Alpha-linolenic acid

fatty acid

An omega-3 fatty acid which may be an essential fatty acid for your dog.

Amino Acids

amino acid

Amino acids are smaller subunits of protein or protein building blocks. There are about 20 amino acids, and they can be arranged in almost infinite sequences, resulting in a wide variety of proteins. These are found in hair, skin, muscle, antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Lack of amino acids in the proper amounts, causing protein chains to be incomplete or interrupted, leads to health problems. When amino acids are not produced or consumed in the proper amounts, the body may continue to "run" but the animal will develop symptoms of poor health from the loss of continuous protein turnover. Meat proteins contain all the essential amino acids, in at least the minimum amounts required, to best supply your dog's needs.

Arachidonic Acid

fatty acid

An omega-6 polyunsaturated acid found only in animal fats. Arachidonic and linoleic acid are essential fatty acids for cats. Dogs only require linoleic acid, but some Arachidonic Acid in their diet certainly won't hurt.

Ascorbic Acid

vitamin

A dietary source of vitamin C.

Beef By-Products

protein

Beef by-products are a protein source that includes beef muscle meat as well as beef organ meat. They provide essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis and other metabolic processes.

Beef Heart

protein

Whole, trimmed, boneless heart from beef. It provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis and other metabolic processes.

Beef Liver

protein

Whole or ground liver from beef. It provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis and other metabolic processes.

Beet Pulp

fiber

Beet pulp is the material which remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains little or no sugar. Beet pulp is a source of fiber in dog and cat diets. It is a moderately fermentable fiber, and provides bulk for normal feces and energy for cells lining the intestine. It also enhances intestinal health and is broken down by intestinal bacteria to provide short-chain fatty acids, an energy source for intestinal cells. There is nothing in beet pulp that can affect coat pigment, because the inside of the beet is light in color. The outside peel, which is dark, is not used.

Beta-Carotene

vitamin

A naturally occurring compound found in many foods that can be converted by the liver to vitamin A. It is present in plants. It optimizes different types of cells present in the blood, increases antibody levels in the blood, and optimizes vaccine recognition by dogs.

Biotin

vitamin

A water-soluble B vitamin, important for formation of fatty acids, nonessential amino acids, and production of energy from glucose metabolism.

Brewers Dried Yeast

vitamin, protein

The dried non-fermentative, non-extracted yeast of the botanical classification saccharomyces or candida, resulting as a by-product from the brewing of beer and ale. It does not contain or produce alcohol. It is a source of protein and B vitamins. It is used to promote a healthy coat and assists with vitamin availability.

Brewers Rice

carbohydrate

An excellent source of quick energy. Small kernels of white rice that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice, ground and cooked at high temperatures to optimize digestibility. Essentially the same as rice flour.

Calcium

mineral

Principle component of bones and teeth. It is important in blood clotting, necessary for contraction of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle and necessary for secretion of a number of hormones.

Calcium Carbonate

mineral

A source of calcium.

Calcium Pantothenate

vitamin

Added as a source of vitamin B (pantothenic acid). Involved in the process of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

Caramel Color

coloring

A natural coloring that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) approved in animal feeds by AAFCO. (Association of American Feed Control Officials)

Carbohydrates

carbohydrate

A class of nutrients that consists of sugars, starches, and fibers. The sugars and starches provide energy and the fibers provide intestinal benefits. Common carbohydrate sources are plants and grains. See fiber.

Carrageenan

fiber

A fermentable fiber derived from red seaweed. It is used to stabilize and thicken the product.

Cellulose

fiber

A chain of sugar units, which forms the skeleton for most plant structures. For humans, it is used in products such as ice cream, shredded cheese, and as a binding agent (carrier) in pills and supplements. In pet foods it is used as a source of fiber. Research has shown that cellulose, in combination with beet pulp, improved the efficiency of hair movement through the digestive tract of cats. As with any fiber, cellulose cannot be broken down/digested by the intestinal enzymes of the dog or cat.

Chelated minerals

mineral

Chelated minerals are minerals that are bound to a carrier, such as an amino acid or metal. For example, copper proteinate is a chelated mineral. In theory, chelation protects the mineral as well as increases its absorption and utilization.

Chicken

protein

Muscle meat; the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from parts or whole carcasses of chicken or combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails. It contains none of the internal organs. It provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes. It is a natural source of taurine, an essential amino acid that helps maintain normal eye, heart and reproductive functions.

Chicken By-Product Meal

protein

Chicken by-product meal is flesh and skin, internal organs including intestines, and bone that have been cleaned, dried, cooked, and ground. It provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes. Internal organs are rich sources of protein, fats, and minerals, such as iron, that are essential to dog and cat health and add to the palatability of the pet food. It is made from chickens that have been through USDA inspection.

