MEAT (E.G., LAMB, BEEF, CHICKEN) -- "Meat is the clean flesh derived from slaughtered mammals and is limited to that part of the striate muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart, or in the esophagus; with or without that accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto."

POULTRY -- "Poultry is the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of poultry or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto. If the bone has been removed, the process may be so designated by use of the appropriate feed term."

MEAT MEAL (E.G., LAMB MEAL, CHICKEN MEAL) -- "Meat Meal is the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. It shall not contain added extraneous materials not provided for by this definition. The Calcium (Ca) level shall not exceed the actual level of Phosphorus (P) by more than 2.2 times. It shall not contain more than 12% Pepsin indigestible residue and not more than 9% of the crude protein in the product shall be pepsin indigestible. The label shall include guarantees for minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, maximum crude fiber, minimum Phosphorus (P) and minimum and maximum Calcium (Ca). If the product bears a name descriptive of its kind, composition or origin, it must correspond thereto."

POULTRY MEAL -- "Poultry Meal is the dry rendered products derived from a combination of clean flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of poultry or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto."

MEAT AND BONE MEAL -- "Meat and Bone Meal is the rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. It shall not contain added extraneous materials not provided for by this definition. It shall contain a minimum of 4.0% Phosphorus (P) and the Calcium (Ca) level shall not be more than 2.2 times the actual Phosphorus (P) level. It shall not contain more than 12% pepsin indigestible residue and not more than 9% of the crude protein in the product shall be pepsin indigestible. The label shall include guarantees for minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, maximum crude fiber, minimum Phosphorus (P) and minimum and maximum Calcium (Ca). If it bears a name description of its kind, composition or origin it must correspond thereto."

MEAT BY-PRODUCTS -- "Meat by-products is 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. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If it bears name descriptive of its kind, it must correspond thereto."

POULTRY BY-PRODUCTS -- "Poultry By-Products must 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."

POULTRY BY-PRODUCT MEAL -- "Poultry By-Product Meal consists of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines, exclusive of feathers, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. The label shall include guarantees for minimum crude protein, minimum crude fat, maximum crude fiber, minimum Phosphorus (P), and minimum and maximum calcium (Ca). The Calcium (Ca) level shall not exceed the actual level of phosphorus (P) by more than 2.2 times."

ANIMAL BY-PRODUCT MEAL -- "Animal By-product Meal is the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. It shall not contain added extraneous materials not provided for by this definition. This ingredient definition is intended to cover those individual rendered animal tissue products that cannot meet the criteria as set forth elsewhere in this section. This ingredient is not intended to be used to label a mixture of animal tissue products."

GRAINS -- The availability of nutrients is dependent upon the digestibility of grains. Dogs and cats can almost completely absorb some carbohydrates from some grains, such as white rice. Up to 20% of other grains can escape digestion. The availability of nutrients in wheat, beans, and oats is poor. The nutrients in potatoes and corn are far less available than those in rice. Carbohydrate that escapes digestion is of little nutritional value due to bacteria in the colon that ferments carbohydrates. The amount and type of carbohydrate

PRESERVATIVES -- BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin and mixed tocopherols are the most commonly used preservatives used to keep the fat in pet food from turning rancid. Natural preservatives are mixed tocopherols, which is vitamin E. Ethoxyquin may be the most stable preservative, but its safety for use in pet food has not been established.

DATE CODES -- Date codes on pet food packages provide important information about the freshness of the product. The following are examples of different date codes and their meanings:

MONTH, DAY AND YEAR -- 011597 means the food was made on January 15, l997.

JULIAN CALENDAR -- 12197 means the 121st day of 1997, or May 1, l997. If only four digits are used, it is the 9 of 97 that will be missing.

BEST IF USED BEFORE -- means exactly that. The food is best if it is used by the date following that statement. The manufacturer will be using the maximum shelf life for that particular food as a guideline for dating.

THE INGREDIENTS LIST -- When reading a label, remember the ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance by weight. The ingredient listed first weighs the most; the second heaviest ingredient is listed second, and so on. Whole meats may contain more water, so they may be listed first unless the quantity of whole meat is very small. Some canned foods list "water sufficient for processing" first, which means that a large portion of what you are paying for is water.

SPLITTING -- Beware of the industry practice of "splitting" the grain ingredients listed on labels. Splitting occurs when two or three types of the same grain are listed separately. If a label reads "Chicken, ground yellow corn, rice, and corn gluten meal," it appears that there is less corn than chicken, even though the corn products in the food actually weigh more than the chicken.

KITTENS AND PUPPIES -- Kitten and puppy foods have more calcium, phosphorus, protein, fat, and calories than adult foods in the same product line. Puppies and kittens require two to three times as much energy per pound than adult animals of the same species and breed.

SENIOR AND OVERWEIGHT COMPANIONS -- "Lite," "less active," or "senior" diets generally have less protein, fat and calories than the adult formula pet food in the same product line. Read the labels and compare with the food you currently feed your companion animal to ensure these decreases are met.

PACKAGING AND STORAGE OF KIBBLE -- Once you have made your decision and purchased your pet food, keep it in an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If dry kibble gets too warm, the fat can spoil and cause your companion animal to have diarrhea or other health problems.

RAW VEGGIES -- chopped parsley, clover, and alfalfa sprouts.

COOKED VEGGIES -- zucchini, carrots, peas, green beans, broccoli, and spinach.

[This section taken from the website: http://www.aloha.com/~wolfepack/food.html]

Let's start with the PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL. This is very straightforward information like the following:

Now let's talk about the INFORMATION PANEL. This tells you about the actual food content.

SUGAR: is not an ingredient most people would expect to find in dog food, but many foods do, in fact, contain sugar, especially the semi-moist brands. In fact, some semi-moist foods contain as much as 15% sugar. The sugar adds palatability and moisture, and aids in bacterial contamination prevention. Dogs do not need this amount of sugar, which can stress the pancreas and adrenal glands, causing diabetes. Completely devoid of protein, vitamins and minerals, sugar is, literally, empty calories.

