Dawn Curie Thomas, DVM, founded the Southern California Veterinary Hospital & Animal Skin Clinic in Los Angeles and is a graduate of the University of California Veterinary School, Davis. Dr. Thomas co-authored the book, "The 100 Most Common Questions Pet Owners Ask the Vet," and has been a guest on hundreds of radio pet talk shows. She is also a former pet health care columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News and The Los Angeles Times.
As part of her commitment to educate pet owners about companion animal heath care, Dr. Thomas has outlined the benefits of the following all-natural ingredients:
Allantoin: Research shows that naturally occurring Allantoin supports healthy skin and hair tissue.
Aloe Vera: Soothing and healing properties when taken internally or used topically.
Alpha Carotene: Very powerful anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. Alpha carotene is 10 times more powerful than beta-carotene. Carotenoids give fruits and vegetables their color, and act like natural sunscreen protecting against sun damage.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Potent anti-oxidant that neutralizes free radicals and amplifies the effectiveness of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Supports normal insulin function and helps support normal blood sugar levels, which is very important, especially for cats that are old or sick.
Ascorbic Acid: Natural Vitamin C supplement found in fruits and vegetables. This powerful anti-oxidant promotes acidic urine that helps dissolve any mineral crystals that might form.
Baking Soda: Cleans teeth, removes stains, helps deodorize breath.Barley Grass: Source of chlorophyll, trace minerals, and natural enzymes. Helps promote normal digestion and breath.
Barley Grass Extract: This "green food" contains high levels of chlorophyll and nutrients. Acts to support normal gastrointestinal tract function.
Beta 1,3 Glucan: Helps support the immune system. Very powerful anti-oxidant and free radical scavengers.
Borage Oil: A source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an Omega 6 essential fatty acid. The skin cannot make GLA, so this nutritional supplement must come from outside sources. Research indicates that GLA deficiency may be associated with itchy, dry, flaky skin, increased shedding, and dull hair.
Boswellin: Helps support normal joint function.
Bromelain: Helps support normal joint function.
Burdock Root Extract: Used to support normal skin.
Butcher's Broom: Helps promote normal urine flow.
Calcium (Ascorbate): A special form of Vitamin C that is often called Ester-C. Calcium ascorbate is much easier to digest and absorb than other forms. Vitamin C supports a normal immune system, works as an anti-oxidant and helps normal manufacturing of collagen. Collagen and Vitamin C are essential for healthy joints and tissues. Calcium (Citrate): Helps promote muscle relaxation and relieves stress.
Catnip: Stimulates the brain creating an "up" feeling of happiness. Also, supports normal digestion, which makes it a perfect after-dinner snack.
Cetyl Myristoleate (CM): A fatty-acid that helps support normal joints and tissues.
Chamomile: A soothing plant extract. Helps support normal skin.
Chlorophyll: A "green food" that is a natural source of magnesium. Deodorizes while also supporting normal mucous linings of the intestinal tract.
Chromium Picolinate: A powerful anti-oxidant.
Chrysanthemum: A natural oil that repels insects, including mosquitoes and fleas.
Clove Oil: Contains Eugenal which research shows helps support healing. Soothing Clove Oil has been used for many years to relieve ear and tooth pain.
Corn Silk: Supports lining of the urinary tract and bladder. Helps normal urine flow and elimination.
Couch Grass Root: Excellent support for normal urinary tract and bladder health.
D'Limonene: A natural ingredient derived from citrus sources. Considered safer than pyrethrins for skin problems related to fleas and ticks.
Catnip: Stimulates the brain's neurochemicals, creating an "up" feeling of happiness or even ecstasy in cats. Also, aids digestion, which makes it a perfect after-dinner snack.
Dried Cranberry Juice Concentrate: Helps support normal urine acidity to keep crystals or stones from forming.
Elastin: An elastic protein comprising most of the structure of skin. Promotes normal elasticity and soft, smooth, healthy skin.
Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides: A complex "good sugar" that is not digested in the stomach but passes into the gut, where it is digested by the "good bacteria" to help maintain normal intestinal health.
Ginger Root Extract: Traditional Chinese herb for supporting normal digestive health. Helps with motion sickness and nausea.
Glucosamine HCl: Glucosamine HCl is the best-absorbed form of glucosamine. Glucosamine is a nutrient naturally manufactured by the body which helps support normal joint health. With age, the ability to manufacture Glucosamine decreases, resulting in degeneration of the joints. The combination of Glucosamine and Cetyl Myristoleate provides extra support.
Grapefruit Seed: Contains bioflavonoids that help support a normal immune system to keep bacteria and yeast micro-organisms under control.
Grape Seed Extract: An anti-oxidant that supports normal joint function. Also supports capillaries, especially in the eyes and extremities.
Green Tea Extract: Anti-oxidant support for normal cardiovascular and digestive system health.
Horsetail Herb Extract: Contains silica and calcium to support normal hair, skin, and nails.
