Feeding Your Dog

"NEVER, EVER FEED COOKED BONES TO YOUR PET because cooked bones WILL splinter and cause severe internal damage, possibly even death."

Why you shouldn't feed "cheap" dog food, from Premiumfoodsonline.com

A good article on the first 5 ingredients in top-selling dog foods

A good site to see and compare the healthiest dog foods-Premiumfoodsonline.com

An excellent article about dog food ingredients, types of food, and some favorites, from Woodhaven Labs

How to figure out the best food for your dog, from Thepetcenter.com

Reading dog food labels, part 1

Understanding dog food labels, part 2

Frequently asked questions about the BARF diet for those interested in feeding a raw diet, from NJ Boxers.com

Feeding Your Puppy by the Iams Company

Proper nutrition for your new dog is key to helping him live a long, healthy life. Use the information in this section to help you choose the right food and feed your new dog properly.

Selecting a Puppy Food

Dogs are as individual as people. Large, small, young or old, despite their differences, they all need a well-balanced diet for good health. Yet dog's of different ages and sizes have different nutritional needs. This is especially significant when it comes to puppies.

The energy requirements of a puppy can be nearly twice that of an adult dog, and a puppy may not have the stomach capacity to eat enough food to meet his needs unless the food is specifically formulated to do so. Follow these guidelines when choosing a food:

Provide a highly digestible, nutrient- dense, 100% complete and balanced premium formula for growth. High-quality formulas contain such vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and carbohydrates your dog needs for sound and healthy development. With a premium formula, you may see these results:

Exceptional muscle tone

Shiny, luxurious coat

Healthy skin, bones and teeth

Clear, bright eyes

Well-formed stools

Playfulness

A happy, healthy attitude
Feed a formula based on breed size. Puppies experience their most rapid period of growth during the first six months of life, and because growth rates differ among breed sizes, you need to feed a formula designed to address the needs of your puppy's breed or size.

Feed based on the recommended amounts for weight and age and feed this formula until your puppy is an adult.

Large-breed puppy nutrition
Although large-breed dogs have bigger bones than medium or small breeds, large-breed puppies do not need more calcium. University studies and researchers at The Iams Company have shown that:

Rapidly growing, large-breed pups are more inclined to exhibit developmental bone problems.

Controlling the rate of growth is more beneficial than promoting rapid growth.

Moderating calcium, phosphorus and calorie levels in their diet promotes normal skeletal development.
Overfeeding and weight gain can actually contribute to developmental bone problems. This makes managing food intake very important. Research has shown that puppies are at increased risk for developmental bone problems if they are overfed.

Controlling the rate of growth to promote normal development is another reason to feed a large-breed diet. A formula with reduced fat and calories promotes optimum growth.

Medium-breed puppy nutrition
Medium-breed puppies have energy needs between those of large- and small-breed dogs. Medium breeds' nutritional demands can be satisfied by feeding a 100% complete and balanced formula that features moderate amounts of all the essential vitamins and nutrients.

Small-breed puppy nutrition
Small-breed puppies have unique needs due to their small mouths, small stomachs and their growth spurt to adult size in a short period of time. That's why it's important to pack a lot of nutrition and energy into a small amount of food. A poor-quality diet will fill a puppy's stomach before enough food can be eaten to satisfy his nutritional needs. The result can be improper muscle and skeletal development and growth impairment. Our puppy foods are formulated to be energy- and nutrient-dense to meet the needs of growing puppies.

Type of Food
Once you've decided on a premium formula, you have to choose the type of food for your puppy.

Premium dry dog food gives you the best value and convenience while providing your dog with high-quality nutrition. Premium dry foods come in a number of bag sizes and formulas suited to size, life stage and activity level. Dry food also helps keep teeth clean and remains fresh for long periods if stored properly.


Value of Premium Food

Low-cost food may be less expensive, but it isn't always a bargain and may not provide optimum nutrition. Premium food makes sense both nutritionally (because of consistent, high-quality ingredients) and economically because it provides:

100% complete, balanced nutrition

High nutrient and energy density, which translates into smaller feeding portions

A stable ingredient profile.
High nutrient and energy density
The investment in a premium food may initially cost more per bag, but because these high-quality formulas are high in nutrient density, your dog may need less food, which can offset the higher cost per unit of weight. On a feeding cost per day basis, look at how much you feed each day as opposed to how much the bag costs, because nutrient and energy density will generally be lower for a low-cost food compared with premium foods.

