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Common Pet Food Ingredients
From A to Z
Ingredients with an asterisk (*) before the name have an official AAFCO definition. To see the full AAFCO definition, click on this AAFCO link.
Not all ingredients have AAFCO definitions
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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INGREDIENT NAME
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DEFINITION
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QUALITY LEVELS
HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS,
AVERAGE (PROBABLY NOT HARMFUL),
LOW QUALITY OR DANGEROUS
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* (MEAL, LEAVES OR SPROUTS)
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Alfalfa is a member of the legume family
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Alfalfa sprouts are an excellent source of key nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium & manganese. Best if used fresh.
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ANCHOVY MEAL
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Clean, rendered, dried & ground tissue of anchovies and/or their parts
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Excellent source of protein and omega 3’s; Use fresh raw anchovies for optimal benefit
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*ANIMAL DIGEST
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A cooked-down broth made from unspecified parts of unspecified animals
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The animals used are obtained from various sources, so there is no control over quality or batch consistency; Not recommended
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*ANIMAL FAT
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Animal fat is a necessary
nutrient in pet food, but …
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….since the source is not named it could be from any animal. There is no control over quality and batches differ greatly; Not recommended
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ANIMAL PLASMA
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Animal blood from meat
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This is a controversial ingredient. Some tout its benefits as a natural ingredient while others express great concern about sourcing and BSE
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APPLES
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A pome fruit which is actually a member of the rose family
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Very nutritious in its whole fresh form containing soluble fiber, vitamin C and some beta carotene
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ARTIFICIAL COLORS
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This is an unnecessary additive to pet food. Color only appeals to pet owners.
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FD&C Red No. 40 is a possible carcinogen but is widely used to keep meat looking fresh. Blue No. 2 is thought to increase dogs' sensitivity to viruses; Not recommended
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A tropical fruit
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High potassium, magnesium & many vitamins
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*BARLEY
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A member of the grass family, Poaceae; This is a cereal grain and animal feed crop
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A complex carbohydrate; One of the more nutritious grains providing protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals; an allergen to some pets
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*BARLEY FLOUR
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Soft, finely ground & bolted barley meal; consists of the starch & gluten of the endosperm
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This is inferior to whole barley. The most beneficial nutrients were removed during the milling process.
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*BEEF
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The clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle
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Free-range, grass-fed beef is the purest source. Any human grade beef product is considered high quality.
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BEEF BROTH
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This is the moisture content of beef.
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Water substitute used for flavor. It has no real nutritional value.
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BEEF MEAL
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Beef minus any water content and finely ground.
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This is a rendered animal protein meal but because the animal is specifically named, there is better quality control.
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BEEF & BONE MEAL
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This incorporates the entire cow, including the bones, but the quality cuts of meat are always removed.
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This is an inexpensive, low quality, rendered ingredient used mainly to boost the protein percentage in inferior pet foods; Not recommended
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BEEF TALLOW
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Rendered fat from cows; Commonly used to make soap and candles.
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High in fat & cholesterol; difficult to digest
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BEETS
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A root vegetable
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Whole beets are high in plant protein, potassium, iron, folic acid & fiber. Leaves are high in calcium.
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*BEET PULP Or Dried Beet Pulp
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Pulp is what is left after the sugar is extracted from the sugar beet. Commonly used in horse feed.
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The ingredient is controversial to some people. Its main role in pet food is a source of fiber. It can also benefit overall colon health by working in conjunction with normal intestinal bacteria.
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BISON
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AKA Buffalo
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Lean red meat; excellent source of protein
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BLUEBERRIES
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A beneficial fruit containing powerful antioxidants
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Antioxidants fight free radicals. Blueberries are a source of fiber, manganese and vitamin K. Best fed fresh to canines as a healthy treat.
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BHA/BHT
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A dangerous chemical preservative banned by many countries, however still used in the USA in foods for pets & people!
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Known to cause cancer and tumors; It is unnecessary because there are safer non-chemical preservatives on the market. It accumulates in tissues and does long-term damage DO NOT USE!
