VetIQ Healthy Bites Growth Support (High in Chicken) by VetIQ is a complementary functional treat designed specifically to address the critical developmental challenges kittens face in their earliest weeks and months of life including inadequate skeletal mineralisation, insufficient joint cartilage formation, and the heightened protein demands of rapid tissue growth. Formulated with a cream-filled centre and crunchy cereal shell, these bite-sized treats deliver a precise combination of bone-supporting minerals, joint-protective compounds, and premium animal protein in a palatable, low-calorie format that your feline friend will eagerly anticipate. Free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, they are crafted to complement a balanced kitten diet without compromising its integrity. Animeal is proud to offer VetIQ Healthy Bites Growth Support as part of our commitment to bringing science-backed, trusted nutrition to every stage of your kitten's life.

Ingredients:

Poultry Meal (Chicken 13%, Turkey 17%) Meat and Animal Derivatives: Poultry meal is a concentrated, highly digestible source of complete animal protein, delivering all essential amino acids including taurine (Taurine 3000 mg/kg), which is critical for feline cardiac function, retinal health, and reproductive capability. Protein at a minimum of 23.6% supports rapid lean muscle development and tissue repair during the kitten's exponential growth phase.

Chia (Salvia hispanica) 4%: Chia seeds are a plant-based source of bioavailable calcium, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid). Calcium derived from chia contributes to hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in developing bone matrix, reinforcing cortical and trabecular bone density. The Omega-3 content further supports membrane fluidity in neural and epithelial tissues.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) 1%: Alfalfa is one of nature's most mineral-dense botanicals, offering naturally chelated calcium, magnesium, and trace phosphorus. These minerals work in concert with Vitamin D3 to regulate osteoblast activity, ensuring that bone remodelling during growth periods proceeds with structural precision and resilience.

Glucosamine 0.14%: Glucosamine (as Glucosamine Hydrochloride) is an amino monosaccharide that acts as a substrate for the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans the principal structural components of articular cartilage. In growing kittens, supplemental glucosamine supports the formation and maintenance of cartilaginous tissue at joints that are under increasing mechanical load as body weight develops.

Chondroitin Sulphate 0.05%: Chondroitin sulphate is a sulphated glycosaminoglycan that retains water molecules within cartilage matrix, preserving its compressive resilience and lubrication properties. It also inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes, protecting newly formed joint structures in kittens from premature wear during their highly active developmental stage.

Canola Oil Omega-3 (1.7%) and Omega-6 (4%) Fatty Acids: Canola oil delivers a balanced ratio of alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3) and linoleic acid (Omega-6), both of which are integral to the phospholipid bilayer of epidermal cells. These fatty acids regulate transepidermal water loss, reduce inflammatory cytokine activity in the skin, and support sebaceous gland function collectively contributing to a healthy, lustrous coat.

Whey Powder: A high-biological-value dairy protein that provides easily absorbed branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) supporting rapid muscle protein synthesis. Whey also supplies lactoferrin, which has mild antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties beneficial for the developing kitten immune system.

Vitamin A (1400 IU/kg): Retinol and its derivatives regulate cellular differentiation, immune response, and visual pigment regeneration (via rhodopsin synthesis in photoreceptor cells). Adequate Vitamin A is essential for epithelial integrity and mucosal barrier function in kittens.

Vitamin D3 (203 IU/kg): Cholecalciferol is converted in the kidney to its active form (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 / calcitriol), which upregulates intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption and directly stimulates osteocalcin production by osteoblasts making it indispensable for normal bone mineralisation in growing kittens.

Vitamin E (79 mg/kg) as dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate: A lipid-soluble antioxidant that neutralises reactive oxygen species within cellular membranes, protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids from peroxidation. Vitamin E also supports T-lymphocyte function, reinforcing the adaptive immune response in kittens as they transition from maternal immunity to self-reliance.

Rosemary Extract Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) Natural Antioxidant: Rosemary extract, rich in carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, functions as a natural preservative by chelating pro-oxidant metal ions and quenching free radicals. This eliminates the need for artificial antioxidants while maintaining ingredient freshness and fatty acid integrity throughout shelf life.

Ascorbyl Palmitate Vitamin C Ester: A fat-soluble form of ascorbic acid that provides antioxidant protection within lipid-rich environments, complementing Vitamin E's activity. Ascorbyl palmitate also supports collagen synthesis in connective tissue, contributing to the structural integrity of ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules.

Zinc (as Zinc Chloride 27 mg/kg): Zinc is a co-factor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those governing DNA replication, protein synthesis, and immune cell proliferation. In the skin and coat, zinc regulates keratinocyte differentiation and sebaceous gland activity, reducing flakiness and supporting a dense, healthy coat.