SALT: is added to many foods as a meat preservative. Too much salt can irritate the digestive system and can cause a mineral imbalance because the salt itself can upset the calcium / potassium balance in your dog's system. Too much salt can be life threatening for a dog.

BIOLOGICAL VALUE - The biological values of the ingredients are a key to good nutrition. The biological value of a food is the measurement of the amino acid completeness of the proteins contained by the food. Eggs are considered a wonderful source of protein because they contain all of the essential amino acids.

DIGESTIBILITY OF FOOD - Digestibility refers to the quantity of the food that is actually absorbed by the dog's system. The more food fully metabolized, the higher the digestibility figure. Quality Before Processing - Understanding the definition of an ingredient is not enough. Many grains grown in poor soil will lack needed vitamins and minerals, and, unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in the United States. Grains and vegetables can be polluted with fertilizer residues and pesticides of various kinds.

IN SUMMARY - Dog food labels do contain a lot of information, and learning how to decipher them can take some time. However, the time to do that is not when you're in the aisle looking at all the foods available. Instead, study the labels at home so that you can look at them more thoroughly. Most dog food manufacturers provide pet stores and Veterinarians with boxes of dog food samples. These are yours for the asking. If you get a variety of samples from different companies, you can then study those labels at home, at your leisure.

CORN GLUTEN MEAL - The by-product after the manufacture of corn syrup or starch which is the dried residue after the removal of the bran, germ, and starch.

ALFALFA MEAL - The finely ground product of the alfalfa plant.

SEMOLINA - The endosperm of durum wheat is called semolina, high protein used in fine pasta.

BARLEY - At least 80% good quality barley; no more than 3% heat damaged kernels, 6 percent foreign material, 20% other grains or 10% wild oats.

BARLEY FLOUR - The soft finely ground barley meal obtained from the milling of barley.

GROUND CORN (also called Corn Meal or Corn Chop) - The entire corn kernel ground or chopped. It must contain no more than 4% foreign material.

BREWER'S RICE - The small fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from larger kernels of milled rice.

BROWN RICE - The unpolished rice left over after the kernels have been removed.

SOYBEAN MEAL - By-product of the production of soybean oil.

GROUND GRAIN SORGHUM - Made by grinding grains of sorghum.

CEREAL FOOD FINES - The by-product of breakfast cereal production which consists of particles of the foods.

LINSEED MEAL - The residue of flaxseed oil production, ground into a meal.

MESQUITE BEAN MEAL- This is full of essential nutrients, helps regulate blood sugar, and is an excellent source of carbohydrates.

OATMEAL - Is a heart smart food that is an excellent fiber source and is clinically proven to lower cholesterol.

MEAT OR MEAT BASED - Meat is the clean flesh of slaughtered cattle, swine, sheep or goats. The flesh can include striated skeletal muscle, tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus, overlying fat, and the portions of skin, sinew, nerves, and blood vessels normally found with that flesh.

MEAT MEAL - Rendered meal made from animal tissue. It cannot contain hair, hoof, blood, horn, hide trimmings, stomach or rumen (the first stomach) contents, or manure except for amounts that may not be avoided during processing. It cannot contain any added foreign matter and may not contain more than 14% indigestible materials. Indigestible crude protein in the meal cannot be more than 11%.

MEAT BY-PRODUCT - Clean parts of slaughtered animals, not including meat. These parts include lungs, kidneys, brain, spleen, liver, bone, blood, partially defatted low-temperature fatty tissue, stomach, and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, teeth, hooves or horns. Only 14% may be indigestible residue and no more than 11% indigestible crude protein.

CHICKEN LIVER - Organic meat , highly usable protein source containing vitamins A , K and Foliate. It also contains minerals Phosphorus and potassium. Many Amino Acids are also found in Chicken Liver.

POULTRY BY-PRODUCT - Clean parts of slaughtered poultry, such as heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, feet, abdomen, intestines, and heads and must not contain feces or foreign matter except that which is unavoidable and then only in trace amounts.

POULTRY BY-PRODUCT MEAL - Made up of ground, rendered, and clean parts of slaughtered poultry, such as undeveloped eggs, necks, feet, and intestines. It does not contain feathers except those which are unavoidable during processing.

DEHYDRATED EGGS - Whole poultry eggs which are dried.

MEAT OR MEAT BASED - Meat is the clean flesh of slaughtered cattle, swine, sheep or goats. The flesh can include striated skeletal muscle, tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus, overlying fat, and the portions of skin, sinew, nerves, and blood vessels normally found with that flesh.

MEAT MEAL - Rendered meal made from animal tissue. It cannot contain hair, hoof, blood, horn, hide trimmings, stomach or rumen (the first stomach) contents, or manure except for amounts that may not be avoided during processing. It cannot contain any added foreign matter and may not contain more than 14% indigestible materials. Indigestible crude protein in the meal cannot be more than 11%.

MEAT BY-PRODUCT - Clean parts of slaughtered animals, not including meat. These parts include lungs, kidneys, brain, spleen, liver, bone, blood, partially defatted low-temperature fatty tissue, stomach, and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, teeth, hooves or horns. Only 14% may be indigestible residue and no more than 11% indigestible crude protein.

MEAT AND BONE MEAL - Rendered from meat and bone, but it does not include hair, blood, horn, hoof, manure, hide trimmings, stomach, or rumen contents except that which is unavoidable during processing. It does not include any foreign matter. Like meat meal, only 14% may be indigestible residue and no more than 11% indigestible crude protein.

WHOLE FRESH EGGS - This is the Highest rated source of usable Protein, and rates above all meats and meat products. Shells are a great source of Calcium Carbonate good for strong healthy teeth.

BEEF TALLOW - This is the very hard white fatty substance which is rock hard and looks like a bone. Most dogs have great difficulty in digesting this substance.

ANIMAL BY-PRODUCT MEAL - Consists of rendered animal tissue which does not fit in any of the other categories. It cannot contain hoof, hide trimmings, extra hair, horn, stomach or rumen contents, manure or any foreign matter.