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BONE MEAL (STEAMED)
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Undecomposed bones, sterilized by cooking, dried & ground
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Grease, gelatin, meat fiber may or may not be removed. Product can vary greatly from batch to batch; not recommended
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*BREWERS RICE
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Small fragments of rice kernels obtained during the milling process.
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An inexpensive form of carbohydrate, and does not contain the full nutritional benefits of whole grain rice; Not recommended
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*BROWN RICE
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The whole rice kernel including bran, minus hulls
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Source of carbohydrates; contains B vitamins, magnesium & fatty acids
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BROWN RICE FLOUR
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This is a product of the milling of brown rice
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Not harmful, but contains no real nutritional value.
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OIL
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Canola or LEAR oil (Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed)
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Please do your research on Canola oil before feeding pet foods containing it. It is considered controversial & usually is a genetically engineered ingredient.
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CAROB
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AKA locust bean gum
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Used as a gelling agent & emulsifier
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CARRAGEENAN
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A seaweed extract used as a gelling agent & a vegetarian alternative to gelatin.
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Safe in small amounts, large amounts have harmed the colon in test animals
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*CARROTS
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Presumably carrots
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Carrots provide beta-carotene and vitamins A, D & K. They are more digestible if pureed.
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CEREAL FOOD FINES
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Particles of breakfast cereals obtained from processing
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Inconsistent and often inadequate nutrition;
Not recommended
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CELLULOSE
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A pulp from fibrous plant materials such as dried wood
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Used to add bulk & consistency to cheap pet foods; Poorly digestible; Not recommended
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*CHICKEN
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Clean chicken flesh and skin with or without the bone exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails
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A high quality ingredient but keep in mind that even chicken for human consumption is often injected with hormones, salmonella vaccine and antibiotics.
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CHICKEN BROTH
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This is the moisture content of chicken.
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Water substitute used for flavor. It has no real nutritional value.
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*CHICKEN BYPRODUCT MEAL
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Consists of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs and intestines
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By-products are the parts of a chicken that is not fit for human consumption. The source is ‘named’ so you know the product is from chickens, however each batch could be considerably different from the next making quality control impossible
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CHICKEN FAT
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Obtained from rendered chicken
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Chicken fat is from a named animal source and is beneficial when preserved naturally.
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*CHICKEN LIVER MEAL
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Ground chicken livers
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Organ meat is necessary for balanced nutrition, however fresh is superior to meal
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*CHICKEN MEAL
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A rendered product of chicken minus all moisture and ground into a fine powder
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The animal source is named. Chicken meal provides condensed animal protein. Fresh is more nutritious.
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*CORN
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AKA maize; A major source of starch; Corn products are difficult for pets to digest
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Often genetically modified plant; GMO’s have NOT been proven safe to people or the environment. Corn is inexpensive & readily attainable.
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*CORN BRAN
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Outer coating of corn kernel
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Primarily used as a source of dietary fiber
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*CORN GERM MEAL (DRY MILLED)
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This is a by-product of the milling industry after corn grits, corn meal & other corn products are manufactured
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It is an inexpensive source of protein which is commonly used in low quality pet foods to boost the protein level; Not recommended
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*CORN GLUTEN
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Gluten is a by-product after the manufacturing of corn syrup.
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A binder and protein booster. Plant protein provides less benefit to pets than animal protein; Not recommended
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*CORN GLUTEN MEAL
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Corn Gluten Meal or CGM is a by-product of corn processing and can be used as an organic herbicide
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CGM is an inexpensive protein source for pet foods. It is used for a binder or thickening agent in canned foods. One of the more common grain allergens; Not recommended
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CORN MEAL
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Flour ground from dried maize or American corn
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Corn is highly prone to a deadly mold (aflatoxin);
Not recommended
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*CORN SYRUP
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AKA glucose syrup;
Concentrated corn juice
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Used in pet food and treats as a thickener & sweetener
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CRACKED OATS
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Cracked oats or steel cut oats are only the inner portion of the oat kernel.
