Apocaps^® CX is best absorbed on an empty stomach, between meals. To minimize rare cases of digestive upset, it should be given with a very small amount of food, preferably less than 1-2 tablespoons. Please see the product label for dosing amounts and instructions.

We like to see Apocaps^® CX used at least twice a day, and the number of capsules you use with your dog is determined by how much your pup weighs.

Here is the current dosing for dogs, by weight:

5-10 pounds: 1 capsule two times daily
10-20 pounds: 2 capsules two times daily
20-40 pounds: 3 capsules in the AM and 2 capsules in the PM
40-60 pounds: 3 capsules three times daily
60+ pounds: 3 capsules three times daily

The reason the label warns against giving Apocaps® CX to dogs under five pounds is because the vast majority of dogs weighing less than five pounds are puppies, and Apocaps® CX should not be used in puppies.

Another reason is that the total daily dose of Apocaps® CX for an adult dog weighing less than five pounds would be one Apocaps® CX capsule, split in two doses, and it is difficult to be exact in dosing without the capsule.

However, if your dog is an adult dog that weighs less than 5 pounds, and you are willing to work a little, you can give half a capsule two times daily.

To do this, open the Apocaps® CX capsule and give your dog half of the powder inside in the morning, and the other half of the powder at night. Mix the powder into a little bit of food to buffer the tummy.

You will probably not be exact in your dosing, but do as best you can to give half a capsule day and night.

Apocaps is best given on an empty stomach, so that it doesn't "compete" with foods, supplements, or medications. Give it with just a small amount -- 1-2 tablespoons -- of food, just to buffer the stomach.

Give Apocaps® CX at least two hours after eating, or ideally four hours after eating. Or, if your schedule can't work between meals, you could also give one hour before a meal. (That way the stomach will be empty, and there will be enough time for Apocaps® CX to go to work before you introduce more food.)

There is some evidence that Apocaps® CX is best absorbed on/around the 11's -- 11am and 11pm. So, if you can, give it in late morning and just before bed time.

If this doesn't work for your schedule, it's OK to give Apocaps® CX closer to mealtime, or even with a meal. This cuts down on the bioavailability a little, but doesn't erase it.

There is some evidence that giving Apocaps® CX in the late morning (10-11 AM) and/or the late evening (10-11 PM) may be most effective, but this may not be convenient for you.

If this is inconvenient for you, wait a minimum of one hour before or two hours after a meal, and give Apocaps® CX with 1-2 tablespoons of food.

It's true, Apocaps® CX is most effective and most easily absorbed when given between meals, on an empty stomach, with just a little food (1-2 tablespoons), as the label states. Giving Apocaps® CX with a full meal reduces the absorption of Apocaps® CX slightly.

However, if it’s difficult to give between meals, or if your dog experiences digestive upset, giving Apocaps® CX with meals is a great way to go.

Yes, you can open the capsules and mix the Apocaps® CX powder directly into your dog's food. The capsules are used to dose the powder -- they aren't part of its bioavailability -- so opening the capsules, mixing the powder into food directly, and discarding the capsules is fine.

We have a couple of ideas to share about how to administer pills to your dog. Hopefully one of these will help.

First, it's important to be in the right mindset, in order to avoid tipping your dog off. Dogs are extremely conscious of our body language, and we often communicate to them our next steps without realizing it. So, one big tip is to think about something else while you are getting the pills out. Preferably something you love or your dog loves. For example, if your dog adores chasing balls, start thinking about going out for a game BEFORE you head to the kitchen. We aren't claiming that your dog can "read your mind," but it does seem as if they pick up on subtle cues and associations easily.

So, if you think about something else while you are preparing the food/pills, it can help the dog relax and anticipate good things, rather than dreadful icky pills.

Some dogs who don't like pills don't mind them when wrapped in irresistible substances like peanut butter, cream cheese, their regular food, cheese, or pill pockets (the little treats that are hollowed out, and you just insert the pill and then squish the treat back together, completely encapsulating the pill).

If you've already tried treats like that, and your dog is still suspicious, you can open the Apocaps® CX capsules and dump the powder into a small amount of food and give it to your dog in powder form. (The capsule is used to dose the powder; it's not integral to the way the powder works.)

MOST dogs do not object to the taste of the powder, but of course all dogs have their own likes and dislikes.

