Vital Defense | Cellular Support

Vital Defense is a cellular support supplement for dogs and cats — a proprietary blend of phytoplankton, chaga mushroom extract, and spirulina, formulated to protect your animal's cells from oxidative stress and support normal cellular growth, function, and repair. Developed by Adored Beast Apothecary founder Julie Anne Lee, DCH RCSHom, in response to the rising tide of chronic disease in companion animals.

Oxidative stress — caused by processed food, pollution, pesticides, chemicals, medications, stress, and second-hand smoke — damages healthy cells and accelerates ageing and disease. Vital Defense is built around three of nature's most potent antioxidant sources to provide a first line of cellular defence. Suitable for dogs and cats of all ages, from proactive seasonal use in young healthy animals to daily support for geriatric or chronically ill pets. 50g bottle. Comes with an included 1/32 tsp measuring scoop.

Phytoplankton are microscopic single-celled marine organisms that form the foundation of the ocean's food chain. Among the most nutrient-dense substances on Earth, they provide trace minerals, chlorophyll, essential amino acids, EPA, fatty acids, protein, and carotenoids — all absorbed directly at the cellular level, bypassing the digestive system entirely.

The key differentiator is Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) — referred to as the "king of antioxidants" and the first essential enzyme in the body's antioxidant defence pathway. SOD is the primary shield against oxidative stress, neutralising free radicals before they can damage healthy cells. Vital Defense uses a proprietary phytoplankton blend of three species: Nannochloropsis gaditana CCAP 849/5, Chlorella vulgaris, and Tetraselmis chui CCAP 8/6 — all grown on land in ocean water filtered to remove heavy metals, making it completely sustainable. Safe for animals with fish or shellfish allergies, as phytoplankton is a single-celled organism, not a fish.

Known as the "King of Medicinal Mushrooms," chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is the second most antioxidant-rich food in the world, surpassed only by cocoa. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, it features antioxidants, SOD, polyphenols, triterpenes, phytosterols, and beta-D-glucans — compounds that collectively support cellular integrity, immune function, and the body's natural defence against oxidative damage.

The chaga in Vital Defense is sustainably grown in North American forests and ethically harvested using age-old traditions that preserve the health of the trees on which it grows. It has been independently tested at Dalhousie University and found to be very low in oxalates (6–12mg/g) — well below the levels found in most commercial chaga products. To put this in context: a 25kg (55lb) dog receives approximately 12–13mg of oxalates from a daily dose of Vital Defense.

Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) is a blue-green algae rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and powerful antioxidants. Its primary antioxidant compound, phycocyanin, combats oxidative stress by blocking the production of molecules that promote inflammation, delivering both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. Grown in carefully monitored fresh-water production ponds with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy.

Each ingredient in Vital Defense is powerful on its own. Together, they are more powerful still — but only at the right ratios. Julie Anne Lee reviewed cell-based study data to identify the specific ratios of chaga, phytoplankton, and spirulina that produced the highest efficacy. The result is a formula where each ingredient amplifies the others, delivering synergistic cellular support that cannot be replicated by combining off-the-shelf versions of these ingredients separately.

All animals are subject to oxidative stress — but the level of exposure and urgency of support varies.

Young and healthy animals: Use once daily for one month, three times a year as the seasons change, to proactively protect healthy cells from future damage. Also recommended during periods of acute environmental stress — flooding, bushfire smoke, moving home, boarding — when free radical load spikes sharply.

Geriatric animals or those with chronic disease: Daily long-term use supports cellular regeneration, growth, and repair. Vital Defense can be used continuously or rotated with other Adored Beast Apothecary immune and cellular support products.

Vital Defense contains no inactive ingredients — no fillers, binders, artificial additives, GMOs, gluten, or parabens. 100% natural. Sustainably sourced and cruelty-free. Adored Beast Apothecary is a proud member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition.

Active ingredients per 2 scoops (156mg). Source: Adored Beast Apothecary.

A proprietary blend of: Chaga extract. Phytoplankton blend — Nannochloropsis gaditana CCAP 849/5, Chlorella vulgaris, Tetraselmis chui CCAP 8/6. Spirulina platensis.

Not less than 3mg of each ingredient. Inactive ingredients: None.

Give once daily during or after mealtime, mixed into food. Stir well before serving. Use the included 1/32 tsp scoop to measure.

Supply duration and cost per day based on the 50g bottle at SGD $195.

Dosing begins at 5 lbs. Not recommended for animals under 5 lbs. Suitable for both dogs and cats — use your pet's body weight to determine the appropriate dosage bracket.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and other animals. Does not require refrigeration.