Opal’s Ingredients and How They Help Your Dog

1. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE - A source of the mineral potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte within a dog’s body and is vital for the normal function of muscles and nerves.  Potassium and sodium work together to maintain homeostasis in the blood and prevent dehydration. These two elements move water in and out of the cells and regulate the pH of the blood.  

2. DICALCIUM / TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE - Sources of the minerals calcium and phosphate. Dogs, like humans, store excess calcium in their bones. When the body needs more calcium, it draws it from the bones. When dogs don’t get enough calcium over a period of months, they can develop a secondary hyperparathyroidism, which can cause the body to produce excess parathyroid hormone to draw needed calcium from their bones, which can also result in elevated levels of phosphorus in the blood. Without the proper balance of calcium, dogs may develop spinal, dental or neurological issues.

3. NATURAL VEGAN FLAVOR - A yeast-based flavor. We wanted this product to taste just as good as it is nutritionally. That’s why we added this non-GMO yummy vegan flavor. 

4. CHOLINE - An essential nutrient found in many different types of food. It has been shown to have several benefits including promoting the healthy development of the nervous system and improving liver function. It works with other nutrients to help break down homocysteine levels in the body which can ultimately lead to heart disease and other conditions. A dog’s body only naturally produces a small amount of choline, so it is important to supplement this nutrient in their diet. 

5. TAURINE - An amino acid. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein. There are 22 amino acids that are needed for proper functioning of the body. In dogs, 12 of these amino acids are “nonessential,” meaning the body can make them on its own. The other 10 amino acids are “essential,” meaning they must be supplied by the diet. Taurine is distributed throughout the body with high concentration in certain tissues, and benefits areas including the heart, the brain and the eyes.

6. ALGAE OMEGA-3 DHA - Source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your dog’s heart health, skin and coat, and can help with inflammation. In Opal’s Perfect Powder, we use an algae-based omega-3 as it is highly absorbable. According to research, dogs cannot metabolize some plant-based sources of fatty acids—like flaxseed, linseed or canola oil—as effectively as algae.

7. METHIONINE - An essential amino acid important for healthy body growth and development. Methionine is not naturally synthesized by dogs, making it an essential amino acid. As a supplement, it works by acidifying urine to prevent the formation of struvite stones.

8. ORGANIC KELP - A plant-based source of iodine. Iodine is a non-metallic trace element, which is essential in the diet for the health and proper function of the thyroid gland. Homemade diets can be low in iodine. Over time, a lack of iron can contribute to the development of thyroid dysfunction.

9. MAGNESIUM SULFATE - A source of the mineral magnesium. Magnesium is a key nutrient involved with energy production at the cellular level. Sodium, potassium, and calcium are all also dependent on your dog getting the right amount of magnesium to ensure proper heart, muscle and nervous system function.

10. SEA SALT - A source of sodium chloride (salt). The correct balance of salt is important to a dog’s diet and assists with functions including maintaining the body’s fluid volume and normal blood pressure to the heart and kidneys.

11. ZINC PROTEINATE - A source of the mineral zinc. Zinc is a mineral and antioxidant that plays a key role in hundreds of metabolic processes. In addition to immune system support, zinc helps maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat, assists in cell division, plays a role in DNA and RNA replication, and helps produce a variety of hormones.

12. FRUIT & VEGGIE BLEND - Our special blend of non-GMO dried blueberries, cranberries, carrot and sweet potato. This whole food blend adds a boost of fruit and veggie nutrition to our Perfect Powder. Blueberries and cranberries are a natural source of vitamin C, while carrots and sweet potatoes offer a healthy dose of vitamin A.

13. ORGANIC SUNFLOWER OIL - A source of texture protection. Since our supplement is a powder, it requires an ingredient to help keep the components blended together properly so they can function to their best potential. Instead of the more common ingredient used for this purpose (mineral oil) we opted for an organic ingredient. Plus, sunflower oil contains beneficial levels of lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids, and different vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E.  In addition, the oil is also rich in calcium, zinc, iron and copper.