Nutrition from The Iams Company has fixed-formulas as opposed to least-cost formulas. Fixed formulas have a "stable ingredient profile." That means the recipes formulated to be 100% complete and balanced do not change with the cost of ingredients.

With least-cost formulations, the emphasis is on production and ingredient costs. Two bags of the same least-cost formulated food can have different ingredients and/or levels of ingredients. Plus, those ingredients may vary significantly in digestibility-this means simply that you may need to feed more just to equal the nutrition offered by a smaller amount of a premium dog food formula.


Nutrition, Skin, Coat

Feeding studies have shown that a dog's nutritional requirements are best met by high-quality animal proteins such as those contained in chicken, fish, lamb and eggs. Our formulas are made with these highly digestible proteins, which promote excellent skin and coat condition and enhance your dog's overall health and well-being. When your dog's coat looks good, the rest of the body is likely to be well nourished, too..

The role of fatty acids
Fat also plays a key role in keeping your dog's skin and coat in top condition. Fat not only provides energy, it's a source of essential fatty acids that are necessary for the skin's healthy structure. Fatty acids in the diet keep the skin moist and supple. Fatty acids also contribute to a thick, lustrous and healthy coat..

Important types of fatty acids
Lack of fat and fatty acids, or the wrong balance of fatty acids, can result in dry, scaly skin and haircoat problems. A proper balance of fatty acids is key to a healthy coat. Although there are many kinds of fatty acids, a few are important to coat health and appearance:

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid for dogs and is necessary for healthy skin. It is found in beef, pork, chicken and some vegetable oils.

Omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid, can be found in the fat or oils provided in ingredients such as chicken and maize in your dog's food.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish oils and in linseed. Although not essential to a dog's diet, they have been found to help nutritionally manage skin and coat conditions and promote a shiny coat.
A proper fatty-acid balance
An appropriate balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain your dog's healthy skin and coat. An optimal range of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty-acid ratios is between 5:1 and 10:1, to enhance skin and coat quality and help nutritionally manage skin and coat conditions..



Understanding Labels

Five sections of a dog food label reveal what is in the food you're buying. Here's what you need to know to understand the information on a dog food label.

The name of the food
The name can tell you how much of an ingredient is in the food. Dog food names that have the animal protein source in the title, such as beef formula, indicate that at least 26 percent of the diet is indeed the named ingredient. Names that contain the word with (such as with chunky chicken) can contain as little as 4 percent of that ingredient..

The ingredient panel
This section on the label lists all the ingredients that make up the product. The ingredients must be listed in descending order according to weight before cooking. The first ingredient in dry food should be a source of high-quality animal-based protein-chicken or lamb for example. Dogs thrive on animal proteins, but may not do as well on vegetable proteins such as soybean meal. Manufacturers who use large amounts of vegetable proteins may be saving money at the expense of a dog's overall well-being. Other ingredients to avoid are artificial colours and flavours, which offer no nutritional benefits..

The average analysis
Near the ingredient panel should be a chart of percentages called the "Analysis." These figures reveal the basic nutrient make-up of the dog food's formula, including protein content. The average percentages of protein and fat and the maximum percentages of fibre and moisture (water) should be listed..

The manufacturer's name and address
This information must be on the label by law. A freephone number may also be listed. Manufacturers, such as The Iams Company, who list a phone number, generally have a high-quality product and welcome consumer calls and questions.

Beware of products that read packed for or distributed by. These foods aren't made by the shop whose name may be on the front label, but are from a manufacturer whose quality and consistency controls may not be monitored closely..


Feeding Instructions

Your new dog's first meals at home are very important. Find out what formula your dog has been eating and continue feeding this food for a day or two after you bring him home. If you want to change his diet to a premium food, gradually move him from the old food to the new formula and help avoid intestinal upsets by using the following steps:

Day 1: Fill your dog's bowl with 75 percent of his old food and 25 percent of the new premium formula..

Day 2: Mix the old food and the new premium formula in a 50/50 ratio.

Day 3: Feed your dog a mixture that's 75 percent new premium formula and 25 percent old food.

Day 4: Feed 100% of the new premium formula.

Feeding Tips
Use the following guidelines to feed your new dog properly:

To feed a puppy from weaning to four months of age, offer a 100% complete and balanced premium puppy formula. To determine each serving size, start with the daily amount recommended by the feeding guidelines on the pet food label and divide that number by the number of times a day (usually 3 times) you plan to feed your puppy.

