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100+ years holistic experience

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)—
Kidney Disease

After our first two cats died of kidney disease or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) at age 17, we learned that grains are not an appropriate diet for carnivores (meat-eating animals needing 60-90% meat). Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is almost an epidemic among older cats because so many people feed dry kibble in free-feeders to their felines (unnatural for wild cats). Some holistic veterinarians say kidney disease could almost be prevented if cats were not fed dry kibble all their lives. Dry kibble must contain grains or other carbohydrates to hold it together during processing. At most, premium brands contain only 50% meat (some new brands now claim 80%) and most (cheaper) brands are less than 30%. Upon learning that, we transitioned our remaining cat to a grain-free canned and raw food diet.

When we acquired our dog (needs 60-80% meat) we immediately put her on a canned food diet and then transitioned her to raw food. Even the training treats we give our dog are grain-free (we buy dried meat treats sold at natural pet stores instead of dog “cookies”).

One reason to avoid grains is the quality in most commercial pet foods is different than what you would cook for your pet. Typically, the good quality grains go into human foods and what is left over (unfit for human consumption) gets used in pet food. The grains in pet food are more likely to contain toxic molds, pesticides and man-made contaminants (such as melamine). Also, the plant protein in grains and soy in pet food gets counted towards the total protein of the food, though our pets, as carnivores, can’t utilize it. They are designed to get their protein from meat, not plants. The holistic veterinarian and pet food expert Dr. Jean Hofve recommends avoiding all non-meat protein sources. She states that cheap vegetable protein substitutes are inappropriate in the diet of a carnivore and are used by the pet food companies only to increase profit.

From our holistic perspectives, based on our research and according to many other holistic veterinarians, we do not subscribe to the low-protein diet for chronic renal failure cats. This low-protein diet myth was originally based on erroneous studies in the 1920-30's. The benefits of low-protein diets were never scientifically proven but often accepted. Click this link to read what a vet has to say, Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function. Most holistic vets now suggest feeding a high quality protein diet to chronic renal failure cats. As CRF cats get pickier in their tastes, it is more important to get good premium quality meat protein into their bodies, than worry about any percentages.

It is especially important to avoid grains with cats because they are “obligate carnivores” (must have meat to survive). Their bodies are not designed to digest carbohydrates. Cats need 70-90% meat (protein + fat) and cannot survive as vegetarians. Domestic cats are descended from the African wild cat, whose natural diet was limited to rodents, birds, eggs, reptiles and insects. This wild cat was domesticated by the Egyptians 4,000 years ago to protect their granaries from rodents. The cat was ideally suited to this task, since it did not eat grains. They got their moisture from their food and not from drinking water, as they lived in the desert. Their prey contains 65-75 percent water. Cats do not have a strong thirst drive compared to other mammals so they will not drink water until they are already dehydrated.

Yet today, most people feed their cats dry kibble that contain more grains than meat and only averages 10 percent water. Could this be why so many cats get kidney disease or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)? The new grain-free kibbles are not a solution either since they lack water and the higher protein in them makes them even more dehydrating. They still have a fattening starch in them such as potato or tapioca starch to hold them together. The epidemic of obesity in our dogs and cats, which can cause many health problems, is yet another reason not to feed our pets grains or other starches (which are fattening to carnivores). Other health problems caused by feeding dry kibble include urinary tract disorders and diabetes. One holistic vet called dry kibble for cats “diabetes in a bag” and holistic vets state that diabetes can often be cured by taking the cat off of dry food.

To learn more about the optimum diet for cats (and dogs), see our e-Book and the CD audio seminar How NOT to Kill Your Cat or Dog by Dr. Jean Hofve. Dr. Jean Hofve recommends supplements high in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants for cats with kidney disease. Not only does bio-algae concentrates  have Omega-3 fatty acids but it also contains Omega-6, Omega-9, GLAs (Gamma-Linolenic Acids), ALAs (Alpha-Linolenic Acids), DGLA (Dihomogamma-Linolenic Acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and more fatty acids. Just as important as these individual fatty acid ingredients, is the fact that they are all in the proper proportions and dosages that Nature intended animals to get. This is the synergy found in whole food products not present in isolated, extracted and man-made fatty acids supplements. One can literally imbalance the body further by treating the symptoms with just an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

As far as antioxidants, bio-algae concentrates (Spirulina pacifica, Spirulina platensis, Dunaliella salina and astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis) contain some of the world's most powerful: beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, lycopene, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Astaxanthin has 500-1000 times the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E, greater anti-inflammatory capability than Vitamin E, 40 times the antioxidant capacity of beta-carotene and almost 4 times the antioxidant capacity of lutein. The antioxidants in bio-algae concentrates are so good, we saw a mast cell cancer tumor on a dog disappear in ten weeks using only 1.5 capsules/day.