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Cracked oats are high in protein
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*CRACKED PEARL BARLEY
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Dehulled, steam processed & sliced barley (cereal grain)
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Contains 8 essential amino acids; Protein from animal sources are more beneficial to pets
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CRANBERRIES
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A fruit commonly used in juice drinks and sauces. High in antioxidants
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Has moderate levels of Vit C, manganese & dietary fiber; Antioxidant properties fight tooth decay, cancer & heart disease; Good for the urinary tract.
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*DEHYDRATED EGGS
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Dried poultry eggs freed of moisture by thermal means
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Eggs are a good source of protein. Whole, fresh eggs are the perfect protein.
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OF BEEF
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A cooked-down broth made from beef tissues.
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A flavor enhancer only; no real nutritional value; Not recommended
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*DIGEST OF BEEF BY- PRODUCTS
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A cooked down broth made from all clean unrendered parts of cattle with the exception of the meat, hair, horns, teeth or hooves
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A flavor enhancer made from beef by-products; An inferior ingredient; Not recommended
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*DIGEST OF POULTRY BY-PRODUCTS
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A broth made from cleaned unrendered chicken heads, feet & viscera minus fecal contents
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By-products make this an inferior ingredient; only useful as a flavor enhancer with no real nutritional value; Not recommended
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*DRIED ANIMAL DIGEST
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Dried material made from unspecified animal tissue
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Very inferior ingredient that could be from any mammal; Not recommended
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*DRIED KELP
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Dried seaweed
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Natural source of trace minerals such as iron; source of vitamin A, D, B12 & folic acid; source of beta-carotene
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*DRIED MILK PROTEIN
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AKA Casein; the primary milk protein in milk
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A good source of amino acids
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*DRIED WHEY
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A product from cheese manufacturing; the watery part of milk that separates from curds
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Contains protein, lactose and minerals
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DRIED YEAST
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Dried, non-fermented yeast
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Good source of Vitamin B; potential allergen for some pets
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DUCK
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Water fowl
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Duck is an excellent source of animal protein
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DUCK MEAL
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Rendered & ground duck flesh & skin with or without accompanying bone
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Excellent source of condensed protein; Fresh duck is even more beneficial
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Presumably whole eggs
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Excellent source of protein & amino acids
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ETHOXYQUIN
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Ethoxyquin is a chemical preservative used to prevent fat from becoming rancid; it is also a pesticide.
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Potentially very harmful for a pet to eat on a daily basis; Manufacturers like it because it extends pet food shelf life; Naturox, natural preservatives Vitamin C & E are better alternatives. DO NOT USE!
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OATMEAL
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A meal product from the manufacturing of rolled oats
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This is a grain fragment missing many of it’s nutritional qualities; Not recommended
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FISH
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Type of fish is not named
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Pet owners should feed only animal proteins from a specifically named source
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*FISH MEAL
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Rendered & ground fish or fish cuttings. According to US Coast Guard regulations, all fish not destined for human consumption must be preserved.
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The type of fish is not specifically named meaning there is a lack of consistency from batch to batch. The preservative most often used for fishmeal is ethoxyquin.
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FISH OIL
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Oil from rendering whole fish or pieces from canneries
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Un-named type of fish; not a recommended ingredient
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FLAXSEED
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AKA Linseed
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A source of Omega 3 fatty acids, high in dietary fiber
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FLAXSEED MEAL
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Ground product from the seed of the flax plant
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This provides some omega-3 fatty acids.
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FLAXSEED OIL
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Obtained by extracting oil from the flax seed
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Carnivores more efficiently metabolize animal-sourced essential fatty acids, but this is by no means a bad ingredient.
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OR Garlic Powder
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A species in the onion family commonly used for culinary or medicinal purposes
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Controversial; Some pet owners report allergies to garlic
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GELATIN
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A translucent, colorless, tasteless substance; Derived from prolonged boiling of animal skin, tissue & bones.