Serve the food at room temperature and remove the bowl within 30 minutes after he's finished eating.

After four months, you can feed a puppy twice daily on a regular schedule.

Always provide your dog with clean, fresh water.

Discard uneaten wet food at the end of the day.

Don't add nutritional supplements to your dog's diet. Adding commercial dietary supplements or "people food" such as hamburger, eggs, cottage cheese or cow's milk is unnecessary and may even do more harm than good.


Feeding Tips for a Teething Puppy

Puppies grow quickly and have special nutritional needs. The most noticeable period is known as the rapid growth stage, which occurs between two and six months of age. From about three to six months, most pups will lose their puppy teeth (don't be alarmed if you occasionally find a tooth near his dish or on the floor).

During this phase, however, a puppy's mouth and gums may be very sensitive, which could cause him to be a bit picky when it comes to eating. There's nothing you can do except to wait out this period, even if his appetite is affected for a couple of days.

Helpful hints
Don't switch to a new formula to stimulate your puppy's appetite. Changing food at this time can cause additional stress and intestinal upset. To help your puppy make the change, consider the following options:

Mix his regular premium dry food with a premium canned puppy food to make his diet more appealing.

Soak dry food in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Feeding a dry food and biscuits help loosen the teeth so pups can get through the teething process quicker.
If his appetite loss persists, see your veterinarian before you switch food.
On Into Adulthood
Depending on his breed size, at some point between 12 and 24 months of age you should evaluate your puppy's nutritional needs and choose an appropriate adult formula. Consider, for example, whether your dog gains weight easily, is normally active, or has a high activity level and high energy needs.


Switching to Adult Food

To continue giving your dog the nutrition he needs, move to an adult formula when he's fully grown.

When switching to an adult formula
The transition to a premium adult formula should begin when your dog stops growing in height and weight. The kind of dog you have will determine the time to switch. Small-breed dogs, for example, tend to mature physically much sooner than large-breed dogs. Follow these guidelines to help you decide when to switch formulas:

Small-breed dogs (10 kilograms or less when fully grown) are usually ready to transition to an adult formula when they are about 12 months of age.

Medium-breed dogs that will weigh between 10 and 25 kilograms as adults normally mature around 12 months of age.

Large-breed dogs, those weighing more than 25 kilograms when they are fully grown, might not be ready to switch to an adult food until they are between around 24 months old.
What premium foods provide
High-quality, complete and balanced premium dog foods are the best you can buy. They are specifically designed to provide your dog with a food that has:

High-quality ingredients

High total diet digestibility

Balanced, optimal levels of protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which make costly nutritional supplements unnecessary

A nutrient-dense formulation appropriate for a particular life stage

Consistent, high-quality ingredient recipes that do not change with manufacturing costs

Calibrated fatty-acid ratios to help maintain healthy skin and coat

Great palatability—taste—based on feeding trials

Plus, with formulas from The Iams Company, you can be sure each variety has been specifically designed to enhance the overall health and well-being of your dog.

The benefits of premium foods
When you feed your dog a premium food, you'll see these important indicators of good health:

Exceptional muscle tone

A shiny, luxurious coat

Healthy skin, teeth and bones

Clear, bright eyes

· Well-formed stools

Playfulness

A happy, healthy attitude.
How to switch to an adult formula
To avoid intestinal upset or diarrhoea, change from a puppy formula to an adult diet over a period of four days:

Day 1: Fill your dog's bowl with 75 percent of his puppy food and 25 percent of the new adult formula.
Day 2: Mix the puppy food and the new adult formula in a 50/50 ratio
Day 3: Feed your dog a mixture that's 75 percent adult food and 25 percent puppy food.
Day 4: Feed 100% adult formula.
To determine how much food to give your dog, start with the daily feeding recommendations established by the pet food manufacturer and read the label. To calculate portion sizes, divide the total daily amount by the number of times (usually 2 for adult dogs) you plan to feed your dog.

To tell if your dog is at a healthy weight, move your hands along his sides. If you can feel his ribs, he's about right. Or, look down at him when you're directly above him. You should be able to see a waistline.

If he's gaining or losing weight, slightly decrease or increase his daily intake and weigh him in another week. If you have specific concerns about your dog's weight, talk to your veterinarian. He or she can assess your dog's needs and make a feeding recommendation.

Why to switch to an adult formula
As your new puppy quickly matures into adulthood, he's outgrowing the specific nutritional needs and eating habits of a young puppy. He needs nutrition appropriate for his "new" body-that means a high-quality, premium adult formula.

