Mary Allen
Additives such as hyaluronic acid, clay, and biotin, which are found in conventional human cosmetic products, are also found in some types of cat food. But what do the additives bring?
What use are additives such as biotin, clay, and hyaluronic acid, which fill the mistress’s cosmetics shelf, really for the cat? We take a closer look at some of the fabrics.
Hyaluronic Acid In Cat Food
People use hyaluronic acid primarily in the form of facial creams. Because hyaluronic acid binds to water in the cells and supports cell division. Smoothed wrinkles and tighter facial contours should be the result. What is less well known: Hyaluron also acts as a lubricant and protects our joints from wear and tear. In addition to being used for cosmetic purposes, hyaluronic acid is also used to treat arthrosis.
Wrinkle-free skin and a firm face – cats probably don’t need that. However, the development, lubrication, and strengthening of the joints are essential for them. The diagnosis of arthrosis affects many cats that have already gotten old. A major problem here is the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. The synovial fluid thus loses its oily consistency and no longer prevents the joints from rubbing against each other. In addition, the cartilage increasingly loses its elasticity and is destroyed.
Hyaluronic acid has long been used to treat arthrosis in both human and veterinary medicine. However, this therapy is only effective if the hyaluronic acid is given directly to the joint. The oral administration of hyaluronic acid via the feed can only be effective if the hyaluronic acid is broken down into such small molecules in a special process that they can easily penetrate the intestinal wall passage and thus be absorbed via the digestive tract and distributed in the body. If the molecules are not split, they are too big to get through the intestinal wall. The oral administration of hyaluronic acid, therefore, remains ineffective.
Biotin In Cat Food
Biotin, also called vitamin B7, is known for its protective function on skin and hair. In humans, biotin is therefore found as an ingredient in skin and hair care products or as capsules and tablets. What is less well known is that biotin plays a key role in metabolism. It ensures that the food we eat is converted into usable energy. It normalizes blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, protects brain function and combats cognitive function loss. It also helps in the growth and maintenance of body tissue and reduces inflammation in the musculoskeletal system.
Biotin as a supplement for cats is only of limited use. Biotin is normally found in sufficient quantities in food. Biotin deficiency is rare. In fact, there can be animals that have an increased need for biotins, such as long-haired cats or cats that are pregnant or nursing. Diabetes is also becoming more common in animals. Biotin can also support the appropriate treatment in cats.
Clay In Cat Food
Clay is a natural mineral powder that is used in alternative medicine, for example externally for skin problems and skin diseases, for example as a face mask. The healing earth has a high absorption capacity and can absorb and bind many substances such as excess sebum from the skin. It also has an antibacterial effect and has a beneficial effect on skin infections such as inflamed pimples. Therefore, healing earth can be found in many facial care products. Some people also have it in the bathroom closet as a pure powder or in the form of capsules. Aside from cosmetic purposes, clay is also used internally, for example as capsules and tablets, for gastrointestinal complaints such as heartburn, acid reflux, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diarrhea.
Unlike humans, cats only have to struggle with pimples and the like in exceptional cases. However, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are not uncommon in cats. Feed change and parasite infestation are just some of the possible causes that should be clarified by the veterinarian. In these cases, therapy with clay can support healing.
Conclusion
Hyaluron, biotin, clay, and co. are beauty treatments, especially for people. For cats, they are more to be understood as a health cure. The substances in cat food act internally, support many essential bodily functions, and can benefit the cat’s health. However, feeding the additives as supplementary feed is not necessary and sensible across the board, but can be helpful, especially with certain problems. However, you should definitely discuss this with your veterinarian.