Ingredient Library

Thrive! Foods ingredients pack punch! Using whole food ingredients, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, spices, and healthy oils that are high in antioxidants and vitamins, SuperTreats™ are loaded with health promoting ingredients.

Thrive! Foods selectively chooses nutrient dense foods, those that have a high amount of nutrition per calorie. Much of the facts on ingredients below are based on human studies. Dogs share 99% of the same DNA as humans. So, it should be no surprise why much of human nutrition research is highly relevant for dogs.

SuperTreats™ contain no corn, no wheat, and no soy, because many dogs have allergies. SuperTreats™ have a short ingredient list and contain: Nothing fancy or artificial and no preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, processed chemicals or fillers.

Click your way through the ingredients in the chart following below to find out more.

Ingredient		More info	Info on Wikipedia	Info on World's Healthiest Foods
	Blueberries	US Blueberry Council	Blueberries	Blueberries
	Cranberries	Cranberry Institute	Cranberries	Cranberries
	Cherries	choose cherries	Cherries
	Flax	Flax Council	Flax	Flax
	Carrots		Carrots	Carrots
	Oats & Oat Bran
	Oregano
	Paprika
	Peanut Butter
	Honey
	Spinach
	Sweet Potato	Sweetpotatoes.com Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission	Sweet Potatoes	Sweet Potato
	Sunflower Seeds
	Olive Oil
	Brown Rice Malt
	Almonds	Almonds are in	Almonds	Almonds
	Bananas	Banana.com eatmorebananas	Bananas
	Ginger		Ginger

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants. Vegetarian Times and Health magazine named blueberries one of the seven super foods that are ''able to improve our health and extend our lives.'' USDA studies of 40 other fruits and vegetables, ranked blueberries number one in antioxidants.

Health Benefits:

Anti Inflammatory Boosts Immune System: USDA has proven that blueberries contain the highest level of antioxidants compared to other fruits. The deep blue purple pigment in foods like blueberries is a potent phytonutrient that acts as an anti inflammatory and anti oxidant that boosts the body' s repair crews. The anti inflammatory properties in blueberries have been shown to boost the protective proteins in the brain and help repair damage that can lead to a host of aging related diseases and conditions.

Anti Aging Studies show that a diet rich in blueberries improve motor skills and reverse short term memory loss associated with aging. In animal studies, researchers have found that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. In particular, researchers found that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to younger rats. Researchers report that blueberries appear to trigger the birth of new brain neutrons, making the brain look and act younger.

Cancer Prevention: Blueberries contain high levels of the antioxidant, resveratrol, which has been found to inhibit cancer. A University of Illinois study found that of the fruits tested, wild blueberries showed the greatest anti cancer activity due to the high concentration of a particular flavonoid, anthocyanins. Lab studies have revealed that compounds in blueberries may inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation as well as protect against this form of cancer.

Improves Urinary Tract Health: Blueberries along with cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infections. Blueberries, like cranberries, help promote urinary tract infections from attaching to the bladder wall.

Heart Healthy: Antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to have cardiovascular protective properties. Anthocyanins, the blue red pigments found in blueberries, improve the integrity of the support structures in our veins and entire vascular system. While wine, particularly red wine, is touted as cardioprotective since it is a good source of antioxidant anthocyanins, a study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that blueberries deliver 38% more of these free radical fighters.

Cranberries

Cranberries have been valued for ages for their ability to prevent and treat urinary tract infections.

New studies show even more far-reaching benefits from this fruits, gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL cholesterol, and potentially protect against cancer. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 1994 gave scientific evidence to the effectiveness of cranberries in preventing urinary tract infections. Women who drank cranberry juice had nearly 50% less urinary infections then the placebo group.

Health Benefits:

Anti Inflammatory Boosts Immune System: USDA has proven that cranberries contain the second highest level of antioxidants compared to other fruits.

Dental Health: A study reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that a unique cranberry component has the ability to reverse and inhibit the attachment of certain oral bacteria responsible for dental plaque. Plaque is a major cause of periodontal disease.

Cancer Prevention: Cranberries have been found to have high levels of antioxidants, second only to wild blueberries. These compounds may help prevent cancer. A study at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth found that cranberry proanthocyandins inhibited the growth of cancers, human lung, colon and leukemia and blocked tumor growth.