Though your puppy is nearly full grown, good nutrition is still important. Most veterinarians agree that feeding a complete and balanced premium food throughout your dog's adulthood will help promote a long, healthy life.

Things Not To Do When Feeding Your Dog
By: Jane R. Bicks, D.V.M.



* Dairy products may not be right for your dog.

While it's true that milk and cheese are excellent sources of
protein and fat, they can cause diarrhea in an adult dog. Dogs can
develop lactose intolerance just as we can.


* Too much liver for your dog can be harmful

While liver contains myriad nutritional components, a daily
diet of liver can cause diarrhea or vitamin A and D toxicity.



* Don't turn your dog into a vegetarian

Your dog evolved as a meat eater and needs to continue
to be. For his wolf relatives, small and medium animals
form their diet of choice. While grass is included in their
diet, dogs and wolves evolved with canine teeth to tear
flesh and enzymes to break down meats. Even though it is
available in stores, an all-vegetarian dog diet will not make
dogs healthier.


* Fat scraps for your dog are not healthy

While it may help the dog's coat shine, fat can make your
dog fat, and cause pancreatic disease and diarrhea.
Your dog should receive plenty of fat from his dog food.


* Never leave your dog without water.

Never restrict your dog's water intake. If urination
within the house is a problem, then it's time to confine
your dog to a crate or a room that's easy to clean,
lined with newspapers. A dog can dehydrate easily, and
your dog needs plenty of water.


* Don't feed dogs from plastic dishes

While they may not break easily, plastic dishes can
cause a sensitivity or allergic reaction on your
dog's chin, harbor bacteria, and retain odors
than can cause a finicky dog to reject his meal.
metal or ceramic dishes are your best choice.


* Don't feed your dog from combined food and water dishes.

Unless your dog has the table manners of Emily Post,
some of the food is bound to end up in the water,
creating a haven for bacteria growth.


* Bloat-Prone dogs should not be eating from a dish on the floor

Elevate the dog dish on a table or stand so that the food
is at shoulder level. Your dog will swallow less air
and have a more pleasant dining experience.


* Don't teach your dog to beg.

Dogs are taught to beg, either intentionally or otherwise.
Feeding table scraps to dogs occasionally will only
teach them to want more. The more often you succumb to
your dog's pleas, the more your dog will beg.


* Don't mix and match quality.

In other words, don't add a high quality canned dog food
to a dry dog food that's not manufactured by the same company.


* Don't over supplement

* Don't get carried away with adding one canine
nutritional supplement after another.


* Don't exercise your dog right after meals.

Wait at least one hour after eating before taking
your dog for his nightly or morning walk or run.
It doesn't matter if your dog is big or small.

Grading Your Dog Food

How to grade your dog's food: Start with a grade of 100:


Subtract for the following:


1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points
2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points
3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points
4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points
5) If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer’s rice", "rice flour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points
6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points
7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
8 ) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points
9) If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points
10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points
11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points
12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points
13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point

Extra Credit:

1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points
3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points
5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points
6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points
7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points
8 ) If the food contains barley, add 2 points
9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point
11) If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point
12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point
13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point

94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D
<70 = F

Dog Food scores:

Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+

Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F

Canidae / Score 112 A+

Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+

Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F

Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B

Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+

Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+

Foundations / Score 106 A+

Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 D

Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D

Innova Dog / Score 114 A+

Innova Evo / Score 114 A+

Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+

Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B

Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F

ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley / Score 103 A+

Purina Benful / Score 17 F

Purina Dog / Score 62 F

Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F

Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+

Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+

Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A

Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F

Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F

Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+

Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A

Ingredients in your dog's food

Amylase Enzyme which breaks down carbohydrates

Ammoniated Glycyrrhizin
A sweetener-considered a potent drug-further study for safety

Ascorbic Acid A crystalline Vitamin C found in citrus, fresh fruits, tomatoes, potatoes and green leafy vegetables

Alfalfa
Alfalfa products supply protein, calcium, carotene, water-soluble vitamins, alpha tocopherols (Vitamin E), and Vitamin D.

