As a part of mission to improve the health and well-being of pets, Purina has conducted extensive research to identify a potent combination of four essential nutrients that are critical for maintaining cognitive health in cats. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: DHA and EPA, two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for maintaining brain integrity and are essential for optimal brain function in humans, dogs, and cats. DHA, which makes up approximately 40% of the polyunsaturated fats in the brain, is found in fish and seaweed.
Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by arginine, an amino acid that is naturally found in meat, nuts, and liver. Arginine supports cognitive functions by protecting the brain's polyunsaturated fats from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, thereby maintaining membrane integrity. Three important antioxidants for brain health are selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables; selenium is found in seafood, red meat, and grains; and vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits.
B vitamins: B vitamins are essential for the body's synthesis of energy, metabolism of carbohydrates, and creation of neurotransmitters in the brain. Meats, liver, nuts, legumes, green vegetables, and whole grains all contain them. The only foods that contain vitamin B12, which is essential for brain function, are animal products like dairy, meat, and fish.
Synergistic Effects: These nutrients work in concert to support a pet's brain health over the course of its life. At Purina, we recognize that a carefully balanced combination of ingredients that supports several areas of normal brain function is the key to good nutrition, rather than a single ingredient.