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Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Food Ingredient Glossary
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Alfalfa |
In addition to being highly palatable, alfalfa is rich in calcium, vitamins, carotene, and fiber. |
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Beef |
Beef is a delicious, highly digestible protein source with an excellent balance of essential amino acids. |
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Beef broth |
Beef broth is obtained by steam-cooking edible, wholesome beef bones containing meat and muscle tissue. The flavorful broth, rich in proteinaceous solids, enhances palatability. |
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Beef liver |
The liver from cattle is a source of protein and Vitamin A. |
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Beet pulp |
Beet pulp is the portion of the sugar beet that remains after the sugar and water have been extracted. It is an excellent fiber source, and helps to decrease the growth of "bad" bacteria in the colon, thus supporting intestinal health. The fiber in beet pulp also helps promote and regulate normal bowel function and maintain proper stool firmness. |
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Beta-carotene |
A powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene is a "free-radical scavenger," which neutralizes "free radicals" that cause cell damage and cell death. In dogs, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, which is necessary for growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, muscle, hair and skin. It is also required for maintaining healthy linings of the digestive tract, reproductive system, lungs, and mucous membranes. |
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Biotin |
Biotin, sometimes referred to as Vitamin H, but often considered in the Vitamin B complex of vitamins, is active in the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. It is necessary for normal growth, digestion, and muscle function. Along with fatty acids, it is necessary for healthy skin and coat. |
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Brewer's dried yeast |
Brewer's dried yeast is of the genus Saccharomyces. It is used for flavor, and is also very nutritious, containing a natural source of B vitamins, zinc, and not less than 35% protein. |
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Brown rice |
Brown rice is the unpolished rice, which remains after the hulls have been removed. Brown rice contains carbohydrates and fiber. The bran portion of brown rice also contains B vitamins. |
Brown rice flour
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Brown rice flour is finely ground unpolished rice, which remains after the hulls have been removed. Brown rice flour contains carbohydrates and fiber. The bran portion of brown rice also contains B vitamins. |
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Calcium iodate |
Calcium iodate, the calcium salt of iodic acid, is a source of iodine, necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. |
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Calcium pantothenate |
Calcium pantothenate is a form of Vitamin B5, also called Pantothenic Acid. It enables the body to create usable energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is necessary for the production of fatty acids and certain hormones. |
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Carrageenan |
Carrageenan, a polysaccharide obtained from the cartilaginous seaweed, Chondrus crispus, functions as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener to enhance the texture of canned pet food. |
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Caseinate |
Caseinate is derived from casein, which is milk protein, such as that found in cottage cheese. Casein contains 80% protein, and as an ingredient it is one of the highest-quality proteins available. |
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Chicken |
Chicken is a delicious, highly digestible protein source, with an excellent quantity and ratio of essential amino acids. |
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Chicken broth |
Chicken broth is obtained by steam-cooking edible, fresh, wholesome chicken bones containing meat and muscle tissue. The flavorful broth, rich in proteinaceous solids, enhances palatability. |
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Chicken fat |
Chicken fat, a high-quality source of fat energy and a delicious flavor enhancer, contains essential fatty acids (especially linoleic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid) for healthy skin and coat. |
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Chicken liver |
Liver is high in vitamins including A, D, E, and the B vitamins. Liver is also high in mineral content, including iron, zinc, and selenium. Liver contains the essential sulfur-bearing amino acids cysteine and methionine. It also enhances palatability. |
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Chicken meal |
Chicken meal is produced by cooking and drying chicken tissues, then grinding the product into a meal. It is a highly digestible, delicious protein source with essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and minerals. |
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Choline chloride |
Choline chloride is a form of the B vitamin choline, which is necessary for maintaining the health of the liver and thymus. It is also required for maintaining cell membrane integrity, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. |
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Chondroitin |
Chondroitin is necessary for the production of glycosaminoglycans, which are the building blocks of cartilage. It also helps to maintain healthy joint fluid. |
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Citric acid |
Naturally occurring in citrus fruit, citric acid prevents growth of an array of organisms and is used as a food preservative. |
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Cobalt proteinate |
Cobalt proteinate is a chelated form of cobalt. Cobalt, a trace element and essential mineral, is a component of Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin. Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal DNA synthesis, nervous system function, and the production of red blood cells. |
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Copper amino acid complex |