Chicken Cartilage

other

A blend of chicken cartilage and connective tissue that naturally provides glucosamine and chondroitin-sulfate, as well as, other components of the healthy joint.

Chicken Fat

fat

A high-quality energy source, provides the essential fatty acid linoleic acid. It is a source for omega-6 fatty acids and is important for maintenance of skin and coat, and proper membrane structure.

Chicken Liver

protein

Provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

Chicken Meal

protein

Chicken meal includes flesh, skin, and bone that have been cleaned, dried, cooked, and ground. Provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

Choline Chloride

vitamin

A source of vitamin B, choline. Best described as a "helper" vitamin because it becomes a part of the body structure. Choline is found in many animal tissues and plants; and is also a basic constituent of lecithin. It is a structural component of fat and nerve tissue and is present in all fat containing foods. It is added for vitamin balance.

Chondroitin Sulfate

other

Naturally occurring compound that aids in the nourishment and maintenance of healthy joint cartilage. It helps build strong cartilage and ensure joint lubrication.

Chromium Tripicolinate

mineral

Promotes the movement of glucose into the muscle through its action on insulin. Also enhances lean body composition.

Cobalt

mineral

A trace mineral - meaning that its requirement is relatively small. An integral part of vitamin B12 which maintains appetite, growth and coat quality.

Cobalt Carbonate

mineral

Dietary source of cobalt.

Copper

mineral

Copper is involved in tissue pigment and protein synthesis. It is used for hemoglobin, hair and coat formation.

Copper Amino Acid Chelate

mineral

A source of copper. Chelated minerals (in this case, copper) are bound to a carrier, such as an amino acid or metal. Chelation protects the mineral as well as increases its absorption and utilization.

Copper Sulfate

mineral

A source of copper.

Corn Bran

fiber

Corn bran is the outer coating of the corn kernel and is largely fiber. Aids in digestion.

Corn Gluten Meal

protein

Common source of vegetable protein for pet foods. Corn gluten meal is a dried protein source. It remains after the corn's bran has been separated and removed and a large portion of the carbohydrate and germ have been removed.

Corn Grits

carbohydrate

An excellent source of energy. It is the hard, coarse portions of ground corn that contain little to no fiber or protein.

Corn Meal

carbohydrate

An excellent source of energy; corn kernels that have been finely ground to break up the outside covering of each kernel, then cooked at high temperatures to increase digestibility. Of the many dogs that regularly eat a food containing corn, only a very few will develop an allergy to corn.

Corn Oil

fat

Is a source for omega-6 fatty acids and is essential for maintenance of skin and coat and proper membrane structure. Corn oil is safe for consumption even in dogs allergic to corn due to the extraction and purification process.

DHA

fatty acid

DHA or docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid important for neural development of young mammals. DHA is a major structural component of the brain, as well as playing a vital role in the development of the central nervous system and retinal function. Puppies nourished on diets with enhanced levels of DHA have improved trainability performance.

Dicalcium Phosphate

mineral

A source of calcium and phosphate to balance the mineral content of the food.

DL-Methionine

amino acid

An essential amino acid that is important for skin and coat condition, eye health, heart health and more.

Docosahexaenoic Acid

fatty acid

Dried Beet Pulp

fiber

See Beet Pulp.

Dried Egg Product

protein

Provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

Durum flour

carbohydrate

Produced from durum wheat, which is the hardest variety of wheat cultivated in the U.S.

EPA

fatty acid

EPA or Eicosapentaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid obtained from consuming oily fish or fish oil. Mostly important for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Ethoxyquin

preservative

A synthetic antioxidant that stabilizes meat-based ingredients and extends the nutrient value of the food, i.e. fat and the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Fat

fat

A class of nutrients that provides energy, increased palatability, and performs important functions in the body, including helping maintain body temperature. Fats are found in meats, fish, and plant oils, such as flax and vegetable oils. Fats also provide omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Ferrous Sulfate

mineral

A dietary source of iron; see Iron.

Fiber

fiber

A complex carbohydrate broken down by the intestinal bacteria. The degree to which the fiber is broken down is determined by its fermentability. Fermentation provides short chain fatty acids which are used as an energy source by the intestinal cells. Highly fermentable fiber sources, such as vegetable gums, provide high amounts of short-chain fatty acids. Moderately fermentable fibers, such as beet pulp, provide moderate levels short-chain fatty acids AND bulk for moving waste. Slightly fermentable fibers, such as cellulose, provide mainly bulk for moving waste through the digestive tract and only a few short-chain fatty acids.

Fish Meal

protein

The cleaned, dried, ground tissues of non-decomposed whole fish cuttings from which most of the oil has been removed. It is an excellent source of high quality protein that is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

Fish Oil

fat

Extracted from deep, cold water fish and an excellent source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DHA).