Usually, this takes care of the pill problem. Just open up the capsules (they just pull apart), and empty the capsules into food, and discard the empty capsules.

Since Apocaps® CX is best given with a small amount of food to buffer the stomach, on an empty stomach between meals, this usually works out great for dogs who don't like pills.

Most dogs tolerate Apocaps® CX really well, but obviously, if your dog is allergic to individual ingredients in Apocaps® CX, or if he or she has an allergic reaction to Apocaps® CX, avoid or discontinue use.

If your dog is allergic to gelatin, empty the powder from the capsule into a small amount of food, discarding the capsule.

Dogs actively experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should not be given Apocaps® CX, because anything given by mouth (any food, medication, or supplement) could possibly cause further stomach irritation. Discontinue use until the problem has resolved, and then start Apocaps® CX back up.

Dogs less than 5 pounds should not use Apocaps® CX capsules at this strength, although your veterinarian might want you to use it by opening capsules and using part of the powder inside.

Safety has not been established for use in pregnant, nursing or breeding dogs. Consult with your veterinarian before any change to your dog’s health care.

Yes, almost always, and your veterinarian will be able to advise you about your dog's case. Apocaps® CX is extremely safe, with fewer than 5% of dogs experiencing mild GI side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. (That’s a typical rate for any change in diet, medication, or supplement.) The most common reported side effect is loose stool, which clears up with a reduced dose and gradually increasing to a full dose over time. In general, veterinarians feel very comfortable using Apocaps® CX with other treatments, due to its great safety record. Because it may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect in some dogs, it’s a good idea to use Apocaps® CX at half or quarter dose if the dog is on a separate pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory (NSAID or steroid). Otherwise, Apocaps® CX is an excellent candidate for synergistic use!

Yes, in general, with a little caution and, of course, under your veterinarian's supervision. Apocaps® CX may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect in some dogs, so using it alongside other anti-inflammatories could theoretically increase the risk of GI side effects (like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea). That's why we recommend reducing the dose of Apocaps® CX to a half or quarter dose if you are using prednisone or any NSAIDs. We also recommend giving Apocaps® CX with a full meal in these cases, to buffer the stomach.

Or, if preferred by your veterinarian, the dose of the prednisone, prednisolone or NSAID may be reduced to half or quarter dose, instead. Please check with your own veterinarian to see what is recommended in your dog's case, and in the meantime, it would be conservative to drop the dose of Apocaps® CX to half or one-quarter the labeled dose. For instance, if your dog is supposed to get three pills three times daily, you might give two pills in the morning, and two in the evening.

Considerations for using Apocaps® CX before surgery are the same as recommendations for using fish oil: it’s at the veterinarian’s discretion. The most cautious veterinarians may suggest stopping Apocaps® CX three days prior to surgery, and then resuming once healing from the surgery is complete.

No. The apoptogens in Apocaps® CX are dosed at potent levels, which allows for a pro-oxidant effect. While beta-glucans are included for a little immune support, overall, Apocaps® CX is not considered an antioxidant.

Dogs already being given standalone supplements listed on the label are probably not receiving the full benefit, because bioavailability is almost always a problem with dietary apoptogens. (That’s why we formulate with Biovadex™.) Most veterinarians recommend using Apocaps® CX instead of standalone supplements because of its more potent blend and the excellent synergy among the included apoptogens.

The exact amounts of the ingredients in our formula are proprietary, but even if they weren't, knowing the exact amounts wouldn't help you know how much overlap there is between Apocaps® CX and the ingredients given as separate supplements.

This is because the synergy among all of the dietary apoptogens (especially the citrus bioflavonoids we use, which are both expensive and rare and not found in most supplements) seems to make the formula "more than the sum of its parts." Also, the way we formulate Apocaps® CX helps to increase absorption, and makes it more potent than most standalone supplements.

Apocaps® CX is carefully constructed to be complete on its own, and no duplicating supplements are needed.

This is why most veterinarians will simply stop giving other supplements with these ingredients, because the more potent and bioavailable formula in Apocaps® CX is usually better and more supportive than giving each one separately. In other words, if you gave each ingredient separately in the doses found in our formula, you probably wouldn't have the same benefits as giving Apocaps, because the formula enhances the ingredients and helps them absorb.

