Ingredient Glossary
Want to know what a particular ingredient does for your pet? Read the ingredient definitions below for more information.
ABCDEFGILMOPRSTVWY
A
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Apples
A source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and B vitamins.
B
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Barley (Cracked Pearl)
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.
B
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Beet Pulp (Dried)
Dried remains of sugar beets after sugar is removed. Gray in color. Moderately fermentable fiber source to provide cells in colon with energy and to promote the good bacteria in the intestines. Considered to be one of the best fiber sources for appropriate stool quality.
B
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Blueberries
Rich in fiber and antioxidants, blueberries are considered to be a superfood.
C
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Canola Oil
Provides a blend of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. Contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Also a source of vitamin E.
C
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Carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamin A and like sweet potatoes and pumpkin, get their color from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant.
C
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Cartilage of Poultry (A Source of Chondroitin)
Ground trachea from poultry. Natural source of chondroitin.
C
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Chicken
Chicken is a highly digestible, lean protein that enhances palatability.
C
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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.)
C
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Chicken Fat
A digestible energy source. A source of Arachidonic Acid (elongated form of omega-6) and Linoleic (omega-6) Acid.
C
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Chicken Meal
Chicken is cooked and ground to a fine consistency. A nutrient-rich source of protein and minerals.
C
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Chicory Root (Dried)
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.
C
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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.
C
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Chondroitin Sulfate
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.
C
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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.
C
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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.
C
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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.
C
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Cranberries
All-natural source of vitamin C and potassium. May have some ability to acidify the urine, but not consistently. Some sources list it as having an ability to block bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, thus preventing bladder infections.
C
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Cranberry Powder
Dried powdered cranberries. Added to help support bladder health.
D
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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.
D
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Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Our puppy and kitten formulas contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from salmon oil. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid, critical for brain and vision development in growing puppies and kittens. DHA is a component of mother's milk and studies show that the benefits of DHA in the diet continue after weaning.
D
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Dried Kelp
Seaweed plant that is a fiber and iodine source.
D
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Dried Yeast
Non-fermentable yeast that provides B-complex vitamins and proteins. Flavor enhancer.
D
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Duck
Duck is a highly digestible, lean protein that enhances palatability.
D
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Duck Meal
Duck is cooked and ground to a fine consistency. A nutrient-rich source of protein and minerals.
E
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Egg / Egg Product
Cooked and dried whole eggs.
E
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Egg Derivatives
Cooked and dried whole eggs.
F
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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.
F
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Flaxseed
A plant source of omega-3 fatty acids that is very palatable.
F
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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).
G
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Garbanzo Beans
Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, are a legume. They are high in protein and have a low glycemic index.
G
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Glucosamine Hydrochloride
A building block for normal healthy joints. It is obtained from the shells of shrimp, lobsters and crabs.
G
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Ground Corn
The whole corn grain ground to a flour consistency. This carbohydrate is a source of protein and vitamins. All incoming corn is tested for aflatoxin.
G
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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.
I
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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.
L
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L-Carnitine
A vitamin-like substance that helps maintain normal metabolism. This helps the body burn fat for energy and helps normalize blood sugar levels. Also helps large breed puppies maintain lean body condition and strong bones.
L
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Lamb
Lamb is a highly digestible protein that enhances palatability.
L
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Lamb Meal
Lamb is cooked and ground to a fine consistency. A nutrient-rich source of protein and minerals.
L
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Linseed
A plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. Very palatable and stable.
M
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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.
M
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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.
M
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Millet
A whole grain. Higher in protein than corn, rich in amino acids (lysine, methionine, and threonine). Low in tannins, which limit palatability and inhibit protein digestion.
O
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Oat Flakes
Whole grain that is an excellent source of slow burning carbohydrates for all day energy and fiber for proper digestion.
P
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Parsley Flake
A dried herb. Flavor enhancer.
P
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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.
P
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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.
P
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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.
P
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Potatoes
A beneficial carbohydrate source. Carbohydrates provide energy for everyday activity.
P
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Poultry 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.)
P
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Powdered Cellulose
A plant fiber source. This ingredient is a highly refined, white powder that provides insoluble fiber to the diet. The purpose of insoluble fiber is to lower calories or help control hairballs in cats.
R
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Raspberries
These berries contain antioxidants that help protect overall good health.
R
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Rice Bran
The inner (bran) portion of rice. Source of fat and fiber.
R
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Rice Flour
The inner grain, free from the outer hull, ground to a flour consistency. It is a nutrient-rich source of carbohydrates.
R
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Rosemary Extract
Herbal extract that is added as a flavor enhancer.
S
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Salmon
Salmon is a highly digestible source of protein as well as omega fatty acids.
S
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Salmon Oil
This oil is extracted from salmon. Marine source oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
S
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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.
S
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Shell Fish Flour (A Source of Glucosamine)
Ground shells from mollusks such as clams and mussels. Natural source of glucosamine.
S
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Sodium Bisulfate
An excellent urinary acidifier, this ingredient helps promote a urine pH of 6.1 - 6.4 in our adult cat formulas.
S
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Spinach
A popular leafy green that is packed with vitamin A and vitamin K. Greens are also rich in antioxidants.
S
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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.
T
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Taurine
An amino acid that maintains healthy eyes and heart.
T
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Tocopherols (Mixed)
Preservative made of compounds of Vitamin E.
T
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Tomato Pomace
A soluble fiber source that helps promote digestive health and firm stools. Sourced from tomatoes, contributes vitamin C, lycopene and other important antioxidants.
T
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Tomatoes
A source of vitamin C and lycopene, important antioxidants.
T
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Turkey
Turkey is a highly digestible, lean protein that enhances palatability.
T
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Turkey Meal
A dry protein source made from the meat and bone of turkeys. Excellent source of amino acids and minerals.
V
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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.
V
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Vitamin D Supplement
Regulates calcium and phosphorus balance and bone calcification.
V
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Vitamin E Supplement
Helps protect cell membranes, regulates intracellular respiration and immune function.
W
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White Rice
This source of carbohydrates is the inner grain of rice, free from the outer hull.
W
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Whitefish
Whitefish is a source of protein as well as omega fatty acids.
Y
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Yucca Schidigera Extract
A plant extract that helps support healthy digestion.
