OptaGest Digestive Aid for Dogs and Cats

What is OptaGest® and how does it work so fast? Bad breath, gas, intestinal discomfort, and hairballs are often caused by poor digestion, even with a healthy diet. OptaGest® is a complete formula of 4 plant-based enzymes plus clinically-tested levels of FOS to start working fast. FOS is food for the “friendly” bacteria naturally present in pets and beneficial to maintaining good health. OptaGest® supports the natural balance that is sometimes upset by diet change, travel or separation, or the normal aging process. It has NO inactive ingredients or fillers that may upset sensitive systems. This natural formula supports intestinal balance and a healthy immune system to promote more comfortable, active and vibrant dogs and cats. What is FOS? FOS is an abbreviation for fructooligosaccharides, a natural ingredient that promotes healthy digestion. FOS is found in mother’s milk and some fruits and vegetables. In the amounts found in OptaGest®, FOS nourishes the good bacteria that are naturally in your pet’s digestive tract. The good bacteria crowd out the bad, resulting in healthy digestion and a healthy immune system. Will my pet like the taste of OptaGest®? OptaGest® has no artificial flavors, only a naturally slightly sweet taste that pets enjoy. In taste test trials, dogs and cats equally found the flavor to be yummy. Your (and your pet's) satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Why is the source of the enzyme, Protease, important? The acid-stable protease used in OptaGest® is pH stable and will survive the stomach's gastric juices, so it can go to work breaking down proteins for building muscle. Some products include Bromelain as their source of the enzyme protease. Papaya and pineapple are the main sources of Bromelain. Unfortunately they require a pH that is not commonly found in the body and these proteases do not survive the gastric juices. My pet is nursing and a friend suggested supplementing with enzymes, do you agree? Yes! The demands placed on a nursing mother's body are tremendous. Enzyme supplementation can help ease the burden placed on the digestive system, as well as aid in the nutrient absorption that is critical for her and her offspring. My pet is considered a "senior pet" (age 6 or older). Does this affect his digestive health? Because 70% of your pet’s immune system is in the digestive system, it is important to provide complete digestive and immune support at all life stages. As your pet ages, he produces fewer digestive enzymes and their efficiency is also reduced. This can result in poor digestive and immune health. Pets of all ages benefit from OptaGest®’s digestive and immune support. Are all of your products made in the United States? How do you know the ingredients are pure? Yes, all of our products are made in the United States, and all ingredients in OptaGest® originate in the U.S.. In Clover uses only In Clover approved raw material suppliers. We have procedures, called Standard Operating Procedures, or SOPs, in place to ensure all of our suppliers follow the same stringent quality protocol on each ingredient before it is accepted. Additionally, as charter members of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), we participate in a voluntary ingredient quality program where our products are pulled from the retail shelf randomly and tested. We also comply with an Adverse Event Reporting program and in our 13 year company history have never had a serious Adverse Event reported on any of our products. In Clover's Quality System Requirements are comprehensive and far exceed any Quality Control Systems (voluntary or otherwise) in the Pet Food Industry or the Human Dietary Supplement Industry. Can I give OptaGest® to a puppy or kitten? Yes! OptaGest® is recommended for kittens and puppies as a means to establish a healthy population of bacterial flora and utilize the nutrients in their food in this important time of growth. The ingredient FOS in OptaGest® is found in mother’s milk which helps establish a strong immune system. Should I give OptaGest® every day or just when there is an obvious digestive problem? There are lots of benefits for your dog or cat with OptaGest® everyday. With the extra support from the enzymes in OptaGest, food is more completely metabolized and more nutrients become available from the food. OptaGest® also helps to maintain the good bacteria (probiotic) that are so important to digestion. This, in turn, boosts the immune system, so… OptaGest® everyday may be ideal for your pet. Is OptaGest® safe for my diabetic pet? OptaGest® is safe to give to a diabetic animal. The only ingredients in OptaGest® are digestive enzymes and the soluble fiber, FOS (fructooligosaccharides). FOS is “fast food” for the friendly bacteria that lives in your pet’s digestive system. FOS is non-digestible to the pet and does not contribute to increased blood sugar levels. Can I give my pet OptaGest® when taking an antibiotic? Yes! When OptaGest® is given during the course of antibiotic therapy, it helps the friendly bacteria recover any losses and reestablish healthy levels more quickly. Also, when your pet isn’t feeling well, providing extra support with digestive enzymes gives overall support to the immune system as well. What’s the best way to give my dog or cat OptaGest®? The easiest way is to simply add the suggested amount to your pet’s meal. It’s okay to give OptaGest® once a day, or if you feed more than once a day, you can split the recommended amount to give a portion with each meal. An alternative method is to mix the OptaGest® with water; ¼ teaspoon OptaGest® to one eighth cup of water is about right. What is the shelf life of OptaGest®, and does it need refrigeration? OptaGest® has a three year shelf life. It’s best to store OptaGest® away from moisture and heat (118 degrees destroys enzymes!), but OptaGest® does not require refrigeration.