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A collagen; Used as a gelling agent in food; No nutritional value
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GIBLETS
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The edible offal of a fowl, typically including the heart, gizzard, liver, other visceral organs and neck
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High quality nutrition if the bird is named, such as chicken or turkey
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GLYCERIN
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Sweet tasting viscous liquid
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Used to enhance palatability & retain moisture; no real nutritional value
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GROUND BARLEY
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Entire barley kernel ground or chopped
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A complex carbohydrate & nutritious grain providing protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals
Good source of calcium; easily digested
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Ground Bone
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Often seen in prepackaged raw pet meals
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This is used to balance the calcium to phosphorus ratio
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Ground Brown Rice
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The entire product obtained by grinding the rice kernels after the hulls are removed
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Rich in Vitamin B; also a carbohydrate
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*GROUND CORN
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Entire kernel, ground or chopped, minus husks
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Corn is often a GMO & used to boost protein values. Cats & dogs do best with animal-based proteins.
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*GROUND DE-HULLED OATS
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AKA Ground Oat Groats; ground clean oats with hulls removed.
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Good source of Vitamin B; also a carbohydrate
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Ground Oat Groats
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AKA Oatmeal
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Good source of Vitamin B; a carbohydrate
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Ground Rice
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White rice, ground or chopped
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Plentiful & inexpensive; ideal for making kibble; one of the more digestible grains; not a natural part of a carnivores diet
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*GROUND WHEAT
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Entire wheat kernel, ground or chopped
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A better product than wheat bran, flour or middlings; still a frequent allergen to pets
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*GROUND WHOLE BROWN RICE
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AKA Ground Brown Rice
Entire rice kernels minus hulls
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Good source of Vitamin B; a carbohydrate
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Ground Whole Grain Corn
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Entire corn kernel, ground or chopped
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Often genetically modified; GMO’s have NOT been proven safe to people or the environment.
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Ground Whole Grain Sorghum
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Ground grain of the sorghum plant (see Sorghum)
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Possibly genetically modified
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*Ground Whole Wheat
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Entire wheat kernel, ground or chopped
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A better product than wheat bran, flour or middlings; a frequent allergen to pets
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*Ground Yellow Corn
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Ground yellow ear corn minus husks
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Corn is inexpensive and readily attainable; often a source of allergy to pets
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Guar Gum
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The ground endosperm of guar beans, the legume family
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Used as a thickener, stabilizer or emulsifier in pet food; not much nutritional value
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An oily fish found in North Pacific & North Atlantic oceans
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An excellent single source protein, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA, DHA & Vitamin D
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HONEY
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Sweet, viscous fluid produced by bees
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Useful properties for baking, but sweeter than table sugar
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OR Norwegian Kelp
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A type of seaweed
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Natural source of trace minerals such as iron; source of vitamin A, D, B12 & folic acid; source of beta-carotene
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*KIBBLED CORN
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Cooked crack corn
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Highly processed and low nutrient content
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KIDNEY
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The organ in the body responsible for excreting waste products of metabolism
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Provided the animal source is named, this is a high quality ingredient especially when fed raw in small amounts
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Lamb
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The meat of domestic sheep
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Muscle meat high in animal protein
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*LAMB BONE MEAL
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Undecomposed lamb bones, sterilized by cooking; dried then ground
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Grease, gelatin, meat fiber may or may not be removed.
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*LAMB DIGEST
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A cooked-down broth made from lamb tissues.
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No real nutritional value; a flavor enhancer only; at least the protein source is named
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*LAMB FAT
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Obtained from lamb tissues in the process of rendering
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This is a quality animal fat high in linoleic acid, beneficial to skin and coat health
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*Lamb Meal
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Rendered product from lamb tissues
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A named meat source & condensed protein product; Fresh lamb meat is superior to meal
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*LINSEED MEAL
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AKA flaxseed meal
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This provides some omega-3 fatty acids. Pets metabolize fatty acids best from animal sources. This is by no means a bad ingredient.
