= Pets First Approved

AAFCO(Association of American Feed Control Officials)

The AAFCO sets guidelines and definitions for animal feed, including pet foods.

Alfalfa   

Has been found to aid in the healing of intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders, anemia, constipation, infections, and cancer. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, plus virtually all known vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. The minerals are in a balanced form, which promotes absorption.

Alpha-Tocopherol  

Is a source of Vitamin E which is a fat soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant.

Amaranth

Is a seed plant which is a good alternative source of carbohydrate energy.

Amino Acids (Essential)

Amino acids that are termed essential when the body cannot manufacture them in sufficient quantities, but they are required by the animal and therefore must be present in the diet. Ten amino acids are considered essential: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, arginine, Methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and lysine.

Anemia

Anemia is the sign of either iron or copper is lacking in a dog’s diet.

Animal Digest

Is a flavoring that enhances palatability. Comes from extensive chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue. Any kind of animal can be used and they can be obtained form any source.

Animal Fat

Is a source of energy and is the most digestible, energy dense nutrient in quality pet foods. It is obtained from tissues of mammals and/or poultry. The origin of the animal is not known and the oil is usually low in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect against chemotherapy toxicity and local toxic effects of tumors or surrounding tissues. Antioxidants act to inhibit or reverse oxidation. Free radicals are potentially carcinogenic and antioxidants act to eliminate free radicals.

Apples   

Are an excellent source of fibre and carbohydrates which are essential for good health.

Artificial Preservatives

These include Ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT. These commonly used preservatives offer extended shelf lives to many products

Ascorbic Acid

Is Vitamin C which is a water soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant.

Ash

Is the residue left after a given volume of food is burned and consists mainly of minerals. It is all the non–combustible material in the food and comes from the food's ingredients. It is not a factor to be concerned about in dog diets but is an important factor in cat diets.

Barley

Is a good quality source of carbohydrates. When it includes the entire barley kernel, it also contributes additional protein, barley oil, bran and vitamins and minerals to the diet.

Batch Number

Indicates a particular batch of food that is produced on the date of manufacture.

Bee Pollen

This phenomenal ingredient contains All 22 elements of the human system. All essential amino acids. Is a complete protein. It contains Vitamins A, B Complex series C, D, E, K and Rutin. It contains 28 Minerals, Trace Mineral that are needed for good health. It contains Enzymes and Co-Enzymes necessary for good digestion and has no cholesterol.

Beef

Is the clean flesh derived from slaughtered mammals and is limited to part of the striate muscle with or without the accompanying fat and portions of the skin.

Beet Pulp  

Is the residue obtained after sugar is extracted from sugar beets. It is a source of crude fibre and acts as a stool hardener.

Benzoic Acid

Is an anti–fungal chemical preservative that is potentially harmful to cats.

Best Before

Date used to determine the latest date that food should be consumed.

Beta Carotene

Beta-carotene is a member of a larger family of nutrients termed carotenoids. There are over 500 of these substances. Some examples are lutein and zeaxanthin found in spinach, kale, and broccoli; and lycopenes found in tomatoes and pink grapefruit. It is believed that the interaction of various carotenoids and other nutrients - phytochemicals - help prevent disease. The specific reactions are not all known, but are currently being studied.

Breeder

A Pets First Breeder is a breeder who has met the accepted parameters of a Breeder as set out by the Pets First Breeder Program and has signed the Pets First Breeder agreement.

Brewers Dried Yeast

Is a moderate protein pet food ingredient known for it’s palatability. It contains B vitamins.

BHA

Is butylated-hydroxy-anisole, an antioxidant that prevents rancidity of fat. This is considered a synthetic or chemical preservative.

BHT

Is butylated-hydroxy-toluene, an antioxidant that prevents the rancidity of fat. This is considered a synthetic or chemical preservative.

Biotin

Is one of the B vitamins, is water soluble, and assists in many important enzymatic metabolic functions in the body.

Bioflavinoids

Bioflavonoids are also powerful antioxidants, helping the body to fight the damaging and aging effects of free radicals. (Free radicals are unstable molecules that are caused by toxins, cigarette smoke, auto exhaust and other pollutants in our environment. They set off chain reactions within the body causing severe damage to its tissues and have been linked to the aging process).

Blueberries

A very powerful antioxidant that also helps prevent aging, cancer and urinary tract infections.

Bone Meal

Is made by crushing bone into powder, contains 30% calcium, 18% phosphorus and is a mineral supplement.