ANIMAL DIGEST - A powder or liquid made by taking clean under-composed animal tissue and breaking it down using chemical and or emblematic hydrolysis. It does not contain horn, teeth, hair, hooves, or feathers except in trace amounts which are unavoidable, Digest names must be descriptive of their contents....that is, chicken digest must be made from chicken and beef digest made from beef.

FISH MEAL - Clean, dried, and ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings which may or may not have the oil removed.

SALMON - Excellent source of protein and fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.

TURNIP GREENS - Contains some calcium, Omega-3 and vitamin A & C.

TOMATOES - Abundant in carotenoids, beta-carotene, and vitamins A & C. They are also an acidifier and a fiber source.

PEAS AND CARROTS - Are used as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals they also provide a flavor that both dogs and cats love.

ORANGES - Contain the pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) good for immune support, reduces cholesterol, powerful anti-cancer tool. A natural preservative and a digestive cleanser, The peel contains oils that stimulate the immune system (used in cancer treatment.)

GRAPEFRUIT - Has calcium, high in vitamin C & A, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K, carbohydrates, and increases the effectiveness of nutrient absorption and potency of other fruits and vegetables when combined. It acts as a preservative and lowers cholesterol. Combines with orange to form and effective cancer fighting tool.

BEET PULP - The dried residue from production of sugar from sugar beets.

BIOTIN - Vitamin essential to cellular metabolism, it helps metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Biotin prevents anemia, muscular pain, and skin disorders. It also helps prevent heart disease. Is a concentrated, non-processed natural food source of active enzymes, probiotics cultures, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and various other micronutrient.

Dried Whey - The thin part of milk separated from the curd, or thicker part, when milk coagulates. Dried whey is this milk part, dried, and is not less than 11% protein or less than 61% other grains or 10% wild oats.

PEANUT HULLS - The outer hull of the peanut shell.

DRIED KELP OR DRIED SEAWEED - The maximum percentage of salt and minimum percentage of potassium and iodine must be declared.

GINKGO BILOBA - This is a rejuvenating herb that helps with memory and mental functions of older animals by increasing blood flow to the brain. It is also believed to help improve hearing and equilibrium.

FOSSIL MINERAL FLOUR - Finely ground Coral and Fossilized rock. These tiny crystals are eaten by parasites in the intestinal tract and lead to their expulsion from the body. It is one of natures ways of eliminating parasites. Another is Garlic

LECITHIN - A Rich Nutrient that lowers Blood Cholesterol levels. It is believed to that it strengthens arteries thus controlling blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the fat content within arterial walls.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE - Humectant, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, High in B-12, all essential amino acids, sulfonolipids and glycolipids, diverse spectrum of vitamins, contains a 95% usable protein complex, 17 bata-carotenoids, thousands of enzymes, and a vast mineral array.

OLIVE OIL - Is monounsaturated, one of the finest sources of fat and lowers blood cholesterol especially the most harmful variety. The useful fat in olive oil helps carry important vitamins through your pet's body like A, D, E and K.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR - Contains cholesterol-reducing pectin and the perfect balance of 19 minerals. It contains 93 different components that can help regulate blood pressure, fight off infections, relieve arthritis pains, promote healthy digestion, and improve metabolism. Cleans out toxins from tissues and joints.

BRINE - Is a pickling solution. Poured off after pickling leaving only a minimal salt residue.

BROWN SUGAR - Used as a pickling agent, moisture stabilizer, and a source of minerals.

CALCIUM PROPIONATE -This chemical has been around for a long time.

BHA AND BHT - These are both preservatives. BHA is butylated hydroxyanisole. BHT is butyhlated hydroxytoluene. Both BHA and BHT have been associated with liver damage, fetal abnormalities, and metabolic stress. They also have a questionable relationship to cancer.

ETHOXYQUIN - This preservative has been the most highly debated item in dog foods for the last several years. It is a chemical preservative that has been widely used to prevent spoilage in dog foods. It is alleged that ethoxyquin has caused cancer, liver, kidney and thyroid dysfunction, reproductive failure, and more, although the allegations have not been proven in tests to date.

POTASSIUM SORBATE - This chemical has been around for a long time.

SODIUM NITRATE - Used both as a food coloring (RED) and as a preservative. When used as a preservative, it produces carcinogenic substances called nitrosamines. NOTE: Accidental ingestion of sodium nitrate by people can be fatal.

TOCOPHEROLS (Vitamins C and E) - Naturally occurring compounds used as natural preservatives. Tocopherols function as antioxidants, preventing the oxidation of fatty acids, vitamins, and some other nutrients. These are being used more frequently as preservatives, as many dog owners are more concerned about chemical preservatives. Tocopherols have a very short shelf life, especially once the bag of food has been opened.

[The following information was extracted from Natura Pet, Makers of Innova, from their website www.naturapet.com]

ALFALFA SPROUTS: Definition--Alfalfa Sprouts are the same sprouts you could find in a produce section or a salad bar. Notes: They are not pre-processed, so they retain the flavors and important nutrients (including 'protector' antioxidants) of the foods you serve at your own table.

AMARANTH -- Definition: Amaranth is a seed plant which is a good alternative source of carbohydrate energy. Notes: It is a valuable carbohydrate ingredient with a unique flavor. It is also high in linoleic acids, which are good for skin and coat.

BEET PULP -- Definition: Beet Pulp is the dried residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. Notes: Beet Pulp is a good source of fiber and a stool hardener.

BLUEBERRIES -- Definition: Blueberries are the edible fruit of the blueberry bush. Notes: Blueberries do not pose a health risk in dog foods. They may add an interesting color or flavor to the food, which can affect a dog's taste preference.

CANOLA OIL -- Definition: Canola Oil is the oil obtained from the repeated pressing of canola seeds. Notes: Canola oil, although a single-source oil, is lower in the essential linoleic acids which provide a lustrous coat and soft, supple skin (pure sunflower oil is the most expensive and highest in linoleic acid of all table-quality oils.

CHICKEN -- Definition: Chicken is the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken or a combination of thereof - exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails.

CHICKEN DIGEST -- Definition: Chicken Digest is a palatability enhancer made by reducing (cooking down) chicken meat and fat into concentrated liquid or dry product. Notes: Chicken is also naturally high in linoleic acid, important for skin and coat. (Not to be confused with "poultry" digest which is inconsistent).

