Why has the serving size changed on the Canine Hip & Joint products?

The formula remains the same but we’ve changed the serving size to slightly increase the amount given which mirrors the serving size for our Skin & Coat products

When should I transition from the Puppy formula to the Skin & Coat or Hip & Joint formulas for adult dogs?

Many breeds are considered adult dogs at 1-1.5 years old and we recommend the transition from puppy to the adult canine formulations around this age. When changing formulations you should start with a lower than recommended dose and work your way up to the recommended dose over the course of a week or two. This will help acclimate the changes in your dogs diet.

My cat often eats my dogs food top dressed with the Missing Link powder for dogs, will this hurt my cat?

While we recommend feeding the feline versions of our products to cats as they’re specifically formulated for a cats diet, there is nothing in the ingredients that will harm or cause issues for cats.

What is the difference between the Skin & Coat formula and the Hip & Joint formula? 

The big difference is the inclusion of Glucosamine HCl in the Hip & Joint formula to help support and maintain joint mobility and flexibility. If you buy the Canine Hip & Joint it will have the same great benefits of the Skin & Coat product, plus the joint health benefits of Glucosamine HCl.

How many servings are in a 1 lb. of Missing Link original?

Each 1 lb. container of The Missing Link original formulas contain approximately 170 servings at 1 teaspoon per serving or 56 servings at 1 tablespoon per serving. (Note: 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons.)

Can I feed my puppy a formula containing glucosamine HCl?

Using our joint supplements with glucosamine is recommend for adult dogs at least one year of age or older. Glucosamine Hydrochloride is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, because of this, puppies may experience loose stools or diarrhea. If your puppy is experiencing either of these problems due to Glucosamine HCl the issue might be resolved by not feeding your puppy Glucosamine HCl.

Can puppies use other Missing Link products besides the puppy health formula?

Puppies can use our Skin & Coat or Probiotic products; The puppy needs to be fully weaned and eating solid food without issues before starting any of our supplements. We do not recommend using Joint supplements containing Glucosamine HCl as they’re intended for adult dogs at least one year of age or older.

I noticed the new packaging no longer includes the word "ultimate" in the name.  Is it still the same product? 

We have updated and refreshed the packaging and made very minor changes to the formulas (example: removing garlic), but overall it is the same cold-ground flax seed-based product with the same beneficial “pawsitive” changes you can expect to see.

Does your feline formula contain garlic? Isn't that bad for a cat's health?

The original formula does include a small amount of Garlic.  Used in small amounts, garlic has positive benefits, as it contains 35 known phytonutrients, and is a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2 and B3.  From a holistic standpoint, many people feel that garlic has antiviral, anti fungal and antibacterial properties. The key is the quantity.  In very large doses, there can be some toxic issues.  A 10-pound cat would have to eat about 4 garlic cloves in one meal to ingest toxic levels.  The Missing Link(R) formulas contain very small amounts of garlic... an average size cat would have to eat 1,335 bags of the Feline formula to be in any danger of toxicity. The amount of garlic in the Missing Link formula will only provide beneficial results. That said, due to customer concerns, we are removing garlic from all of our formulas, so on future bags you will see that it has been removed.  In the meantime, please feel confident that you are providing healthy nutrition to your cat with the Feline formula.

I am not seeing a line for feline hip and joint health.  Why would that be?

Although there are some feline products with Glucosamine on the market, in the United States it is a challenge for us to create feline products containing Glucosamine HCI as this ingredient has not been defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and each state has their own guidelines and requirements as well.  We are able to provide products with the Glucosamine for dogs, but do not yet have clearance to do so for cats. Our Hip & Joint products should not have any adverse effects on cats but, since they are sold for adult dogs only, we can’t make that recommendation. We would suggest you review our formulas with their ingredients and guaranteed analysis, with your Vet for a professional recommendation.  You can find that information either on the packaging, or on our website:  missinglinkproducts.com.

I note that one ingredient in your product is primary dried yeast.  Could this be contributing to my dog's allergy problems?

Original Missing Link products contain Nutritional Yeast labeled as Primary Dried Yeast by AAFCO definition. The type of yeast in our Nutritional Yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer’s yeast), is a different species than the type that causes allergies or yeast infections, such as Candida albicans. The Nutritional Yeast we use is gluten-free and allergen-free.  The nutritional yeast we use is rich in B-complex vitamins, which are important for energy production and help the conversion of Omega 3 ALA to DHA. There are other benefits of this ingredient including the potent antioxidants beta-1,3 glucan and mannan, trehalose and glutathione.

On the new packaging I noticed cane molasses has been moved up in the ingredients while at the same time you're advertising it as the same great formula, why is that?

The formula is indeed the same and after internal review the cane molasses needed to be moved up in the ingredient list. The main ingredient, flaxseed, makes up most of the formulation and the bulk of the calories. Cane molasses has been included in our formulations because it is a natural source of minerals such as iron, calcium, and it is also known as the richest natural source of potassium.  Refined white sugar, in contrast, does not contain such minerals.

