L'Avian Plus™ Pet Products start with the best ingredients available. Each grain, seed or other ingredient must meet rigid quality control standards for nutrient content. Seeds are cleaned in a unique cleaning process that eliminates virtually all dust, dirt and foreign particles. Pellets are manufactured in a cold press process to help maintain natural enzyme content. Ferret food is extruded (cooked) to improve palatability and eliminate salmonella organisms. Vitamins, major minerals, trace minerals, enzymes and amino acids are important nutrients essential to balance nutrition.

The following glossary provides a general description of various ingredients used in L'Avian Plus Products:

Vitamins:

Vitamins are essential to life. They help ensure good health by regulating metabolism and the digestion of food for energy. Vitamins are referred to as co-enzymes because they work with various enzymes.

Some vitamins are water soluble and some are fat soluble. Water soluble vitamins cannot be stored in the body. Healthy birds make their own (water soluble) Vitamin C while small animals do not.

Fat (oil) soluble vitamins are: A, D, E, K. Water soluble vitamins are Vitamin C and the B-Complex.

Vitamin intake must be balanced as vitamins and minerals work together to ensure proper functions. Feeding excess amounts of any vitamin is not recommended. Research has shown that an excess of an isolated vitamin or mineral can produce the same symptoms as a deficiency of that vitamin or mineral.

Feeding a well fortified and balanced diet is the key to health and longevity. Adding extra vitamins and minerals is sometimes needed during periods of stress, rapid growth or during times of sickness but should be avoided on a routine basis. Antibiotics, for example, reduce the absorption of Vitamin C. So, if birds or small animals are being fed antibiotics for more than a day or two, extra Vitamin C might be required. Bioflavinoids must be taken with Vitamin C in order to perform properly, even though adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus are being fed, Rickets (weak bone disease) can occur if the Vitamin D is out of balance.

Vitamins are called micro-nutrients because they are required in very small amounts.

Micro-Encapsulation:	Vitamins are subject to deterioration when exposed to fats, oils, water, light and air. Some deteriorate faster than others. In order to ensure proper potency and balance, the vitamins used in L'Avian Plus™ Products are "coated" with natural forms of cellulose and starch. These coatings protect vitamin potency during storage and are quickly broken down by natural enzymes in the digestive systems so that the vitamins can be readily absorbed.
Carbohydrates:	These complex energy sources are found in natural fruits, seeds and grains. They are converted to simple sugars by the pancreas (insulin). Feeding excessive refined carbohydrates (sugar, dextrose) puts extra stress on your pet and may cause adverse reactions. Check the ingredient section of all foods to ensure that sugars have not been added.
Beta carotene:	Pro Vitamin A. Animals and birds convert this substance to true Vitamin A in the liver. A natural antioxidant in the blood. Has been shown to help prevent certain cancers. Is usually highest in yellow pigmented vegetables such as carrots and also in alfalfa. Deteriorates rapidly.
B1 (Thiamine):	Enhances blood formation and circulation. Assists in carbohydrate metabolism. Found in dried beans, rice, peanuts, peas and whole grains.
B2 (Riboflavin):	Necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody reproductions, and cell development. Helps in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Found in beans, vegetables, seeds and nuts.
B3 (Niacin):	Helps in blood circulation and in proper function of nervous system. Helps dissolve fats in blood. Found in carrots, corn and whole wheat.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid):	Aids in vitamin utilization. Helps convert fats and carbohydrates to energy. Assists adrenal glands in production of steroids and cortisone. Required by all living cells. Found in beans, eggs, vegetables and whole grains.
B6 (Pyridoxine):	Required by nervous system and helps in absorption of fats and proteins. Aids in maintaining balance of sodium and potassium. Promotes red blood cell formation. Highest levels are found in brewer's yeast, carrots, chicken, eggs, peas, sunflowers seeds, wheat germ and whole grains.
B12 (Cyanocobalamin):	Works with iron to prevent anemia. Helps maintain oxygen in blood. Helps in digestion of proteins. Found in cheese, yeast cultures and soybeans.
Biotin:	Aids in cell growth and in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Helps promote healthy skin, coat and feathers. Found in meat, milk, soybeans, whole grains and yeast.
Choline (Choline Chloride):	Needed for nerve transmission, proper liver functions and minimizes excess liver fat (Fatty Liver Syndrome). Aids in hormone production. Found in whole grains.
Folic Acid:	Needed for energy production and formation of red blood cells. Has been shown to aid in development of fetus. Found in beans, bran, brewer's yeast, rice, wheat grain, root vegetables, etc.
Inositol:	Vital for hair and feather growth. Helps remove fat from liver. Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and meat.
Papain:	Naturally extracted papaya fruit enzyme. Has been shown to reduce problems with hair balls in small animals.
Vitamin A:	Helps prevent night blindness and other eye problems. Also helps cell walls reproduce and thus is important for healthy skin. Found in fish oils, alfalfa, carrots and other fruits and vegetables. Micro-Encapsulated to prevent deterioration. Fat soluble.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):	Required for tissue growth, repair and adrenal gland function. A natural antioxidant in the blood. Very unstable and loses potency quickly unless coated with cellulose. Found in green vegetables and citrus fruits. Birds produce Vitamin C naturally. Most animals do not.
Vitamin D:	Required for Calcium/Phosphorus utilization. Needed for growth and development of bones and teeth. Prevents Rickets. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can be converted to Vitamin D. Found in fish, oils and eggs.
Vitamin E:	A natural antioxidant from tocopherols. Improves circulation, repairs tissue and helps in absorption of Zinc. Necessary for proper reproductive functions. Found in vegetable oils, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Vitamin K (Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex):	Required for proper blood clotting. Converts glucose to glycogen for storage in the liver. Found in alfalfa, soybeans and wheat.

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