CHICKEN FAT -- Definition: Chicken Fat is obtained from the tissues of chickens in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. Notes: It is the highest of all animal sources in linoleic acid (over 23%), an important element for skin and coat health.

CHICKEN MEAL -- Definition: Chicken Meal is the dry rendered product from a combination of clean flesh and skin (with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts of whole carcasses of chicken or a combination thereof -- exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, or entrails. Notes: A high quality, low ash Chicken Meal is very digestible, very palatable, and very expensive. It is considered to be the single best source of protein in commercial pet foods.

CHONDROITIN SULFATE -- Definition: Chondroitin Sulfate is a long chain carbohydrate which may attract fluid back into joint cartilage. Notes: Chondroitin Sulfate, together with glucosamine, is believed to stimulate the rebuilding of the cartilage matrix and to play a role in the fight against osteoarthritis.

CORN GLUTEN MEAL -- Definition: Corn Gluten Meal is the dried residue from corn after the removal of the larger part of the starch and germ, and the separation of the bran by the process employed in the wet milling manufacture of corn starch or syrup, or by enzymatic treatment of the endosperm. Notes: Corn Gluten Meal is a plant protein source that is low in ash.

COTTAGE CHEESE -- Definition: Cottage Cheese is added right from its retail container, just like you would find at the supermarket.

DEFLUORINATED PHOSPHATE – Definition: Defluorinated Phosphate includes either calcined, fused, precipitated, or reacted calcium phosphate. It must contain not more than one part of fluorine to 100 parts of phosphorus. Notes: Defluorinated phosphate is a source of calcium, used as a dietary supplement.

DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE -- Definition: Dicalcium Phosphate is a phosphate of calcium. Notes: Dicalcium phosphate provides both calcium and phosphorus which are vital for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus also plays an important part in the body's energy production.

DL-ALPHA TOCOPHEROL -- Definition: dl-Alpha Tocopherol is the chemical name for Vitamin E. Notes: Vitamin E is known to help boost the immune system and to improve the efficiency of the heart and circulatory system.

DL-METHIONINE -- Definition: dl-Methionine is a natural amino acid which serves as a urinary acidifier.

DRIED EGGS -- Definition: Dried Eggs are USDA-inspected whole eggs, without the shell, in a dehydrated form. Notes: A cheaper Egg Product may contain eggs unfit for human consumption.

DRIED MILK PROTEIN -- Definition: Dried Milk Protein is obtained by drying the coagulated protein residue resulting from the controlled co-precipitation of casein, lactalbumin, and minor milk proteins from defatted milk.

FISH MEAL -- Definition: Fish Meal is the clean, dried ground tissue of un-decomposed whole fish or cuttings, with or without part of the fish oils. Notes: Fish Meal is high in important Omega 3 Fatty Acids

FISH OIL -- Definition: Fish Oil is the oil from rendering whole fish or cannery waste. Notes: It is an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

FLAXSEED -- Definition: Flaxseed is the whole seed of the flax plant. Notes: Flaxseed is added for its Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids which help produce a soft, luxuriant coat.

GARLIC -- Definition: Garlic is the whole clove of the garlic plant. Notes: Garlic is valued for its anti-oxidant properties, as well as its enjoyable flavor. When comparing dog foods, ask if garlic is fresh and of table-quality.

GLUCOSAMINE -- Definition: Glucosamine provides structure to bones, cartilage, and other body tissues.

GROUND BARLEY -- Definition: Ground Barley is the entire barley kernel, ground or chopped. Notes: Ground Barley is a good quality source of carbohydrates. Because it includes the entire barley kernel, it contributes additional protein, barley oil, bran, and vitamins and minerals to the diet. This is in contrast to fractionated grain ingredients, which are leeched of much of their natural value.

GROUND BROWN RICE -- Definition: Ground Brown Rice is the entire product obtained in grinding the rice kernels after the hulls have been removed. Notes: This is a high quality source of carbohydrates and natural fiber to provide excellent nutritional value and a 'nutty' flavor in dog and cat foods. Ground Brown Rice is slightly less digestible than Ground (white) Rice.

GROUND RICE -- Definition: Ground Rice is the de-hulled rice kernel, without the pericarp, ground or chopped. Notes: Ground Rice is the most digestible grain for pet foods and is relatively hypo-allergenic.

GROUND WHEAT -- Definition: Ground Wheat is the entire wheat kernel, ground or chopped. Notes: Ground Wheat is a good quality source of carbohydrates. Because it includes the entire wheat kernel, it contributes additional protein, wheat oil, bran, and vitamins and minerals to the diet. This is in contrast to fractionated wheat ingredients, which are leeched of much of their natural value.

HERRING -- Definition: Herring is the clean, dried ground tissue of undecomposed whole herring or cuttings, with or without part of the fish oils. Notes:

LAMB -- Definition: Lamb consists of lamb tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents. Notes: Check for high quality lamb meat suitable for human consumption, not the lamb by-products found in some other products. Before you buy a product containing lamb or lamb meal (the dried version), ask the manufacturer about the origin of the lamb they use.

LAMB MEAL -- Definition: Lamb Meal is the rendered product from lamb tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Notes: Lamb Meal is simply lamb meat with the moisture removed, making it suitable for use in dry food. Before you buy a product containing Lamb Meal, ask the manufacturer about the origin of the Lamb Meal they use.

LAMB STOCK -- Definition: Lamb Stock is obtained by steam cooking USDA edible, fresh, wholesome bones containing meat and muscle tissue at least 3 hours at a minimum temperature of 180°F and then drying the extracted broth. Notes: Lamb Stock is a processed ingredient resulting from cooking lamb bones in water.

NATURAL FLAVORS -- Definition: Natural Flavors are palatability enhancers made by cooking down meat and fats into concentrated liquid or dry product. Notes: Much like a reduced broth you would use in making gravy, this ingredient intensifies the flavor of the food.

OAT GROATS -- Definition: Oat Groats are cleaned oats with the hulls removed. Notes: Oat Groats are a good source of carbohydrates.