Urinary Tract Health: Cranberries, help promote urinary tract infections from attaching to the bladder wall. Cranberries acidify the urine, contain anti-bacterial agent (hippuric acid) and also prevent the adhesion of bacteria such as E. coli to the urinary tract walls. Before an infection can start, bacteria, typically E. coli, must first attach to the surface of the urinary tract wall. This unique anti-adhesion benefit allows bacteria to be washed away in urine rather than adhering and infecting the surface of the urinary tract. Not only urinary tract infection, but a majority of infectious diseases are initiated by the adhesion of a bacteria or virus to human tissue. Cranberries have been shown to block this adhesion not only with E. coli, but also for a number of other organisms. Cranberries contain an anti viral agent, proanthocyanidin A-1, which inhibits the attachment of the herpes virus in the bladder. Cranberry juice was demonstrated to interfere with the mouth bacteria Streptococus mutans ability to stick to the surface of teeth, thus reducing the development of cavities.

Heart Healthy: Cranberries' antioxidants can be cholesterol lowering. In a three month study funded by the US Cranberry Institute, study subjects' HDL (good) cholesterol increased an average of 10% after drinking 3 glasses of cranberry juice per day, this increase, based on known epidemiological data on heart disease, corresponds to approximately a 40% reduction in heart disease risk. Cranberries contain a significant amount of flavonoids, a naturally occurring phytonutrient, which may offer a natural defense against atherosclerosis.

Cherries

Cherries are red, and that red comes from disease fighting compounds with health promoting benefits. Tart cherries have 8 different types of anthrocynins which have many health promoting benefits listed below.

Health Benefits:

Tart cherries, commonly found in dried, frozen and juice forms, are rich in antioxidants and contain potent phytonutrients including anthocyanins, plant pigments that have been linked to a variety of health benefits and melatonin, which may help aid with sleep.

Tart cherries are excellent sources of beta carotene. In fact, they contain 19 times the beta carotene of blueberries and strawberries.

Cherries are rich in vitamins C and E, and provide potassium, magnesium, folate and iron.

Reduce inflammation and ease the pain of arthritis and gout

Offer protection against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers

Reduce the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome

Aid in the treatment and possible prevention of memory loss 

Flax

Flax is the richest source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in the North American diet. ALA is converted to omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be heart healthy and skin healthy.  Omega-3 fatty acids are also converted in the body into EPA and DHA, essential components for brain function. In fact, EPA and DHA are common components in today’s infant formulas to promote brain development in babies.

Health Benefits:

Reduces cardiovascular risk. The omega-3 fatty acids and lignans have been shown to decrease inflammatory factors associated with arthrosclerosis by reducing the blood levels of cell adhesion molecules, the compounds that control the sticking of white blood cells to the lining of blood vessels. Flax has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol.

Improves immune function. ALA and lignans found in flax boost the immune system and may play a beneficial role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases in which inflammation plays a role, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer . It is speculated that they do this by blocking the release of pro inflammatory agents such as cytokines.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, and one of the the richest vegetable source of the cartenoids. Their bright orange color indicates their rich nutrient density.

Health Benefits:

Carrots' antioxidant compounds help protect against cardiovascular disease. In a study with 1,300 elderly humans, eating one carrot or squash serving per day reduced their risk of heart attacks by 60%. 

High cartenoid diets have been linked with lower risk of certain types of cancer.

The beta-carotene in carrots protects vision, especially night vision. 

Oats & Oat Bran

Oats provide one of the richest sources of dietary fiber.

Health Benefits:

Lowers cholesterol. Based on a 10-year prospective study of young adults, fiber intake was a better predictor of cardiovascular health than total or saturated fat consumption. Oats lower total and LDL cholesterol. High LDL-cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in numerous human studies.

A newly discovered excellent source of phytonutrients. Oats, just like fruits and vegetables, contain many powerful phytonutrients whose activity has gone unrecognized because research methods have overlooked them. Phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables have been studied extensively because of the “free” forms of these substances to be dissolved in the bloodstream. Recent studies have found numerous other phytonutrients “bound” to the plant cell walls. The total antioxidant activity of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is nearly equivalent. The antioxidants in oats have been shown in some studies to inhibit the formation of cholesterol which leads to arthrosclerosis.

Peanut Butter

Thrive! Foods peanut butter contains just what it should, peanuts, and nothing else. Peanuts are heart healthy because they are a very good source of monosaturated fats, the type of fat that is emphasized in the heart healthy Mediterranean diet. Peanuts rival some fruits as a source of antioxidants.

Health Benefits:

Reduces cardiovascular risk. One study found that a high monosaturated diet that emphasized peanuts reduced cardiovascular risk by an estimated 21% compared to the average American diet.

Good source of antioxidant vitamin E

May protect against age related cognitive disorders. They are a good source of niacin and folate. Research published in the Journal of Neurology indicates that regular consumption of niacin and folate rich foods such as peanuts may provide protection against Alzheimer's disease and other age related cognitive disorders.

