Pet food ingredients
All pet foods call
themselves "premium" but are they made with human grade ingredients or diseased/decay meat
and left-over grain fragments unfit for human consumption? How to
distinguish good vs bad ingredients? What ingredients are used in premium pet food? What
ingredients should be avoided and why?
A good diet should contain human grade and
natural ingredients, with no
by-products, fillers and additives (artificial flavor and color). Here is a list of ingredients
found in our products.
Healthy
ingredients:
Alfalfa - A source of nutritional
fiber, micro-nutrients, iron and chlorophyll. Aids in healing allergies,
stomach ailments and bad breath, cleanses the kidneys and removes poisons
from the body, neutralizes acids, is an excellent blood purifier, improves
the appetite and aids in the assimilation of protein, calcium and other
nutrients.
Amaranth
- An excellent source of carbohydrates and linoleic acid. It also has
great flavor that complements the flavor of barley, oats and rye. Calms
the stomach, reduces tissue swelling, removes worms and parasites from the
digestive tract.
Apples - Fresh apples are an
excellent source of pectin, which is a natural fiber responsible for
removing toxins, reduces risk of heart disease and is beneficial for
diabetic animals.
Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus
niger, Bacillus subtilis fermentation extracts - contain all-natural
enzymes (plant origin) that help digest plant and animal, protein, fats,
oils, starches in the body. Also act as a probiotic and help to reduce stress and
prevent sickness.
Barley - A highly digestible natural
whole grain, providing excellent quality protein, carbohydrates and fiber.
It is an excellent source of B vitamins and Lysine, an essential amino
acid lacking in many dog food ingredients.
Beta-carotene - Antioxidants such as
beta carotene neutralize free radicals and protect against certain
cancers, cataracts and heart disease. Carrots and sweet potatoes are good
source of beta carotene.
Brewers Yeast - (Nutritional Yeast)
A rich source of the B vitamins, contains 16 amino acids, 14 minerals and
17 vitamins. Protects, binds and rids from mycotoxins, which cause liver
and organ damage.
Brown Rice - Contains a generous
supply of B vitamins, plus calcium, phosphorus, and iron. A source of
complex carbohydrate, provides quick energy and is higher in protein than
milled white rice.
Blueberries - Blueberries are rich
in vitamin A & C, potassium and fiber. Fresh blueberries provide
flavor, taste and color of fresh fruits.
Canola oil - Cold pressed canola oil
does not contain hexane, which is used to extract many other vegetable
oils. It is high in linoleic acid, Omega-3 fatty acid, necessary for a
healthy coat.
Carrots - A natural source of
beta-carotene. An antioxidant, essential for interacting with free
radicals caused by environmental pollution. It is believed to minimize
hypersensitivity, allergies and cancer.
Chelated minerals - Amino acid
(protein) bound chelated minerals are digestible forms of minerals which
are easily absorbed by the body three to ten times greater than common
minerals.
Chicken - Edible portion of deboned
chicken meat. Certified by USDA as fit for human consumption. Highly
digestible, excellent source of amino acids and a source of good quality
protein. It is also very palatable to dogs.
Chicken & Turkey Meal - Hormone
free, antibiotic free and ethoxyquin free. Human grade meat, flesh tissue
and skin only.
Chicken Fat - Source of Omega-6
essential fatty acids. Human grade fat naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols and ascorbic acid.
Chondroitin sulfate - The fluids in
the joints is depleted in older dogs. Chondroitin Sulfate attracts fluids
to the joint's cartilage matrix, making them more resilient and mobile.
Additionally, numerous studies point to chondroitin sulfates as being
positive modulators of inflammatory conditions, like arthritis.
Cranberry - Prevents the spread of
bacterial infections in kidneys and the urinary tract. Helps prevent
Cystitis.
Digestive enzymes - Hydrolyzes
proteins, fats, oils, starches and carbohydrates for better digestion and
absorption of nutrients.
Eggs - An excellent source of
protein and contains all the essential amino acids.
Filtered water - Water which is
filtered to remove impurities such as asbestos, chlorine, pesticides,
heavy metals such as lead and a variety of chemicals that are known
carcinogens.
Fish meal - Fish meal is highly
palatable and a good source of protein, fish oils and Omega-3 fatty acids
which are all critical for healthy skin and coat, normal reproduction,
proper body function and improved growth rate of young puppies.