Kelp: An ocean vegetable (seaweed) packed with phytonutrients. Also contains amino acids, vitamins (especially B complex), calcium, and potassium. The iodine in kelp supports a normal thyroid gland.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus: Probiotics promote a normal intestinal tract by providing "good bacteria" that keep the levels of unhealthy bacteria in check, thus reducing intestinal tract odors and gas.
Lavender: Soothing and relaxing. Insects, including mosquitoes and fleas, are discouraged by it.
Lecithin: A natural emulsifier of fats and oils, lecithin is used in pet foods to help aid in the digestion of oils and increase efficiency absorption. Lecithin has its own nutritional value and is found in all living cells. It contains B vitamins and helps promote healthy hair and skin.
Lutein: A powerful anti-oxidant that deactivates dangerous free radicals, especially those caused by ultraviolet radiation. Helps support the eyes.
Lycopene: A powerful anti-oxidant, especially beneficial for supporting normal prostate, heart, lungs and breasts. (Lycopene gives the red color to fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes.)
Manganese: A component in many enzyme processes of the body. Manganese is essential for the normal production of joint fluid and keeping the cartilage surface in joints lubricated.
Magnesium: Essential for normal function of the cells. Regulates the intake of calcium in muscle cells. This is critical for normal blood pressure and increased heart efficiency and rhythm because it helps to keep other muscles relaxed and reduces stress.
Marshmallow Root: Herbal lubricant that protects and soothes mucous membranes. Lubricates foreign bodies like hairballs to aid passage through the digestive system.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Provides organic sulfur, which is critical for supporting healthy connective tissue in joints.
Micronized Oatmeal: A traditional remedy to soothe skin that is dry, sore, or irritated. Micronized formula avoids lumpy texture.
Milk Thistle Extract: Supports liver health. Protects against the free radicals formed as a result of normal liver function.
Neem Oil: Neem Oil helps support normal bacterial levels on skin and gums.
Nettle Herb Extract: Helps promote normal histamine levels to help counteract seasonal allergies.
Omega 3, Marine Lipids: Omega 3 fatty acids primarily come from marine lipids (fish oils). These nutritional supplements are essential because the body cannot make its own supply. Research indicates they have beneficial properties, especially in skin conditions caused by allergies.
Omega 6, Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 6 fatty acids are called essential because the body cannot produce its own supply, and these nutritional supplements must come from a dietary source. It has been well documented that essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy skin and shiny, healthy hair. Nutritional supplements which are cold processed are necessary to replace oxidized fatty acids found in pet foods as a result of heat and storage. Research associates deficiencies in fatty acids with itchy, dry, flaky skin, increased shedding, and dull hair.
Oregon Grape Root Extract: Helps promote normal levels of bacteria in the gut and skin.
Panthenol: Part of the natural structure of the skin and hair, Panthenol moisturizes, adds luster and conditions hair.
Papaya Extract: Contains papain, a digestive enzyme, and beta carotene, an anti-oxidant.
Parsley Extract: Nutritious herb that is high in natural vitamins and minerals. Helps promote normal digestion and reduce intestinal gas.
Parsley Seed Oil: Neutralizes offensive digestive tract odors that contribute to bad breath.
Pine Bark Extract: A powerful anti-oxidant, especially beneficial for connective tissue, capillaries, and circulation.
Potassium: Essential for a healthy nervous system and normal muscle tone. Helps maintain a normal heart rhythm and stable blood pressure.
Pyriodoxine (B6): Acts as a co-enzyme. B-vitamins are essential for proper brain and nervous system function and to counteract stress.
Quercetin: Bioflavonoid that promotes circulation. Also reduces the symptoms of allergies because it supports normal histamine levels.
Red Clover Blossom: Good for skin irritations.
Slippery Elm Bark Extract: An herb that lubricates and soothes the gastrointestinal tract. Strongly mucilaginous or "slippery" in texture, so it coats the stomach and intestines to help hairballs glide through the system.
Sodium Carbonate Peroxide: Creates tiny bubbles which help eliminate bacteria and debris that can cause gingivitis and other dental problems.
Spirulina: A "blue-green" algae that contains all of the amino acids and supports the nervous system. Essential amino acids are the components of protein and cannot be manufactured by the body. Spirulina is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
St. John's Wort Extract: Supports feeling of well-being without undesirable side effects.
Tea Tree Oil: Research shows that this soothing, healing oil has antiseptic properties and is effective when used for treatment of burns, minor skin irritations, insect bites and itching.
Uva Ursi: A herbal antiseptic.
Valerian Root Extract: An herb that calms and relaxes without side effects.
Vitamin B6: One of the B-vitamins that is essential as a co-factor for reducing stress, and for the normal function of the nervous system and brain.
Vitamin E: Powerful anti-oxidant that stabilizes cell membranes helping healing and reducing scaring.
White Willow Bark Extract: Reduces pain and swelling associated with sore muscles.
Yellow Dock Extract: Used for chronic skin conditions.
Yucca: A cleansing agent that soothes and deodorizes. Yucca is not irritating like soaps or detergents.
Zinc: A component of more than 200 enzymes in the human and animal bodies. Zinc helps provide normal support for tissues including skin and joints.