Copper amino acid complex is a form of chelated copper. Copper is essential for the functioning of many body systems, including the production of red blood cells, formation and maintenance of healthy connective tissue and bone, and the proper functioning of the heart, immune system and nervous system. Copper also has antioxidant properties, which help prevent cell damage. |
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Copper proteinate |
Copper proteinate is a form of chelated copper. Copper is essential for the functioning of many body systems including the production of red blood cells, formation and maintenance of healthy connective tissue and bone, and the proper functioning of the heart, immune system and nervous system. Copper also has antioxidant properties, which help prevent cell damage. |
Copper sulfate
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Copper sulfate provides a very useful source of copper. Copper is essential for the functioning of many body systems including the production of red blood cells, formation and maintenance of healthy connective tissue and bone, and the proper functioning of the heart, immune system and nervous system. Copper also has antioxidant properties, which help prevent cell damage. |
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Dehydrated Bacillus subtilis fermentation product |
Bacillus subtilis are bacteria naturally present in your pet's digestive system, which aid in digestion, and are similar to the bacteria used in yogurt with active cultures. These helpful microorganisms are grown in a broth culture, then freeze-dried to maintain their viability. The freeze-dried product containing the inactive microorganisms is applied to the outside of the kibble during the enrobing process (the final step of manufacturing). The microorganisms are activated when they are hydrated in the digestive tract. |
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Dehydrated Bifidobacterium longum fermentation product |
Bifidobacterium longum are bacteria naturally present in your pet's digestive system, which aid in digestion, and are similar to the bacteria used in yogurt with active cultures. These helpful microorganisms are grown in a broth culture, then freeze-dried to maintain their viability. The freeze-dried product containing the inactive microorganisms is applied to the outside of the kibble during the enrobing process (the final step of manufacturing). The microorganisms are activated when they are hydrated in the digestive tract. |
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Dehydrated Bifidobacterium thermophilum fermentation product |
Bifidobacterium thermophilum are bacteria naturally present in your pet's digestive system, which aid in digestion, and are similar to the bacteria used in yogurt with active cultures. These helpful microorganisms are grown in a broth culture, then freeze-dried to maintain their viability. The freeze-dried product containing the inactive microorganisms is applied to the outside of the kibble during the enrobing process (the final step of manufacturing). The microorganisms are activated when they are hydrated in the digestive tract. |
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Dehydrated Enterococcus faecium fermentation product |
Enterococcus faecium are bacteria naturally present in your pet's digestive system, which aid in digestion, and are similar to the bacteria used in yogurt with active cultures. These helpful microorganisms are grown in a broth culture, then freeze-dried to maintain their viability. The freeze-dried product containing the inactive microorganisms is applied to the outside of the kibble during the enrobing process (the final step of manufacturing). The microorganisms are activated when they are hydrated in the digestive tract. |
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Dehydrated Lactobacillus acidolphilus fermentation product |
Lactobacillus acidolphilus are bacteria naturally present in your pet's digestive system, which aid in digestion, and are similar to the bacteria used in yogurt with active cultures. These helpful microorganisms are grown in a broth culture, then freeze-dried to maintain their viability. The freeze-dried product containing the inactive microorganisms is applied to the outside of the kibble during the enrobing process (the final step of manufacturing). The microorganisms are activated when they are hydrated in the digestive tract. |
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D-Calcium pantothenate |
D-Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, one of the B vitamins that is extremely important for proper cell function. |
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Dicalcium phosphate |
Dicalcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that promote healthy teeth and bones. Calcium is necessary for blood clotting, muscle function, and transmitting nerve impulses. Phosphorus is necessary for energy production and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Calcium and phosphorus also help maintain the proper pH level of the blood. |
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DL-Methionine |
DL-Methionine is a sulfur-containing essential amino acid, a building block for protein. It also aids in the acidification of urine. |
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Dried egg product |
Dried egg product is eggs, without shells, that have been dehydrated. Eggs provide great taste, and are an excellent source of high quality and highly digestible protein. They also supply energy from fat and are a good source of arachidonic acid, an essential fatty acid for cats. |
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Dried kelp |
Dried kelp is dried seaweed of the families Laminariacae and Fucaeae and contains several essential vitamins, trace minerals, and amino acids. Dried kelp also contains fiber, which promotes and maintains digestive health. |
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Dried skimmed milk |
Dried skimmed milk, an excellent natural protein source, provides easily digestible protein necessary for growth and maintenance. It also adds to the flavor of the food. |
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Egg product |
Egg product is eggs, without shells. Eggs provide great taste, and are an excellent source of high quality and highly digestible protein. They also supply energy from fat and are a good source of arachidonic acid, an essential fatty acid for cats. |
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Egg whites |
Egg whites are the whites of eggs, consisting mainly of albumin dissolved in water. They contain highly digestible protein. |
Ethylenediamine dihydroiodide
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Ethylenediamine dihydroiodide is a source of iodine, which is essential for proper functioning of the thyroid gland and normal cell function. |
