Ingredient Glossary

Glossary of Active Ingredients:

Canola Oil

Definition: The oil obtained from the repeated pressing of canola seeds. It tends to be low in linoleic acids, which helps skin and coat condition.

Chelated Minerals

AAFCO Definition: no definition

In Basic Terms: Chelated minerals are minerals attached to an amino acid or protein. It is believed that certain chelated minerals are better absorbed by the body.

Chicken

AAFCO Definition: (definition derived from AAFCO definition for Poultry) The clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken or combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. It shall be suitable for use in animal food. If the bone has been removed, the process may be so designated by use of the appropriate feed term.

In Basic Terms: Chicken is just that... Chicken. But keep in mind it can also contain chemical preservatives or hormones. Make sure your pet’s food company gets their chicken from a reputable source.

Chicken Fat

Definition: Obtained from the tissues of chickens in the commercial process of rendering or extracting.

In Basic Terms: Chicken fat is the highest of all animal sources in linoleic acid (over 23%), an important element for skin and coat health.

Chicken Meal

AAFCO Definition: Chicken that has been ground or otherwise reduced in particle size

In Basic Terms: Chicken Meal is a highly concentrated, reduced moisture version of chicken. It contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

Egg Product

AAFCO Definition: Product obtained from egg graders, egg breakers, and/or hatchery operations that is dehydrated, handled as liquid or frozen. These shall be labeled as per USDA regulations governing eggs and egg products. This product shall be free of shells or other non-egg materials except in such amounts which might occur unavoidably in good processing practices, and contain a maximum ash content of 6% on a dry matter basis.

In Basic Terms: Whole eggs, without the shell, in a dehydrated form. Must be USDA inspected (although that does not necessarily mean human grade).

Flaxseed Oil

Definition: The whole seed of the flax plant. Usually found ground in dog food.

In Basic Terms: What makes flaxseed such a valuable carbohydrate is its mix in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Together these fibers aid in digestion. Flaxseed is also an excellent source of Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids help produce the soft, luxuriant coat. The richest source of alpha-linoleic acid is found in flaxseed.

Kelp

AAFCO Definition: dried seaweed of the families Laminariacae and Fucaceae.

In Basic Terms: Kelp is one of the richest sources of minerals in the plant world. It supports the body's hormonal system, particularly the thyroid gland. It should be used with caution in the case of an overactive thyroid. Due to its mucilage content Kelp can also be used as a gentle bulk laxative, and is beneficial to both male and female reproductive systems as well as the liver and pancreas.

Lamb Meal

AAFCO Definition: Lamb that has been ground or otherwise reduced in particle size.

In Basic Terms: Lamb Meal is a highly concentrated, reduced moisture version of lamb. It contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh lamb.

Lecithin

AAFCO Definition: A specific phospholipid. The principal constituent of crude phoshatides derived from oil-bearing seeds.

In Basic Terms: Lecithin is a phospholipid commonly used in pet food to make fats blend easily. It has also been found to be beneficial for the skin and coat.

Millet

AAFCO Definition: No definition

In Basic Terms: Millet is a gluten-free grain harvested from certain seed grasses. Millet is hypoallergenic and naturally rich in B-vitamins and fiber as well as other essential minerals.

Mixed Tocopherols

Definition: A source of vitamin E.

In Basic Terms: A good natural preservative. Not as effective as BHA/BHT, but a much better alternative to any chemical preservative.

Oats & Oatmeal

Definition: The dry ground product of cleaned oats with the hulls removed, rich in B vitamins.

In Basic Terms: The dry ground product of cleaned oats with the hulls removed, rich in B vitamins.

Oat Groats

AAFCO Definition:
Oat Groats are cleaned oats with the hulls removed.

In Basic Terms: Oat groats are a minimally processed form of oats (grain), when adequately cooked is unusually high in nutritional value.

Pearled Barley

AAFCO Definition: dehulled barely reduced by machine brushing into smaller smooth particles.

In Basic Terms: Pearled Barley is barley that has had its hull and bran removed, making it easier to digest.

Rice

Definition: A high quality source of carbohydrates, protein and fiber.

Rosemary

In Basic Terms: A highly effective natural preservative that is also shown to have some cancer prevention properties.

Salmon Meal

Meal - AAFCO Definition:
An ingredient that has been ground or otherwise reduced in particle size. Note: It is the origin of the meal that can be cause for concern.

Definition: (derived from AAFCO definition for fish meal) The clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed salmon or salmon cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil.

In Basic Terms: A good source of palatable fatty acids.