Honey

Honey is one of the healthiest sweeteners. Honey has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.  Phytonutrients found in honey have been shown to possess cancer preventing and anti tumor properties. Honey is also anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal.

Sweet Potato

A study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest ranked the sweet potato is as the #1 most nutritional vegetable. Sweet potato is high in vitamins A and C, two nutrients with well documented anti-cancer effects. It is also a good source of vitamin E, iron, potassium and vitamin B6. Sweet potatoes promote a healthy digestive system because they contain a substantial amount of fiber.

Health Benefits:

High antioxidant power of vitamins A and C and cartenoids. The bright orange color in sweet potatoes denotes large quantities of beta carotene, essential for vision, promoting bone and tooth growth, maintaining healthy. The US Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute recommend diets for humans that provide 6 mg of beta-carotene (a cartenoid) daily.

Antioxidants may protect against cancer. Vitamins A, C and E as well as cartenoids have well documented anti cancer benefits.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E. Sunflower seeds have high amounts of phytosterols, compounds found in plants which are believed to reduce blood levels of cholesterol, enhance the immune system and decrease the risk of certain cancers. 

Health Benefits:

High in antioxidant vitamin E. Vitamin E travels throughout the body neutralizing free radicals that would otherwise damage cell structures. By protecting these cellular components, vitamin E has significant anti inflammatory effects that result in the reduction of symptoms in arthritis.

Improves metabolic function. These seeds have high amounts of magnesium, a necessary mineral for healthy bones and energy production.

Olive Oil

In many parts of the world, a high fat intake is associated with degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and arthritis.  But in some parts of the world, a high fat intake is associated with lower risk of these conditions. A closer look reveals that in these countries (“Mediterranean”), foods are eaten with high amounts of olive oil.

Health Benefits:

Heart Healthy: People who use olive oil regularly, especially in place of other fats, have much lower rats of heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and asthma. Olive oil is loaded with monounsaturated fat.  Studies have shown that particles of LDL cholesterol (harmful cholesterol) are less likely to become oxidized and stick to artery walls, eventually forming plaques and blockages. People who add olive oil to their diet have been shown to reduce their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Antioxidants: Scientists believe that the natural antioxidants in olive oil and greatly contribute to heart health. The abundance of polyphenols in olive oil, with known anti inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulant behavior, have been shown to be protective against colon cancer and osteoporosis. 

Brown Rice Malt

Brown Rice syrup is a natural sweetener. Because it’s derived from brown rice, unlike other sweeteners, it contains a healthy amount of nutrients such as B-vitamins and essential minerals such as magnesium. 

Almonds

Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Five large human epidemiological studies, including the Nurses Health Study, the Iowa Health Study, the Adventist Health Study and the Physicians Health Study, all found that nut consumption is linked to a lower risk for heart disease. Almonds are an excellent source of minerals and nutrients with a wide array of healthy benefits that are just starting to be understood.

Health Benefits:

Reduces cardiovascular risk. A diet containing almonds, other nuts, and plant sterols (also in nuts) lowered LDL cholesterol levels in only 2 weeks in clinical studies.

Good source of antioxidant vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps explain why they are cardio-protective and help prevent heart disease. Almonds are one of the richest sources of vitamin E.

Good source of magnesium and Potassium

Magnesium and potassium both promote cardiovascular health. They both play crucial roles in regulating the bodies processes and help protect against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

May protect against diabetes
Eating almonds has been shown to reduce blood sugar when eaten with meals.

Healthy fats may lower risk of weight gain.

Bananas

Bananas are a valuable source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and fiber. Dogs love the taste of bananas.

Health Benefits:

Bananas contain all 8 essential amino acids, the essential building blocks of all proteins.

Vitamin B6 is significant in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system. It also helps in protein metabolism, red blood cell formation and functioning of the central nervous system.

The vitamin C in bananas helps your body to heal and defend against infections. Vitamin C also is valuable in the absorption of iron, synthesis of connective tissue, and blood formation.

The good source of potassium from bananas is helpful for your body to maintain the fluid balance in blood and tissue cells. Potassium is also an essential mineral for protein synthesis and the building of muscle because it stimulates nerve impulses for muscle contraction.

Research suggests that a diet high in potassium may reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke. Because bananas are sodium free and very rich in potassium, they can be eaten as part of a diet to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Ginger

Health Benefits:

Promotes body's natural production of anti inflammatory chemicals

Oregano

Rich source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

Paprika

Rich source of antioxidants and vitamins 

Spinach

Rich source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals