Ingredient Glossary
Barley
Whole grain. Has 50% more protein than rice. Slow burning carbohydrate source, helps control blood sugar levels and helps keep the pet feeling satisfied for a longer period of time.
Beef
Meat from beef cattle, providing amino acid nutrition for overall good health.
Beef Meal
Beef is cooked and ground to a fine consistency. A nutrient-rich source of protein and minerals.
Beet Pulp (Dried)
Dried remains of sugar beets after sugar is removed. Gray in color. Moderately fermentable fiber source provides cells in the colon with energy and helps support the good bacteria in the intestines. Considered to be one of the best fiber sources for appropriate stool quality.
Biotin
B vitamin required for metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and non-essential amino acids. Water soluble vitamin. Required for normal skin and haircoat.
Blueberries
Rich in fiber and antioxidants, blueberries are considered to be a superfood.
Brewers Dried Rice
Nutrient-rich digestible carbohydrate made up from broken fragments of rice.
Brewers Rice
Beneficial carbohydrate made up from broken fragments of rice.
Brown Rice
Whole grain brown rice ground to a powder. Whole grains are metabolized more slowly, providing a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Source of fiber, carbohydrates and vitamin B.
Calcium Pantothenate
Source of pantothenic acid, a B vitamin. This vitamin is necessary for normal intestinal function, growth and haircoat color.
Chicken By-product Meal
Animal source protein, made up mostly of internal organs such as liver, digestive tract, and kidneys, and does not include feathers. The intestines are a good source of smooth muscle protein. This ingredient provides digestible protein and is very low in ash.
Chicken Digest
Ingredient that is applied to the outside of the kibble to enhance the flavor and acceptance of the dry pet food. (It does not contain MSG.)
Chicken Fat
A digestible energy source. A source of Arachidonic Acid (elongated form of omega-6) and Linoleic (omega-6) Acid.
Chicken Meal
Chicken is cooked and ground to a fine consistency. A nutrient-rich source of protein and minerals.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are a legume. They are high in protein and have a low glycemic index.
Choline Chloride
A B-complex vitamin. Choline is required for normal nervous system function, normal growth in young animals and protection of the kidneys. It can be synthesized in the liver, but is a dietary requirement.
Chondroitin Sulphate
A substance found in the body, this is a building block for normal healthy cartilage. It also helps block harmful enzymes from damaging the cartilage. This supplement is derived from poultry cartilage.
Copper Proteinate
Chelated form of copper. Copper is an important mineral for maintaining coat color and also regulates reproduction in cats. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Copper Sulfate
An inorganic form of copper, a required mineral element. Copper is involved in normal reproduction as well as responsible for maintaining normal coat pigmentation.
Corn Gluten Meal
The dried residue from corn after the removal of the large part of the starch, gluten and germ in the processes to manufacture corn syrup. It is an excellent low-ash protein source.
DL-Methionine
An essential amino acid which, along with cysteine, is one of two sulfur-containing amino acids that helps to build proteins. In cat recipes, DL-Methionine also serves to help acidify the urine.
Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product
A probiotic, or good bacteria, that is added to our formulas to help support healthy digestion.
Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product
A probiotic, or good bacteria, that is added to our formulas to help support healthy digestion.
Dried Chicory Root
A moderately fermentable carbohydrate source. Fermentation of chicory root (FOS-fructooligosaccharide) in the colon produces short chain fatty acids that are an energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon) as well as for the good bacteria in the colon.
Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product
A probiotic, or good bacteria, that is added to our formulas to help support healthy digestion.
Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
A probiotic, or good bacteria, that is added to our formulas to help support healthy digestion.
Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product
A probiotic, or good bacteria, that is added to our formulas to help support healthy digestion.
Egg / Egg Product
Cooked and dried whole eggs.
Egg Derivatives
Cooked and dried whole eggs.
Ferrous Sulfate
Inorganic form of iron. Added to enhance the iron content of the food. Iron is responsible for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Fish Meal
A source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources that provide nutrition for excellent skin, coat and overall health.
Flaxseed
A plant source of omega-3 fatty acids that is very palatable.
Folic Acid
A water soluble B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells and for normal function of the nervous system and reproduction (fetal development).
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
A building block for normal healthy joints. It is obtained from the shells of shrimp, lobsters and crabs.
Ground White Rice
Ground rice is white rice that is received as a ground ingredient, instead of whole. Rice is a carbohydrate ingredient that supplies energy for active pets.
Iron Proteinate
Chelated form of iron. Necessary for the transport of oxygen throughout the body. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Lamb Meal
Lamb is cooked and ground to a fine consistency. A nutrient-rich source of protein and minerals.
Lentils
A legume that is new to pet food formulations. Legumes contain protein, fiber and carbohydrates and are nutritious ingredients for pet foods.