Flax seed/flaxseed meal - Also known
as linseeds, flax seed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are high
in fiber that adds bulk to the diet. Omega-3 essential fatty acid in flax seed also
improves shine of the dog and cat's coat. It also aids in movement of food
through digestive system.
Kelp - Rich in vitamins and contains
30 minerals, controls the thyroid and regulates the metabolism which aids
in the digestion of foods and the burning of calories, also with brain and
nerve function.
Peas - Dogs and cats love the flavor
and taste of garden peas. Peas are high in magnesium and soluble fiber.
They are a great representative of the "Green" vegetable group.
Garlic - Fights parasites in
intestinal tract, repels fleas and ticks and boosts immune system. It is
also a palatability enhancer and helps to lower blood cholesterol and
promote digestion of food.
Glucosamine - Substance made by the
body's cartilage cells. Glucosamine is naturally occurring amino sugars
found in all tissues of the body and are the integral part of the
"glue" which holds tissue cells together. Glucosamine is the
biological chemical that forms the major cushioning ingredient of the
synovial fluids of the joints and surrounding tissues. It also helps
prevent osteoarthritis by slowing degeneration and/or rebuilding
cartilage. Along with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine helps in the
treatment of osteoarthritis and the development of bones, cartilage and
skin tissues.
Grapeseed oil - Rich in vitamin E
and is loaded with Omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acids which is excellent for
the skin and coat.
Lactobacillus, Acidophilus,
Streptococcus faecium fermentation extracts - Probiotics for better
digestion and absorption of nutrients, they act to exclude and prevent
harmful bacteria from colonizing and creating digestive upsets, help to
prevent sickness and stress.
Lamb - Finest American lamb, hormone
free, antibiotic free and ethoxyquin free. Human quality meat.
Lecithin - Used in the digestion and
absorption of fats.
Linoleic Acid - Omega-6 essential
fatty acid for healthy skin and coat.
Minerals - Complete balanced
minerals containing amino acid chelated minerals.
Oatmeal - Oatmeal is highly
digestible source of carbohydrates, protein and nutritional fiber. It also
provides balanced amino acids, essential for re-building healthy muscle
tissues.
Ocean whitefish - A good source of
essential Omega-3 fatty acid in abundance, to counteract the excess
Omega-6, for dog and cat's healthy skin and coat.
Omega-3 essential fatty acid -
Omega-3 fatty acid plays critical role in therapy of immunosuppression.
Fresh fish and flax seeds are the primary sources of Omega-3 EFA.
Omega-6 essential fatty acid -
Omega-6 fatty acid is rich in corn, cotton, sunflower and soybean oil,
generally gives rise to pro-inflammatory chemical messengers. Linoleic acid
is an important source of Omega-6 EFA. It helps develop healthy and shiny
skin and coat.
Omega-6 & Omega-3 Fatty acids
ratio - A balance ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids
(4-6:1) is important for good health. It can improve the coat and help to
avoid hot spots, hair loss and allergy problems caused from flea bites,
repeated licking and from a fat imbalance.
Prebiotics - Made of primary sugars
such as glucose and sucrose. These are food for probiotics.
Probiotics - Natural micro-flora
containing enzymes and friendly bacteria that help the digestion process,
thus providing more efficient utilization of food and eliminates some gas
problems and bloating after meals.
Quinoa - A highly nutritious grain,
rich in amino acids and is an excellent energy source.
Rosemary - A stimulant of the
circulatory system, to treat bad breath, stimulates the hair bulbs to new
growth. Employed for its savory usage.
Sage - Strengthens the mind and
concentrating abilities. It aids in healing skin sores and skin eruptions
and removing dandruff. It has been mostly employed in disordered states of
the digestion and for its savory usage.
Sweet potatoes - Excellent source of
complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and beta-carotene. The starch in
sweet potatoes converts to sugar easily and provides quick energy. Sweet
potatoes are not part of the "Night Shade" family.
Sunflower Oil - Source of Omega-6
essential fatty acids. Cold pressed, naturally preserved and is rich in linoleic acid. It is known for producing a beautiful skin and coat, as
well as a visible sheen.
White Rice - Of all grains, rice is
the most easily digested and least likely to cause allergic reactions.
Rice clears up psoriasis and is an anticancer and antidiarrheal. Rice
lowers cholesterol and prevents kidney stones.
Vitamins - Complete vitamins
including antioxidants, vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E,
alpha-tocopherols.
Yeast culture - All natural live
yeast culture, it acts to stimulate microbial and enzyme populations in
the animals digestive system. Live yeast cultures plus dried fermentation
solubles.
