Standard Process Veterinary Formulas, Whole Food Supplements for Small Animal and Equine Patients.
Veterinary Formulas FAQs
Contents:
History and Philosophy
1. What is the history of Standard Process?
Standard Process was founded in 1929 by Dr. Royal Lee, when he identified health problems related to malnutrition, due in part to processing foods with heat and pressure. Dr. Lee felt that to be truly healthy, we had to eat foods as they were intended–fresh and whole–not heated or adulterated.
2. What is meant by whole foods?
Foods in their natural state contain a complex variety of nutrients that work synergistically to provide nutrition to the body. Many of these nutrients may be inactivated or destroyed by modern, industrial processing (heat, pressure, exposure). Standard Process uses state-of-the-art equipment to remove only fiber and water, at low temperatures, which preserves the nutritional integrity of the foods used. Whole food contains hundreds, if not thousands, of nutrients, many that have not even been identified yet. Ingredients in whole foods help the body digest and absorb the nutrients within the food. Through this process, unnecessary materials are excreted, preventing a potentially toxic buildup of nutrients.
3. What are some of the benefits of whole food supplementation?
Whole food supplements provide the body with a complete range of nutrients to support normal growth, regeneration, and repair. They allow the body to pick and choose what combination of nutrients it needs most, instead of the practitioner trying to identify and choose one or more isolated nutrients.
4. Does Standard Process sell other product lines?
Standard Process sells two other product lines marketed as human products–the core Standard Process line with over 160 products, and an Australian herbal line, called MediHerb®, with over 130 products.
1. Why is nutrition important?
Each cell has a specific function (or functions) to perform. Each cell is made up of a collection of organelles and other structures working together to perform this function. Very simply, specific nutrients, used as fuel are required in specific quality and quantities for the cell to work efficiently. If the proper amount or quality of nutrition is not available, cell function may be impaired. If unaddressed, cell function will become more impaired, which can lead to physical symptoms. Drugs can be given to address symptoms, however, they may not restore cell function. Proper nutrition is needed to help support, maintain, and restore cell health and function. Nutritional support provides the building blocks that are critical to maintenance, regeneration, and repair.
2. What is glandular therapy?
Glandular therapy incorporates the feeding of glandular tissues to animals with compromised glandular function. It has been found that animals consuming specific glands (e.g. adrenal gland) are provided select, vital nutrients that target the particular function of that same gland in a compromised patient. This is based on the concept that glandular tissue provides essential nutrients for proper functioning of that gland.
3. Is glandular therapy effective?
Consuming glandular tissue was once a common practice in our society, and it is still common in many other cultures. Today, most of our food does not contain glandular tissues, which has led to nutritional deficiencies. Adding glandular tissue to the diet can provide nutrients critical to recovery, healing, and return to normal function.
4. I recommend premium diet foods. Aren't they 100% complete and balanced?
Most commercial foods are processed at high pressures and temperatures (up to 500°F). Many valuable nutrients, including vitamins, enzymes, proteins, phytonutrients, co-enzymes, are inactivated at temperatures above 120°F. Whole food supplementation can bridge this nutritional gap.
General Product Information
1. Who developed Veterinary Formulas?
Veterinary Formulas were developed by Ron Carsten, DVM, MS, a practitioner with extensive experience using nutritional whole food supplements. He worked closely with the Standard Process New Product Development team to hand-select every ingredient in each formula for its specific metabolic properties.
2. When were Veterinary Formulas introduced?
Veterinary Formulas have been available since 2002.
3. What are Veterinary Formulas used for?
Veterinary Formulas are designed to "feed" the patient, providing a complete range of nutrients to support compromised tissues. Compromised tissues have been shown to have increased nutrient requirements for support, maintenance, repair, regeneration, and return to function. Veterinary Formulas supply whole foods that can be given at the same time as traditional medications.
4. Are Veterinary Formulas the same quality as the Standard Process human line?
Yes. Veterinary Formulas use the same quality ingredients and are produced on the same manufacturing lines as the Standard Process human line.
5. Is research available to support Veterinary Formulas?
Standard Process is currently sponsoring research in veterinary schools and private clinics in the United States. Most direct research is in the form of clinical trials, as well as almost 80 years of clinical experience with our human formulas.
6. What supplements are available?
There are 10 canine formulas:
There are 6 feline formulas:
7. What is the difference between the feline and canine formulas?
Dogs are omnivores, and the canine supplements reflect this evolutionary trait. The canine formulas have a wide variety of ingredients, with a balance of animal tissues, plant, and botanical materials included. Cats differ from dogs in that they are obligate carnivores. The feline formulas contain fewer ingredients and focus more on animal tissues.
8. Can the canine formulas be given to cats or the feline formulas be given to dogs?
Yes. The canine formulas can safely be given to cats, and feline formulas can safely be given to dogs.
