Thanks to Carol Bennett and the many Simplexity Health customers for whom animal health is an abiding issue (because of both personal and business concerns), the Animal Connection Network calls have long been a favorite feature of our conference call schedule. Independent Business Associates and pet owners alike have benefited greatly from the many years of experience in dealing with animal health-related issues that Carol and her frequent guest Madalyn Ward, DVM, bring to the forum. In recent calls, information has been presented that we think might be of use to those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to participate in these calls.

Animals page
One very practical question has been asked by customers who didn't know where to find animal feeding guidelines on Simplexity Health's website. The answer is simple: just go to the Animals page in the Product Knowledge section, and under "Information about our Products and Animals," you'll see three separate links for the guidelines for feeding Simplexity products to cats, dogs, and horses. This information is also included in the "If You Love Animals" document accessible from the Animals page. Click on the photo of the horses, cats, or dogs, then the 'in there' link, which will take you to the list of components that are found in most Simplexity Health products. At the bottom of that informative page, there's a link to the 'guidelines' section.

Notice, too, links on the Animals page to the following:

• Frequently Asked Questions About Animals
• Optimal Nutrition for Animals
• Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center reports
• All Creatures Sanctuary Report
• Elephant Sanctuary Report
• Aiding Wild Mustangs

If you spend time on those pages, as well as all the others accessible from the Animals section, you will learn some amazing details about the contribution our products have made to the health of distressed animals. For example, who could not be touched by the astonishing before-and-after photos of a rescued wild mustang in the Optimal Nutrition for Animals document? It's a must-see! And how about the account of what happened when SBGA products were fed to a group of wild mustangs from Colorado. These are just two examples of heart-warming results achieved by caring people determined to alleviate the plight of animals all over the country.

Algae products okay for pets?
Some callers have wondered if our "human-grade" supplements are appropriate for animals. Carol's answer is that the algae itself is not formulated nor designed by anyone, except by Nature. It is the world's oldest food and therefore it can benefit all species. How do we know?

Well, consider enzymes. They are not species-specific, but work the same way in every digestive tract. For example, an enzyme that breaks down protein will break down protein in whatever body it is in; one that breaks down starches will break down starch in any body, and so on.

The probiotics that live in animals are the same ones that live in humans. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, etc., may reside in different quantities and in different parts of the digestive system, but probiotics are appropriate and necessary for all species. Of course there are differences between the intestinal tract of humans and that of dogs, cats, and other animals, but the need to break down and assimilate nutrients is basically the same.

What about augmenting an already established supplement routine? If a person is concerned about adding Simplexity products to an existing supplement regimen, Carol points out that it is important to remember that algae is technically a food. But unlike other foods, it's unlikely your pet will 'overdose' on the algae. The animal's body will start utilizing the nutrients in the algae products, then easily eliminate any excess. Of course, caution is advised for sick, aged, or stressed animals. If you have any questions at all about dietary supplementation for your pet, consultation with the animal's veterinarian or alternative health care practitioner is advised.

What to feed
Often, the diets of cats and dogs are missing key elements. Either certain nutrients are not included in sufficient amounts in the animals' regular food or they are missing altogether. What the animal may need, then, are all-natural supplements that are not chemically enhanced or formulated. Simplexity Health products offer just what even a wholesome diet may be lacking.

A blend of algae, probiotics, and antioxidant sprouts, APA Blend fills in the gaps left by natural diets as well as commercial preparations. APA Blend Plus offers the same nutrients of APA Blend, with glucosamine added for improved joint health. Super Q10 helps rejuvenate energy-producing processes, and antioxidant-rich Super Sprouts & Algae targets specific problems caused by free radicals. If the animal is not a glowing picture of health, these products can help restore vitality and overall balance.

Essentials packets contain one each of Alpha Sun®, Omega Sun®, Acidophilus, and Bifidus, and two SBG Zymes. Made up of the foundation products of Simplexity's core daily nutrition program, all in vegetarian capsules, this product offers a simple, effective way to use our products for people and for animals. With these packets, it's easy to keep track of how much of each support type you are giving.

One word of caution: Do not feed capsules to cats or other small animals. As soon as capsules moisten, they become very sticky and can get stuck in the animal's throat. So always open the capsules and mix the contents into the food. You can also coat a capsule with butter, open the animal's mouth (carefully!), and pop in the capsule. Mixing products into clam juice or other strong-smelling liquid is a good way to mask the algae taste for cats.

How to feed
Start slowly. Animals tend to 'see' the world through their noses. So, if an animal sniffs its food and detects algae or some other foreign scent, it may reject the food at first. To avoid this reaction, place a very small amount in the center of the regular feed, or in a treat with a strong aroma. Another option is to take a pinch of the powder between your fingers, lift the lip, and place the product next to the gum. Even the most finicky animals usually acquire a taste for the algae as their systems become more balanced.

As you increase the amounts of the various products in your pets' daily regimen, watch for cleansing symptoms. If any are noticed, cut back on the amount of the supplement. Even a simple dietary change (from one brand to another, for example) can cause a cleansing reaction, as may the introduction of raw foods. Symptoms of any health challenge the animal may be dealing with might even intensify at first. This can actually be a positive sign, because the journey to better health often begins with internal cleansing.

How much is the maximum to feed? Gradually increase amounts of the products until you don't see any more improvements. At that point you have reached the maintenance level for your pet. If there's still room for improvement, increase amounts in small increments until the maintenance level is reached. Because these are whole foods, it's okay to feed more than the guidelines suggest. Just remember to consult with your animal's health care provider if you have any concerns at all about supplementing your pet's diet.

Why supplementation
Like the physical health of their human caretakers, animal health depends to a large degree on a balanced diet, lots of fresh water, and a good exercise routine. But also like humans, animals' bodies are subjected to many stresses, including food that may be deficient in necessary nutrients. Supplementation with high-quality, full-spectrum nutrition is one way to ensure the longevity and well-being of people and the pets that add so much to all our lives.

Please join Carol and guests on the monthly Animal Connection Network conference calls. The schedule is available on Simplexity Health's website and in each edition of The Networker's Edge.

Your animals will thank you!