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