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Liver is the hepatic gland. *The role of the liver is to filter toxins, therefore can be controversial.
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Liver is a nutrient rich organ meat. As long as the source is named (chicken, beef, lamb, etc) this is a beneficial ingredient.
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Food fish of the North Atlantic
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An excellent single source protein rich in essential fatty acids; Best served fresh
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MAIZE
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AKA corn
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Pet food manufacturers often use this term to distract the customers attention that the product contains corn
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Maltose
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AKA maltodextrin; This is a sugar made from corn
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Improves shelf life and provides a sweet taste but it not recommended nutritionally
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*Meat and Bone Meal
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Rendered “mammal” tissues with bone
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This is probably one of THE WORST ingredients in pet food; extremely low quality; could be the tissues of any animal
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*Meat By Products
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Non-rendered parts of slaughtered mammals with the exception of meat
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Lungs, kidney, spleen, brain, blood, etc. from any kind of mammal; very inferior; Not recommended
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*Meat Meal
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Rendered mammal tissues
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Meal made from any mammal and is very low quality; Not recommended
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Menadione Sodium Bisulfate
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Synthetic version of Vitamin K; a controversial ingredient
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This is an unnecessary ingredient not approved for long-term use. It has been linked to many serious health issues.
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MENHADEN FISH MEAL
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Clean, dried, ground tissue of whole fish or fish cuttings
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High in protein and essential fatty acids
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METHIONINE
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An essential amino acid in pet food
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Promotes palatability in the cat diet; may benefit urinary function
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Millet
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A small-seeded grass species of cereal crops or grains
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Not commonly used in pet food. It may be beneficial if a pet is allergic to corn or wheat.
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Mixed tocopherols
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A natural preservative
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This is a source of Vitamin E
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Molasses
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A thick by-product of sugar processing
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Can artificially inflate protein content but is most used as a sweetener. Small amounts are ok in treats
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FLAVORS
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Flavor ingredients that do not contain synthetic or artificial components
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Flavor enhancer only, no real nutritional value
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NATUROX
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All natural, free-flowing antioxidant used to preserve oils, fats & other oxygen sensitive ingredients
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Often this is not on the pet food label, but hopefully soon more companies will realize pet owner want to know ethoxyquin is NOT used in our pet’s food.
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Dry ground product of clean oats with hulls removed
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Often used as a binder in pet foods. Rich in B vitamins; a carbohydrate
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Oat Bran
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The outer covering of the oat kernel
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Low nutritional benefits
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Oat Fiber
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A white fine grained dietary fiber obtained from the processing of oats
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A carbohydrate that enhances food texture
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Ocean Whitefish
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Refers to a number of fish, including tilefish and Atlantic whitefish.
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High in Omega 3’s EPA & DHA
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Organic Quinoa
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A grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds
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Quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids; plant protein. A good source of dietary fiber & phosphorus; high in iron
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Peas
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A source of plant protein and Vitamin A
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Pea Fiber
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Fiber derived from pea hulls
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A source of fiber
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PEANUT BUTTER
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90% peanuts, no artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives & fats
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Usually found in treats rather than food
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Peanut Meal
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Ground peanuts
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Ingredient subject to deadly mold (aflatoxin)
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Pearled Barley
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De-hulled barley (cereal grain)
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Provides carbohydrates and fiber; reportedly more digestable than whole barley
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Pork MEAl
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Dry, rendered product from the clean flesh & skin, with or without accompanying bone of pigs – exclusive of heads, feet & entrails
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High in animal protein; Fresh unprocessed lean meat is most nutritious
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*Potatoes
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Tuberous plant
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A carbohydrate high in starch; whole fresh potatoes are more nutritious; Provide Vitamins B, C, zinc, niacin & potassium
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POTATO PRODUCT
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Potato pieces, peelings and culls
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Left-overs from the human food processing industry
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Potato Protein
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A concentrated extract from the potato tuber
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This is a fairly new ingredient for pet food often used in single protein, single grain diets
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*Poultry Fat
(FEED GRADE)
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“primarily obtained from the tissue of poultry in the commercial process of rendering”
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The source of poultry tissue is not named specifically, therefore lacks consistency and quality control; Not recommended
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*Poultry By-Product Meal
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“necks, feet, undeveloped eggs and intestines”
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A rendered product from an unspecified poultry source; Not recommended
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*POULTRY DIGEST
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A cooked-down broth made from poultry tissues.