OATMEAL -- Definition: Oatmeal is the dry milled product of the oat groat with its natural nutrients intact and without preprocessing. Notes: Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrate energy. It is a natural, healthy grain that's rich in B vitamins.

PREBIOTICS -- Definition: Prebiotics or mannanoligosaccharides are complex sugars which provide a nutrient source for normal intestinal bacteria. Notes: Prebiotics are special carbohydrates that stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and also impede the growth of disease-causing bacteria. This contributes to better intestinal tract health and better overall health for the animal.

PROBIOTICS -- Definition: Probiotics include Streptococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei, and Lactobacillus Plantarum. Notes: These important Probiotics are added to formulations to help prevent disease and sickness. They are especially critical for dogs that are under stress from shipping, showing, surgery, and kennel stays.

RICE OIL -- Definition: Rice Oil is the oil obtained from the repeated pressing of rice grains. Notes: Rice oil, although a single-source oil, is lacking in the essential linoleic acids which provide a lustrous coat and soft, supple skin.

SODIUM ASCORBATE -- Definition: Sodium Ascorbate is a non-acidic form of Vitamin C. Notes: Vitamin C cannot be stored by the body, so it must be replaced every day. The sodium ascorbate form of Vitamin C is more stable and is better preserved through the cooking process than other, less expensive forms such as ascorbic acid. It also has a neutral (non-acid) pH, making it safer for sensitive stomachs.

SPRING WATER -- Definition: Spring Water is water from a naturally filtered source which has been labeled for human consumption. Notes: This water is free from pesticides, lead, chlorine, PCBs, and other chemicals that may be found in tap water.

SUNFLOWER OIL -- Definition: Sunflower Oil is obtained by extracting oil from sunflower seeds. Notes: It has a high concentration of linoleic acid (73%), which is important for good skin and coat health.

TURKEY – Definition: Turkey is the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of turkey or a combination of thereof - exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails.

VEGETABLE GUMS -- Definition: Vegetable Gums are comprised of the starchy liquid which results when vegetables are cooked. Notes: Vegetable gums are made by cooking down vegetables until a thick, starchy gum is produced. In canned dog and cat foods, this helps hold ingredients together into a consistent mixture.

VITAMIN & MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS -- Definition: Vitamin & Mineral Supplements are feeding materials used for their vitamin or mineral content. There are minimum standard quantities for each vitamin and mineral supplement, according to AAFCO regulations. If a vitamin or mineral name appears on the label, the product must contain this minimum amount. Notes: All pet food manufacturers supplement their products with added vitamins and minerals.

VITAMINS/MINERALS -- Definition: Vitamins/Minerals include Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate), Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide, Vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), Vitamin K (menadione sodium bisulfite), Folic Acid, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, and Biotin.

WATER -- Definition: Water No AAFCO definition is provided for water, so water from any source can be used. Municipal supplies are the most common source of water in popular pet food brands. Notes: Using municipal water may include pesticide residues, harmful microorganisms, chlorine, and lead.

WHITE FISH -- Definition: White Fish is the clean, dried, ground tissue of un-decomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil.

WHOLE CLOVE GARLIC -- Definition: Whole Clove Garlic is the same fresh Gilroy garlic served in restaurants and sold in grocery stores.

WHOLE EGGS -- Definition: Whole Eggs are clean, USDA-inspected Grade A eggs with shells removed.

WHOLE OATS -- Definition: Whole Oats consist of the entire oat grain without processing. Notes: Ground Oats are a good quality source of carbohydrates. Because they include the entire oat kernel, they contribute additional protein, natural oil, bran, and vitamins and minerals to the diet. This is in contrast to fractionated grain ingredients, which are leeched of much of their natural value.

WHOLE PASTEURIZED MILK -- Definition: Whole Pasteurized Milk is fresh, lactose-free dairy milk for human consumption.

WHOLE RAW APPLES -- Definition: Whole Raw Apples are Washington apples, right out of the box – just like you find in the produce section at your local market.

WHOLE RAW CARROTS -- Definition: Whole Raw Carrots are fresh carrots, sold for human consumption.

WHOLE STEAMED CARROTS -- Definition: Whole Steamed Carrots are freshly-cooked carrots, sold for human consumption.

WHOLE STEAMED POTATOES -- Definition: Whole Steamed Potatoes are freshly-cooked Idaho potatoes, like you would buy at the grocery store.

ANIMAL DIGEST --Definition: Animal Digest is a material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and un-decomposed 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(s), 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 -- Definition: Animal Fat Animal Fat is obtained from the tissues of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. Notes: Natura doesn't use Animal Fat, 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 FLAVOR/COLOR -- Definition: Artificial Flavor/Color clearly don't belong in dog and cat foods. They add no nutritional value and raise questions about the health and safety of chemical additives to our pets' diets. Notes: Natura never adds artificial flavor, color, or other chemical ingredients to our foods. We know dogs and cats prefer the natural taste and nutrition of real food ingredients that don't need 'dressing up.'

BEEF -- Definition: Beef is the clean flesh derived from slaughtered mammals and is limited to that part of the striate muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart, or in the esophagus; with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. Notes: Beef can include parts of the cow which are not considered suitable for human consumption. In addition, beef is an allergen for many dogs and a common cause of skin irritations.

BEEF & BONE MEAL -- Definition: Beef & Bone Meal is the rendered product from beef tissues, including bone, exclusive of an added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. It shall not contain added extraneous materials not provided for in this definition. Notes: Beef & Bone Meal is a byproduct made from beef parts which are not suitable for human consumption. It can incorporate the entire cow, including the bone -- although the quality cuts of meat are always removed before beef & bone meal is made.

BEEF BYPRODUCTS -- Definition: Beef Byproducts are the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered cows. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially de-fatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines feed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth and hoofs. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. Notes: Beef Byproducts are not meat. They can include almost any part of the animal other than meat, including organs and bone which are not suitable for human consumption. Natura does not use any type of byproducts because of their non-specific origins and questionable nutritional value.