Here are some case studies from customers whose cats had CRF (Chronic Renal Failure) and used bio-algae concentrates (Spirulina pacifica, Spirulina platensis, Dunaliella salina and astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis).

If you have pets, here are some helpful suggestions our clients have sent us:

If you have heard that algae can be too strong, too harsh or too potent (especially for cats) from other sources, please read our "wholistic" perspective before ordering bio-algae concentrates. Go to our March, 2015, newsletter article by clicking the green button below:

Chanda today: despite having been diagnosed with CRF, her numbers/ kidney values are stable, her blood pressure is normal, eyes are clear, and clinically she literally has as much energy and spirit as her earlier years, once again playing with her toys and running through the house. She has such a soft and shiny coat that everyone that meets her, whether a veterinarian, vet tech, stranger or friend remarks about her soft coat! They simply cannot believe she is  20 yrs old!
— Kent

My 17 year old cat, Brindee, was diagnosed with CRF. Within a week, Brindee had more appetite, energy and was more social than she's been in years! Two months later her Bun was down to 42, Creatinine Clearance down to 3.4! My vet was very surprised to say the least.
— T. Collins

We gave this to our elderly cat that was dying of kidney disease and saw an amazing improvement after just a couple of days on it. She had more energy, more flexibility and was more like her “old” self.
—M.A.L.

Bio-Algae Concentrates Case Study 1—
Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)/Kidney Disease

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) or kidney disease is so prevalent in older cats today, this case study is so important from a holistic perspective. Here is Kent's story:

It was nearly 17 years ago when I brought home 3 adorable Himalayan kittens: Rocky, Kasey and Chanda. Rocky and Kasey littermates and Chanda had the same father. For their entire lives I gave them the best care I knew of — following the advice of a respected, well-established veterinarian clinic, I gave them the highest quality food touted on the market like Iams and Hills Science Diet and lots of TLC!

This past summer I learned the other side of pet ownership. In August 2006, we learned Rocky had intestinal cancer and within 4 weeks he was gone. One week later, I took Kasey in for a senior screening and learned he was in the advanced stages of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). [Sigh] Kasey did great, however, and for 4 months we enjoyed some of the best times of his life! He really was mostly “normal” clinically right up until the day before his death on Dec 25th. Amazing!

Several years ago I had done some extensive study as a non-practitioner in the area of human nutrition, supplements, antioxidants and free radicals and their role in various diseases, cancer, and the aging process. I had thought because the cat food bag said “Antioxidants” on the outside I was giving them proper nutrition. I had much to learn. I began searching the Internet for information related to cancer and CRF in cats and found myself once again learning volumes on the role that nutrition, lifestyle and antioxidants play in life—only this time it was related to cats. I started with Feline CRF Information Center which is absolutely fantastic and filled with so much practical and helpful information! On their site I discovered LittleBigCat.com and the excellent work of Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM, who has turned her practice to the extensive study of nutrition and lifestyle in cats. EVERY CAT OWNER NEEDS TO STUDY THE INFORMATION ON HER WEBSITE!

Among the wealth of information I gleaned from Little Big Cat, two areas were paramount. The importance of canned or wet food over dry food and bio-algae concentrates for whole food supplementation. I encourage you to read through the information on the above websites but here is the short version of these two important points:

1. The importance of canned or wet food (or even raw) over dry food—cats are by nature arid (dry climate) animals and thus are designed by their Creator to obtain the majority of their moisture from the foods they eat (i.e. birds, mice, rats, etc.). Do the math—give your cats dry food and you are compounding the dehydration factor which can lead to numerous health issues including but not limited to CRF.

