Ingredients

A-Z LIST OF INGREDIENTS

Ash – Ash is not added as an ingredient; it is an indicator of mineral content and is legally required to be listed within the analysis on pet food packaging. Ash is measured by heating the food to a very high temperature and burning off all the organic components to leave just the inorganic residue. A well-formulated pet food should contain a moderate ash level reflecting sufficient mineral content.

Barley – Barley is a member of the grain family; it is a complex carbohydrate and a source of fibre. It is added to our food along with other carbs to provide a slow energy release. Our Barley is 100% British.

Beet Pulp – A small amount of beet pulp is added to our food as it is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.

Brewer’s Yeast – Dried brewer’s yeast is an excellent source of B-complex vitamins and amino acids. It is also considered by many to be an effective natural flea repellent!

Carrots  – Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene (which acts as an antioxidant and natural source of vitamin A), B vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Chicken (Fresh) – Fresh chicken is highly palatable, highly digestible and is an excellent protein source. It has an extremely high biological value meaning that it is easily broken down into its constituent amino acids (the building blocks of protein) necessary for a variety of structural and metabolic functions within the body. We use only meat from chickens reared in the UK. The chicken we use is grade A free range, is fit for human consumption and not genetically modified.

Chicken (Meal) – Like fresh chicken, chicken meal is an excellent protein source. Our chicken meal is of the highest quality, and comprises the clean parts of the carcass ground up into a fine calcium rich flour. It does not include heads, feet or feathers.

Chicken Fat / Oil – This is the highest quality oil available, its digestibility is superior over cheaper alternatives such as beef tallow, lamb, vegetable and blended fats used in many other pet foods, and it is an excellent source of energy. Chicken oil has a high and consistent level of the essential fatty acids that are necessary for a healthy skin and coat, and is considered to be the highest quality fat source available. The chicken fat/oil in our food is filtered and purified to remove protein molecules and therefore is safe to feed to dogs with a chicken allergy (a true food allergy is an inability to protein).

Chondroitin Sulphate – The marine chondroitin in our food is derived from shark cartilage! It is added to the puppy and senior foods because of its benefits to the skeletal system. Chondroitin blocks destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joint. There is always a low level of these destructive enzymes in the joint, but when injury or abnormal wear occurs the enzymes multiply. Chondroitin is a safe and natural ingredient, and any excess that is not required by the body is simply excreted in the urine. Shark cartilage was chosen because it is the most effective and best absorbed. There are sources from cattle, pigs, and chickens but these are of a far inferior quality. The sharks that are used for the material are sustainably farmed fish (not Great Whites) and they are reared for their meat for human food, so the cartilage is a by-product. If it were not used for this it would be disposed of or added to fishmeal.

Corn – Corn (or maize as it is also known) is a member of the starch family of carbohydrates. We use a combination of carbohydrates in the majority of the complete dry recipes (i.e. rice and corn) to help to ensure a steady release of energy throughout the day and stable blood sugar levels. Many people consider corn as indigestible, but when it is properly cooked within an extruded pet food it is very highly digestible.

Egg – Dried whole egg powder is a versatile ingredient. The yolk is a good fat source, whilst egg whites contain the purest form of protein found in whole foods. Eggs are also a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.

Fish Meal – Our fish meal is composed primarily of mackerel and herring. Fish meal is a natural balanced feed ingredient that is high in protein, minerals, vitamins and micronutrients. It contains 6 – 10% fish oil, which is high in the health promoting omega-3 very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA, often simply referred to as ‘omega-3s’. Like chicken, fish protein is of a high biological value and is easily broken down into its constituent amino acids.

Garlic – Garlic is a super food, it has benefits as a digestive aid, it is an antioxidant and can help reduce diseases like cancer, it acts as a natural flea repellent and more famously is a great natural flavouring! Garlic comes from the same family as the onion, which in large volumes can be toxic to dogs. Our nutritionists have carried out extensive research and have found Garlic is perfectly safe to include in our recipes.