9. Why are the canine formulas powdered and the feline formulas in tablet form?
The canine products are powdered to accommodate the wide range of body weights in the canine population. The feline products are offered as tablets for a variety of reasons. With some cats, the only way to get the supplement in them is to "pill" them directly. Other cats will eat the pill as a treat or when crushed and mixed with food. In 2006, Standard Process conducted a survey asking practitioners which form of feline supplement they preferred. The results favored the tablet form over the powdered form.
1. The bottle lists ingredients I have not heard of. What are these ingredients?
The whole food ingredients are classified as "functional foods," meaning they have been shown to have specific nutritional benefits for certain organ systems and tissues. Protomorphogen™ extracts and Cytosolª extracts are patented cellular material extracts developed by Dr. Royal Lee. Both have distinct cellular support functions and are unique to Standard Process supplements (both veterinary and human lines). For more information, contact your sales representative or our Veterinary Technical Support Team at 800-848-5061:
Tom Cameron, DVM | ext. 6485 | tcameron@standardprocess.com
Jody Duddeck, CVT | ext. 6355 | jduddeck@standardprocess.com
2. Where do the plant material ingredients come from?
Standard Process owns and operates a certified organic farm less than 1 mile from our manufacturing facility. This is where many of the plant ingredients contained in our products are grown. Other ingredients are purchased from outside suppliers.
3. Are all of the plant materials grown organically?
All of the plants grown on the Standard Process farm are grown organically, but not all of the Standard Process product constituents are organic.
4. Are the animal tissues (glandulars) organic?
No. At this time, there are not enough organic, grass-fed beef animals to supply the amount of glandular tissues used in the Standard Process products. We purchase animal tissues and glands that are inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state departments of agriculture.
5. Do all of your ingredients come from the United States?
No. The ingredients for Standard Process products come from the United States and many other countries, including China.
Uses for Veterinary Formulas
1. Is it difficult to learn how to use the products?
No. Many reference tools are available on our website at www.standardprocess.com. Training is also readily available. For more information, contact your sales representative or our Veterinary Technical Support Team at 800-848-5061:
Tom Cameron, DVM | ext. 6485 | tcameron@standardprocess.com
Jody Duddeck, CVT | ext. 6355 | jduddeck@standardprocess.com
2. How do I decide which supplement or supplements to give?
The supplement choice is determined by the following: history, physical examination, diagnostic tests (CBC/SMA, T4, urinalysis, radiographs, ultrasound, echocardiograph, endoscopy, etc.), and understanding the physiologic interactions between different tissues, organs and systems.
3. Do you have a list of protocols?
Yes. A list of protocols for many conditions commonly seen in veterinary practice is available on our website at www.standardprocess.com. This list continues to grow, based on clinical data from our veterinarians in the field, as well as clinical research.
4. Can the Standard Process human products be given to animals?
Yes. Before the introduction of Veterinary Formulas, many practitioners used Standard Process human products in animals. They can be used alone or in conjunction with Veterinary Formulas.
5. I am not a holistic/alternative practitioner. How can I incorporate Veterinary Formulas into my practice?
Veterinary Formulas can be used as an adjunct to your current therapy. The formulas are designed for specific system support. When you perform your physical examination, blood tests, radiographs, ultrasounds, etc., you determine what systems have been compromised through the disease process. The goal is to nutritionally support these diseased tissues. So, if your diagnostic testing shows increased liver values, treat as you would normally, but also give Canine or Feline Hepatic Support. If kidney values are elevated, treat accordingly, but add Canine or Feline Renal Support. In this way, you are providing complementary nutritional support.
6. Do I have to change the way I practice?
No. Veterinary Formulas provide a valuable, additional tool for you to use in your practice. Clients are also looking for drug-free alternatives when choosing supportive treatments for their pets. This makes our formulas a viable option.
7. I do/do not like to feed raw foods to my patients. Will Veterinary Formulas fit into my practice?
If you feed raw foods, Veterinary Formulas will complement your practice. Because Standard Process only removes fiber and water from the ingredients, these supplements are very close to fresh, raw foods. If you have concerns about feeding raw foods, you'll be glad to know that these supplements contain ingredients that are as close to fresh foods as possible without the concerns associated with feeding raw foods.
8. We sell other supplements in our clinic. Aren't all supplements the same?
Most nutritional supplements are formulated with synthetic vitamins, which are very different from whole food vitamin complexes. Whole food vitamin complexes are combinations of vitamins, enzymes, co-enzymes, trace minerals, phytonutrients, amino acids, and many other ingredients. Whole food supplements have been shown to have a higher level of bioactivity than synthetic vitamins–chemical isolates that have varied levels of nutritional benefit.
