INTERPRETING DOG FOOD LABELS -
INGREDIENT GLOSSARY
|
| Ingredient |
Action |
| |
|
| Animal Fat |
Is fat obtained
from the tissue of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial process of
rendering or extracting |
| Ascorbic Acid |
Source of vitamin C
which helps prevent common diseases, anemia and hemorrhage |
| Beta-Carotene |
Substance from
plants that the body converts into vitamin A. Also acts as antioxidant and
an immune system booster |
| BHA (Butylated
Hydroxyanisole) |
Synthetic
Preservative permitted only at relatively low levels. Has been associated
with liver damage, fetal abnormalities and metabolic stress. Also had
questionable relationship with cancer |
| BHT (Butylated
Hydroxytoluene) |
Synthetic
Preservative permitted only at relatively low levels. Has been associated
with liver damage, fetal abnormalities and metabolic stress. Also had
questionable relationship with cancer |
| Biotin |
Vitamin essential
to cellular metabolism, help metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
Biotin helps prevent anemia, muscular pain and skin disorders, as well as
heart disease. |
| Borage Oil |
An essential fatty
acid, maintaining cell structure and producing energy. Source of imp
nutrients i.e. phytosterols and beta-sistosterin as well as phospholipids
which aid in digestion of fats |
| Brewers Rice |
Small fragments of
rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled
rice. |
| Brewers Yeast |
Is the dried, non-fermentive,
non-extracted yeast that results as a by-product of the brewing of beer and
ale |
| Calcium Carbonate |
Pure form of
limestone that is ground into powder. Source of calcium, necessary for bones
and teeth to help prevent osteoporosis.Also useful for the temporary relief
of occasional indigestion |
| Calcium Iodate |
Source of calcium
as well as good source of nutritional iodine which is essential for the
proper functioning of the thyroid gland and metabolic regulation |
| Calcium
Pantothenate |
Source of calcium
as well as part of B-Complex group of vitamins which is vital for many
essential body processes such as the proper functioning of the adrenal
glands & production of steroid hormones. Pantothenic acid is required for
the conversion of fat and sugar into energy. |
| Calcium Propionate |
Source of calcium
which is easier to absorb than conventional caustic calcium sources. Also
used as preservative |
| Carob |
Rich in complex
sugars, minerals & vitamins. Contains tannins, which are well recognised
antidiarrheic agents for dogs and cats. Dried carob in combination with
dried turmeric, rosemary, fenugreek and kelp help support the skeleton and
articulations and help prevent HD. |
| Chicken |
Clean combination
of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts
or whole carcasses of chicken or a combination thereof exclusive of
feathers, heads, feet and entrails. |
| Chicken By-Product
Meal |
Consists of the
ground, rendered and clean parts of carcass of slaughtered poultry such as
necks, feet, undeveloped eggs and intestines without feathers |
| Chicken Fat |
Fat obtained from
tissue of chicken. Source of energy and high quality fat providing 20% to
30% essential fatty acids utilized for a healthy skin and coat. |
| Chicken Meal |
Dry ground clean
combination of chicken flesh and skin with or without bones, exclusive of
feathers, heads, feet and entrails, derived from the parts of whole carcass
of chicken. |
| Citric Acid |
Natural
Preservative. Is an organic acid, widely found in fruits, which effectively
bonds to many minerals and trace nutrients acting as a very effective
transporter across gastrointestinal mucosa. |
| choline chloride |
Increases rate of
growth and decreases the fat content in the liver (vitamin B4) |
| Chondroitin Sulfate |
A
mucopolysaccharide extracted from animal cartilage, that has
anti-inflammatory properties. Helps alleviate arthritic symptoms |
| Cobalt Carbonate |
Mineral Supplement |
| Copper Sulfate/Proteinate |
Important for the
hemoglobin system, reproduction and a healthy skin |
| Corn Gluten Meal |
Is the by-product
after the manufacture of corn syrup or star and is direct residue after
removal of the bran, germ and starch |
| Corn Meal |
Put through drying
process, then cleaned, steamed & outer hull removed. Degermination occurs
leaving only the endosperm, which is passed through rollers & broken into
granules |
| D-activated Animal
Sterol |
Source of vitamin
D3, which helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus necessary for
healthy bones and teeth. |
| Dehydrated Chicken |
Clean, fresh
chicken flesh, from carcass free of skin, bones, feathers, heads, feet and
entrails. Dried at max temp of 85 degrees C to avoid denaturation of the
protein as well as deterioration of the fat, providing high protein
efficiency ratio (PER) levels |
| dicalcium phosphate |
Natural supplement
which supplies essential calcium and phosphate requirements of dog and cats |
| DL-methionine |
Natural amino acid
which serves as a urinary acidifier.Is indispensable to maintain liver
function and a lack of may lead to hepatopathy and nephropathy |
| Dried Beet Pulp |
Is the residue
resulting from the extraction of simple sugars in the manufacture of table
sugar, with no or little sucrose left in it. Causes no sharp rise in blood
glucose levels and provides most of its energy in form of volatile fatty
acids. Also relatively good source of calcium |
| Dried Cayenne |
This is a dried
fruit used as a stimulant for the whole organism. It increases blood flow,
tones the nervous system, revives appetite and helps respiration. |
| Dried Corn
Fermentation soluble product |
Source of added
enzymes (biotechnology) in the form of Bacillus Subtilis, Aspergillis Niger
and Aspergillus Oryzae |
| Dried Dandelion |
In combination with
turmeric & fenugreek, reduces the risk of diabetes. Also helps control
excess weight when combined with turmeric. A bitter herb, dandelion is an
excellent tonic and detox agent. Helps heal skin problems such as eczema |
| Dried Egg Product |
Refers to eggs that
have been removed from their shells for processing. Basic egg products
include whole eggs, whites, yolks and various blends, with or without
non-egg ingredients that are processed and pasteurized. |
| Dried Fennel |
The seeds and
occasionally the roots and stems are utilized. Helps gas evacuation, and is
also mild expectorant and diuretic |
| Dried Fenugreek |
One of oldest
medicinal plants used to help in treating anemia, diabetes and weight loss.
