Protein
Proteins are chemicals made up of other chemicals known as amino acids. Dogs can manufacture some amino acids in their bodies and must be supplied others in their food. Proteins from animal sources -- meat and meat byproducts -- are more complete and easier to extract and digest than proteins from plant sources. Proteins form the enzymes that metabolize food into energy as well as the hormones that guide various body functions. They themselves can also be metabolized to provide energy. High protein feeds are recommended for puppies and working dogs, but too much protein can cause renal (kidney) disease and has been implicated in some temperament problems.

Fats
Fats are probably the most misunderstood of the nutrients, for they are popularly considered the cause of obesity. It's true that a food high in fat will cause obesity in a dog that has a low expenditure of energy, for fats are higher in calorie than either protein or carbohydrates. However, fats are essential for good health, particularly of the skin. Fats increase the palatability of food, provide a media for fat-soluble vitamins, and affect food storage. They also are essential for reproductive efficiency, and kidney function.

Carbohydrates
The source of carbohydrates is an important consideration; corn is the most popular choice, with soybeans a close second. Other sources include rice and wheat, and the Iams Company now has a veterinary formula using potato starch. As long as the carbohydrate source is clean and of good nutritional quality, that is, it does not consist of floor sweepings or come from a poor quality harvest, it probably doesn't matter. Some dogs may be allergic to one or more of these sources, and some dogs may experience bloating or flatulence on soybean formulas, but most dogs do well on most sources of carbohydrate.

Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper absorption of fats and carbohydrates and for the chemical reactions in the body. Not only do organisms need these nutrients, but they need them in proper amounts and ratios for optimum health. For example, unless calcium and phosphorus are in balance, neither will be properly absorbed or utilized, which can lead to bone or muscle problems. Vitamins are divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble types. Water soluble vitamins are excreted from the body if they are not used; fat soluble vitamins are stored in fatty tissue.

Water-soluble vitamins are the B-complex, including thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, choline, and B12, and C, ascorbic acid. B-vitamins help convert food to energy; C can be manufactured by the dog and supplementation is not necessary. However, some breeders insist that Vitamin C is helpful for dogs that are under stress.

Fat soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. They are involved in several body functions, including eyesight, bone formation and strength (with calcium), cell stability, and blood coagulation. Vitamin K can be synthesized by bacteria in the dog's intestine and does not need to be added to the diet under ordinary circumstances. Deficiencies of Vitamin E can cause muscle tissue breakdown, reproductive failure, and impairment of immune response. Vitamin A deficiency can cause several eye problems, including dryness, corneal ulcerations, and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets.

Fat soluble vitamins can build up in tissues and become toxic. Excess Vitamin A can lead to bone disease; too much Vitamin D can cause calcification of soft tissue, lungs, and kidneys. Evidence of toxicity in Vitamin E overdose is sketchy; there may be some adverse effects on blood coagulation or thyroid function, but more study is needed to ascertain the extent of such effect.

Minerals
MInerals are essential for bone formation, muscle metabolism, fluid balance, and nervous system function. Minerals are divided into major and trace concentrations.

Preservatives
Preservatives are necessary in foods that contain animal fats to prevent rancidity. The fats used in dry kibble for palatability, a source of fatty acids, and a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins can cause dog food to become toxic if they break down. Dog food manufacturers use several chemicals called antioxidants to prevent that breakdown, including BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and Vitamins C and E. Vitamins are used in "all natural" and "organic" feeds. They are more expensive than other chemicals and not as efficient at the job. Foods preserved with vitamins have a shorter shelf life than food preserved with BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. BHA and BHT are often used in concert and are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration although very high doses have been implicated as carcinogens in some studies. These are the most common preservatives in human foods. Ethoxyquin is an antioxidant that has come under much criticism in the past few years. Like many chemicals, it comes in several forms. One form is used to prevent breakdown of rubber; another has been used to protect apples from scale insects. Food grade ethoxyquin is used as a preservative in dogs foods.