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Fish broth |
Fish broth is obtained by steam-cooking edible, wholesome fish bones containing meat and muscle tissue. The flavorful broth, rich in proteinaceous solids, enhances palatability. |
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Fish meal |
Fish meal is produced by cooking and drying fish tissues, then grinding the product into a meal. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, plus Omega-3 essential fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). |
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Folic acid |
Folic acid, a B vitamin, is necessary for the proper functioning of many organs and systems. It is necessary for the proper transmission of nerve impulses, production of red and white blood cells, protein metabolism, and normal immune function. |
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Garlic |
Flavorful garlic is present in a small, safe amount as a flavor enhancer. |
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Garlic powder |
Flavorful garlic powder is present in a small, safe amount as a flavor enhancer. |
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Glucosamine |
Glucosamine belongs to a group of naturally occurring compounds called Glycosaminoglycans, which consist of a sugar plus an amino acid. Glycosaminoglycans are the building blocks of cartilage. |
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Guar gum |
Guar gum is extracted from the seed of the Cyamopsis tetragonoluba, an annual leguminous plant. Its easy solubility and water-binding properties make it an excellent stabilizer. |
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Herring |
Atlantic Herring, considered a table delicacy, live in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, and have a fat content between 10% and 25%. Herring fat is more unsaturated than other animal fats and is high in essential Omega-3 fatty acids. |
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Herring oil |
Delicious herring oil, extracted from whole herring, enhances the flavor of pet food. Herring oil also supplies energy from fat and provides essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for proper functioning of the immune system. |
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Iron amino acid complex |
Iron amino acid complex is a form of chelated iron. Chelated forms of minerals may be more easily absorbed from the intestine. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen to all tissues of the body. Iron is also necessary for the proper functioning of many of the enzymes in the body. |
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Iron proteinate |
Iron proteinate provides an extremely usable source of iron through the process of chelation, which may make it more easily absorbed from the intestine. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen to all tissues of the body. Iron is also necessary for the proper functioning of many of the enzymes in the body. |
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Iron sulfate |
Iron sulfate provides a very usable source of iron. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen to all tissues of the body. Iron is also necessary for the proper functioning of many of the enzymes in the body. |
Kelp
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Kelp, dried seaweed of the families Laminariacae and Fucaeae, contains several essential vitamins, trace minerals, and amino acids. Kelp also contains fiber, which promotes and maintains digestive health. |
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Lamb |
Real, hormone-free lamb meat is a delicious, highly digestible protein source with an excellent balance of essential amino acids. |
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Lamb broth |
Lamb broth is obtained by steam-cooking edible, wholesome lamb bones containing meat and muscle tissue. The flavorful broth, rich in proteinaceous solids, enhances palatability. |
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Lamb meal |
Lamb meal is produced by cooking and drying lamb tissues, then grinding the product into a meal. It is a highly digestible, delicious protein source with essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and minerals. |
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Lamb liver |
Liver is high in vitamins including A, D, E, and the B vitamins. Liver is also high in mineral content, including iron, zinc, and selenium. Liver contains the essential sulfur-bearing amino acids cysteine and methionine. It also enhances palatability. |
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L-Carnitine |
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that may help to increase lean body mass and decrease fat. This can be helpful during weight loss, when we want pets to lose fat but retain lean muscle. |
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Manganese amino acid complex |
Manganese amino acid complex is a form of chelated manganese. Chelated forms of minerals may be more easily absorbed from the intestine. Manganese is necessary for the proper functioning of many body enzymes, and is required for proper metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, and the production of healthy bone. |
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Manganese proteinate |
Manganese proteinate is a chelated form of manganese. Manganese is necessary for the proper functioning of many body enzymes, and is required for proper metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, and the production of healthy bone. |
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Manganese sulfate |
Manganese sulfate provides a very usable source of Manganese. Manganese is necessary for the proper functioning of many body enzymes, and is required for proper metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, and the production of healthy bone. |
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Menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfate |
A complex form of Vitamin K, which is essential for the proper clotting of blood. It is also necessary for production of healthy bone as well as normal growth and development. |
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Menadione sodium bisulfite complex |
A complex form of Vitamin K, which is essential for the proper clotting of blood. It is also necessary for production of healthy bone as well as normal growth and development. |
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Mixed tocopherols |
