Mushrooms for pets: New supplement line touted as helping prevent cancer in cats and dogs

10 Jan 2020 --- With cancer currently pegged as the top killer of dogs and cats, pet care company Pet Wellness Direct has launched a line of pet-friendly antioxidant mushroom supplements. Critical Immune Defense, which also contains colorless stain-free turmeric, is touted as helping support long-term feline and canine health by protecting against diseases, strengthening the immune system and promoting natural cell growth. Increased mushroom consumption continues to gain pace in the natural health solutions movement, which is taking over the pet and human sectors alike.

“The cancer rates in pets are staggering and very scary to us. The best measure against this with pets is no different than with humans – prevention. We are not interested in replicating competitive products, but rather in providing a solution that veterinarians will recommend to their patients. Our goal is to develop the best product on the market for pets that is safe and effective,” Russell Kamalski, Founder of Pet Wellness Direct, tells NutritionInsight.

According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, 47 percent of dogs and 32 percent of cats over the age of ten years old are diagnosed with some form of cancer, the biggest cause of death in both dogs and cats. Kamalski points out that more research indicates that one in three dogs will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime.

Responding to these concerns, Pet Wellness Direct’s Critical Immune Defense product line is a blend of four mushrooms to boost cell development and help prevent cancerous growth: 

• Turkey Tail Mushroom: Delivers significant amounts of tumor-fighting polysaccharopeptides (PSPs).

• Reishi Mushroom: Contains beta-glucans that increase the immune system’s T-cell levels.

• Shiitake Mushroom: Provides antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal protection.

• Maitake Mushroom: Promotes natural hormone balance and healthy cell growth.

The blended mushrooms make for an easily digestible supplementation for cats and dogs.Previous research has shown that Maitake, Reishi and Shiitake mushroom extracts provide an increase in immune stimulation compared to the additive effect of the three individual extracts. Another Japanese study found that regular mushroom consumption may lead to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. 

Critical Immune Defense was launched following over two years of development. “This process included two rounds of successful consumer per pet testing,” Kamalski explains.

“Before we develop any VetSmart Formulas product, we spend a tremendous amount of time researching the market and investigating innovative ingredients that will help pets. We work with a team of formulation scientists, biomolecular scientists and researchers to accomplish this,” he continues.

VetSmart Formulas is a line of high-quality pet supplements sold directly to consumers by Pet Wellness Direct. Critical Immune Defense is 100 percent safe to use, has no side effects and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, steroid treatments and other medications, the company states.

A challenge in turmeric
Standard turmeric was swapped for colorless turmeric to avoid staining.The immune-boosting supplements are lined with a rare strain of colorless turmeric (Curcuma longa), which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. The manufacturing process is patented and involves adding hydrogen to the double bonds of curcumin. This type of turmeric is also six times more bioavailable, which means pets require much less of the ingredient to get the same effect. Extracted into curcuminoids, turmeric has become one of the biggest selling herbs in the world, and maintains a leading position in applications and NPD.

However, adding this ingredient came as a particular challenge, says Kamalski. “There are always R&D challenges when you are pushing to develop a better product. We wanted to include the ingredient due to the immune-boosting benefits but turmeric can be difficult to digest. Also, the staining issue is terrible when the ingredient comes in contract with kitchen counters, clothing and fabric or light colored pet fur.”

After listening to the test groups, the researchers at Pet Wellness Direct decided to use a unique, colorless turmeric that prevents these challenges. “This turmeric is natural and easier on their digestive system. In this case, a challenge led us to more research and a better product,” Kamalski concludes.

By Anni Schleicher