We offer only the finest ingredients in our pet foods because the health
of your cats and dogs is extremely important to us.
For your reference,
we've provided a list of the common ingredients in pet foods. We hope that this will
help you understand what is in your pet's food and how our foods can help your cats and dogs.
| Alfalfa |
Alfalfa supplies protein, calcium, carotene, water-soluble vitamins,
alpha tocopherols (Vitamin E), and Vitamin D. |
| Amino Acids |
Components of protein. |
| Ascorbic Acid |
A crystalline Vitamin C found in citrus, fresh fruits, tomatoes, potatoes,
and green leafy vegetables. |
| Bacillus Coagulans |
A beneficial bacterium and digestive aid. |
| Calcium |
Mineral for bones, teeth, and muscles. |
| d-Calcium Pantothenate |
Source of vitamin B5. |
| Canola Oil |
One of the best oils for heart health. Made from crushed canola seeds, it has less saturated
fat than any other oil commonly used in the U.S. A diet low in saturated fat helps lower cholesterol levels.
It's also very high in healthier unsaturated fats — higher than any other oil except flaxseed oil.
Our canola oil is GMO-free.
(Contrary to claims found on the Internet, canola oil has low levels of erucic acid, is safe, and
has many health benefits.)
|
| Chelated Mineral |
A mineral dietary supplement; an essential mineral that has been treated
to make it more absorbable by the body when used as a dietary supplement. |
| Chicken Meat |
Fresh chicken muscle without any by-products, feet, heads, feathers, or intestines.
It is an excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids, and biotin. |
| Chicken Meal |
Moist-cooked fresh chicken meat that is fine ground into a meal.
It does not include by-products, feet, heads, feathers, or
intestines. |
| Chicken Fat |
An excellent source of palatability, essential fatty acids, and energy. |
| Chickpeas |
Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber,
and carbohydrates. According to USDA, they are a rich source of antioxidants and minerals such as iron, zinc,
magnesium, folate, and phosphorous.
The nutty seeds also have a number of essential vitamins like thiamin,
riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, A, B6, B12, and vitamin K.
|
| Choline |
Although choline is not by strict definition a
vitamin, it is an essential nutrient. Choline is used in the synthesis of
cell membranes and helps to prevent fat from being deposited in the liver. |
| Copper |
A small amount of copper improves utilization of iron. |
| Copper Sulfate |
Source of copper. |
| Copper Proteinate |
Chelate of Copper. |
| Cottage Cheese and Whole Egg |
High-quality protein; including tryptophan, calcium, and lecithin from
the egg yolk. |
| Enzymes |
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body, such as
digestion. |
| Fat |
Fat is an important component of the diet. Twenty-five to fifty percent
of the dietary
energy of dogs can come from fat. Fats are also needed for the absorption of
some vitamins (the “fat-soluble” vitamins: A, D, E, and K) and are a source of
essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids have the potential to become
oxidized (rancid) if sufficient amounts of antioxidants are not present.
Deficiencies can alter the oil film on the skin, leading to flaky skin and a
lusterless coat, and may also predispose to skin infections. In suspected cases
of fatty acid deficiencies, they can be supplemented by adding 1 teaspoon of soy
or corn oil to each cup of dry food. Capsules containing fish oils have a more
profound effect on the skin and hair coat. One of the most important functions
of the fat content of dog foods is to enhance palatability, or acceptability, of
the food. A well-balanced diet does no good if the dog won't eat an adequate
amount. Both dogs and people tend to like the taste of fatty foods. Some
manufacturers of dry dog foods use a technique more commonly used with dry cat
foods. A coating of fat is sprayed on the outside of each kibble after it has
been dried. Other pet food companies will spray the dry food with a material
called “digest.” Digest is partially degraded animal tissue such as ground
viscera of poultry, fish liver, and beef lungs. Either of these techniques can
enhance the palatability of pet food and does not detract from its nutritional
values. However, it is a good idea not to purchase a bag of dry dog food with
evidence of fat soaking through to the outside (“grease out”). |
| Ferrous Sulfate |
Source of iron. |
| Fish Meal |
Ground white fish, sardines, and anchovies.
