodily functions as the lack of it, especially in the heart. Therefore, proper potassium levels must be monitored if a known imbalance is identified.

Potassium helps support normal blood pressure and calcium levels in the body. It also helps control seizures and  promotes relaxation.

Acetyl-L Carnitine:

Acetyl-L carnitine is an amino acid necessary for fat metabolism, as well as to tranform fatty acids into energy, maintain healthy blood triglyceride levels, and for vitamin C dependent synthesis. It is important to help maintain healthy cognitive function and  helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC):

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is derived from the amino acid L-cysteine, and is an antioxidant that increases glutathione synthesis and regulation. It supports normal, healthy function of the heart and muscles.

Ginkgo Biloba (leaf) Extract (standardized for 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides 0.2mg and 6% total terpene lactones 0.05mg):

The active ingredient of Ginkgo biloba is a monoamine oxidase A and B inhibitor extracted from the leaves, which contains antioxidant properties. Ginkgo biloba also attenuates lipid peroxidation, increases vascular relaxation by inhibiting inflammatory nitric oxide production, antagonizes platelet activating factor, and reduces adrenal peripheral benzodiazepine receptors which alter corticosteroid secretion.

Ginko biloba is well known for its ability to support cognitive function and mental performance.

Korean Ginseng Extract (root) (Panax quinquefolius) standardized for 6% ginsenosides 0.24mg:

Depending on the species of ginseng used, it is native to either North America or the Far East. Ginseng has been used for over 5,000 years to support cognitive function as well as overall health and well-being. It helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and helps reduce the negative effects of stress.

Milk Thistle Extract (Silybum marianus) standardized for 80% silymarin 1.2mg:

Milk thistle extract contains the active ingredient silymarin, which is a bioflavonoid and complex antioxidant. It helps support cell and capillary membranes. Among its many benefits, silymarin supports normal liver function and can help the body reduce damage from toxic substances such as chemicals or poisonous mushrooms.

Huperzine (Huperzia serrata):

Huperzine, also known as selagine, is a highly purified substance extracted from Chinese club moss.

Huperzine is a potent reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, with the ability to increase acetylcholine levels for three hours or more. It also helps the body to attenuate oxidative stress and regulate the expression of apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bax, P53, and caspase-3. It supports body functions that protect mitochondria, helping to keep cells healthy. Huperzine also helps support normal brain function.

Proprietary Nutrient Co-Factor Blend:

This proprietary blend of nutrient co-factors includes 4 ingredients:

1). Trimethylglycine (as Betaine anhydrous):

This plant extract is found in foods such as beets, broccoli, spinach, seafood, and also occurs naturally in the body. It helps boost the body’s natural immune response and brain function.

2). Choline (as Choline bitartrate):

Found in beef, codfish, salmon, shrimp, eggs, peanuts, milk, and certain vegetables, choline is a water soluble nutrient belonging to the B vitamin family. Insufficient amounts of choline are produced by the body, so additional amounts must be obtained by dietary sources, as well as by supplementation.

Choline is lipotropic, helping the liver export fat and burn it for energy. It contributes to the general overall health and function of the liver.  It also helps produce substances (i.e. acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine) that are essential for healthy cell membranes and affect appetite, memory, behavior, and mood. Choline also partners with the central nervous system to enhance nerve impulse transmissions, cell communications, and to help control muscle function. It also contains antioxidant properties that help control the growth, repair, and preservation of many organs and tissues. Betaine is a metabolite of choline that participates in the SAM-e pathway.

3). Inositol:

Inositol is a lipotropic vitamin-like carbohydrate, found in soy lecithin along with choline. Its most common form, myo-inositol, is widely found in plants including whole grains, molasses, bran cereals, beans, nuts, melons and oranges. Myoinositol plays an important role as one of the components of several cellular messengers, including lipids such as phosphatidylinositol phosphate. Like choline, it is involved in the movement of fats from the liver to other tissues. It also helps with fat metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Inositol is therefore involved in many important processes, including:

  • Insulin signal transduction
  • Nerve guidance
  • Serotonin activity modulation, helping to promote relaxation
  • Breakdown of fats

4) PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid):

Also referred to as vitamin Bx, PABA is 4-aminobenzoic acid. It can be found in our diets, synthesized in a lab, or produced by bacteria as a by-product during the formation of folate. Animals also produce PABA, but are not capable of converting it into folate, and therefore must obtain it through their diet.

Dietary sources high in PABA content include: liver, grains, molasses, eggs, rice, and yeast. In addition to the production of folate, PABA is also necessary for the absorption of pantothenic acid in the GI tract and helps in amino acid metabolism. It also improves the function of connective tissues and increases the rate of red blood cell formation.

Proprietary Blend:

This Blend consists of 7 amino acids, antioxidants, and essential precursors to substances necessary for brain support and other critical biochemical pathways in the body.

