Just as humans need antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from whole foods to feel our best, so do our furry friends. While there are many plant based foods you can feed your pets, did you know that chlorella is one of them?

Also known as the amazing green superfood, chlorella is a single-celled green algae that's been referred to as one of the most nutritious foods on the planet.

Chlorella also contains a high concentration chlorophyll, a natural detoxifier. Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their deep green color. Chlorella offers a wide spectrum of essential nutrients that may help improve your pet's health at a cellular level, such as all 8 essential amino acids and a bioavailable form of vitamin B12. For this reason, chlorella is a good option when it comes to introducing natural pet supplements to your pet's diet.

Lastly, one of the most important benefits of chlorella is that it contains Chlorella Growth Factor: a special compound that offers superior value to your pet's health and can't be found in any other food. 

Chlorella Growth Factor is a superfood compound that allows chlorella to grow and multiply by 4 every 20-24 hours. Cellular repair and regeneration is a valuable benefit because without healthy cells, it's more difficult to maintain optimal energy levels and a strong immune system. Poor cellular health can also promote premature aging, which can result in frequent vet trips and, of course, a shorter life expectancy for your pet. In addition to increased energy and an improved immune system, let's take a look at 5 additional ways chlorella may help improve your pet's health. When humans or animals ingest CGF, the "growth factor€ benefits have been shown to help cells with repair and regeneration.

Digestive enzymes are found abundantly in raw, living foods and may help reduce the symptoms of your pet's digestive problems, such as nutrient mal-absorption or diarrhea. Now, one of the downfalls of many commercially prepared or processed pet foods is that they're void of digestive enzymes. This is because refined pet foods are heated to high temperatures during processing which destroys enzymes, and may also deplete certain vitamins and minerals.

 But as a raw, living food, chlorella still has all of its digestive enzymes intact. These enzymes can help improve your pet's ability to digest and absorb carbs, fats and protein. These 3 major macronutrients are required for energy, a healthy coat and building lean muscle mass. 

Chlorella also contains approximately 18 amino acids, including glutamic acid. Glutamic acid may help strengthen the intestinal lining, which may help prevent digestive conditions that lead to allergies, such as leaky gut. 

You can tell a lot about your pet's health just by their coat. A shiny, glossy coat is a sign that your pet is efficiently absorbing healthy fats and other essential nutrients. As briefly mentioned above, healthy fats- particularly omega 3 essential fatty acids- offer your pet the delicate oils it needs for a polished coat. 

Chlorella contains EPA, DHA and ALA: 3 essential fatty acids that have been shown to support the skin and coat health of animals.

While our furry friends are our best companions, they do have one minor downfall: morning breath all day long. Luckily, the chlorophyll found in chlorella may act as an internal deodorizer to help freshen breath. This is because chlorophyll can help detoxify the impurities and odor causing bacteria in the digestive tract that promote bad breath. 

As mentioned above, the nucleic acids RNA and DNA found in Chlorella Growth Factor can promote cellular repair and regeneration. But RNA and DNA have also been shown to stimulate the body's healing process by promoting quicker tissue repair. This means that chlorella may help speed up wound healing time if your pet sustains an injury, such as tearing a ligament or getting a bee sting. 

Lastly, chlorella contains two essential trace minerals for strong bones and healthy teeth: calcium and magnesium. 

Calcium and magnesium work together to keep bones firm and teeth hard. In order to efficiently absorb calcium, the body requires adequate levels of magnesium. Magnesium also aids in vitamin D absorption, which is another nutrient required to build strong bones and teeth, and prevent osteoporosis. 

Since periodontal disease is common in dogs over 4 years old, it's important to feed your pet foods that support oral health beginning at an early age. 

Chlorella Growth Factor has also been shown to promote regeneration of joint tissues, which may help prevent or reduce symptoms of arthritis. 

Now, you may be wondering how you can get your pet to enjoy chlorella. Luckily, Sun Chlorella Rejuv-A-Wafers® have been formulated as a source of chlorella for dogs and cats, so your pet can enjoy natural, plant based nutrition every day. In addition to the high concentration of nutrients found in chlorella, Rejuv-A-Wafers® also contain organic Sun Eleuthero and lecithin, two nutrients that support stress levels and cognitive function.

As a complete source of nutrition, Rejuv-A-Wafers® can act like a multivitamin for dog and cat health care, and help boost the health of your pet during any life stage. To learn more about the difference chlorella can make in your pet's health, why not take a look the inspiring rescue story: Healing Hiroka ? 

In this short video clip, you'll learn about Hiroka, a horse who was rescued from a backyard butcher. She was found by The Gentle Barn on the verge of death, emaciated, with a slim chance of survival. But by recovering in a safe environment with compassion, kindness and proper nutrition from foods such as Sun Chlorella, Hiroka regained her health and wellness and made a full recovery. 

Sun Chlorella and The Gentle Barn
Speaking of healthy animals, our team at Sun Chlorella USA is proud to be a sponsor of The Gentle 52 program, which was established by the Gentle Barn in 2014. The Gentle Barn rehabilitates and rescues abused and abandoned animals, and nurses them back to health with kindness, compassion, pet-friendly superfoods and optimal nutrition. The Gentle Barn's healing program also encourages children with mental and physical challenges to interact with the rescued animals, which promotes healing for both parties. The Gentle 52 program aims to encourage the use of cruelty-free products that support a healthier planet, while also promoting environmental sustainability. If you'd like to learn more about how Sun Chlorella can improve your pet's health, we'd love for you to join us at our booth at the Gentle 52 event on Sunday, September 4, 2016. Find more information about The Gentle Barn here.