Also excellent tonic and good hypoglycemic compound. Known to promote milk
production |
| Dried Ginger |
This root helps gas
evacuation produced by gastrointestinal fermentation. Also used as
expectorant, anti-emetic (prevents vomiting) and can be used as antidote to
several food toxins |
| Dried Kelp |
Increases appetite,
improves digestion and promotes healthy skin and coat. Excellent source of
protein-bound iodine, which is important for healthy nervous system and for
endocrine functions i.e. reproduction and immunity. Contains over 60
digestible chelated minerals |
| Dried Rosemary |
Its essential oils
are recognised for their antioxidant properties. Helps detoxify
cardiovascular and hepatic (liver) systems. Also increases bile production,
which favours the digestion of fats |
| Dried Saccharomyces
Cerevisiae Fermentation Extract |
Mannanoligosaccharides are derived from this, which are important
modulators of gastrointestinal health. Effects include exclusion of
pathogenic bacteria (harmful) from the gastrointestinal tract, also enhances
digestive function & stimulates immune system |
| Dried Turmeric |
Multiple functions
include protecting the liver, increasing bile secretion and help to prevent
gall bladder stones. This herb is also anti-arthritic (anti-inflammatory) |
| Ethylenediamine
Dihydriodide |
Source of iodine
which is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland
(metabolic regulation) |
| Ferrous Sulfate |
Provides iron
needed by body to produce red blood cells. Used to help treat/prevent iron
deficiency anemia, caused by pregnancy, poor diet etc. |
| Fish Meal |
Clean, dried &
ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings which may or may
not have oil removed |
| Flax Meal |
Has impact by
influencing metabolism, intracellular enzymes, protein synthesis and
malignant cell proliferation |
| Flaxseed |
Source of Omega 3 &
Omega 6 fatty acids. In a ratio of 1:5 or 1:10 shown to reduce the
production of plasma and neutrophils, the latter being inflammatory
mediators in skin. Also reduces possible skin irritation. Omega 3 also shown
to help prevent coronary heart disease, hypertension & mellitus,
non-insulin dependant diabetes, renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis and
ulcerative colitis in some patients. |
| Folic Acid |
Important in the
cellular reproduction and formation of choline |
|
Fructooligosaccharides |
Selective
stimulation of the growth of Bifidobacteria, thus modifying the composition
of the colonic microbiota. Also has additional nutritional properties on
digestive physiological parameters like colonic pH and stool bulking. |
| Glucosamine
(sulfate/hydrochloride) |
Is a
mucopolysaccharide compound with anti-inflammatory properties, helping to
alleviate arthritic symptoms. Also keeps joints healthy for optimal
cartilage development |
| Ground Corn |
Entire ground clean
corn kernel. Nutrience uses pre-extruded ground clean kernels which increase
starch digestibility (good source of starch) |
| Ground Wheat |
Entire ground clean
wheat kernels including bran, germ and starch |
| Ground Whole Grain
Barley |
Is the entire
barley kernel, ground or chopped |
| Ground Whole Grain
Sorghum |
Is the grain of the
sorghum plant, ground or chopped |
| Inositol |
Is primarily used
in the treatment of liver problems, depression, panic disorder and diabetes.