Natural antioxidants, tocopherols stabilize the fats in food and are included as natural preservatives. |
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Natural flavor |
Natural flavors are created when sources such as spices, fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood, poultry, eggs, or dairy products are roasted, or broken down with enzymes. The remaining products (essential oils, essences, extracts, and so on) are then used to enhance palatability. Natural flavors do not have any significant nutritional value, and by definition cannot be derived from any source that is chemically altered. |
Niacin
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Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, or Vitamin B3, is essential for healthy nerves, brain function, and skin. Niacin is also necessary in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. |
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Oat fiber |
Oat fiber is an excellent fiber source that helps to decrease the growth of "bad" bacteria in the colon, thus supporting intestinal health. Oat fiber also helps promote and regulate normal bowel function and maintain proper stool firmness. |
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Ocean white fish |
Ocean white fish refers to several deep-water varieties of edible white fish. The fat of deep-water white fish is more unsaturated than the fats of other animal sources and is high in essential Omega-3 fatty acids. |
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Pea Fiber |
Pea fiber is an excellent fiber source that helps to decrease the growth of "bad" bacteria in the colon, thus supporting intestinal health. Pea fiber also helps promote and regulate normal bowel function and maintain proper stool firmness. |
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Pea seed coats |
Pea seed coats are an excellent fiber source that helps to decrease the growth of "bad" bacteria in the colon, thus supporting intestinal health. Pea seed coats also help promote and regulate normal bowel function and maintain proper stool firmness. |
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Potassium chloride |
Potassium chloride is a source of the mineral, potassium, which is essential for the proper functioning of nerves, muscle contraction, and maintaining the correct pH of the blood. |
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Potassium iodide |
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine. |
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Potatoes |
The edible tuber of Solanum tuberosum, the potato is rich in starch, a carbohydrate and energy source, as well as fiber. |
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Potato starch |
The starch, mostly carbohydrate, is the chief storage form of energy in plants. The starch granules are removed from the potato and dried. |
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Poultry liver |
Liver is high in vitamins including A, D, E, and the B vitamins. Liver is also high in mineral content, including iron, zinc, and selenium. Liver contains the essential sulfur-bearing amino acids cysteine and methionine. It also enhances palatability. |
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Powdered cellulose |
Powdered cellulose is purified, mechanically disintegrated cellulose prepared by processing alpha cellulose obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant materials. Cellulose is used to provide an increased level of fiber in the diet, which can help with weight loss. |
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Pyridoxine hydrochloride |
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, a form of Vitamin B6, is essential for healthy tissue growth through the proper metabolism of proteins. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is also involved in the metabolism of the precursor of heme (a vital component of blood) and is required for the brain and nervous system to function normally. |
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Riboflavin supplement |
Riboflavin supplement is a good source of Vitamin B2, an antioxidant. In addition to helping prevent cell damage, riboflavin is necessary for the health of the eyes and skin. It is also required in the metabolism of energy. |
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Rice |
Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source and low in fat. |
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Rice bran |
Including the bran layer and germ of the rice, rice bran is an excellent fiber source, and helps to decrease the growth of "bad" bacteria in the colon, thus supporting intestinal health. The fiber in rice bran also helps promote and regulate normal bowel function and maintain proper stool firmness. |
Rosemary extract
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Rosemary is an herb from the evergreen plant Rosemarinus officinalis, and is an antioxidant with chemical properties, making it very useful as a natural food preservative. |
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Salmon |
Salmon are a delicious, nutrient-packed fish found in both freshwater and saltwater in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere. Salmon fat is more unsaturated than the fats of other animal sources and is high in essential Omega-3 fatty acids. |
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Salt |
Salt, composed of sodium and chloride, is necessary for cell health, since it helps regulate fluid transfer in and out of cells and maintains proper pH of the blood. Sodium is also essential in transmitting nerve impulses and muscle contraction. |
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Sea salt |
Sea salt is a source of the minerals sodium and chloride. |
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Shrimp |
Shrimp are high in protein and are highly palatable. |
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Sodium ascorbate |
Sodium ascorbate, a form of Vitamin C, is essential for healthy capillaries, gums, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C also aids in iron absorption, which is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. In addition, Vitamin C is an antioxidant (a "free-radical scavenger" that helps prevent cell damage). It also reduces the development of carcinogenic nitrosamines. Vitamin C is also active in maintaining a healthy immune system and helps form collagen in connective tissue. |
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Sodium phosphate |
Sodium phosphate is a source of phosphorus. |
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Sodium selenite |