Some people like using separate supplements, either because they are already used to doing so or because they think they are saving money. If you insist on doing this, please do not add Apocaps® CX to your pharmacological mix. This could potentially over-dose your loved pup.

Natural, herbal products are not "always safe at any dose," as any pharmacist will tell you, so please either consult with your veterinarian about this and all other supplement use.

No, Apocaps® CX is not a medicinal mushroom blend. Apocaps® CX is a blend of dietary apoptogens, including citrus bioflavonoids, silymarin, curcumin, rutin, and gingerols, with a small amount of beta-glucans from mushrooms added, along with other supportive ingredients. Apocaps® CX is designed to support the body's normal levels of apoptosis, and offers pro-oxidant support.

On the other hand, medicinal mushroom supplements like K9 Immunity, I'm Yunity, or any other blend/brand of mushrooms, usually don't contain any dietary apoptogens, and their levels of beta glucans are much higher. The purpose of a mushroom blend is usually immune support and anti-oxidant support.

There is no conflict in using them alongside each other, and Apocaps® CX was created with the use of a separate mushroom supplement in mind. It's best to give them at separate times, because their pro-oxidant/antioxidant effects conflict -- but typically this is not a problem, because Apocaps® CX is given between meals, and mushrooms with meals.

Yes, you can give Apocaps® CX to your dog if she is on antioxidants, just give them at separate times of day, ideally a minimum of three hours apart. Often antioxidants are given with meals, so time your Apocaps® CX doses between meals on an empty stomach or with a very small amount of food for best effects.

When we formulated Apocaps® CX, we had to take into account that dogs of all sizes would be using it. That's why we use the tiniest capsules available -- size 00 -- so that dogs as small as 5 pounds can take Apocaps. Dogs that small only need two capsules per day, one taken in the morning, and one in the evening. If we used a larger capsule, small and medium size dogs would not be able to take the supplement.

We understand that if your dog is large, and needs nine capsules a day, it can seem like "too much." However, it's not too much. Three small capsules per dose is easier for many dogs to take than one large capsule. So this solution works out for large dogs, too!
One of the reasons we generally need to give dogs larger doses of supplements as compared to humans is because they have much shorter intestinal tracts than we do. We need to "hit them with a big dose" in order to make sure the ingredients make it into their blood stream. The human formulation of Apocaps® CX, Apocaps® HN, will be dosed at much lower doses, because we have so much more time to absorb things in our intestinal tracts.

We understand that for big dogs, Apocaps® CX can be more expensive than it is for smaller dogs. That's why we have a "big dog compassion program" where we allow people to purchase Apocaps at wholesale prices if they order on wholesale terms, with a minimum of ten bottles, non-returnable.

If this sounds interesting to you, please call to get more details, toll-free: 888-936-4226.

No problem! Just open the Apocaps® CX capsules and dump the powder into a small amount of food, and give it to your dog in powder form. (The capsule is used to dose the powder; it's not integral to the way the powder works.)

Apocaps® CX does not need refrigeration or any special storage, although excessive heat is not a good idea in general for supplements of any kind.

Because we manufacture to human nutraceutical standards, not pet supplement standards, every bottle and every box has the lot number and expiration date stamped on the outside.

In general, we manufacture in small batches to ensure products are as fresh as possible. Apocaps® CX is shelf stable for up to three years from manufacture, but we set the expiration date for two years from manufacture.

Apocaps® CX is made and manufactured in the USA.

Most of our ingredients are sourced in the U.S., but a few of the esoteric ingredients simply are not available here, because they come from other traditions. In any case, all ingredients are tested to be what they say they are, and safe.

Because we test for this. We test every batch of every ingredient, before it's used to make Apocaps® CX. Any raw ingredient that has residue is just not used. These tests are required by the FDA for human nutraceutical manufacturing. They are routine and done for every raw ingredient, and every batch of Apocaps® CX.

Most of our ingredients are sourced in the U.S., but a few of the esoteric ingredients simply are not available here, because they come from other traditions. In any case, all ingredients are tested to be what they say they are, and safe. In general, organic ingredients are desirable, of course, but not always totally possible. Keep in mind that we use extracts of botanicals to boost their potency.

