Guest post by Dr Marlene Siegel DVM
In the wild, animals instinctively seek out the nutrients they need for survival. One of these potent compounds is Vitamin B17, naturally found in many plants and seeds, such as Apricot Seeds, bitter almonds, apple seeds, peach pits, plum pits, mung beans, cassava, and loquat leaves, to name a few.
Pets today are fed highly processed diets and are isolated from nature, having no ability to forage for the vital nutrients they need to maintain resilient health. Some researchers believe that dogs and cats that eat grass may be seeking Vitamin B17, along with other essential vitamins and minerals.
The veterinary industry is seeing unprecedented increases in chronic disease conditions like osteoarthritis, skin issues, obesity, autoimmune disease, and cancer. The root cause of all of these is inflammation resulting from deficiencies, toxicities, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Though widely misunderstood and underutilized in conventional veterinary care, Vitamin B17 is gaining attention in integrative circles for its unique ability to support cellular health and immune system balance, especially in animals facing or predisposed to abnormal cell growth. Read more in these publications: (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31610669/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9816781/)
The Science Behind Vitamin B17’s Power
Vitamin B17’s magic lies in how it interacts with enzymes in the body:
- Healthy cells contain the enzyme rhodanese, which neutralizes the components of Vitamin B17, specifically hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde, converting them into beneficial compounds.
- Abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, lack rhodanese but are rich in another enzyme called beta-glucosidase. This enzyme activates Vitamin B17’s hidden potential, releasing the cyanide and benzaldehyde directly within the cancer cell, effectively destroying it, without harming healthy tissue.
This “targeted release” mechanism has earned Vitamin B17 the nickname “Nature’s chemotherapy” without the devastating side effects of conventional treatments.
Why Vitamin B17 Is Missing From Your Pet’s Diet
Wild carnivores get Vitamin B17 from the digestive tracts of their plant-eating prey that foraged on a variety of plants that were high in Vitamin B17.
Modern processed pet foods
- Are they enzymatically dead from high-heat processing
- Often contain genetically modified ingredients
- Often use synthetic vitamins (which are poorly bioavailable)
- Lacking the diversity of nutrients pets would find in a wild diet
- The “meats” used in processed foods are fed GMO grains on a feedlot; they are not foraging in pastures with natural plant diversity
Could Vitamin B17 Help Your Pet?
Vitamin B17 is not a cure-all, but when used as part of a comprehensive wellness protocol, it can help support:
- Cellular detoxification
- Healthy immune surveillance
- Mitochondrial function
- Natural defense against abnormal cell growth
The key to health, resilience, and longevity begins with a healthy terrain, the environment within the body.
How To Add Vitamin B17 To Your Pet’s Wellness Program:
Vitamin B17 can be found in natural forms, such as ground Apricot Seeds or specialized B17 supplements specifically designed for pets.
When choosing a product, look for:
- Clean, organic sources (no added preservatives or flavorings)
- Reputable company
- Clear dosing instructions based on the weight of the pet
Health Care Vs Broke Care: Begins With Knowledge
As pet parents, we must learn how to care for our animals before dis-ease sets in. Waiting until there's a diagnosis limits your options and often leads to reactionary decisions rather than empowered, informed choices.
I created The Empowered Pet Parent Course to provide you with the foundational knowledge every pet parent needs to ensure their fur baby thrives.
Because without that foundation:
- It’s hard to know what to implement.
- It’s overwhelming to know what’s right for your pet, in your environment.
- And most importantly, it’s tough to connect the dots between diet, lifestyle, environment, and health outcomes.
Every pet is unique. Lifestyles are different. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Start with the 6 Keys to Health and Healing Pets, Naturally
Download my free eBook: The 6 Keys to Health and Healing Pets, naturally—a simple but powerful guide to understanding what your pet truly needs to be well.
And when you're ready to go deeper, the Empowered Pet Parent Course is just three hours long, taken at your own pace, and gives you lifelong tools to support your pet’s well-being, naturally and intentionally.
👉 [Download the Free eBook Here]
👉 [Enroll in the Empowered Pet Parent Course Here]
Don’t wait for a diagnosis to make changes. Start today. Nature is your guide, and knowledge is your power.
Explore our Vitamin B17 for Pets supplements that are responsibly sourced, easy to dose, and designed with your pet’s well-being in mind.
Richardson Nutritional Center is a dedicated provider of high-quality natural health supplements and products. Our mission is to promote wellness and healthy living through the use of safe and effective dietary supplements that support the body's natural healing processes. With a wide selection of supplements formulated to meet specific health needs, we are committed to providing the highest quality products. Whether you are searching for vitamin supplements or therapeutic seeds, you can rely on Richardson Nutritional Center to deliver safe and effective solutions for optimal health and wellness.