ASCORBIC ACID: Is vitamin C and is one of the most common natural preservatives.

B COMPLEX VITAMINS - Thiamin, niacin, biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and cyanobalamin. All the B complex vitamins help to regulate metabolism and stimulate appetite.

BARLEY - A carbohydrate, which provides the body with energy. Considered to be a non-allergenic grain.

BASIL - May act as a digestive aid

BEE POLLEN - is extremely beneficial for the immune system.

BEET PULP - Beet pulp is the dried residue from sugar beet, added for fiber, but primarily sugar.

BHA - A preservative

BIFIDOBACTERIUM BIFIDUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT - Bifidobacterium bifidum is also a slow-growing bacterium. Like yogurt, bifidus products are produced from concentrated milk and they are processed in the same way as yogurt. Acidophilus and bifidus bacteria are the two main probiotic bacteria used in the production of cultured milk products and other dairy products such as baby foods and infant formulas. These bacteria are able to survive in the digestive system and support the balance of the intestinal microflora, which is a very important health factor.

BIOTIN - is a source of vitamin B. To help maintain a silky coat and a skin in full health.

BLUEBERRIES - Natural antioxidant and high in vitamin C

BORAGE OIL - is a vegetable oil obtained from the processing of the borage plant (Borage officinalis). Borage oil is rich in the fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid. Gamma-linolenic acid has been shown to maintain skin moisture, block inflammatory substances and reduce redness and itching of the skin, provide a shiny hair coat, and help support the natural healing process of the animal.

BREWER'S YEAST - with taste appealing garlic is an excellent natural source of B-complex vitamins and protein. It helps reduce shedding and promotes healthy skin and coat.

BREWERS RICE - Is a filler

BROWN RICE - Superior carbohydrate source and high in B vitamins. Provides higher quantities of fiber and lower quantities of fat and protein than corn, wheat or soybean.

CALCIUM & PHOSPHORUS - is a source of mineral. Calcium and phosphorus are necessary in particular ratio for bone formation and strength. An imbalance in the ratio will cause bone problems.

CALCIUM PROPIONATE - A Preservative

CANOLA OIL - comes from the mustard plant, originally grown in Canada. Hence the name "Canada-Oil" or canola for short. Food products manufactured with Canola Oil have higher levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and significantly lower levels of saturated and trans fatty acids than traditional products. Canola oil's unique ratio of almost 2 to 1 Omega-6 to Omega-3 makes it the richest vegetable oil source of essential fatty acids. By giving canola to your canine you can help to increase circulation, reduce joint tenderness, reduce dandruff , and maintain a healthy immune system. Plus, it's good for maintaining healthy skin and coat.

CAPSICUM - Natural antioxidant that may improve circulation

CHAMOMILE - May have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties

CHEESE - Quality protein source

CHICKEN FAT - Highly palatable and high in Omega 6 and other essential fatty acids

CHICKEN MEAL - means all natural chicken and DOES NOT contain any poultry by-products or other by-products like chicken feet, beaks, feet, heads, duck heads, beaks, feathers, fish heads, hides, hoofs or intestines.

CHICORY ROOT EXTRACT - for FOS, a prebiotic, and four different probiotics. The prebiotics help nurture the good bacteria already in the digestive system, and the probiotics add more of the good bacteria. The more good bacteria there is, the smaller the chance that bad bacteria will take over.

CHONDROITIN SULFATE - Naturally occurring compound associated with joint health

CINNAMON - May protect against arthritis

Copper is necessary in production of melanin, the pigment that colors coat and skin, and is linked with iron metabolism. Deficiencies can cause a bone disorder and anemia even if iron intake is normal

COPPER PROTEINATE - is a source of mineral

CRANBERRY - Helps to support healthy function of the urinary tract.

D-ACTIVATED ANIMAL STEROL - Vitamin D-3

DANDELION - May act as a blood cleanser

DIMETHYLGLYCINE - is produced naturally in both humans and animals. It can boost the immune response by over 400%. DMG is used to support proper immune response, cardiovascular and skin health, glucose metabolism as well as proper nerve and brain functions.