2. Bio-algae concentrates supplementation—I don’t sell the stuff so you can put your guard down right away as this is not an attempt to sell you anything. From what I have learned, cats, being obligate carnivores, do not have the ability to break down the cell walls of plants thus it is probably a waste of time to give them fruits & veggies. However, the bio-algae concentrates are unique in that cats are in fact able to process it and obtain an incredible pallet of antioxidants, essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, 9 and GLA oils), over 4,000 enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, all known minerals and trace elements, etc.

Quickly then to my remaining 16+ yr old cat, Chanda—just give her the canned food with added bio-algae concentrates right? Wrong! As you know, cats are creatures of habit and very finicky. They will not just switch foods or accept something new thrown in. Dr. Jean Hofve has written an article suggesting how to go about switching food as well as one on bio-algae concentrates I encourage you to read both.

What worked for Chanda: I continued to supply her with the dry food she had been eating, and started putting the canned food out, Life's Abundance’s Instinctive Choice formulated by holistic veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks. I carefully followed the suggestions of Russell Louie of Optimum Choices, LLC where he suggested starting bio-algae concentrates with only the amount that will fit on the end of a flat toothpick and gradually increasing another toothpick measure every 3-5 days or so. It took five months of patience and persistence, throwing a lot of food away, but I had made the commitment up front, realizing that 83 cents per can of food plus an initial bottle of bio-algae concentrates was a small price to pay even if I had to throw much of it away during the first few months because Chanda’s health and vitality is worth it! If it needs to be a fresh can each meal, who cares? Again, 83 cents a can is a small price to pay compared to the cost of veterinary care. I used glass Pyrex storage containers for their food and water bowls as well as food storage of the canned food. In doing so, you avoid the risk of leaching contaminants from plastic or metal containers into the food and supposedly the food tastes better to cats.

Chanda today: despite having been diagnosed with CRF, her numbers/kidney values are stable, her blood pressure is normal, eyes are clear, and clinically she literally has as much energy and spirit as her earlier years, once again playing with her toys and running through the house. She has such a soft and shiny coat that everyone that meets her, whether a veterinarian, vet tech, stranger or friend remarks about her soft coat! They simply cannot believe she is nearly 19 yrs old (2009)!

Please realize I am not suggesting that switching to canned food or adding bio-algae concentrates are “miracle” cures and I am not a veterinarian. I am simply letting you know what my experience has been, in the hopes you will get the same or similar results with your pet! I know Chanda will not be with me forever—I may have weeks, months, a year or at most several years given the average life of a cat is 15-16 years but I want however much time she has to be as enjoyable and healthy as possible. Whether the above is adding years to her life, I do not know but I do know it is adding life to her years!

Kent

Click here for Chanda's lab history report showing the decrease in BUN and increase in HCT levels.

UPDATE (2010): Hello – I wanted to let you know that Chanda is celebrating her 20th birthday today!

Thanks so much to each of you for your priceless contributions at making this possible! It all started summer 2006 with Carol from FelineCRF.com where I was directed to LittleBigCat.com after learning Chanda’s brothers had incurable “illnesses” where I began doing some research on CRF, then wound up learning all kinds of valuable information – from there wove my way to Russell with OptimumChoices.com and in addition to learning about and getting Chanda on bio-algae concentrates  (and myself on BioSuperfood), he also recommended Trilogy Instinctive Choice Cat Food at HealthyPetNet.com As you may recall it took me 5 months to get her completely off of Dry Kibble Prescription Diet but worth it all.

Amazing, after she was diagnosed 4 years ago as being in the early stages of CRF (estimated 1-2± years remaining), she continues on to now past 20 years of age and still strong, active, loving, and adorable. I realize that can change any day at her age, but am taking and enjoying each special day – I continue to attribute her condition in large part to getting her off dry kibble and onto a really good wet food (Trilogy Instinctive Choice) as well as the bio-algae concentrates and of course a great deal of TLC.  Chanda is alert, active, fun loving, not on any meds, and while I realize neither she or I will live forever here on Earth, she has lived a very full and healthy life that if it stopped today would still be grand – and we’ll just take things one day at a time.