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Poultry source is not specifically named. This is mainly used for flavor; Not recommended
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*POWDERED CELLULOSE
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Produced from the “pulp from fibrous plant materials”
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No nutritional value; Not recommended
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Prawns
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Prawns are shrimp
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High in protein, omega 3s and vitamin B12
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Propolyne Glycol
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Compound used as a solvent, antifreeze, coolant and de-icer among other things
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GRAS for use in dog food; Prohibited for use in cat food due to a species-specific reaction. Veterinary data indicate that propylene glycol is toxic to dogs with a 50% chance of being lethal at doses of 9mL/kg; DO NOT USE!
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PUMPKIN
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A gourd-like squash plant
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Rich source of alpha & beta carotene, fiber, vitamins B & C
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A botanical fruit of an herb plant
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Treated as a grain in cooking; high in plant protein
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Small mammals in the Leporidea family
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High in protein; Can be fed raw or processed
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Rice
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Unless listed as brown rice, it is known as white rice
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Without being enriched with vitamins, white rice can be very lacking in certain nutrients
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*Rice Bran
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This product of the milling industry contains a major portion of the nutritional value
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Good source of dietary fiber and vitamins
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Rice Flour
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Flour made from finely milled rice
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Essentially contains starch and gluten
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Rye FLOUR
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Soft, finely ground bolted meal obtained from milling rye kernel
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Lower gluten content than wheat flour
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OIL
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Oil from safflower seeds
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An omega 6 fatty acid; Possibly a GMO
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Salmon
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Marine & freshwater fish
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High in protein and long chain Omega 3’s
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Salmon Meal
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Rendered and ground clean tissue from salmon
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High in condensed animal protein
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SALMON OIL
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Oil extracted from the cannery refuse of salmon
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Excellent source of EFA’s
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SARDINE MEAL
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Clean, rendered, dried, & ground tissue of sardines & sardine parts
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Excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids; Best if served fresh
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SORBITOL
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Sweetener, used for moisture retention in some treats
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Too much sorbitol can cause loose stools in pets
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Sorghum
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A grass raised for grain, fiber and fodder
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Possibly genetically modified (GMO)
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Salt
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Sodium Chloride
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A required nutrition in proper quantities
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Soy Flour
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Heat processed, finely ground soybean meal
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Over two-thirds US soy crops are GMO or genetically modified organisms.
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Soy Oil
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AKA “vegetable oil”
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GMO
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Soy Protein Concentrate
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Soybean protein with water soluble carbs and hulls removed
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Soy protein & soy flakes contain natural plant estrogens, chemicals akin to mammalian female hormones & having some of the same effects. When these chemicals were injected into immature female mice, they caused damage to the mice's uteruses.