DL-ALPHA TOCOPHEROL - source of vitamin E

DL-METHIONINE: Is a product which contains a minimum of 99% racemic 2-amino-4-methylthiobutyric acid. DL-METHIONINE provides significant protection against oxidative damage, and prevents depletion in the brain and liver of glutathione, an important antioxidant.

ECHINACEA - Helps the immune system.

EGGS - High quality protein with superior bio-availability

ENTEROCOCCUS DIACETYLACTIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT - lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast for stabilizing digestive tract microflora.

FISH, TUNA OIL - Contains Omega 3 fatty acids

FLAX SEED OIL - Known to stimulate the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. Flax seed oil is a superb source of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Flaxseed Is the richest vegetable source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids.

FOLIC ACID - is a source of vitamin B.

GARLIC - Well known for its immunize antioxidant and helps in preventing fleas, worms, ticks, gastric and skin problems. Helps the heart by lowering blood pressure.

GINGER - May enhance your dog's immune system

GLUCOSAMINE – a naturally occurring substance found in cartilage. It stimulates collagen production, the protein that helps hold joints together.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT - is proanthocyanidins (PCOs). PCOs are a special class of water soluble bioflavonoids that are potent antioxidants. In some comparative tests, PCOs were found to be 50 times more potent than Vitamin E and 20 times more potent than Vitamin C. PCOs prevent the release of histamine from mast cells thereby reducing the adverse effects of histamine. PCOs support capillary strength. Weak capillaries can contribute to bruising, elastin and collagen dysfunction, edema and circulatory insufficiencies.

Iron is critical for healthy red blood cells and an essential component of some enzymes

IRON PROTEINATE - is a source of mineral

IRON CARBONATE - A form of iron essential for proper hemoglobin production.

KELP - source of Iodine

L-ASCORBYL-2-POLYPHOSPHATE - Sorce of vitamin C

LACTOBACILLUS LACTIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT - lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast for stabilizing digestive tract microflora.

MANGANESE - is a source of mineral. Magnesium is found in soft tissue and bone; it interacts with calcium to provide proper heart, muscle, and nervous tissue function and aids in metabolism of potassium and sodium. Deficiency leads to muscle weakness and sometimes convulsions.

MENADIONE SODIUM BISULFITE - (Source of Vitamin K Activity) Is important to the formation of blood clots.

METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE - is a naturally occuring sulfur compound found in every cell of the body. It ensures the body's ability to synthesize collagen for connective tissue health, maintain membrane flexibility and promote cell regeneration.

MINERALS - MInerals are essential for bone formation, muscle metabolism, fluid balance, and nervous system function. Minerals are divided into major and trace concentrations

NIACIN - is a source of vitamin B.

OAT FLOUR - Finely ground whole oats obtained through the milling process. It consists essentially of the starch and gluten of the endo sperm.

OATMEAL - Good source of carbohydrates and fiber, high in iron

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS - Fats are made up of smaller units called fatty acids. There are two major categories of fatty acids: saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. In general, saturated fatty acids are synthesized by the animal in the necessary quantities. Their major function is to store energy in the body. Unsaturated fatty acids have multiple functions in the body such as being constituents of cell membranes and the precursors of many cellular mediators. Among the various types of unsaturated fatty acids, there are two families that are known to be indispensable to the dog and cat - the omega 6 family (derived from linoleic acid) and the omega 3 family (derived from a-linolenic acid). It is widely accepted that linoleic acid must be present in the animal's diet. Because the animal can not synthesize this fatty acid, however, it must also be realized that the animal also can not synthesize a-linolenic acid. It is from this fatty acid, that all other necessary fatty acids within the omega 3 family can be synthesized. Omega 3 fatty acids play numerous roles within the animal's body. They are involved in inhibiting inflammation, improving vision, decreasing the formation of clots in blood vessels, improving the learning ability of young animals, and stimulating immune responsiveness. Good sources of omega 3 fatty acids include flax and fish oils. Good sources of omega 6 fatty acids include corn, poultry and chicken fats. These essential fatty acids contribute to a lustrous coat, helps to eliminate hot spots and bald spots, helps prevent dry skin and dandruff, and heals red and raw areas.