Flax Meal

Flax Meal

Flax meal is the ground seed of the flax plant. The oil in flax is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid, which is the parent compound of other omega-3 fatty acids.

Folic Acid

vitamin

A B vitamin important for synthesis of DNA.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

fiber

A fiber that enhances intestinal health by favorably modulating intestinal bacteria.

Gelatin

other

A gelling agent used in cooking.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

other

A naturally occurring compound that aids in the nourishment and maintenance of healthy joint cartilage. It helps build strong cartilage and ensures joint lubrication.

Glycerin

other

Glycerin is a three-carbon molecule that is found in fats and oils. It is considered GRAS, or generally recognized as safe, in animal foods. It also adds palatability, because it lends a sweet taste.

Ground Corn

carbohydrate

See Corn Meal.

Ground Whole Grain Barley

carbohydrate

Studies have revealed that including barley in the diet of dogs resulted in a lower blood glucose level, compared with that of diets containing wheat or rice. It is an excellent source of quick energy.

Ground Whole Grain Sorghum

carbohydrate

An excellent source of quick energy; Grain sorghum, also called milo, is cracked, finely ground, and cooked. Studies have revealed that including sorghum in the diet of dogs resulted in a lower blood glucose level, compared with that of diets containing wheat or rice.

Guar Gum

fiber

A highly fermentable fiber, used as a thickener, that provides high amounts of short-chain fatty acids.

Inositol

other

Not a vitamin, but functions like one. Important component of animal cell membranes.

Iodine

mineral

An essential trace mineral. A component of the thyroid hormones, which controls cellular energy exchange, metabolic rate, tissue and growth development.

Iron

mineral

A component of hemoglobin, in red blood cells, which is used to transport oxygen in the body. Comes mainly from meat sources.

Kangaroo

protein

An excellent protein source consisting of muscle meat. Used as a protein source in the therapeutic diet designed for the food allergic patient. Provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

Lamb

protein

Muscle meat that provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

Lamb Liver

protein

Provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

Lamb Meal

protein

Lamb meal is rendered lamb tissues such as skeletal muscle, some bone and internal organs that have been dried and ground. Skeletal muscle and internal organs are sources of high-quality protein and fats.

Lamb Tripe

protein

Stomach tissue of the lamb which provides essential amino acids for muscle building, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.

L-Carnitine

other

A vitamin-like compound made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is naturally found in animal-based sources of protein. Helps achieve and maintain optimal body weight and composition by transporting fatty acids into cellular mitochondria (part of the cell that converts fat into a usable form of energy) where they are broken down through oxidation and converted to energy for all tissues including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles.

Linoleic Acid

fatty acid

An essential fatty acid for the dog and cat. Found in common pet-food ingredients such as corn and chicken fat.

Lutein

antioxidant

Optimizes immune system's B-cell activation and helps vaccine recognition by dogs and cats. Supplied by marigold extract.

Magnesium

mineral

An essential mineral that activates many of the enzyme systems involving energy exchange. Helps to maintain normal nerve functions.

Magnesium Oxide

mineral

A source of magnesium.

Magnesium Sulfate

mineral

A source of magnesium.

Manganese

mineral

An essential mineral for normal reproduction and growth.

Manganese Sulfate

mineral

A source of manganese.

Manganous Oxide

mineral

A source of manganese.

Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS)

fiber

A fiber that helps promote an optimal intestinal environment by binding and aiding in the elimination of intestinal pathogens.

Marigold Extract

antioxidant

A dietary source of lutein.

Meat By-Products

protein

A high-quality pork protein.

Minerals

mineral

Inorganic elements essential for sustained health. They serve as structural components for bones, teeth, and hair. They maintain body fluid balance and are catalysts in chemical reactions that are necessary for body functions. Important minerals in dog and cat nutrition: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, iodine, selenium.

Mixed tocopherols

preservative

See Vitamin E.

Monosodium Phosphate

mineral

A dietary source of sodium and phosphorous.

Natural Chicken Flavor

other

A common chicken-based ingredient in pet foods of high-quality protein and fat material that has been enzymatically reduced to amino and fatty acids to provide increased palatability.

Natural Flavors

other

Natural Flavors are chicken and herb-based flavors used to enhance the palatability of the products.

Niacin

vitamin

A source of vitamin B. Important in growth, metabolism of carbohydrates, functioning of stomach, intestine, and nervous system.

Omega-3 fatty acids

fatty acid

A fatty acid that is essential for maintenance of skin and coat condition, normal growth, proper membrane structure, normal brain development, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids promote less inflammatory responses than omega-6 fatty acids. Cold water fish and mammals are the major sources, though flax is also an excellent source.

Omega-6 fatty acids

fatty acid

A fatty acid that is essential for maintenance of skin and coat condition, normal growth, proper membrane structure, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Omega-6 fatty acids promote more inflammatory responses than omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in high levels in animal fats and terrestrial plants, such as soy and corn.

