Nutritional synergy in whole foods refers to the concept that the combined effect of nutrients and other components in whole foods exceeds the sum of their individual effects.

Whole foods offer a natural 'matrix' where nutrients work together to improve absorption, enhance health benefits, and support overall well-being, which is often more effective than what can be achieved with isolated nutrients from supplements.

BIG FOOD wants us to believe that processing items that could be considered 'food', and destroying most of their natural nutrition through grinding, mushing, and high heat, is acceptable. They tell us that a protein from corn, wheat, or soy is equivalent to a protein from animal flesh, bones, or organs.

Years ago, the Skept Vet stated that it was okay to destroy natural nutrients through food processing — all you needed to do was add them back at the end of the cycle. The 'natural nutrition thing' was complete rubbish!

However, man-made vitamins and minerals are NOT equivalent to those found in natural, whole foods.

As individual chemical structures, yes, they may be very similar, but it is the symbiosis of all the bits and pieces that provides the true nutritional value.

Examples include vitamin C aiding iron absorption in plants or vitamin D collaborating with healthy fats for transport.

How Nutritional Synergy Works

Enhanced absorption: Some combinations boost the body's capacity to absorb nutrients. For example, vitamin C assists your body in absorbing non-heme iron from plant-based foods.

Increased bioavailability: The entire food matrix, including vitamins, minerals, fibre, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds, works together to improve the bioavailability of nutrients - the amount the body can actually absorb and utilise.

Complementary effects: Different parts of a whole food can work together synergistically. They combine to offer greater benefits than a single nutrient alone. For example, vitamins A, D, and K all need dietary fat to be transported effectively.

Synergistic compounds: Whole foods contain various compounds like phytochemicals and antioxidants that work together to produce beneficial health effects, such as enhancing gut health or combating disease.

Why Whole Foods Is Key

Replicating nature: Whole foods are a complete package, and their complex structure is hard to imitate with supplements alone. The synergistic effect is a key reason to focus on a diet rich in whole foods.

Beyond the numbers: The "numbers" on a nutrition label don't always reveal the full story because they don't consider the complex interactions within the food itself and in the body.

A natural approach: Focusing on whole foods in their natural state is an easy way to benefit from food synergy and promote overall health instead of relying solely on individual supplements.

The Power of Synergy and Bioavailability in the Whole Food Matrix, WholisticMatters.com

When you start a cat or dog on a new diet of our raw foods, you should likely try out single-protein items.

CHICKEN with chicken bone and chicken organs

(Google) The greatest nutritional value in chicken is its high-quality lean protein, which provides all nine essential amino acids required for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall body functions. The white meat is leaner, and the dark meat has more fat. Chicken is generally rich in Niacin (B3) which helps with metabolism, and Vitamin B6, which aids brain health and immunity. It is also a significant source of Phosphorus and Selenium (supporting bone health and thyroid function) and offers easily absorbed 'heme' iron, particularly in dark meat. The thighs and dark meat are higher in iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12. https://www.chicken.ca/nutrition

(Chicken is the least expensive and is a basic food choice; however, it is also a protein that some animals can have an allergic reaction to)

• 1 lb tubes (10 tubes in a pkg) - $26.50 ($2.65/lb)
• 5 lb tube (each) - $11.50 ($2.30/lb)
• 7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - $94.00 ($2.09 lb)

BEEF with beef bone and beef organs

(Google) Beef is a premier source of highly bioavailable nutrients, with its greatest value found in the combination of high-quality, complete protein, easily absorbed heme iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. It supports muscle maintenance, prevents fatigue, and offers 10 essential nutrients with high nutrient density. Canadian beef is a highly nutrient-dense food, providing a complete protein package essential for all life stages. It is a significant source of iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Gram-for-gram, it offers superior nutrient density compared to many other protein sources. https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/nutritional-qualities-of-beef/

• 1 lb tubes (10 in a pkg) - $47.75 ($4.78/lb)
• 5 lb tube (each) - $22.50 ($4.50/lb)
• 7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - N/A