Amino Acids
Component part of all protein

Aspergillus Niger
Enzymes

Bacillus Subtilles & Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation
Friendly bacteria, applied after cooking and fat application to ensure the bacteria is not destroyed because of the heating process

Bacillus Subtilus
Enzymes

Beet Pulp
Best source of fiber ? helps develop good fecal consistency; acts as a calming base for forming the stool in the colon. Made by drying residual beet chips after sugar extraction

BHA ? Butylated Hydroxyanisole Poorly tested chemical preservative implicated as a cause of cancer, especially stomach cancer.
BHT ? Butylated Hydroxytolune Poorly tested chemical preservative implicated as a cause of liver damage, metabolic stress, fetal abnormalities and serum cholesterol increase

Biotin
Part of B-Complex vitamins. An important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

D-Biotin Supplement
B-complex vitamins

Blood Meal
Cheap ingredient made from dried blood

Breakfast By-Products
A by-product left after the manufactureof dry breakfast foods.

Bromelain
Enzymes from pineapple plant.

By-Products
Products not fit for human consumption from any source. Includes feathers, hides, bones, intestines, heads and feet of slaughtered animals

Calcium
Mineral for bones, teeth and muscles

Calcium Pantothenate
Source of vitamin B5

Whole Chicken
Fresh, whole chicken without any by-products, feet, heads, feathers or intestines. Excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids and Biotin

Chicken Meal
Moist-cooked fresh chicken meat without by-products, feet heads, feathers or intestines that is fine ground into a meal

Chicken Fat
An excellent source of palatability, essential fatty acids and energy

Choline
For growth and maintenance

Choline Chloride
Mineral

Citrus By-Products
Residue of citrus pulp and seed products result from production of citrus juices

Cobalt Proteinate
Chelate of Cobalt (Cobalt wrapped in an easy-to-digest protein (kelp) for better absorption)

Cod ? Liver Oil
Excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin A. Important for cats.

Copper
A small amount of copper improves utiliaztion of iron.

Copper Sulfate
Source of copper

Copper Proteinate
Chelate of Copper

Cottage Cheese & Whole Egg
High quality protein; including tryptophan, calcium, and lecithin from the egg yolk

DL ? Methionine
Amino Acid Group

Enzymes
Enzymes are catalysts ? required by all food for enzymatic action to be digested. Plant enzymes can be taken with food to aid in digestion. Enzymes are a food that is natural to the body.

Ethoxyquin Chemical Preservative. Developed for the production of of rubber and used as a pesticide. Most suspect of causing severe health problems in dogs. (Lisa Newman describes EQ as very similar to Agent Orange, and notes " the documented cases of serious side-effects, resulting from exposure to or ingestion of this chemical. Humans who were working with it in the rubber industry, reported a dramatic rise in such diseases as liver/kidney damage, cancerous skin lesions, loss of hair, blindness, leukemia, fetal abnormalities and chronic diarrhea. In animals it has been linked to immune deficiency syndrome, spleen, stomach and liver cancer, as well as the above mentioned diseases. The steady increase in animal cancer and serious diseases has paralleled the increased use of chemical preservatives in the pet food industry during the last twenty-five years." (1))
Fat
For energy, skin and coat. Essential to dogs and cats in correct quantities

Ferrous Sulfate
Source of Iron

FISH:


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. Aids in the baking process

Folic Acid
For blood, reproduction and normal metabolic maintenance. Vitamin B ?complex

Food Coloring
Red, Yellow and Blue. Dyes banned from human food. Added to please the human eye since pets don'? see color.

Garlic
Helps tone digestive tract and discourage worms and other parasites, including fleas

Grapeseed Oil
Rich in vitamin E and is loaded with omega 6 (linoleic) fatty acids which is excellent for the skin and coat. Contains nearly 76% essential omega 6 and 3 is highly stable.

Iodine
For prevention of goiter. Has profound effect on growth and development. The Thyroid gland stores and uses iodine.

Iron
For healthy blood. More important for dogs as cats eat more meat. A deficienly of iron causes nutritional anemia.

Iron Proteinate
Chelate of iron

Kelp
Dried Kelp: Seaweed ? source of iodine as well as an easy to digest protein wrapping for chelated minerals

L ?Lysine
Essential amino acid

Lecithin
Phosphorized fat from plants/animals. Important for body tissue and cells. Protects cell membrane from damage caused by oxidation. Largely composed of the B vitamin choline. As an emulsifier, it provides an excellent addition to the diet facilitating fat soluble vitamin absorption.

Linoleic Acid
For skin and coat (studies have shown linoleic acid to be a natural anticarcinogen in mice and rats. Further study needed for other animals and humans)

Lipase
Enzyme, aids in proper fat absorption ? important for healthy skin and coat.