Linseed
A plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. Very palatable and stable.
Maize (Ground, Whole Grain Ground)
The whole corn grain ground to a flour consistency. Digestible carbohydrate source as well as source of protein and vitamins. All incoming corn is tested for aflatoxin.
Maize Gluten Meal
The dried residue from corn after the removal of the large part of the starch, gluten, and germ from the processes employed in the manufacture of corn syrup. It is an excellent low ash digestible protein source.
Manganese Proteinate
Chelated form of manganese. Manganese is important for proper bone formation, growth and reproduction. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Manganese Sulfate
The manganese salt of sulfuric acid is needed for proper bone formation, growth and reproduction. Manganese is a micro mineral which functions as a component of several cell enzymes that catalyze metabolic reactions.
Manganous Oxide
The oxide form of manganese that is needed for proper bone formation, growth and reproduction. Manganese is a micro mineral which functions as a component of several cell enzymes that catalyze metabolic reactions.
Natural Chicken Flavor
Ingredient from chicken sources that is added to enhance the flavor and acceptance of the food (does not contain MSG).
Natural Flavor
Ingredient that is added to enhance the flavor and acceptance of the food. (Does not contain MSG).
Niacin
Vitamin B3. Important for maintenance of hair, skin, nervous system and energy metabolism.
Oat Flakes
Whole grain that is an excellent source of slow burning carbohydrates for all day energy and fiber for proper digestion.
Pea Flour
Whole peas that have been ground into a flour consistency. Nutrient-rich source of protein and carbohydrates.
Pea Protein
Peas are legumes that are made up of protein, starch and fiber in addition to vitamins and minerals. A special processing technique is used to separate the protein from the starch and fiber to create a digestible, low ash protein source with the added benefit of phytonutrients.
Peas
Peas, either green or yellow, are highly nutritious legumes that are made up of protein, starch and fiber in addition to vitamins and minerals.
Potassium Chloride
Potassium salt of hydrochloric acid and is required for body fluid maintenance, nerve conduction (including normal heart rhythm), and certain metabolic processes. Potassium is the main electrolyte in intracellular fluid.
Potassium Iodide
Potassium salt that is required for body fluid maintenance, nerve conduction (including normal heart rhythm) and certain metabolic processes. Potassium is the main electrolyte in intracellular fluid.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Vitamin B6. Water-soluble. Necessary for blood cell formation and nervous system function.
Raspberries
These berries contain antioxidants that help protect overall good health.
Riboflavin
Vitamin B2. Water soluble. This vitamin is necessary for nervous system function, energy utilization, healthy skin and coat and tissue repair.
Rice Bran
The inner (bran) portion of rice. Source of fat and fiber.
Salmon Oil
This oil is extracted from salmon. Marine source oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
Salt
Source of sodium and chloride. Used in formulas for growing animals or reproducing animals. Sodium and chloride are required in higher levels by these life stages.
Sodium Selenite
Form of selenium, an essential trace mineral necessary for normal immune function and reproduction.
Sweet Potatoes
A power packed vegetable rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and beta carotene, this is one complex carbohydrate source that provides all day energy.
Taurine
An amino acid that maintains healthy eyes and heart.
Thiamine Mononitrate
Vitamin B1. Required for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as to maintain normal nervous system function.
Tomato Pomace
A soluble fiber source that helps support digestive health and firm stools. Sourced from tomatoes, contributes vitamin C, lycopene and other important antioxidants.
Tomatoes
A source of vitamin C and lycopene, important antioxidants.
Vitamin A Supplement
Active source of vitamin A, required by cats. Dogs can convert inactive vitamin A (beta-carotene) to active vitamin A. Necessary for reproduction, vision, normal skeletal and tooth development, immunity and tissue integrity.
Vitamin B12 Supplement
The only B vitamin that can be stored by the body. Necessary for formation of red blood cells and normal nervous system function.
Vitamin D Supplement
Regulates calcium and phosphorus balance and bone calcification.
Vitamin E Supplement
Helps protect cell membranes, regulates intracellular respiration and immune function.
Wheat Flour
This finely ground wheat grain is a carbohydrate ingredient.
Wheat Middlings
Wheat middlings is a carbohydrate ingredient, made up of a blend of the components of wheat after it goes through the milling process, and is rich in dietary fiber.
Yucca Schidigera Extract
A plant extract that helps support healthy digestion.
Zinc Proteinate
Chelated form of zinc. Zinc is necessary for the formation of proteins in the body, normal immune system function, skin and wound healing, growth and reproduction. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Zinc Sulfate
Non-chelated form of zinc. Zinc is necessary for the formation of proteins in the body, normal immune system function, skin and wound healing, growth and reproduction.