In the supplement industry, some “natural supplement” manufacturers choose to make products which do not use a delivery system, often referred to as a “filler.” Traditionally, there are many non-active ingredients that can be useful to the manufacturing process and/or the delivery of nutrients, or active ingredients, to the human or pet. Some natural product brands say that all of these fillers are unnecessary and are only used to take up space.
The issue of using fillers in supplements is complex. So let’s simplify things and briefly explain how we address this issue in our pet supplements.
The Need of a Delivery System
The fact is that without some form of delivery system, active ingredients may pass through your pet’s digestive system without having the time to be fully absorbed and used by the animal’s body. The average pet’s intestinal tract is not in optimal condition and therefore cannot absorb all the nutrients before they pass by and out. Pure active ingredient formulas, without some form of delivery system, may take considerably longer to work and will not provide a holistic approach to healthy intestinal, immune and hormone function.
What is the solution which will enable the digestive system to absorb nutrients, while increasing the overall internal and digestive health of the animal?
Fibre
“Fiber is one of three types of carbohydrates (sugars and starches are the other two). It’s the indigestible part of the plant. It forms the structure of the plant and comes in two forms, soluble and insoluble. Both types are important for health.
Fiber increases the bulk of fecal material and encourages normal bowel movements. It also promotes satiety, a feeling of fullness, and helps prevent overeating and obesity. It can also improve blood sugar control and stabilize blood fat (cholesterol) levels.”
From Animal Wellness Magazine, see full article here.
Basically, fibre aids in digestion, prevents constipation, can help prevent hairballs, prevents heart disease and aids in controlling anal sac compaction (which promotes cancer reduction).
The foundation of each of our BiologicVET powder formulas is a prebiotic, lignan-rich blend of organic defatted flax, sunflower and sesame seed fibre, which supports healthy immune and metabolic function. The free-form base ensures an improved delivery of nutrients, facilitating greater use of the active ingredients, both in BiologicVET products and in your preferred brand of raw, dry or moist pet food.
What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics feed the naturally present healthy gut flora (bacteria) in your pet’s lower gastrointestinal tract. This encourages flora population and facilitates nutrient bioavailability, at the same time, limiting unhealthy bacteria and yeast overgrowth. Not only do prebiotics improve your pet’s digestive health, they improve immune function.
What are Lignans?
Lignans are naturally occurring phytoestrogens (plant-based hormones) functioning as antioxidants. Their role is the control of normal hormonal balance and function, especially helpful when an animal has been spayed or neutered.
We advocate fibre, not just filler, as a delivery system for pet supplements.
The health benefits are clear. We want our supplements to be highly effective for your pet and cost-effective for you. Using fibre, not traditional fillers, or nothing at all, is the best way to ensure that the rich nutrients in our products are functioning in an optimal and holistic way for your beloved pet.