BEEF TALLOW – Definition: Beef Tallow is obtained from the tissue of cattle in the commercial process of rendering. Notes: Although this is a very palatable source of fat, it is low in linoleic acid, which is necessary for skin and coat health.

BHA/BHT -- Definition: BHA/BHT are chemical preservatives which have been banned from human use in many countries. In the US, they are still permitted in pet foods.

BREWER'S RICE -- Definition: Brewer's Rice is the small milled fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. Notes: This lower quality rice product is missing many

BREWER'S YEAST -- Definition: Brewer's Yeast is the dried, non-fermented, non-extracted yeast that results as a byproduct of the brewing of beer and ale. Notes: Brewer's Yeast is a good source of Vitamin B, but it is a potential allergen for some animals.

CARAMEL COLOR -- Definition: Caramel Color is an artificial chemical coloring added to foods to make them appear more brown in color.

CHICKEN BY-PRODUCTS -- Definition: Chicken By-Products consist of the rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines -- exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Notes: This is an inconsistent ingredient because of the multiple organs used and their constantly changing proportions. Chicken By-Products are much less expensive and less digestible than Chicken Meal.

CHICKEN LIVER -- Definition: Chicken Liver is the hepatic gland of a chicken. Notes: Chicken liver is used primarily to enhance the flavor of pet foods. The liver filters toxins from the blood and can potentially contain a disproportionate amount of these poisons.

CORN BRAN -- Definition: Corn Bran is the outer coating of the corn kernel, with little or none of the starchy part of the germ. Notes: Corn Bran is an inexpensive source of fiber that is considered a filler ingredient.

CORN GRITS -- Definition: Corn Grits are a fractionated grain product, missing much of the essential nutrition of whole corn. Notes: Corn Grits can cause allergic reactions in some animals.

CORN STARCH -- Definition: Corn Starch is the dried product resulting from the processing of corn into its starchy components. Notes: Corn starch is used in pet food products as a thickener and binder and is a common allergen.

CRACKED PEARL BARLEY -- Definition: Cracked Pearl Barley is barley that's been dehulled and reduced by machine brushing into smaller particles. Notes: Natura doesn't use this less expensive fractionated grain product, which is missing many of the nutrients found in whole grains.

DRIED KELP -- Definition: Dried Kelp is seaweed from the families Laminariacae and Fucaeae which has been dried. Notes: Kelp is added to pet foods primarily as a source of iodine, but it can be very high in salt and potassium.

DRIED WHEY -- Definition: Dried Whey is the watery part of milk, separated from the curd and dried. Notes: Dried whey contains 11% protein and over 60% lactose (milk sugar), which can cause digestive problems for dogs who are lactose-intolerant.

EGG PRODUCT -- Definition: Egg Product is the product obtained from egg graders, breakers, and/or hatchery operations that is dehydrated, liquid, or frozen. Notes: Egg Product is the unused leftovers from eggs for human production. It can include undeveloped eggs, shells, and other tissues unfit for human consumption.

ETHOXYQUIN -- Definition: Ethoxyquin is a chemical preservative not approved for human use.

EXTRUDED SOYBEANS -- Definition: Extruded Soybeans are whole ground soybeans which have been preprocessed for better digestibility. Notes: Whole ground extruded soybeans are used in some foods as a supplemental protein ingredient. Although the product has been processed to eliminate the 'bloat' often associated with soybeans, this ingredient can still pose a problem for animals allergic to soy.

FEEDING OAT MEAL -- Definition: Feeding Oat Meal is obtained in the manufacture of rolled oat groats or rolled oats and consists of broken oat groats, oat groat chips, and floury portions of the oat groats, with only such quantity of finely ground oat hulls as is unavoidable in the usual process of commercial milling. It must not contain more than 4% crude fiber. Notes: Feeding oat meal is a fractionated grain which results from processing oats for human consumption. It is missing the nutritional value of whole oats, as the hull and portions of the endosperm are missing.

GRAIN FERMENTATION SOLUBLES -- Definition: Grain Fermentation Solubles are the dried material resulting from drying the water soluble materials after separation of suspended solids from grain fermentation. Notes: Grain Fermentation Solubles are an inexpensive byproduct of human food and beverage production which add little or no nutritional value to pet foods.

GROUND CORN -- Definition: Ground Corn is the entire corn kernel, ground or chopped. Notes: Although Ground Corn is a good quality source of carbohydrates, it is a common cause of food allergies.

GUAR GUM -- Definition: Guar Gum is a mucilage made from guar beans. Notes: Guar Gum is a gelatinizing agent used to improve the texture of canned foods.

LAMB BONE MEAL -- Definition: Lamb Bone Meal is the dried and ground sterilized product from the wet cooking of un-decomposed lamb bones. Notes: This is an inexpensive 'filler' ingredient without the nutritional value of real lamb meat.

LAMB DIGEST -- Definition: Lamb Digest is a palatability enhancer made by reducing lamb meat and fat into a concentrated liquid or dry product. Notes: Although lamb is a high-quality source of flavoring, its fat is relatively poor in linoleic acid, a fatty acid important for skin and coat health.

LAMB FAT -- Definition: Lamb Fat is obtained from the tissues of lambs in the commercial process of rendering or extracting.

LIVER -- Definition: Liver is the hepatic gland of a mammal. Notes: When the word 'meat' or the name of an organ appear by themselves on a pet food label, there is no way to know which kind of animal it came from. It could be horse liver, goat, duck, pig, or even skunk or other animals of questionable origin. In addition, the liver functions as a filter for blood toxins and may contain unusually high residues from these poisons.

LIVER MEAL -- Definition: Liver Meal is the dried product of ground hepatic glands of mammals. Notes: When the word 'meat' or the name of an organ appear by themselves on a pet food label, there is no way to know which kind of animal it came from. It could be horse liver, goat, duck, pig, or even skunk or other animals of questionable origin.

MEAT BYPRODUCTS -- Definition: Meat Byproducts are 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 de-fatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines feed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth and hoofs. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. Notes: Meat byproducts 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.