14. ASCORBIC ACID - A source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune response since it promotes the activation of white blood cells, your dog’s way of fighting off infection. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, which protects the body from free radicals and premature aging. Vitamin C also promotes the development of healthy skin and bones through the production of collagen, assists in vitamin E production and helps to prevent the formation of bladder stones.

15. VITAMIN E - A natural ingredient to prevent oxidation. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that promotes a strong immune system, a healthy gut, and supports the eyes and skin. Vitamin E helps to build cell membranes, metabolize fat, and help other nutrients get synthesized by the body. Vitamin C also functions as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells and reduce the risk of inflammation and cancer. 

16. VITAMIN A - A vital nutrient for dogs that is important for all organ function. Also known as retinol. Dogs store vitamin A in their fat cells, where it helps with many bodily processes from mucus production to cell growth and division.  Vitamin A also plays a role in bone health, making it important for both growth and healing. 

17. L-CARNITINE - An amino acid derivative that helps turn fat into usable energy and is necessary for optimal heart, brain, and muscle function. L-carnitine is produced naturally in a healthy dog’s body, but supplementation is recommended to ensure proper levels.

18. IRON PROTEINATE - A source of the mineral iron. Iron is an essential mineral that mainly supports the circulatory system.  Iron plays a key role in maintaining and supplying oxygen to the circulatory system by creating red blood cells and hemoglobin and transporting oxygen in hemoglobin.

19. BIOTIN - A source of vitamin B7. Biotin supports connective tissue within your dog’s body and helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Biotin is crucial in developing these cells and fibers as well as maintaining healthy cells and tissues. Biotin also helps process and metabolize fatty acids and proteins.

20. COPPER PROTEINATE - A source of the mineral copper. Copper aids in the formation of the skeletal system and assists in the construction of connective tissue. Copper also plays a role in creating myelin, a membrane that protects all the nerves in the body. Copper also prevents anemia since it helps the body metabolize iron.

21. SELENIUM - A mineral crucial in thyroid function. Selenium helps to synthesize DNA and improve the body’s immune response.

22. PANTOTHENIC ACID - A source of vitamin B5. Pantothenic acid is involved in the production of adrenal hormones and antibodies produced by the body’s white blood cells. It assists in vitamin metabolism and helps convert fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy.

23. MANGANESE PROTEINATE - A source of the mineral manganese. Manganese is a trace mineral that assists in the absorption and digestion of the carbohydrates and proteins in your dog’s diet. It’s also essential for helping to develop and maintain strong and healthy ligaments.

24. NICOTINIC ACID - A source of the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin is an essential water-soluble vitamin that aids in metabolizing glucose, fatty acid and amino acids. 

25. RIBOFLAVIN - A source of vitamin B2. Riboflavin is an essential water-soluble vitamin that aids with production of red blood cells and antibodies. Riboflavin works with vitamin A to maintain mucous membranes and helps the absorption of iron and vitamin B6 in the intestines. Riboflavin helps activate vitamins B6 and folic acid.

26. VITAMIN D2 - A vegan source of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps control calcium deposits and calcium absorption from bones and plays a role in absorbing calcium from food as it digests in the intestines. Vitamin D is also essential for healthy muscle and nerve function.

27. THIAMINE MONONITRATE - A source of the vitamin thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine is used for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. Since it is not stored in the body, this vitamin needs to be constantly replenished through diet. Thiamine works to metabolize carbohydrates and aids in the transmission of nerve impulses.

28. PYRIDOXINE - A source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that aids with the manufacturing of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 also supports healthy immune and nervous systems.

29. VITAMIN B12 - A vegan source of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an important water-soluble vitamin for dogs that plays a key role in many functions including immune system support, manufacturing of red blood cells, and ensuring healthy digestion. Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin, which is needed for cells to generate energy. Cobalamin also helps break down proteins into amino acids so they can be properly utilized in the body.

30. FOLIC ACID - A B vitamin. Folic acid is necessary for normal metabolic functions such as DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.