Pea Protein

protein

A source of protein and can also be used as a colorant.

Phosphorus

mineral

An essential mineral that is important for bone formation/maintenance, development of teeth, lactation and energy utilization and transfer. Intimately involved with calcium.

Potassium

mineral

An essential mineral that effects osmotic pressure and acid-base balance within the cell. Maintains water balance and activates enzyme systems involved in energy transfer/utilization, protein synthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Potassium Chloride

mineral

A source of potassium.

Potassium Iodide

mineral

A source of potassium and iodine

Potassium Sorbate

preservative

A naturally occurring ingredient that helps to protect food by inhibiting mold. It is considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) as a food additive.

Protein

protein

A class of nutrients that supplies amino acids to build hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Common pet food protein sources include meat, fish, and some plant ingredients, such as corn gluten and soybean meal.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

vitamin

A source of pyridoxine, a B vitamin important in the formation of hemoglobin.

Riboflavin Supplement

vitamin

A source of riboflavin, a B vitamin necessary for fat and protein metabolism.

Rice

carbohydrate

A commonly used carbohydrate source in pet foods that provides quick energy.

Rice Flour

carbohydrate

An excellent source of quick energy. Small kernels of white rice that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice, ground and cooked at high temperatures to optimize digestibility. Essentially the same as Brewers Rice.

Rosemary Extract

preservative

An antioxidant found in plants used to retard flavor deterioration.

Salt

mineral

A dietary source of sodium and chloride. Sodium is an essential mineral for life. Found in the blood and in the fluid that surrounds cells, sodium maintains the cellular environment and prevents cells from swelling or dehydrating. Sodium is also important for maintaining proper nerve and muscle cell function. Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs contain sodium. Inclusion of these ingredients in high quality pet foods will minimize the amount of salt that must be added separately, which means that salt may or may not appear in the ingredient list.

Selenium

mineral

An essential trace mineral involved with vitamin E, essential to metabolic processes. Also functions as an antioxidant.

Sodium Bisulfate

preservative

An ingredient that helps preserve product by promoting a slightly acidic pH. Also improves palatability.

Sodium caseinate

protein

An animal-based protein that comes from milk. It is considered GRAS or generally recognized as safe in animal foods. It provides a source of animal-based protein and helps to provide the unique texture and form of a product.

Sodium Chloride

mineral

An essential component of the acid-base mechanism in the body and helps maintain proper osmotic relationships.

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

mineral

A natural source of phosphorous that also helps reduce tartar buildup in the dog.

Sodium Selenite

mineral

A dietary source of selenium, an essential trace mineral important in immune system function. It may also provide antioxidant benefits to the dog and cat.

Tapioca Starch

carbohydrate

A dietary source of carbohydrates. It is commonly used as a thickener. Tapioca starch helps provide unique form and texture for many products.

Taurine

amino acid

An essential amino acid for cats.

Thiamine Mononitrate

vitamin

A dietary source of thiamine, a component of the nervous system.

Titanium dioxide

coloring

A natural colorant; provides a light cream color.

Vitamin A

vitamin

A fat soluble vitamin necessary for growth, eyes, and structure and function of cells of skin and mucous membranes. In weight loss diets, at elevated levels, it is helpful in reducing the chance of weight regain.

Vitamin B-1

vitamin

A dietary source for thiamine, a component of the nervous system.

Vitamin B12

vitamin

A dietary source of cobalamin, important in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

Vitamin B-2

vitamin

A dietary source of riboflavin necessary for fat and protein metabolism

Vitamin B-6

vitamin

A dietary source of pyridoxine, important in the formation of hemoglobin.

Vitamin C

vitamin

A water soluble vitamin that has antioxidant properties. Not required by the dog and cat, but may be helpful in stress situations.

Vitamin D3

vitamin

A fat soluble vitamin that is required for growth, maintenance of bones and teeth, and regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Vitamin E

vitamin

A fat soluble vitamin that protects skin cells from oxidant damage. It also optimizes immune system's T-cell activation and is important in the nervous, vascular, and reproductive systems.

Vitamin K

vitamin

A fat soluble vitamin that promotes blood clotting.

Vitamins

vitamin

Organic substances that are essential, in minute quantities, to the nutritional needs of animals

Water

other

An essential nutrient for all life forms.

Wheat Gluten

protein

A common source of vegetable protein in pet foods.

Xanthan Gum

fiber

A highly fermentable fiber, used as a thickener, that provides high amounts of short-chain fatty acids

Zinc

mineral

A trace mineral. Important in the processes of cell division and skin health. It is also necessary for protein and fat metabolism.

Zinc Oxide

mineral

A source of zinc.

Zinc Sulfate

mineral

A source of zinc