MEAT MEAL/MEAT & BONE MEAL -- Definition: Meat Meal/Meat & Bone Meal is the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Notes: Most people associate this ingredient with beef. The truth is that it can come from any mammal: pigs, goats, horses, rabbits, rendered animals from shelters, and dead animals found on roads. Meat meal can contain condemned parts and animals that are rejected for human consumption, including '4D' animals: Dead, Diseased, Dying, or Disabled. It can include pus, cancerous tissue, and decomposed (spoiled) tissue. This inexpensive ingredient found in many commercial pet foods cannot be considered part of safe, healthy diet for pets.

ONION POWDER - Definition: Onion Powder is a dried flavoring ingredient made by processing the dry matter from broth into granular form. Notes: Onion powder, although a pleasant flavoring for human foods, is not necessary in pet products. There is no nutritional or natural basis for adding onion to a dog's diet.

PEANUT HULLS -- Definition: Peanut Hulls consist of the outer hull of the peanut shell. Notes: Peanut Hulls are used exclusively as a filler ingredient and have no nutritional value whatsoever, andthere are concerns regarding the level of residual fungicides that soakinto peanut hulls as they are grown.

POULTRY -- Definition: Poultry is the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of any fowl (turkeys, ducks, geese, buzzards, etc.) or a combination of thereof- exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Notes: Poultry is unpredictable and can contain any type of fowl, including buzzards, geese, and other birds.

POULTRY BY-PRODUCT MEAL -- Definition: Poultry By-Product Meal consists of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines -- exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Notes: This inconsistent ingredient includes multiple organs used and their constantly changing proportions. The origin is from any fowl (turkeys, ducks, geese, buzzards, etc.) instead of a single source, like chicken. Poultry By-Product Meal is much less expensive and less digestible than Chicken Meal.

POULTRY DIGEST -- Definition: Poultry Digest is 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.) Notes: Poultry Digest is inconsistent and may contain unpredictable birds unsuitable for human consumption.

POULTRY FAT -- Definition: Poultry Fat is obtained from the tissues of poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. The source can be any fowl (turkey, chicken, geese, buzzard, etc.) Notes: 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.

POULTRY MEAL -- Definition: Poultry Meal is the dry rendered product of any fowl (turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, buzzards, etc.) from a combination of clean flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts of whole carcasses or a combination thereof -- exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Notes: Poultry Meal because is a lower quality proteins (from fowl other than chickens) and it is unpredictable and varies ingredients.

POWDERED CELLULOSE -- Definition: Powdered Cellulose is purified, mechanically disintegrated cellulose prepared by processing alpha cellulose obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant materials. Notes: Powdered Cellulose is a fancy term for wood. Dried wood is cleaned and processed into a fine powder and used to add bulk and consistency to cheap pet foods.

RICE BRAN – Definition: Rice Bran is the outer coating of the rice kernel, with little or none of the starchy part of the germ. Notes: Rice Bran is an inexpensive source of fiber that is considered a filler ingredient.

RICE FLOUR -- Definition: Rice Flour consists principally of the soft, finely ground and bolted meal obtained from milling rice (containing essentially the starch and gluten of the endosperm) together with fine particles of rice bran and the offal from the 'tail of the mill.' Notes: All of the naturally occurring vitamins have been leeched out by the processing. Ground Rice with its natural nutrients intact would be preferable.

RICE GLUTEN MEAL -- Definition: Rice Gluten Meal is the dried residue from rice after the removal of the larger part of the starch and germ, and the separation of the bran by the process employed in the wet milling manufacture of rice starch or syrup, or by enzymatic treatment of the endosperm. Notes: Rice Gluten Meal is a poor quality protein filler. The 'Crude Protein' analysis on pet food labels is only a measurement of the amount of nitrogen in a food -- not the quality of the protein. Because of this, pet food companies can use the cheaper by-products of human food production, such as Rice Gluten Meal. Meat is always the best source of quality protein. Meat protein is better absorbed and retained and is higher in essential amino acids like methionine, arginine, and taurine. Rice Gluten Meal has a biologic value less than 50% of Chicken Meal.

SAFFLOWER OIL -- Definition: Safflower Oil is obtained by extracting oil from safflower seeds. Notes: Although this is a very high quality source of fat (rich in linoleic acid), it is not very palatable.

SALT -- Definition: Salt is a natural mineral, necessary for life and good health. Notes: Most pet foods contain enough natural sodium to satisfy a pet's nutritional requirements.

SORGHUM -- Definition: Sorghum is the ground grain of the sorghum plant. Notes: Although Sorghum is good source of carbohydrates, it is low in digestibility

SOYBEAN FLOUR -- Definition: Soybean Flour is the finely powdered material resulting from the screened and graded product after removal of most of the oil from selected, sound, cleaned and de-hulled soybeans by a mechanical or solvent extraction process. It must contain not more than 4.0% crude fiber. Notes: Whenever flour is part of an ingredient's name, the grain has been processed and some (or all) of the nutritional value has been lost. Frequently these flour ingredients are simply the leftover dust from processing human food ingredients.

SOYBEAN HULLS -- Definition: Soybean Hulls consist of the outer hull of the soybean shell. Notes: Soybean Hulls are used exclusively as a filler ingredient and have no nutritional value whatsoever.

SOYBEAN MEAL -- Definition: Soybean Meal is the product obtained by grinding the flakes which remain after removal of most of the oil from soybeans by a solvent or mechanical extraction process. Notes: The 'Crude Protein' analysis on pet food labels is only a measurement of the amount of nitrogen in a food -- not the quality of the protein. Because of this, pet food companies can use the cheaper by-products of human food production, such as Soybean Meal. Meat is always the best source of quality protein. Meat protein is better absorbed and retained and is higher in essential amino acids like methionine, arginine, and taurine. Soybean Meal has a biologic value less than 50% of Chicken Meal.

SOYBEAN MILL RUN -- Definition: Soybean Mill Run consists of coarse and fine particles of soy bran and soybean shorts (offal from the tail of the mill from commercial soybean milling). Notes: Commonly referred to as 'floor sweepings,' this ingredient is nothing more than an inexpensive filler with little or no nutritional value.