PAPRIKA - Natural antioxidant

PARSLEY - May help control diabetes and lower cholesterol

POTASSIUM CHLORIDE - Is the potassium salt of hydrochloric acid.

POTASSIUM - is a source of mineral. It is found within tissue cells and is important in cellular activity; a deficiency causes muscle weakness and heart and kidney lesions.

POTATOES - Protein source low in phosphorus

POULTRY FAT - (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid): A substance composed chiefly of triglycerides of fatty acids.

PROBIOTICS - Increased digestion and absorption

PROTEINS, FATS AND CARBOHYDRATES - provide energy for the pet. Dogs are continually expending energy and this energy expenditure increases during lactation, exercise, and when regulating body temperature. If the dog stays outdoors or is typically active, he will require more protein, fats and carbohydrates for energy production than an inside or sedentary dog.

PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE - Source of vitamin B6

REISHI MUSHROOMS - which enhance the immune system, increase white cell counts, platelets, hemoglobin and various tumor fighting cells.

RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT - Vitamin B2

ROSEMARY - Is an all natural free flowing antioxidant for use in the preservation of fats, oils, fat-soluble vitamins and other oxygen sensitive ingredients

SAGE - Natural antioxidant

SALMON OIL - Omega-3 fatty acids – Mother Nature’s formula for total fitness. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to prevent many common health ailments and work as effective tools in fighting heart disease, depression and even cancer.

SALT: Is necessary for the functioning of cells.

SODIUM ASCORBATE - is a non-acidic form of Vitamin C.

SORBIC ACID - A Preservative

SPINACH - Source of lutein and a natural antioxidant

SWEET POTATOES - High in fiber and vitamins C & E and excellent carbohydrate source

THIAMINE MONONITRATE - Vitamin B1

TOCOPHEROLS (vitamin E) - are the most common natural preservatives.

TOMATO - Natural source of fiber and vitamin A

Trace elements are iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium, and cobalt. Although dietary requirements are minimal, they are essential to general good health.

TURMERIC - May protect against bursitis and tendonitis

VITAMIN A - Is a fat soluble vitamin and is particularly important for vision, hearing, intestinal tract lining, skin and bone cell maturation.

VITAMIN E - Is a fat soluble vitamin that functions a an antioxidant and is important in liver and muscle functioning and in reproduction.

VITAMIN D3 - Is a fat soluble vitamin that is important for bone and teeth formation, calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization.

YUCCA - Arthritis, Bone & Joint Problems, Inflammation Yucca is an excellent anti-inflammatory nutrient, and is known to be effective against hip dysplasia, arthritis, bone and joint problems. It reduces pain and increases mobility by production of natural steroids in the body. Yucca also aids in digestion, and is a liver, blood, and digestive detoxifier. It is helpful for allergies, asthma, skin problems, body odor, and stress. Anise is added to help cleanse the kidneys and liver. The peppermint helps to sooth and relax the muscle tissues. Yucca acts as a natural odor control: May reduce fecal odor, it works from the inside out. It must absorb into the tissue, and usually takes 30-45 days to see results. It can be fed with any diet.

ZEOLITES - There is evidence based on studies in Japan and the US that animal feeds with certain blends of Zeolite have markedly improved animal growth and weight gain as well as increased food conversion efficiency. In addition, zeolites in the daily diet appear to reduce the incidence of diarrhea, enteritis and other gastrointestinal diseases. Adding Zeolites to the diets of these animals also aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the feeds because of its affinity to ammonium.

Zinc is heavily involved in skin and coat health, enzyme function, and protein synthesis. Deficiencies lead to poor growth, anorexia, testicular atrophy, and skin lesions.

ZINC PROTEINATE - is a source of mineral