Thank you from both of us!
Cheers!
Kent
 

If you have heard that algae can be too strong, too harsh or too potent (especially for cats) from other sources, please read our "wholistic" perspective before ordering bio-algae concentrates. Go to our March, 2015, newsletter article by clicking the green button below:

If you have pets, here are some helpful suggestions our clients have sent us:

Bio-Algae Concentrates Case Study 2—
Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)/Kidney Disease

People always ask how long will it take to see results. Here is a CRF testimony where results were seen after the first week. Further progress was documented by blood tests after less than three months on bio-algae concentrates:

My 17 year old cat, Brindee, was diagnosed with CRF in March. Her BUN was 48, Creatinine Clearance 4.0. While researching treatment options I found bio-algae concentrates and ordered it immediately. Within a week, Brindee had more appetite, energy and was more social than she's been in years! Two months later her Bun was down to 42, Creatinine Clearance down to 3.4! My vet was very surprised to say the least. That's when I told him about bio-algae concentrates. I am documenting Brindee's progress.

I have another cat, Emmy, who is 15 years old. For the past couple of years she has had a skin problem that can only be controlled with steroids. I have added bio-algae concentrates to her diet and am confident I can get her off the steroids for good!

I am grateful I found bio-algae concentrates when I did. So impressed am I with this product, I've added bio-algae concentrates to my supplements and believe I will be able to reduce the number of individual supplements I take daily, which in the long run will save me money.

T. Collins

Click on each page for Brindee's first blood test on 03/21/2007.         

Click on page 1 for Brindee's second blood test on 06/02/2007.     
 

It is significant to note that not only did Brindee's BUN and Creatinine levels decrease by 11-15% in less than three months but also many other critical values either increased or decreased as needed into the normal range. Bio-algae concentrates are not given to make certain blood values go up or down like allopathic drugs or even some supplements. Bio-algae concentrates simply supplies the body with super nutrition and lets the body determine what is needed to heal. In this way, it is the genius of the body that determines what should be increased or decreased to return to normal wellness not the product doing the "healing."

• BUN = 12.5% reduction

• Creatinine = 15% reduction

• Cholesterol = 11% reduction

• Na/K Ratio decreased 14% into the normal range

• WBC increased 72% into the normal range

• Neutrophils increased 127% into the normal range

• Lymphocytes increased 18% into the normal range

• Platelet count increased 86% into the normal range

Bio-Algae Concentrates Case Study 3—
Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)/Kidney Disease

After only one month the BUN levels decrease from 45>39 and the Creatinine decreased from 3.2>2.8.

Click on image to open PDF version

If you have pets, here are some helpful suggestions our clients have sent us:

If you have heard that algae can be too strong, too harsh or too potent (especially for cats) from other sources, please read our "wholistic" perspective before ordering bio-algae concentrates. Go to our March, 2015, newsletter article by clicking the green button below:

A few years ago our cat Rob was diagnosed with kidney failure and needed saline drips twice weekly. While it helped a bit, he used to vomit a lot. We started feeding him bio-algae concentrates which improved his condition a lot and reduced his vomiting. We also started him on a raw food diet. Initially we needed two persons to feed him the pills, one to hold him and one to force him to swallow the pill. Gradually, we got better at it and only required one person. Eventually, he would come begging each morning for his bio-algae concentrates pills and we just had to quickly pop it in his throat with no struggle. That kept him alive for 3 years beyond what he was expected to live but sadly he passed away a few months ago. If we had known about the dangers of processed cat food earlier and had started bio-algae concentrates earlier, perhaps he would still be alive today. We still miss him dearly but we are glad that at least he lived more than he was expected to live.

Motivated by the success with Rob, we are now trying BioSuperfood on ourselves for various symptoms.
—R.C.

If you have heard that algae can be too strong, too harsh or too potent (especially for cats) from other sources, please read our "wholistic" perspective before ordering bio-algae concentrates. Go to our March, 2015, newsletter article by clicking the green button below:

If you have pets, here are some helpful suggestions our clients have sent us:

Dr. Michael Kiriac, the inventor of bio-algae concentrates, says chronic renal failure is a degenerative disease that starts in the brain. By the time symptoms show up in the kidneys, the disease is in the advanced stages. Therefore, the animal needs the most advanced algae product with the highest antioxidants and super nutrition to support the glands in the brain (not the kidneys). The high antioxidants will help the body compensate for the lack of kidney function. The super nutrition will literally wake up the master gland and organs in the brain (specifically the hypothalamus gland). This latter point is what can help the body deal with chronic renal failure directly rather than just supplementing the kidneys with a vitamin pill for maintenance.

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