PlumaVita™ Avian Whole Food Supplement Powder
for Feather, Skin, Vision & Respiratory Support

Ingredients: Carrot powder*, Pumpkin fruit powder*, Green pumpkin seed powder*, Nettle leaf powder*, Calendula powder*, Wheatgrass powder*, Alfalfa powder*, Chamomile flower powder*, Kelp powder*, Coral calcium powder.
*denotes organic ingredient

Estimated Guaranteed Analysis
(per 100 g dry product — formulation estimate)
Nutrient Estimated Level:
Crude Protein 14–16%
Crude Fat 3–5%
Crude Fiber 10–12%
Moisture ≤10%
Ash 10–12%
Calcium 1.8–2.7%
Phosphorus 0.25–0.45%
Iodine 25–45 ppm
Beta-carotene equivalent 22,000–27,000 IU/kg
Lutein + Zeaxanthin 12–22 mg/100 g

Instructions for use: Offer 1 scoop (1/3 tsp) to each ½ cup moist foods. Best to sprinkle over food and mix in just prior to feeding.

Some of the science behind the ingredients we use:

1. Vitamin A / Beta-Carotene (Feather, Skin, Vision, Immune Health)

Relevant ingredients:
Carrot powder, pumpkin powder, leafy greens (nettle, alfalfa, wheatgrass)

Key claims supported

• Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A
• Vitamin A supports epithelial tissue integrity, vision, and immune function in birds
• Vitamin A deficiency leads to poor feather quality and epithelial disorders

References

1. Koutsos, E. A., Matson, K. D., & Klasing, K. C. (2001).
   Nutrition of birds in the order Psittaciformes: a review.
   Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery.
2. Klasing, K. C. (1998).
   Comparative Avian Nutrition.
   CAB International.
3. McDowell, L. R. (2000).
   Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition.
   Iowa State University Press.
4. Koutsos, E. A. (2016).
   Vitamin A and carotenoid nutrition in birds.

Supporting context: vitamin A is essential for vision, reproduction, immune function, and epithelial tissue maintenance in birds.

Beta-carotene-rich vegetables such as carrots and pumpkin provide a safe dietary source of vitamin A precursors for birds.

2. Carotenoids (Lutein, Zeaxanthin) and Feather Pigmentation

Relevant ingredients:
Marigold (Calendula), carrot, pumpkin, leafy greens

Key claims supported

• Carotenoids act as antioxidants
• Contribute to pigmentation and coloration in birds
• Support eye health

References

1. McGraw, K. J. (2006).
   Mechanics of carotenoid-based coloration in birds.
   Bird Coloration: Mechanisms and Measurements.
2. Surai, P. F. (2002).
   Natural antioxidants in avian nutrition and reproduction.
   Nottingham University Press.
3. Olson, V. A., & Owens, I. P. (1998).
   Costly sexual signals: are carotenoids rare, risky or required?
   Trends in Ecology & Evolution.

Birds commonly use carotenoid pigments for coloration of feathers and tissues.

3. Functional Mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Reishi) – Neuroprotection and Immune Support

Relevant ingredients:
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Key claims supported

• Lion’s Mane compounds stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF)
• Mushroom β-glucans support immune modulation
• Mushroom polysaccharides provide antioxidant effects

References

1. Friedman, M. (2015).
   Chemistry, nutrition, and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus.
   Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
2. Wasser, S. P. (2010).
   Medicinal mushroom science: current perspectives.
   Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
3. Heleno, S. A. et al. (2015).
   Bioactive compounds from mushrooms: nutritional and medicinal potential.
   Food Chemistry.

Mushroom polysaccharides such as β-glucans show antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in experimental studies.

Blueberries and Lion's Mane may provide complementary neuroprotective benefits , with blueberry anthocyanins helping to reduce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and amyloid formation, while Lion's Mane compounds support nerve growth factor (NGF) production, neuronal plasticity, and cognitive function.

Blueberries and Reishi may act synergistically to enhance antioxidant and immune defenses, as blueberry polyphenols complement the β-glucans, triterpenoids, and other bioactive compounds in Reishi that exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities.

Blueberry polyphenols and Lion's Mane polysaccharides may support the gut-brain axis, potentially fostering a more diverse and metabolically active gut microbiome that contributes to improved neuroimmune function and overall neurological resilience.