Magnesium Mineral needed for healthy muscles, blood and bones
Manganese Proteinate Chelate of Manganese
Manganous Oxide Source of Magnesium
Meat Clean, wholesome flesh of slaughtered animals
Meat By-Products Products not fit for human consumption, from any meat source.
Monosodium Phosphaic Sodium
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 & Alphy 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 fmaily, which produces an enzyme that helps to break down starches into simple sugars for energy and metabolism.
Papain Vegetable enzyme, used as a difestive aid (from Papaya)
Potassium Mineral vital in proper muscle functioning and growth
Potassium Chloride A source of Potassium
Potassium Sorbate A chemical preservative
Potatoes Rich in potassium, lysine and other minerals. An excellent carbohydrate source (energy)
Poultry By-Products Products not fit for human consumption from any source of poultry. Includes feathers, intestines, heads and feet.
Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid)
Probiotics Used to facilitate good health and wellness. They inhibit unfriendly bacteria proliferation, help nutrient absorption and facilitate digestion.
Protein For Growth and Maintenance. Most important is the type of protein in the food, not the quantity. The ?Crude Protein? lists the amount of protein in the not, not the amount that can be digested.
Propyl Gallate Chemical preservative, suspected of causing liver damage.
Propylene Glycol Chemical preservative known to cause illness in dogs (additive found in anti-freeze)
Pyridoxine (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 co-enzyme in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Source of Vitamin B6

Quinoa
A highly nutritious, gluten free, grain (vegetable) from South America. A high Andes grain that is 100% organically grown, rich in amino acids and is an excellent energy source.

Riboflavin (B2)
Mineral necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody protection, cell respiration, and growth. It alleviates eye fatigue

Rice:
Excellent carbohydrate source

Ground Rice
Product obtained by coarse grinding the whole grain rice

Rice Bran
The bran or internal germ of the rice

Rice Flour
Product obtained by fine grinding the whole grain rice

Rosemary Extract
Concentrated with rich, naturally occurring phenolic compounds that provide excellent anti-oxidant 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

Sage Extract
Concentrated with rich, naturally occurring phenolic compounds that provide excellent anti-oxidant activity to protect the fats ? preventing harmful peroxide and free radical formulation that reduces the nutrient quality

Screenings
Foreign material obtained in the process of cleaning grains and seeds

Sodium Chloride
?Salt? Maintains normal body functions (digestion, pH, ability of muscles to contract), healthy skin and coat

Sodium Selenite
Source of Selenium, one of the 7 trace minerals considered essential in a pet?s diet. Selenium acts to naturally ?detox? an animal?s cells

Soybean Oil
Oil extracted from the soybean. Source of protein, a glyceride ester of 90% fatty acids. Good for the skin and coat

Sucrose
Simple Table Sugar

Taurine
Essential Amino Acid in a cat?s diet. Helps prevent blindness, helps prevent heat problems

Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
For appetite, growth, and muscles

Thiamine Mononitrate
Source of Vitamin B1

Tocopherols
Closely related Vitamin E fat soluble compounds in vegetables. Antioxidant and natural preservative

DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate
Source of Vitamin E

Tomato Flakes and Pomace
Excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially A&C), minerals and fiber. Aids in digestion

Vegetables:
Rich in bioflavinoids (Vitamin P). Helps with Vitamin C absorption and are natural antioxidants

Dehydrated and Freeze Dried Vegetables
Carrot flakes, peas, tomato flakes, celery, garlic granules, spinach, parsley flakes, and green bell peppers

Viscera
All the organs in the great body cavity, including the intestines

Vitamins:


Vitamin A Supplement
For eyes, appetite and growth

Vitamin B-12 Supplement
For growth and blood

Vitamin D-3 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 helps preserve and protect the Vitamin A and other fatty acids. Needed for reproduction, fights disease and minimizes the effects of pollution

Wheat:


Ground Whole Wheat
Course ground whole-wheat grain

Whole Wheat flour
Very fine ground whole-wheat grain

Wheat Germ Meal
Ground wheat

Whey
Dried Whey (dried milk)

Yeast
High protein. Natural source for biotin and folic acid

Brewer?s Dried Yeast
High protein. Natural source for biotin and folic acid

Yucca Schidigera Extract
Reacts with the urease enzyme activity to reduce amonia production in urine and feces. Significantly reduces the odor. Yucca extract is derived from the yucca plant, pulp, and juices

Zinc
Important for growth and immune system function

Zinc Oxide
Source of zinc


1. Animal Protection Institute of America
P.O. Box 22505, Sacramento, CA 95822 2831