1). S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM-e):

This common co-substrate is critical in numerous metabolic pathways, such as transmethylation which enables the production of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, etc., and is essential in methionine and cysteine biosynthesis.

Although found throughout the body, most SAM-e is produced and utilized in the liver. It has been used to help support healthy liver function and promote a sense of relaxation.

There are no food sources of SAM-e, and because our body’s production of SAM-e becomes less efficient as we age, supplementation can be extremely valuable. The more we learn about this critical component that is involved in so many of our metabolic pathways in the body, the more we understand just how essential this substance is to our overall well being.

2). L- Alphaglycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC):

This is a natural choline compound found in the brain that is aprecursor to acetylcholine, and is able to transport choline to the brain through the blood-brain barrier. It has been known to help support healthy brain function.

3). Vinpo (Vinpocetine):

Vinpo is a synthetic ingredient functioning similarly to vincamine, which is an active extract from the periwinkle plant.   It helps maintain normal balance in the blood and brain, supporting healthy brain function.

4). VMP-Uridine-S-monophosphate:

VMP-Uridine-S-monophosphate is a delivery compound for uridine, which is an essential nutrient involved in the glycolysis pathway and in carbohydrate metabolism. It is found in many foods such as sugar cane, tomatoes, brewer’s yeast, and broccoli, and as a primary component in RNA molecules. But uridine is not bioavailable from RNA, so the delivery compound VMP-Uridine is used to increase uridine bioavailability for the body. It is also used to support cognitive function.

5). Phosphatidylserine:

Phosphatidylserine is commonly manufactured from cabbage and soy products.

The body is capable of producing phosphatidylserine, but gets most of what it needs from our diet. It is critical to well-being because it is a component of all cell structure.

Phosphatidylserine is used to help support normal physical and mental performance.

6). Vaccinum angusti folium (anthocyanins extract):

Commonly known as the Lowbush Blueberry, it is a species of blueberry native to eastern and central Canada, and the northeastern United States. Due to its anthocyanin components, this species contains one of the highest antioxidant activity levels present in fruits. Anthocyanosides are bioflavanoid complexes found both in blueberry and bilberry.  Native Americans have used these berries for hundreds of years because of their calming function and ability to support normal digestive and bowel function.

7). Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA):

This potent antioxidant is found in liver, kidney, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes, as well as being synthesized. ALA is essential to many critical body processes, such as restoring vitamin C and E levels in the body. Alpha lipoic acid helps to prevent cell damage, helps to break down carbohydrates in order to produce energy, and to increase function and conduction of neurons.

Alpha lipoic acid is often called the “ideal” antioxidant. Found in foods such as yeast and organ meats, as well as spinach, broccoli, and potatoes, this naturally occurring substance is also produced in a ‘healthy’ body. Alpha lipoic acid assists in the body’s normal vital functions at the cellular level, such as energy production. It also supports normal blood sugar levels.

Neuro-Plex Proprietary Blend™:

This proprietary blend contains Nueroprevin and PolycosanolPlus, both of which are patent pending unique products formulated to help normal nerve formation and function, nerve regeneration, and recovery from the effects of pollutants and aging.

1). PolycosanolPlus is a mixture extracted from natural waxes,  containing aliphatic alcohols, saturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3,6, and 9) in their naturally occurring ratios.

2). Neuroprevin is a mixture of vitamins, amino acids, and metabolites that has been shown to enhance the body’s normal neuroprotective actions, especially from harmful exposure to pesticides and other neurotoxins.

Bilberry Fruit (MirtoSelect) (Vaccinium Myrtillus L.) 

Standardized ethanolic extract 36% of anthocyanins 0.5mg

The ripe dried berries of the bilberry plant have long been known to be medicinal. The plant contains various medicinal components, such as tannins (responsible for astringent and anti-diarrheal properties) and the flavonoid components, or anthocyanosides, which are extremely potent antioxidants (responsible for the antioxidant effects such as increased circulation, collagen support, and improved capillary integrity).  Bilberry extract has many uses, including: promoting ocular health and also the body’s normal process of collagen biosynthesis; supporting cell membranes; and promoting normal blood sugar levels and digestive health.

As you can see, each ingredient in Animal Necessity’s Healthy Aging Vet™ has been carefully chosen for its ability to support your pet through a long, healthy, and productive life.

We are what we eat, and excellent nutrition is even more important as we age. As they age, dogs and cats also have changing needs and the choices can be bewildering when it comes to what to give our senior pets.

Animal Necessity makes it easy for you to help your beloved best friend get proper nutrition every day. Healthy Aging Vet™  is formulated to support aging pets’ natural healing processes and reactions to pathogens and stress, in order to help maintain and promote a long healthy life for the pet you love…..Naturally!