Also aids in the breakdown of fats, helps in the reduction of blood
cholesterol |
| Iron Proteinate |
Important for
cellular respiration and oxygen carrier |
| L-arginine |
Is an amino acid
that releases human growth hormone and enhances fat metabolism. |
| L-carnitine |
Helps reduce body
fat & increase lean tissue mass, creating positive effects such as muscle
protection during calorie restriction (i.e. when dieting) |
| Lecithin |
A rich nutrient
that lowers blood cholesterol levels. It is believed that it strengthens
arteries thus controlling blood pressure. Also helps reduce the fat content
within arterial walls |
| L-lysine |
Is a key amino acid
needed for growth, tissue repair and production of antibodies, hormones and
enzymes. |
| L-tryptophan |
Essential amino
acid and metabolic precursor to serotonin. Serotonin acts as a chemical
messenger or neurotransmitter in the central nervous system & appears to
affect the sleep/wake state of arousal. |
| Lutein |
Lutein is first
considered to be essential for proper eye function & vision. Also powerful
antioxidant that helps maintain a strong immune system defending against the
risk of disease |
| Manganese
Proteinate |
Chelated source of
manganese which is important for fat metabolism, reproduction, active
enzymes & help produce ossein |
| Manganese Sulfate |
Source of manganese
which is important for fat metabolism, reproduction, active enzymes & help
produce ossein |
| Manganous Oxide |
Source of manganese
which is important for fat metabolism, reproduction, active enzymes & help
produce ossein |
| Menadione Sodium
Bisulfate Complex |
Source of Vitamin K
activity which is useful for good blood coagulation |
| Niacin |
Helps maintain good
growth, coenzyme, & transformation of fat, carbohydrates and proteins |
| Peanut Hulls |
The outer hull of
the peanut shell |
| Potassium Chloride |
In trace amounts is
essential for the electrical conduction that makes muscles and nerves work |
| Potassium Iodide |
Is 76.5% iodine
which is essential for proper functioning of the thyroid gland (metabolism
regulation) as well as source of potassium which is important in controlling
the activities of the heart, muscles, nervous system etc. |
| Propyl Gallate |
Synthetic
Preservative |
| Pyridoxine
Hydrochloride |
Source of vitamin
B6. Important in the protein transformation. Helps to transform linoleic
acid into arachidonic acid. |
| Riboflavin |
Source of vitamin
B2. Helps prevent neurological disorders, opacification of the cornea and
maintains healthy skin and coat. |
| Rice Bran |
The pericarp or
bran layer and germ of rice |
| Rice Flour |
Is finely
granulated powder made by grinding and sifting a long grain variety of rice
unless otherwise specified. |
| Rosemary Extract |
Its essential oils
are recognised for their antioxidant properties. Helps detoxify
cardiovascular and hepatic (liver) systems. Also increases bile production,
which favours the digestion of fats |
| Salt |
Is a natural
mineral, necessary for life and good health |
| Sodium
Hexametaphosphate |
Known to be
effective in the removal of extrinsic tooth stains |
| Sodium Selenite |
Similar to vitamin
E functions. Helps prevent diseases such a muscular dystrophy and
myocardosis |
| Soybean Meal |
Grinding of the
soybeans after the chemical or mechanical extraction of the oil |
| Soybean Mill Run |
Consists of coarse
and fine particles of soy bran and soybean shorts (offal from the tail of
the mill from commercial soybean milling) |
| Taurine |
A non-essential
sulfur-containing amino acid. Plays important role in bile acid metabolism.
Taurine is incorporated into one of the most abundant bile acids,
chenodeoxychloic acid where it serves to emulsify dietary lipids in the
intestine, promoting digestion |
| Thiamine
Mononitrate |
May prevent certain
neurological disorders and maintains weight. Can predispose formation of
vitamin C in the intestine |
| Tocopherols - mixed
(vitamin C & E) |
Naturally occurring
compounds used as a natural preservative. Function as antioxidants,
preventing the oxidation of fatty acids, vitamins and some other nutrients |
| Vegetable Oil |
Is the product of
vegetable origin obtained by extracting the oil from seeds or fruits which
are processed for edible purposes |
| Vitamin A Acetate /
Supplement |
Useful for
reproduction functions, for healthy skin and coat; helps keep visual system
in good health and helps produce antibodies |
| Vitamin B12
Supplement |
Helps maintain
normal concentration of hemoglobin in blood. Helps growth (esp. weaning
period), & formation of choline and methionine |
| Vitamin D3
Supplement |
Helps the
absorption of calcium and phosphorus necessary for healthy bones and teeth.
Also prevents rachitis. |
| Vitamin E
Supplement |
Useful for the
reproduction function. It is a natural fat preservative. |
| Yeast Culture |
For improved
gastrointestinal function resulting in improved feed efficiency. Coverts the
more or less indigestible and insoluble proteins, starches and grains into a
more ready form for assimilation, resulting in a greater release of energy.
Yeast changes tough starch cells into easily digested sugars |
| Yucca Schidigera
Extract |
Contains steroidal
saponines (inner bark) which are "uresase inhibitors", reducing the
activity of enzymes responsible for converting urea to ammonia which is
responsible for the odours in dogs and cats faeces. Also good for arthritis,
arthrosis, gut & kidney problems. |
| Zinc Methionine
Complex |
Is vital in several
enzyme system and is important in such functions as proper growth,
reproductive capacity, immune response and bone and skeletal soundness. |
| Zinc Oxide |
Prepared by
oxidation of pure zinc or by roasting zinc ore. Necessary to maintain
healthy skin and hair. Important for the body metabolism, coenzymes,
calcification and helps remove vitamin A from the hepatic content |
| Zinc Proteinate |
Chelated source of
zinc which is necessary to maintain healthy skin and hair. Important for the
body metabolism, coenzymes, calcification and helps remove vitamin A from
the hepatic (liver) content. |