• Ahles, S., Stevens, Y. R., Theeuwen, J. J. E., & Mensink, R. P. (2021).
  Effects of berry anthocyanins on cognitive performance, vascular function and cardiometabolic risk markers: A systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled intervention studies in humans. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(12), 6482.
• Kalt, W., Cassidy, A., Howard, L. R., Krikorian, R., Stull, A. J., Tremblay, F., & Zamora-Ros, R. (2020).
  Recent research on the health benefits of blueberries and their anthocyanins. Advances in Nutrition, 11(2), 224–236.
• Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009).
  Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372.
• Tran, P. H. L., Tran, T. T. D., Lee, B. J., & Tran, T. T. D. (2021).
  Blueberry supplementation in neuronal health and protective technologies for efficient delivery of blueberry anthocyanins. Biomolecules, 11(1), 102.

4. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – Liver Protection

Relevant ingredient:
Milk thistle seed powder

Key claims supported

• Silymarin complex has hepatoprotective properties
• Antioxidant effects help protect liver cells
• Used in both human and animal liver support research

References

1. Abenavoli, L. et al. (2010).
   Milk thistle for treatment of liver disease.
   American Journal of Medicine.
2. Federico, A., et al. (2017).
   Silymarin in liver diseases: mechanisms and clinical applications.
   Phytotherapy Research.
3. Tedesco, D. et al. (2004).
   Silymarin, a possible hepatoprotective compound in animal nutrition.
   Animal Feed Science and Technology.

Silymarin derived from milk thistle has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties widely studied in liver disease models.

Milk thistle is also used in animal feed additives for liver support.

5. Oregano (Carvacrol, Thymol) – Antimicrobial and Gut Health

Relevant ingredient:
Oregano powder

Key claims supported

• Carvacrol and thymol possess antimicrobial activity
• Can influence gut microbial balance in animals
• Used in poultry nutrition as a phytogenic additive

References

1. Burt, S. (2004).
   Essential oils: their antibacterial properties and potential applications in foods.
   International Journal of Food Microbiology.
2. Hashemipour, H. et al. (2013).
   Effect of thymol and carvacrol on broiler performance and gut health.
   Animal Feed Science and Technology.
3. Windisch, W. et al. (2008).
   Use of phytogenic products as feed additives for poultry.
   Journal of Animal Science.

Experimental poultry studies show oregano-derived compounds can affect intestinal health and nutrient absorption.

6. Hibiscus – Antioxidant and Cardiovascular Support

Relevant ingredient:
Hibiscus flower powder

Key claims supported

• Anthocyanin antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

References

1. Da-Costa-Rocha, I. et al. (2014).
   Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A phytochemical and pharmacological review.
   Food Chemistry.
2. Hopkins, A. L. et al. (2013).
   Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Hibiscus extracts.
   Phytomedicine.

Anthocyanins in hibiscus are potent antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage.

7. Nettle (Urtica dioica) – Mineral Density and Antioxidant Activity

Relevant ingredient:
Nettle leaf powder

Key claims supported

• High mineral density (iron, magnesium, calcium)
• Antioxidant phytochemicals

References

1. Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., & Chrubasik, S. (2007).
   A comprehensive review on Urtica dioica.
   Phytomedicine.
2. Gülçin, I. et al. (2004).
   Antioxidant activity of Urtica dioica extracts.
   Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

8. Marshmallow Root – Gastrointestinal Mucilage Support

Relevant ingredient:
Marshmallow root powder

Key claims supported

• High mucilage content
• Soothing effect on gastrointestinal mucosa

References

1. Al-Snafi, A. E. (2013).
   The pharmacological importance of Althaea officinalis.
   International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review.
2. Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2013).
   Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy.

9. Adaptogenic Herbs (Tulsi, Chamomile)

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

References

1. Cohen, M. (2014).
   Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: a herb for all reasons.
   Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

Chamomile

1. McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006).
   Chamomile: An herbal medicine with a bright future.
   Molecular Medicine Reports.

These herbs show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming properties.

10. Kelp – Iodine and Trace Minerals

Relevant ingredient:
Kelp powder

Key claims supported

• Provides iodine necessary for thyroid function
• Supplies trace minerals

References

1. Holdt, S. L., & Kraan, S. (2011).
   Bioactive compounds in seaweed: functional food applications.
   Journal of Applied Phycology.
2. Teas, J. (2004).
   Seaweed consumption and iodine nutrition.
   Thyroid.