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Soy Protein Isolate
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Isolated protein of soybean with carbohydrate fraction removed
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*SOYBEAN HULLS
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Outer covering of the soybean
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Not a high quality ingredient; often found in low end pet food
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*Soybean Meal
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Grind of soybean flakes once oil has been removed
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“Long-term feeding of a soy diet to cats could induce chronic low level hyper stimulation of the thyroid gland which could lead to formation of thyroid adenoma and feline hyperthyroidism in middle-aged aged cats.” Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODDS-NUTRITION-THYROID.HTM
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*SOYBEAN MILL RUN
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Soybean hulls and whatever bean meat sticks to them during the milling process
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Soybean Oil
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AKA soy oil or vegetable oil
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Spray Dried Chicken
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A flavoring made from chicken broth and or meat parts
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Can be an acceptable ingredient if derived from fresh slaughtered chicken but usually this is not the case
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Sugar
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Crystallized carbohydrate obtained from sugar can and sugar beet
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Sugar is often added for palatability however can stress the pancreas, cause hyperactivity, aggravate diabetes and more
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Sunflower Oil
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Oil extracted from sunflower seeds
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High in linoleic acid, good for the skin and coat
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Sweet Potatoes
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A starchy root vegetable
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Contains antioxidants, vitamins & minerals
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A rendered form of beef or mutton fat
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Hard for pets to digest; high in cholesterol
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Tapioca & Tapioca Meal
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A starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant; Ground tapioca
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This complex carbohydrate, when broken down in the body, converts to a high amount of sugar making this ingredient controversial.
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Taurine
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Naturally occurring amino acid in meat and seafood; Not readily available from plants
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A very important essential amino acid for cats; Insufficient levels of taurine can lead to blindness and cardiac problems
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Tomato POMACE
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Inexpensive by-product of tomato manufacturing
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A mixture of tomato skins, pulp and crushed seed; High potential for pesticide residue
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Tuna
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Sea water fish
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A high quality protein with beneficial omegas
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*Turkey
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Clean turkey flesh & skin with or without bone exclusive of feathers, heads, feet & entrails
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A high quality meat however, keep in mind that even turkey for human consumption is often injected with hormones and antibiotics.
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Turkey By-Product MeaL
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Consists of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered turkey, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs & intestines
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By-products are the parts of a chicken that is not fit for human consumption. It is ‘named’ so you know the products are from chickens, however batches vary greatly making quality control impossible
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*TURKEY MEAL
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A rendered product of turkey minus all moisture and ground into a fine powder
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The animal source is named. Turkey meal provides condensed animal protein. Fresh is more nutritious.
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Oil
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A product obtained from vegetable origin by extracting oil from edible seeds or fruits
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This is another term for soybean oil. Soy products are most often GMOs; animal fats are more beneficial to pets
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Venison
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Deer meat, hunted or farmed
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Not USDA inspected, but still high quality game meat with very little fat content
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* Bran
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The hard outer layer of wheat
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High in protein, vitamin D & omega 3 fatty acids
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*Wheat Flour
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Wheat flour together with fine particles of wheat bran, wheat germ & offal from the “tail of the meal”
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More nutritious than refined white flour; higher oil content & shorter shelf life
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*Wheat Germ Meal
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Wheat germ together with some bran, middlings or short
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An inexpensive filler and by product of the human food industry
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Wheat Gluten
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A sticky substance found in wheat composed of the proteins gliadin & glutenin
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*Wheat gluten is the product from China that was tainted with melamine in 2007 causing many pets to become sick or die
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*Wheat Mill Run
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Course wheat bran, shorts, germ, flour and offal from the “tail of the mill”
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An inexpensive filler with no real nutritional value
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Wheat Protein Isolate
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A wheat protein that has been chemically processed to remove most of the starch
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This soluble product is 85% plant protein; carnivores thrive best when fed animal proteins
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*WHEY
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Fluid obtained by separating the coagulum from milk
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Source of protein and fat
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WHITEFISH
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Several types of deepwater fish are used
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Preferable that the fish type is named; Good source of Omega 3 fatty acids
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Whole Egg
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Eggs from hens with shells removed
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Whole eggs are the perfect protein source that all other proteins are measured against
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Whole GrAIN Brown Rice
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Rice grain with hull removed
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More nutritional than white rice
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Whole Grain Wheat
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The entire wheat kernel
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Adds carbohydrate, plant protein, some vitamins to the diet
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Whole Oat Groats
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The entire oat grain without processing
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A source of carbohydrates and vitamins
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Whole Wheat Flour
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Derived by grinding mashing the wheat’s whole grain
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More nutritious than refined white flour; higher oil content & shorter shelf life
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