Brewers Yeast

Contains 45% protein, phosphorus and some of the B complex vitamins and is an end product of the beer industry.

By-Products

Can be considered as anything unfit for human consumption. May contain bones, feet, organs etc. Can be high in protein but is very hard for the animals to digest.

Calcium

Is a mineral that is important in the development and growth of bones and muscles, proper functioning of the heart, blood and nervous systems.

Calcium Carbonate

Used as a calcium supplement.

Calcium Iodate

Is a compound that combines calcium with iodine and is a source for both of these minerals.

Calcium Pantothenate

Is a combination of calcium with pantothenic acid. It is a source of pantothenic acid which is a water soluble B vitamin that is essential for cellular metabolism, a healthy digestive tract, and proper functioning of the adrenal glands.

Calcium Propionate

Is used as a mold inhibitor and to add calcium to the diet.

Canola Oil  

Is the oil obtained from pressing Canola seeds. Canola is a source of Linoleic acid which provides a lustrous coat and soft skin.

Carrots (Whole Dried)

Carrots are rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and minerals as well as beta-carotene.

Certified Organic

An ingredient(s) or product(s) that have/has been produced and handled in accordance with organic standards by a certified organic enterprise as verified by a valid organic certificate.

Chelated Minerals  

Chelated minerals are essential to good health because they act as catalysts for a number of vital bio-chemical reactions. They're utilized throughout the day and must be replenished. Chelation is the process of bonding a mineral to an amino acid. This bonding makes it easier to digest and assimilate for proper utilization in the body.

Cholecalciferol

is a form of Vitamin D and is also called Vitamin D3. It is also a steroid much like testosterone, cholesterol and cortisol.

Choline Chloride

Is the source of Choline, one of the water soluble B vitamins that assists in the metabolization of fats and cholesterol and in the functioning of the nervous system, liver and kidneys.

Chicken  

Is the 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 or entrails.

Chicken Meal  

Is the dry rendered product from the 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 or entrails.

Chicken By-Products

Consist of the rendered, clean parts of the carcasses of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs and intestines. They can be exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur in good processing practices.

Chicken Fat  

Chicken Fat is obtained from the tissues of chickens in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. It is the highest of all animal sources in linoleic acid, an important element for a healthy skin and coat.

Chicken Liver

Is the hepatic gland of a chicken. Chicken liver is used primarily to enhance the flavor of pet foods.

Chlorine

Is a mineral that helps maintain the chemical acid/alkali and fluid balance in the body and also helps produce digestive stomach acids.

Citric Acid

Is a mild organic acid found in citrus fruits. It is a good, natural preservative and also acts as an antioxidant.

Corn (Whole)  

Is a source of protein and carbohydrates and provides energy.

Corn Bran

Is the outer coating of the corn kernel. It contains little or none of the starchy part of the germ.

Corn Gluten Meal

Is a powdery byproduct of the corn milling process and is used as a natural protein.

Corn Starch

Is the dried product resulting from the processing of corn into starchy components. It is used as a thickener and binder.

Cobalt Carbonate

Is a micro–mineral supplement that provides a source of cobalt. This is a trace mineral required by vitamin B 12.

Chondroitin Sulfate  

Chondroitin is a substance found in human and animal cartilage that is used to treat several physical disorders, most importantly arthritis, psoriasis and cancer. Chondroitin occurs in connective tissue as a sulfate composed of repeating disaccharide units. Chondroitin sulfate is naturally found in the cartilage that cushions your bones allowing them to move smoothly. Healthy cartilage consists of 65 to 80% water, combined with collagen, chondrocytes, and proteoglycans. When the natural balance of your cartilage's components is upset, cartilage dehydrates, becoming thin and deteriorated. This results in compromised mechanical advantage causing sore, stiff joints with limited movement. Chondroitin sulfate’s ability to stabilize damaged cartilage increases when combined with Glucosamine sulfate, which thickens the synovial fluid lubricating your joints.

Copper

Is a trace mineral that is a component of certain body enzymes. It is required for the proper utilization of iron. Excess copper can depress iron absorption.

Copper Sulfate

A compound combining copper and sulfuric acid that is a micro mineral supplement that provides a source of copper which is a component of certain body enzymes.

Cost Per Day

The true cost of a food is based on this value. It is imperative that all staff know how to calculate this value for both canine and feline customers. A cost per day spreadsheet in Pdf format is available for this purpose.