Are all the ingredients in the Missing Link® mixed in the same cold process manner? Don't some of the animal-sourced products like ground beef bone or beef liver need to be cooked to kill and bacteria/disease?

Animal origin ingredients are processed and sterilized as required for food safety before use in our products. Plant based materials are minimally processed to ensure to maximum nutritional efficacy and the flaxseed is ground fresh using our cold processing method. All ingredients, regardless of plant or animal origin, are tested before and after processing to ensure our products are safe for animal consumption.

The daily feeding instructions based on weight has changed. Is the formula still the same, and if so, why has the daily intake been increased?

Yes, we have updated the packaging, but it is the same formula (with very minor tweaks, like the removal of Garlic from the ingredients).  While we were in the process of updating, we determined that we could increase the daily servings slightly with no detrimental impact, yet allowing us to increase the amount of Glucosamine HCI per serving – without having to change the formulation.  You’ll note that the larger dog serving sizes have remained the same, and on the new packaging we added weight ranges to better include all varieties and sizes of fur-kids. Your dogs have been getting the added nutrition they need over the years you’ve been providing them with the supplement – if you’d like to increase based on our updated feeding instructions, they will still be getting safe quantities while potentially a bit more help with their mobility.

What are essential fatty acids?

Fats are the third nutrient that supplies energy to the body. The other two nutrient groups are carbohydrates and proteins. Fatty acids are the building blocks of all fats. Essential fatty acids (EFA's) must be obtained from a food source or a food supplement because the body cannot produce essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6) on its own. EFA's are important for intercellular and overall health. They are essential building blocks of every membrane of every cell in the body. The major source of the polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) Omega 3 and Omega 6, as well as Omega 9, in our supplements is flaxseed. Flaxseed is the richest vegetable source of Omega 3 EFA's. The amount of Omega 3 in our supplements is two and one-half times that of Omega 6, thereby correcting the all important polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) imbalance of "modern foods." Omega 9 (the "olive oil" fatty acid) is not "essential" (the body can make it), but it is definitely among "The Good Fats."

Should I stop giving other vitamins/minerals?

No. Our supplements are not vitamin and/or mineral supplements.

• Being made with premium quality ingredients, we do not fortify The Missing Link^® products with additional vitamins/minerals.  The vitamins/minerals present in the products are naturally occurring and present in small amounts.
• The supplements contain nutrients that vitamin/mineral supplements do not because our supplements are formulated using whole food and whole food concentrates.
• Therefore, there is no danger of "oversupplementation," as there is with some vitamin/mineral products.

How long will it take for the Skin & Coat / Hip & Joint supplements to work?

In approximately 30 days, you may notice the following “positive changes” in your pet:

• Attitude within 3 days
• Joint mobility, typically within 7 days*
• Skin and coat, typically within 30 days.

* Hips & Joints formula

Can I freeze The Missing Link®?

While it is best to keep the product refrigerated and top dress/mix into the food once a day as directed, you can freeze the product and it will remain a free-flowing powder. The product should still be used within the recommended 90 days after opening. To receive the maximum benefits from our products we recommend the following:

• Store in a cool, dry place after opening and use within 90 days, as stated on our label.
• Our gold foil pouches have been specially designed to protect our products and ensure their freshness. We suggest to customers that they keep the product in the pouch and put the whole pouch in an additional zip lock bag or tupperware.
• Buy the product size appropriate to your pet's needs.

Why is the supplement in a pouch?

Our supplements are rich and balanced in naturally occurring essential fatty acids (healing fats), fiber, minerals, vitamins, and a broad spectrum of bioactive "phytochemicals."

• Essential fatty acids - Omega 3, 6, and 9 - are polyunsaturated fats.  Therefore, they are very unstable if exposed to light, oxygen, or heat.
• The Missing Link^® Team ensures the freshest possible delivery of natural nutrients and EFA's in their most natural state with patented cold processing, proprietary packaging, and quality control.
• Our packaging protects the sensitive ingredients from heat, light and oxygen — the three main factors leading to degradation and loss of effectiveness.

Why isn't The Missing Link® Ultimate Feline Formula available in a larger size?

Since the majority of our customers have only one or two cats, they were not able to use an entire 8 oz size package within the recommended 90 days, so we switched to a 6-oz size. The alternative choice is to try the 1-lb The Missing Link^® Canine/Feline Well Blend Food – Sensitive Skin, Coat & More Formula. It contains many of the same wonderful nutritional benefits as the Feline Formula, expect it does not contain meat proteins or taurine.

When should I give my puppy the puppy health formula, and when can I switch to the adult formula?

Add The Missing Link^® Puppy Health Formula to your puppy’s diet according to its weight, after weaning. Then wait until at least 12 months to slowly introduce the Adult Formula.

What type of kelp do you use in your Missing Link original & Pet Kelp?

We use a proprietary blend of organic kelp that is sustainably harvested from the cold, ocean waters of Nova Scotia where the most prevalent species is ascophyllum nodosum.