Yucca schidigera - Yucca is a
desert plant, it is a natural source of digestive aid. It is also known to
reduce breath and fecal odor. Used by the Indians of the southwest for
skin disorders, skin eruptions and helps avoid inflammation.
Ingredients to
Avoid
Animal digest - A
material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean
and undecomposed animal tissue. The animal tissues used shall be exclusive
of hair, horns, teeth, hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts
as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice and shall be suitable
for animal feed. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind or flavor, it
must correspond thereto. Animal digest is a cooked-down broth
made from unspecified parts of unspecified animals. Any kind of animal can
be included: goats, pigs, horses, rats, etc. The animals can be obtained
from any source, so there is no control over quality or contamination.
Animal fat - Obtained from the
tissues of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial process of rendering
or extracting. Animal fat is a byproduct of meat meal processing. The
origin of the contributing animals is never known, and the resulting oil
is very low in linoleic acid - an essential fatty acid that is important
for skin and coat health.
Artificial flavors and colors -
Humanly-contrived additives, used to enhance a product and to appeal to
the human eye. Use of these ingredients can conceal damage or inferiority,
or make the product appear better than it actually is.
BHA/BHT - Short for Butylated
Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), both of which are
chemical preservatives. BHA and BHT have been banned from human use in
many countries. In the US, they are still permitted in pet foods.
Beet pulp - The residue from sugar
beets which has been cleaned, freed from crowns, leaves, and sand, and
extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. Beet pulp is added to
some pet foods to act as a fibrous stool hardener.
Chicken by-products - Consist of the
rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as
heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in
such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices.
Chicken by-products are an inconsistent ingredient because of the multiple
organs used, their constantly changing proportions and their questionable
nutritional value. Chicken by-products are much less expensive and less
digestible than chicken meal.
Chicken digest - A material which
results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and
undecomposed chicken tissue. Chicken digest is a palatability enhancer
made by reducing (cooking down) chicken meat and fat into a concentrated
liquid or dry product.
Ethoxyquin - A chemical preservative
that is not approved for human use.
Lamb by-products - Consist of the
rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered lambs, such as heads,
feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in such
amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Lamb
by-products are an inconsistent ingredient because of the multiple organs
used, their constantly changing proportions and their questionable
nutritional value. Lamb by-products are much less expensive and less
digestible than lamb meal.
Lamb digest - A material which
results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and
undecomposed lamb tissue. Lamb digest is a palatability enhancer made by
reducing (cooking down) lamb meat and fat into a concentrated liquid or
dry product.
Meat by-products - The non-rendered,
clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It
includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers,
blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs
and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns,
teeth and hoofs. Meat by-products are not meat. They can include almost any
part of the animal other than meat. Because any mammal can be used,
cheaper meats like horse, pig, or goat are often included.
Poultry - The clean combination of
flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts
or whole carcasses of poultry or a combination of thereof - exclusive of
feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Poultry is an unpredictable
ingredient, which can contain any type of fowl, including buzzards, geese,
and other birds.
Poultry by-products - Consist of
non-rendered clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as
heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in
such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice.
This is a low-quality, inconsistent ingredient, with constantly changing
proportions, and questionable nutritional value. The origin can be any
fowl (turkeys, ducks, geese, buzzards, etc.), instead of a single source,
like chicken. Poultry byproducts are much less expensive and less
digestible than chicken.
Poultry digest - A palatability
enhancer made by reducing (cooking down) meat and fat into concentrated
liquid or dry product. Poultry digest can be made from any fowl (turkey,
geese, buzzards, etc.) This is an inconsistent ingredient which can
contain unpredictable birds unsuitable for human consumption.
Poultry fat - Obtained from the
tissues of poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting.
Poultry fat is a by-product of meat processing. The origin of the
contributing animals is never known; the source can be any fowl (turkey,
chicken, geese, buzzard, etc.) and the resulting oil is very low in linoleic acid -- an essential fatty acid that is important for skin and
coat health.
Turkey by-products - The rendered
clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet,
viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in such trace
amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice.
Wheat gluten - The tough, viscid
nitrogenous substance remaining when wheat is washed to remove the starch.
Wheat gluten is a cheap by-product of human food processing, the result of
washing wheat and letting the starchy liquid dry. It offers almost no
nutritional value, and serves mostly to bind the food together.
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