DUCK with duck bone and duck organs

Duck meat is an excellent source of protein.  Protein keeps us healthy by building and repairing our muscles, skin and blood. It is also an excellent source of iron, providing 50% of the iron we need in a day.  Iron helps make healthy blood that flows through our bodies, giving us energy and making us grow. Healthy blood keeps us from getting tired.Duck eggs are an excellent source of B vitamins suc h as riboflavin and B12.  These B vitamins are important for growth and healthy hair, skin, nerves and muscles. Duck eggs are a good source of other important nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin A, and folate.  They are fair sources of vitamin D and omega-3 fats. Nutritional food facts about duck

• 1 lb tubes (10 tubes in a pkg) - $43.00 ($4.30/lb)
• 5 lb tube (each) - $19.50 ($3.90/lb)
• 7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - N/A

PORK with pork bone and pork organs

(Google) Pork's greatest nutritional value lies in its high-quality protein and exceptional concentration of B vitamins, particularly Thiamin (B1), which is crucial for energy metabolism. Contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth, similar to beef. It is a leading source of thiamine, containing significantly more than other red meats like beef and lamb, and is mineral-dense providing highly absorbable heme-iron, zinc (for immune function) and selenium (an antioxident). Pork 101: Nutritional Facts and Health Effects.

1 lb tubes (10 tubes in a pkg) - $35.50 ($3.55/lb)

5 lb tube (each) - $16.75 ($3.35/lb)

7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - $135.00 ($3.00/lb)

TURKEY with turkey bone and turkey organs

(Google) Turkey provides 22-30 grams of protein per 100g, aiding in muscle growth and satiety. Also provides over 60% of the RDA of Selenium in a 40 oz serving, supporting thyroid function and acting as a powerful antioxidant. Rich in Niacin (B3) and B6, crutial for energy metabolism and brain health. Turkey Nutrition

• 1 lb tubes (10 tubes in a pkg) - $38.00 ($3.80/lb)
• 5 lb tube (each) - $17.50 ($3.50/lb)
• 7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - $142.00 ($3.15/lb)

GUINEA FOWL with Guinea Fowl bone and Guinea Fowl organs

The greatest nutritional value in guinea fowl is its exceptionally high protein content (25-28%) combined with very low fat and cholesterol levels. It is a nutrient-dense, lean meat with more protein and less fat than chicken, providing a rich source of essential amino acids, iron, and B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and B6). Guinea Hen Meat

• 1 lb tubes (5 tubes in a pkg) - $25.00 ($5.00/lb)
• 5 lb tube (each) - N/A
• 7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - N/A

RABBIT with rabbit bone and rabbit organs

1 lb tubes (10 tubes in a pkg) - N/A

1 lb tubes (5 tubes in a pkg) - $37.75 ($7.55/lb)

5 lb tube (each) - N/A

7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - N/A

HERRING ground whole herring

1 lb tubes (10 tubes in a pkg) - N/A

1 lb tubes (5 tubes in a pkg) - $14.50 ($2.90/lb)

5 lb tube (each) - N/A

7.5 lb tubes (total 45 lbs, 6 tubes in a case) - N/A

 

If your cat or dog is ok with all the single proteins, then we highly recommend the Custom Blends & Tripe Mixes* and the Meat with Bone and Organs (80/10/10) for animals with more sensitivities.

B.T.O. MIX* - is a blend of beef, beef tripe, and beef organs.

B.P.S. MIX* - beef, chicken, pork, fish, beef tripe, and organs.

D.P.T.O. MIX* (40/40/10/10) - duck, pork, beef tripe, beef or pork organs.

S.B.T.O. MIX* (40/40/10/10) - salmon, beef, beef tripe, beef organs.

***B.T.O., B.P.S., D.P.T.O. & S.B.T.O. are all available to buy in cases of 40 -1 lb chubs, 8 - 5 lb chubs, or 6 - 7.5 lb chubs, or individually if we have them in stock.

H.C.T.O. MIX* (30/30/30/10) - herring, chicken, beef, beef tripe, chicken organs (we send home 1 lb of this mix with your new kitten).

H.C.T.O. is available in packages of 5 -1 lb chubs, with a minimum order of 4 pkgs of 5 (or individually if we have them in stock.

Ask me for a price list.

NOTE: Orders must be placed and paid for two weeks in advance of delivery.