Sodium selenite is a good source of the essential mineral selenium, which is necessary for proper muscle function and the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. Selenium also enhances the antioxidant characteristics of Vitamin E, and is necessary for maintaining fertility. |
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Sunflower oil |
Sunflower oil is a good source of energy from fat and is a source of essential fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (LA), an Omega-6 fatty acid, which promotes healthy skin and coat. |
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Taurine |
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, and is necessary for healthy eyes and heart, as well as reproductive health. |
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Thiamine hydrochloride |
Thiamine hydrochloride is a form of Vitamin B1, which maintains normal function of the nervous system, muscles, and heart, and is necessary for normal growth and development. |
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Thiamine mononitrate |
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of Vitamin B1, which maintains normal function of the nervous system, muscles, and heart, and is necessary for normal growth and development. |
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Tomatoes |
Tomatoes contain lycopene and are a good source of Vitamin C. Lycopene and Vitamin C are both antioxidants, which neutralize "free radicals" that cause cell damage and cell death. |
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Tomato pomace |
Tomato pomace is a mixture of tomato skins, pulp and crushed seeds. Tomatoes contain lycopene and are a good source of Vitamin C. Lycopene and Vitamin C are both antioxidants, which neutralize "free radicals" that cause cell damage and cell death. Tomato pomace is also a good source of healthy fiber. |
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Tricalcium phosphate |
Tricalcium phosphate is a source of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. |
Trout
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Trout are a delicious protein source, and like salmon, are high in essential Omega-3 fatty acids. |
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Ingredient |
Description and Function |
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Turkey |
Turkey is a highly digestible protein source, with an excellent quantity and ratio of essential amino acids. It is also highly palatable. |
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Turkey broth |
Turkey broth is obtained by steam-cooking edible, fresh, wholesome turkey bones containing meat and muscle tissue. The flavorful broth, rich in proteinaceous solids, enhances palatability. |
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Vitamin A supplement |
Vitamin A is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, and the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, muscle, hair and skin. It is also required for maintaining healthy linings of the digestive tract, reproductive system, lungs, and mucous membranes. Vitamin A acetate is also a building block of rhodopsin, a compound in the retina responsible for sight in partial darkness. |
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Vitamin B12 supplement |
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is necessary for red blood cell formation and proper functioning of the nervous system. |
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Vitamin D3 supplement |
Vitamin D3 supplement is necessary for the proper use of calcium and phosphorus by the body, thus necessary in the growth and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D3 is also required for maintaining a healthy immune system and the production of insulin. |
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Vitamin E supplement |
Vitamin E is an antioxidant (a "free-radical scavenger"), which neutralizes "free radicals" that cause cell damage and cell death. Vitamin E is also necessary for the health of many body systems and organs including the skin, muscles, immune system, and reproductive tract. |
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Whole apples |
Crisp, fresh, whole apples provide essential carbohydrates and Vitamin C. Apples also contain pectin, a natural fiber. |
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Whole barley |
A highly digestible grain, whole barley is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. It is also an excellent source of certain B vitamins. |
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Whole blueberries |
Whole, natural blueberries aid in the acidification of urine. They also contain phytochemicals (plant chemicals) called flavonoids and anthocyanin. Flavonoids and anthocyanin are antioxidants. |
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Whole carrots |
Whole, flavorful, garden-fresh carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. It is a "ree-radical scavenger," which neutralizes "free radicals" that cause cell damage and cell death. |
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Whole cranberries |
In addition to aiding in the acidification of urine, whole cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C. They also contain phytochemicals (plant chemicals) called flavonoids and anthocyanin. Flavonoids and anthocyanin are antioxidants. |
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Whole ground flaxseed |
Whole flaxseed, also known as linseed, contains essential fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid). |
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Whole sweet potatoes |
Whole, delicious sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of complex carbohydrates (fiber), potassium, vitamins, minerals, and beta-carotene. |
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Zinc amino acid complex |
Zinc amino acid complex is a form of chelated zinc. Zinc is necessary in converting carbohydrates into energy, and required for proper wound healing, a healthy immune system, growth, and reproduction. |
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Zinc proteinate |
Zinc proteinate is a form of chelated zinc. Zinc is necessary in converting carbohydrates into energy, and required for proper wound healing, a healthy immune system, growth, and reproduction. |
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Zinc sulfate |
Zinc sulfate provides a very usable source of zinc. Zinc is necessary in converting carbohydrates into energy, and required for proper wound healing, a healthy immune system, growth, and reproduction. |
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