Glucosamine Sulphate – Glucosamine is derived from the shells of crustaceans. Like chondroitin it’s added to our puppy and senior food because of its benefits to the skeletal system. Glucosamine provides the building blocks to synthesize new joint cartilage and together with chondroitin and MSM promotes joint mobility and longevity, and has been shown to aid conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Glucosamine is a safe and natural ingredient, and any excess that is not required by the body is simply excreted in the urine.

Lamb Meal – The lamb meal used in our food is made from imported, grass-fed New Zealand lamb. Lamb meal is rich in calcium, and is produced from meat trimmings and the clean parts of the carcass cooked, dried and ground into a fine flour. It does not include the wool, blood, head, hooves and specified risk material such as the spinal cord. Lamb is a very rich and palatable meat and offers an excellent alternative for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources.

Linseed – Linseed is also known as flax. This plant is a good source of dietary fibre, Omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (which have antioxidant properties).

Lucerne (or Alfalfa) – Lucerne is a high protein extract from the Alfalfa plant; it is an excellent ingredient providing antioxidant properties, fibre and protein all in one!

Maize – See corn.

MSM – The methyl-sulphonyl-methane (MSM) contained within our puppy and senior foods is an all-natural, ultra-pure MSM derived from pine bark. MSM is a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur. Its beneficial properties include the relief of pain and inflammation. It is also thought that MSM may improve mental alertness and relieve stress.

Oats – Oats are added to our recipes as they are an excellent source of fibre and energy. Oats are very high in starch and easily digestible, they are also the most hypo-allergenic of all the carbs and essential in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Peas – Peas are a good source of vitamin K1, folic acid and vitamin B6.

Potato – Potato is probably the most digestible source of carbohydrate that is commercially available for pet food production. It provides an alternative carbohydrate source for dogs with special dietary needs. Potato is an excellent source of the vitamins C & B6 as well as potassium which is good for immunity and energy production

Prebiotic FOS – FOS (or fructo-oligosaccharides) is derived from the chicory plant. This type of prebiotic promotes the beneficial intestinal flora, and helps to limit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. It may also aid in enhancing the immunity within the gastrointestinal tract and improve the utilisation of the nutrients.

Rice – Rice is a very digestible energy source and is used in combination with corn to promote a steady energy release throughout the day and to help stabilise blood sugar levels.  Brown rice is simply white rice with the husk (skin) still covering the grain. It has exactly the same benefits as white rice but offers a tiny amount more fibre so is used in our senior food.

Salmon (Fresh) – Our fresh salmon is sourced from the Scottish Highlands. We use only salmon products which are fully traceable, derived entirely from materials fit for human consumption and which are acceptable to the very stringent control measures imposed by the quality UK supermarket chains. Salmon is an excellent protein source, and is high in omega-3 fatty acids; it is also highly digestible and palatable.

Salmon Oil – Salmon oil is included in the recipes for energy, as a source of essential fatty acids and for the transport of the fat-soluble vitamins. Fish oil provides an excellent supply of the omega-3 fatty acids, and in the human health context their benefits are well documented. They may prevent or reduce the chance of developing coronary heart disease and may also help to reduce high blood pressure. Omega-3s are of special benefit to those suffering from kidney disorders, inflammatory bowel syndrome and autoimmune disease due to their natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Seaweed Extract – Seaweed contains many phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals. Seaweed is used mainly as a source of iodine, which is an important trace mineral with many functions. Iodine is necessary for efficient cell respiration, nerve and muscle functioning, the growth and repair of tissues, and helps to promote healthy skin, hair, teeth, and nails.

Tocopherols – Our foods are preserved naturally using a combination of mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). All dry pet foods require an antioxidant in order to prevent the fat components in the diet from becoming rancid on exposure to air. We do not use any artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives, unlike many of our competitors!

Turkey – Like chicken, turkey is an excellent source of protein and essential oils. Turkey offers exactly the same benefits as chicken but is slightly higher in protein and more sensitive. Our Turkey meat is Grade A and fit for human consumption it offers an excellent alternative to dogs with sensitivity to other protein sources.

Yucca Extract – Yucca extract is naturally extracted and dried sap from the yucca schidigera cactus. Yucca has antioxidant properties, and may also help to reduce faecal and body odour. It may even help to reduce lawn staining from urine!