SOYBEAN OIL -- Definition: Soybean Oil is a substance composed chiefly of triglycerides of fatty acids, and liquid at room temperature. Notes: Soybean oil is low among vegetable oils in linoleic acid. This important natural fatty acid is responsible for the beautiful coat and skin texture. Oils like safflower which are high in linoleic acid are more expensive and not often found in pet foods.

SPRAY DRIED CHICKEN LIVER -- Definition: Spray Dried Chicken Liver is a dried flavoring ingredient made from a broth containing chicken liver. Notes: The liver's function is to process toxins, which may remain in the organs after slaughter. Sprayed-on flavorings are an inexpensive way for pet food manufacturers to cover up a lack of real meat ingredients..

TOMATO POMACE -- Definition: Tomato Pomace is the byproduct of tomato processing, the fibrous dried mix of skin, pulp, and crushed seeds. Notes: This inexpensive byproduct ingredient has the potential for pesticide residues in discarded tomato skins, the largest component of Tomato Pomace.

VEGETABLE OIL -- Definition: Vegetable Oil is the product of vegetable origin obtained by extracting the oil from seeds or fruits which are processed for edible purposes.

WHEAT BRAN -- Definition: Wheat Bran is the outer coating of the wheat kernel, with little or none of the starchy part of the germ. Notes: Wheat Bran is an inexpensive source of fiber that is considered a filler ingredient.

WHEAT FLOUR -- Definition: Wheat Flour consists principally of the soft, finely ground and bolted meal obtained from milling wheat (containing essentially the starch and gluten of the endosperm) together with fine particles of wheat bran, wheat germ, and the offal from the 'tail of the mill.' Notes: All of the naturally occurring vitamins have been leeched out by the processing. Ground Wheat with its natural nutrients intact would be preferable.

WHEAT GLUTEN -- Definition: Wheat Gluten is the tough, viscid nitrogenous substance remaining when flour or wheat or other grain is washed to remove the starch. Notes: Wheat Gluten is a cheap byproduct 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

WHEAT MILL RUN/MIDDLINGS -- Definition: Wheat Mill Run/Middlings consists of coarse and fine particles of wheat bran and wheat shorts (offal from the tail of the mill from commercial flour milling). Notes: Commonly referred to as 'floor sweepings,' this ingredient is nothing more than an inexpensive filler with little or no nutritional value.

WHOLE GROUND MILLET --Definition: Whole Ground Millet is the ground product of whole millet seeds. Notes: Millet is not approved by the AAFCO for use in pet foods and does not appear among their official ingredient definitions. The small white and red millet seeds may contain some nutritional value, however, as they are the primary ingredient in most bird feed. White rice and whole brown rice are the preferred single-source carbohydrates.

YEAST CULTURE -- Definition: Yeast Culture is the dried product composed of yeast and the media on which it is grown, dried in such a manner as to preserve the fermenting activity of the yeast. The media on which growth takes place is not disclosed on the label. Notes: Yeast Culture is an unnecessary flavoring ingredient, used in inexpensive pet foods in an attempt to compensate for a lack of real food flavors.

YUCCA SCHIDIGERA -- Definition: Yucca Schidigera is a flavoring agent made from the Yucca plant. Notes: Yucca is added to dog foods as a flavor enhancer.

CHICKEN MEAT - provides natural Taurine, good for eyes, skin, and coat. Chicken is the most digestible source of meat protein.

CHICKEN LIVER - an organ meat, is a highly usable protein source containing vitamins A & K and folate. It also has a good amount of minerals phosphorus and potassium. Many amino acids are also found in chicken liver which would be lost in heat processed foods.

WHOLE FRESH EGGS - the highest rated source of usable protein, above all meats. The shell is a great source of calcium carbonate, good for strong teeth and bones. They include Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acid.

SALMON - is an excellent source of protein and fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6.

AVOCADO - contains vitamins B6, C, & E (vit. E - a preservative). Its rich oils benefit the skin and coat. Highest fiber of any fruit, high in folate. Good source of monounsaturated fat (heart healthy), and antioxidants, 60% more potassium per ounce than bananas. Cholesterol free.

CARROTS - very high in vitamin A (vision). Contains vitamin C, folacin, and potassium.

APPLES - have potassium (regulates body fluid balance), soluble fiber (helps blood cholesterol), carbohydrates, and vitamins A & C. Apples also increase the effectiveness of nutrient absorption when combined with other fruits and vegetables.

ORANGES - contains pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) good for immune support, reduces cholesterol, powerful anticancer tool, a natural preservative and a digestive cleanser. The peel contains oils that stimulate the immune system (used in cancer treatment.)

GRAPEFRUIT - has calcium, high in vitamin C & A, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K, carbohydrates, and increases the effectiveness of nutrient absorption and potency of other fruits and vegetables when combined. It acts as a preservative and lowers cholesterol. Combines with orange to form an effective cancer fighting tool.

GARLIC - enriches the blood suppressing fleas and ticks, stimulates the digestive tract, increases circulation, and eases arthritis discomforts. Other benefits include lowering cholesterol, inhibiting tumor growth, preventing brain deterioration, and it contains sulfur which lowers blood pressure.

BROWN RICE FLOUR- Hypoallergenic, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, energy source.

TURNIP GREENS - contains some calcium, Omega-3, and vitamins A & C.

TOMATOES - abundant in carotenoids, beta-carotene, and vitamins A & C. They are also an acidifier and a fiber source.

OLIVE OIL - is monounsaturated, one of the finest sources of fat and lowers blood cholesterol especially the most harmful variety. The useful fat in olive oil helps carry important vitamins though your pet’s body like A, D, E, and K.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR - contains cholesterol-reducing pectin and the perfect balance of 19 minerals. It contains 93 different components that can help regulate blood pressure, fight off infections, relieve arthritis pains, promote healthy digestion, and improve metabolism. Cleans out toxins from tissues and joints.

BRINE - is a pickling solution. Poured off after pickling leaving only a minimal salt residue.

CANE MOLASSES RESIDUE - is used as a culture starter, moisture stabilizer, and a source of minerals, rich in iron. (Less than 0.5%)