9. Can Veterinary Formulas be given to exotic animals?
These products have been used safely in many exotic animals. This does constitute an "off-label" use of the product. Because Veterinary Formulas contain animal tissues (glandulars), they should be given only to animals that are naturally carnivorous. Herbivores (horses, sheep, goats, cows, etc.) would not normally eat glandular tissue. There have been some health concerns raised by the feeding of animal proteins to non-carnivores, so we do not recommend feeding Veterinary Formulas (with glandulars) to herbivores.
10. Are the products safe?
Veterinary Formulas are made from top-quality foods, not drugs, and as such are safe and non-toxic.
Dosing and Administration
1. How do my clients give the supplements?
The canine supplements are powdered and can be mixed with any foods the dog will eat. We do advise mixing the powder with food, because there is plant material included, which some dogs will not readily eat. The feline supplements are in tablet form because these finicky eaters present more of a challenge. Some cats will eat these tablets as treats, some need to be pilled directly, or the tablets may need to be crushed and mixed with any food the cat will eat.
2. Do the supplements taste good?
Standard Process Veterinary Formulas contain glandular tissues (liver, spleen, adrenal, etc.) that many animals find very palatable. For that reason, it is fine to offer the supplements to your pet as a treat. However, not all pets will readily eat the supplements, so mixing the supplements with food is often the most reliable way to ensure your pet consumes the supplement.
3. Can Veterinary Formulas be given with regular medications?
Veterinary Formulas are foods, and in most cases are safe to give in conjunction with medications. The ingredients in these products should be checked against the package inserts of any prescription drugs being administered to the animal to assure that no potential interactions are noted.
4. Can more than one Veterinary Formula be given at a time?
Veterinary Formulas can be given in combinations, and are often recommended this way.
5. What if my healthy pet eats the supplements?
Veterinary Formulas are made from top-quality foods, not drugs, and as such are safe and non-toxic. Whole food supplements provide the body with nutrients needed for normal functioning. They do not force or stimulate the body to do anything. These formulas will provide optimal nutrition to any animal consuming them, so your healthy pet will benefit from consumption.
Response to Supplementation
1. How do I evaluate the animal's response?
Evaluation is performed both objectively and subjectively. Objective measurements include blood values, urinalysis changes, radiographic changes, echocardiographic changes, ultrasonic reevaluations, etc. Subjective changes are often seen more readily; e.g. increased energy, improved appetite, personality changes, coat changes, decreased stiffness, etc. It is important to counsel the owner to be alert to subtle changes in their pet–these changes can be significant indicators of improvement.
2. How long does it take to see a response?
Every patient is different, but most animals will show a response within 3 weeks. It is important to advise clients that long-standing conditions can take months to years to see the full extent of clinical change.
3. How long should Veterinary Formulas be given?
Each patient must be evaluated on an individual basis. The goal of supplementation is to find the lowest level of nutritional support necessary to maintain optimal health.
1. How is product quality and safety ensured?
Quality is an integral part of every step in the Standard Process manufacturing process. We follow FDA current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). Repeated testing throughout the manufacturing process enables Standard Process to ensure quality and safety. On average, each batch of product is tested 6 times during the manufacturing process. Every week, degreed scientists in our full-scale microbiology and chemistry laboratories perform as many as 400 tests on raw materials, product batches, and finished products.
For all testing, Standard Process only applies analytical methods that have been approved by nationally recognized evaluative bodies including the Association for Analytical Communities (AOAC) as well as the Food and Drug Administration. Standard Process takes pride in its strict testing and acceptance guidelines because these policies aid in ensuring that all of our products are safe for use by our customers.
1. What support will I receive if I have questions?
Your Standard Process sales representative is an excellent resource. There is also Veterinary Technical Support available at the corporate office by calling 800-848-5061:
Tom Cameron, DVM | ext. 6485 | tcameron@standardprocess.com
Jody Duddeck, CVT | ext. 6355 | jduddeck@standardprocess.com
2. What training is available?
Materials are available on the Standard Process website (www.standardprocess.com). Introductory and product specific teleconferences are available. Call 800-848-5061 ext. 4472 or email marketing@standardprocess.com for more information. Dr. Cameron and the Standard Process sales representatives are also available for seminars and in-clinic presentations.
1. How do I order Veterinary Formulas?
Veterinary Formulas can be ordered by calling Customer Service at 800-558-8740 or ordering online at www.standardprocess.com (an account must first be established by phone).
2. Do I need to purchase large amounts of product?
There are no purchase minimums. However, to waive the shipping fee, the order amount must be at least $400 (Suggested List Price).
3. What is your return policy?
Because these are nutritional supplements, returns are limited. The return policy is for unopened product within 30 days of purchase.
4. Are the products expensive?
The products are made from the highest quality ingredients in the industry. They are fairly priced. As with all supplements, the large breed animals take larger amounts for their size, making nutritional therapy more expensive.
5. Can these supplements be purchased over the counter?
It has always been Standard Process' policy to sell our supplements exclusively through health care professionals, and this still holds true today.