Excellent source of methionine, selenium, and lysine. |
| Flax Seed |
High proportion base of unsaturated essential fatty acids.
Best vegetal source of Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin and a shiny coat. Also, a source of Omega-6 fatty acids.
|
| Folic Acid |
For blood, reproduction, and normal metabolic maintenance.
A B-complex vitamin (Vitamin B9) |
| Herring Meal |
Herring is a sardine! Using the entire fish provides excellent sources of calcium and potassium for healthy bones, omega fatty acids
which are known to help prevent skin problems, allergies, alleviate arthritis pain, reduce the risk of heart disease,
and have been shown to improve behavior and intelligence. |
| Inulin |
Naturally derived from chicory root, inulin supports digestive health in a
number of ways: it's a soluble dietary fiber, it aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients
(especially calcium), and is a prebiotic (a food source for the good bacteria in the intestines).
It's also a bit sweet — healthy good taste!
|
| Iron |
For healthy blood. More
important for dogs than cats since cats eat more meat.
A deficiency of iron causes nutritional anemia. |
| Iron Proteinate |
Chelate of iron. |
| Kelp |
Source
of iodine as well as an easy-to-digest protein wrapping for chelated
minerals. |
| Lentils, green |
Lentils contain the highest amount of protein originating from any plant. The amount of protein
in them is comparable to red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
They are an excellent source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Other nutritious components found are molybdenum, folate, tryptophan, manganese, iron, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B1, and potassium.
|
| Linoleic Acid |
For skin and coat; also known as omega-6 fatty acid
(studies have shown linoleic acid to be a natural anticarcinogen
in mice and rats. Further study needed for other animals and humans).
|
| Magnesium |
Mineral needed for healthy muscles, blood, and bones |
| Manganese Proteinate |
Chelate of manganese. |
| Meat |
Clean, wholesome muscle of slaughtered animals. |
| Minerals |
A number of
minerals are required by the body in small amounts, but they serve a number of
important functions, including muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and
structural integrity of bones. The proportions of different minerals, especially
the calcium phosphorus ratio, is crucial to their function. Dog foods are
formulated to contain the proper amounts and proportions of minerals.
Indiscriminate supplementation by well-meaning owners is the main cause of
mineral imbalances in dogs. |
| Monosodium Phosphate |
Acts as an antioxidant synergist, a stabiliser, and a buffer. |
| Niacin |
Water-soluble
Vitamin B3. Helps to maintain normal function of skin, nerves, digestive
system. |
| Oats |
Toasted oats are highly nutritious, have natural palatability enhancements,
and, combined with whole oat flour, provide extraordinary grain-based
nutrition. An excellent
source of protein without the allergy causing glutens found in wheat
and other grains. Rich
soluble fiber for better health.
|
| Pantothenic Acid |
Vitamin B5; for appetite, normal growth and development, and digestion. |
| Papain and Alpha-Amylase Enzymes |
Enzymes
added to facilitate digestion and absorption of protein and carbohydrates.
Amylase activity is derived from aspergillus niger, a microorganism
in the mod genera family, which produces an enzyme that helps to break
down starches into simple sugars for energy and metabolism.
|
| Potassium |
Mineral vital in proper muscle functioning and growth. |
| Potassium Chloride |
A source of potassium. |
| Potatoes |
Rich in potassium, lysine, and other minerals.
An excellent carbohydrate source (energy). |
| Probiotics |
Used to facilitate good health and wellness.