It's also important to know that each batch of ingredients undergoes many safety tests before it is used. Pesticides and herbicides are among the many contaminants we test for before an ingredient is used. Any raw ingredient that has residue is not used. These tests are required by the FDA for human nutraceutical manufacturing. They are routine and done for every raw ingredient, and every batch of Apocaps® CX.

Lecithin is generally extracted from soybeans, and most soybean crops at this point in the U.S. are genetically modified. However, keep in mind that lecithin is an extract, not made from the entire bean. The cells are opened up to extract the lecithin inside.

We are continually on the lookout for a non-GMO source of lecithin that doesn't vastly increase the cost of Apocaps® CX, but at this point, we have not found one.

Lecithin is generally extracted from soybeans, and most soybean crops grown in the U.S. are genetically modified. However, keep in mind that lecithin is an extract, not made from the entire bean. The cells are opened up to extract the lecithin inside. If we find a viable, non-GMO source of lecithin in the future, we will use it, but for now the sources would increase the cost so much that most people would be unable to afford Apocaps® CX.

No, peanut hulls are not used in Apocaps® CX. They were in an earlier formulation, but now we extract citrus bioflavonoids from sweet oranges, instead. There are no peanut products or peanut extracts in any Functional Nutriments product.

No, there are not. We use plain gelatin capsules, and there are no artificial colors or dyes used in any Functional Nutriments products.

Magnesium stearate was chosen deliberately and with intention, because it is the form of magnesium that works best in our formula. Apocaps® CX is not a collection of "nice to haves," it's a blend of ingredients that are chosen for specific reasons, and for specific functions. The choice of which form of every ingredient is based on what makes the whole work best. It's very thoughtfully put together, and each ingredient is essentially doing double-or-triple duty in terms of both benefit and bioavailability. Magnesium stearate is part of our Biovadex^™ technology, and helps the body to better absorb the much more important, dietary apoptogens.

Similar to magnesium stearate, the form of vitamin C we include was chosen deliberately and with intention, because it works best in our formula. Apocaps® CX is not a collection of "nice to haves," it's a blend of ingredients that are chosen for specific reasons, and for specific functions. The choice of which form of every ingredient is based on what makes the whole work best. It's very thoughtfully put together, and each ingredient is essentially doing double-or-triple duty in terms of both benefit and bioavailability. The vitamin C is part of our Biovadex^™ technology, and helps the body to better absorb the much more important, dietary apoptogens.

Because pet supplements are a competitive business, and we don't want to give our formula away. We're kind of like Coca Cola, that way .

Usually, when people ask for the amount of each of the ingredients in Apocaps® CX, they are hoping to save money by buying and dosing the separate ingredients. We understand this, because it's true that Apocaps® CX costs more on its own than if you purchased some of the more common ingredients separately.

Sometimes, when people ask this question, they are asking because they are in a state of "I need to do everything possible for my dog, so I will give everything myself, including everything else I've read about, too."

However, giving the separate apoptogens on their own, even if you exactly duplicated the amounts we use, would not have the same benefit as giving Apocaps® CX. That's because Apocaps® CX is not just a collection of ingredients -- it's formulated for enhanced bioavailability, and so it seems to be "more than the sum of its parts.

With our roots in veterinary medicine, we have a history of using separate supplements, and trying to build bioavailability in the home kitchen. The reason Apocaps® CX even exists is because it became clear that in order to really make these dietary apoptogens bioavailable, we had to figure out how to trick the digestive system into letting them through into the bloodstream.
One of the reasons Apocaps® CX costs more than separate supplements is because some of the included dietary apoptogens are rare or hard to source. Another is that it is formulated in such a way that it combines them for bioavailability. Most supplements cost pennies to make, but not Apocaps® CX.

Giving the ingredients separately would not give the same benefit as giving them altogether in Apocaps' formulation. In fact, Apocaps® CX was designed to be more convenient and safer than being a "home-based pharmacist."

Giving more of a good thing does not mean that you are helping. Dosing matters, and sometimes, less is more. As a company intimately involved in supporting health, we are concerned about what we see as a rampant culture of using "natural supplements because they are safe," without understanding the potential pitfalls and dangers of using too much, or bad combinations.
That's why we rely on not just our chief medical officer's formulation, but the input of a whole team of scientists, nutritionists, and pharmacists to make our formulations.