They inhibit unfriendly bacteria proliferation, help nutrient
absorption, and facilitate digestion. |
| Protein |
Proteins are the building blocks in animal nutrition. They are one of the most
important nutrients in the diet. Proteins are necessary for all aspects of
growth and development and are very important in structural make-up and the
immune system. In addition, they are burned as calories and can be converted
to and stored as fat. Most
important is the type of protein in the food, not the quantity. The
“Crude Protein” lists the total amount of protein, not the amount
that can be digested. |
| Pyridoxine Hydrochloride |
Source of Vitamin B6. Promotes normal
red blood cell formation. Maintains chemical balance among body
fluids. Regulates excretion of water. Helps in energy production
and resistance to stress. Acts as a co-enzyme in carbohydrate, protein,
and fat metabolism. |
| Quinoa |
A highly nutritious, gluten-free grain from South America.
A high andes grain that is 100% organically grown, rich in
amino acids, and an excellent energy source.
|
| Riboflavin |
Vitamin B2. Vitamin necessary
for red blood cell formation, antibody protection, cell respiration,
and growth. It alleviates eye fatigue. |
| Rice |
Excellent carbohydrate source. |
| Rosemary Extract |
Concentrated
with rich, naturally-occurring phenolic compounds that provide excellent
antioxidant activity to protect the fats, preventing harmful peroxide
and free radical formulation that reduces the nutrient quality. |
| Safflower Oil |
Highly
unsaturated oil extracted from safflower seeds; excellent for the
skin and coat. |
| Sodium Chloride |
Typically known as salt; it maintains normal body functions
such as digestion, pH, ability of
muscles to contract, and a healthy skin and coat. |
| Sodium Selenite |
Source
of Selenium, one of the seven trace minerals considered essential in
a pet's diet. Selenium
acts to naturally “detox” an animal's cells. |
| Tapioca |
From the root of the cassava plant, tapioca has a variety of uses in baking, most commonly in puddings.
It provides a slightly sweet flavor, and helps give foods a chewy and/or crisp texture.
Tapioca is perfect for a grain-free diet for dogs as it has a flavor that dogs enjoy,
is a novel carbohydrate, and has high digestibility.
|
| Taurine |
An essential amino acid necessary for proper bile formation,
health of the eye, and functioning of the heart muscle. Cats require
a high amount of taurine for their body functions, yet have limited enzymes
which can produce taurine from other amino acids such as methionine and
cysteine. Therefore, cats need a diet high in taurine. |
| Thiamine Mononitrate |
Vitamin B1; for appetite, growth, and muscles. |
| Tocopherols |
Closely related Vitamin E fat soluble compounds in vegetables.
Antioxidant and natural preservative. |
| Vitamins |
Vitamins are
a class of nutrient required in small amounts, less than 1% of the entire
diet. They all serve as enzymes, substances that regulate chemical reactions in
the body. These reactions include digestion of all other nutrients, nerve and
muscle function, as well as energy utilization. Routine vitamin supplementation
is usually unnecessary when a healthy dog is eating a quality commercial
diet. |
| Vitamin A Supplement |
For eyes, appetite, and growth. |
| Vitamin Bl2 Supplement |
For growth and blood. |
| Vitamin D3 Supplement |
For
bones and teeth; responsible for the absorption of calcium and
phosphorus from the intestines and subsequent deposition as bone. |
| Vitamin E |
An
antioxidant that helps preserve and protect the Vitamin A and other fatty
acids. Needed for reproduction, fights disease, and minimizes the
effects of pollution. |
| Water |
Water may be considered a nutrient, as it is a component of all foods and is
required by the body in a larger amount than any other nutrient. A 10% loss of
total body water (dehydration) results in serious disease, and a 15% loss
results in death. As a general rule, water of good quality should be available
to the animal at all times. Dogs usually prefer it cooler than room temperature.
When consuming only dry dog food, containing only about 9%
moisture, an animal will usually drink more of his free choice water than when
consuming all canned dog food.
This ensures that the total amount of water entering the body stays the same,
regardless of the form of the food. Dry foods and
canned foods are of equal value nutritionally,
as both should provide a complete and balanced diet. However, dogs consuming
only dry food usually have less dental disease, because less plaque is deposited
on the teeth than with canned food.
|
| Whey |
Dried whey (dried milk). |
| Zinc |
Important for growth and immune system function. |
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