We respectfully ask that if you want to give the separate ingredients of Apocaps® CX to your dog, either to save money or because you have a different strategy and don't want to "just use Apocaps," please do not buy or use Apocaps® CX for your dog. It's carefully constructed to be complete and perfect for supporting normal apoptosis on its own, and duplicating the formulation or double-dosing the individual ingredients is not recommended and should be avoided.

When you open a bottle of Apocaps® CX, there should be 90 capsules inside. The size of the bottle is appropriate for shipping and self-storage, and the bottle is packed to make sure that the capsules are as safe as possible as they are warehoused, shipped, and stored in your home.

No, we have never had a product recall. We manufacture to human nutraceutical standards, which means that every batch of ingredients, and each batch of Apocaps® CX, goes through thorough testing before, during, and after manufacturing. When a new lot of Apocaps® CX leaves our manufacturing facility, we are confident it is safe and consistent.

If we ever needed to do a recall, we would go through the same process that any other human-grade nutraceutical would, according to the law. We would use the Lot Number and Expiration Date associated with the problematic batch to recall the product. We would notify every retailer, veterinarian, or customer who had bought a bottle from that batch, alert them about the recall, and replace the product.

If you purchase directly from us, you will hear about a recall directly from us. If you purchase via a retailer or veterinarian, we would alert the retailer and work with them to make sure that you know about the recall.

We manufacture to human nutraceutical standards, not pet supplement standards, so there are several safety features on our bottles.

Please check to see if the tamper-evident seal around the neck of the bottle is intact when you get your bottle of Apocaps.

Also, check to see if the safety seal on the top of the uncapped bottle is present. That seal should be tight and completely closed around the entire neck of the bottle.

Also, check to make sure that your bottle is stamped with a Lot Number and an expiration date.

There should be 90 capsules in your bottle.

If anything seems awry, please call us at 888-936-4226 and let us know. Depending upon where you purchased your bottle, we will instruct you as to how to proceed.

We are really sorry to hear that. It might be helpful to know that our chief medical officer, Dr. Demian Dressler, was once a skeptical veterinarian with a thoroughly conventional mindset, too. What changed his mind was simple: research.

We invite your veterinarian to visit our veterinary information portal, where they can review the white paper on dietary apoptogens, see links to the original literature that forms the basis for our formulas, take courses, and hear what other veterinarians think about Apocaps® CX. They can register using their veterinary license at https://Vet.FunctionalNutriments.com/. And if you are looking for a second opinion, you can find holistic veterinarians through their Find a Vet feature on their trade website: https://AHVMA.org.

And many veterinary oncologists use our products. You can find one in your area through their trade website: https://ACVIM.org.

We're sorry to hear that. After nearly a decade of use, more and more veterinarians are at least familiar with Apocaps® CX, although some have never used it personally.

With "outside the box" strategies, some veterinarians just need a client to assure them that they want to try it. As long as you are working with your veterinarian, many of them will take a "as long as it doesn't hurt, I guess it's worth a try" attitude. Vets usually start recommending Apocaps® CX to other clients after they see its benefits in one dog.

If that doesn't seem to apply to you, you might want to get a second opinion. You can ask your veterinarian for a referral, or ask your neighbors for their recommendations. Breed clubs or the local dog trainer might also have good referrals. You can also find veterinarians on their trade websites by entering your zip code:

• https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/finding-a-veterinarian.aspx
• https://ahvma.org
• https://acvim.org

Dr. Dressler conducted a pilot trial in concert with other veterinarians long before 2010, when Apocaps® CX was first brought to market. That pilot trial was focused on safety and ease of use, and it was a great success, which is why we launched Apocaps® CX after its conclusion. Since 2010, Apocaps® CX has been used around the world, and over 3 million doses have been given, and there are many veterinarians using it.

The science behind Apocaps® CX has also been vetted by the National Institutes of Health in Washington, DC. In 2010, Functional Nutriments was awarded a grant in the amount of a quarter million dollars to “Develop Cancer Chemosensitizer & Radiosensitizer Using Bioavailable Dietary Apoptogens.” This exciting development early in our company’s history forced us to make an important decision: did we want to stay on the nutraceutical path, or become a pharmaceutical company and develop synthetic versions of our dietary apoptogens? After much soul-searching, we committed to the nutraceutical version, and we’re glad we did – even if it meant giving up that prestigious and lucrative grant.