See Canine Cost per day PDF
See Feline Cost per day PDF

Calculating the Cost per Day
Divide cups per bag/case by cups being fed. This number will be the number of days the food will last. Take the cost of the food before taxes and delivery and divide by the first calculated number. This is the cost per day.

Example
A 60lb dog that is fed the LCR diet which has 160 cups per 40lb.
Dog should be fed 3 cups per day.
160 cups divided by 3 = 53
Food will last for 53 days.
$54.95 divided by 53 days
$1.04 cost per day.

Cracked Pearl Barley

Is barley that’s been dehulled and reduced by machine brushing into smaller particles.

Cranberries  

The role of cranberries is extensive as a preventative for kidney and urinary tract problems. Cranberries are recommended in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones and feline urinary tract problems.

Customer

A dog (canine) or a cat (feline) that is actively eating a Pets First formulation.

CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association)

The CVMA is the national body representing and serving the interests of the veterinary profession in Canada. The Association is committed to excellence within the profession and to the well-being of animals. It shall promote public awareness of the contribution of animals and veterinarians to society.

Date of Manufacture

Date that food is manufactured.

Distribution Center

A Pets First office that is used as a hub to distribute products.

Distributor

A Pets First Distributor is an Independent Contractor that purchases products from Pets First at wholesale pricing. The Distributor has met the accepted parameters of the Distributor Program and has signed the Distributor agreement.

Dicalcium Phosphate

also known as calcium phosphate, it is used as a dietary supplement.

Digestive Enzymes

The human body makes and uses more than 3000 kinds of enzymes that speed up chemical reactions and save energy. Without these our bodies’ reactions would be too slow for life to be possible. Digestive enzymes in particular are like scissors that cut up the foods we eat into basic building blocks that our body can then absorb and reassemble to build cells, tissues, organs, glands, and the entire body.

Dried Yeast

Is yeast, which is a nutritious fungus that is a source of protein and the B–complex vitamins. It is usually brewers' yeast.

Dried Whole Egg  

Is a high protein ingredient with an excellent amino acid profile. It is also highly palatable.

dl-Alpha Tocopherol  

Is the chemical name for Vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to help boost the immune system and to improve the efficiency of the heart and circulatory system.

dl-Alpha Methionine

Is a natural amino acid, which serves as a urinary acidifier. This item is added to create acid urine. Acid urine prevents the formation of struvite crystals which lead to urinary tract obstruction.

D-Activated Animal Sterol

Is a fat product that provides a source of Vitamin D3, a fat soluble vitamin required to enhance calcium absorption.

EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids)

Many people believe that avoiding all fat is the path to true health, but in reality there are two components that come only from fat that are just as necessary to our health and survival as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Of the many kinds of fats, scientists have given only omega 3 and omega 6 the name ‘essential fatty acid’ because every cell in the body must have them in order to survive but can’t make them on their own.

Ethoxyquin

Is a chemical preservative that prevents the oxidation of fat. There is a lot of controversy linking Ethoxyquin to a number of health problems. Ethoxyquin is banned in Europe and there is a petition to ban it’s use in North America.

Fats

Fats are concentrated forms of energy. Per unit of weight fats contain two and one fourth as much energy as an equivalent weight of protein of carbohydrate. Fats and fatty acids are components of the hair and skin.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body. Over supplementing with these vitamins can have toxic effects on dogs. The following vitamins are fat-soluble. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K

Ferrous Sulfate

Is an ionic compound used to treat iron deficient anemia. Ferrous sulfate provides the iron needed by the body to produce red blood cells.

Fiber

Fiber is a collective term for plant tissues found in the stems, leaves and seeds of plants. It is sometimes described as ‘roughage’ or ‘bulk’ . fiber is important in the diet as an aid of gastrointestinal functions. Fiber helps food residue to pass through the intestine.

Fish Meal

Is cooked fish that has been dehydrated. It is a source of protein, energy and enhances palatability.

Fish Oil

Is the oil from the rendered whole fish. Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Flax  

Flax oil contains high levels of linolenic acid ( an omega 3 ) fatty acid with demonstrated health effects including reduced risk of heart disease.

Folic Acid

Is one of the water soluble B vitamins. It is involved in the production of red blood cells and body tissue as well as helping the body use proteins.

Garlic  

There is wide range of documented effects including antimicrobial agent, immune enhancement and cancer prevention anthelmenic effects and cardiovascular effects.

Ginger  

It has documented antioxidant effects cholesterol lowering actions, gastrointestinal actions and antibiotic qualities.

Glucosamine Sulfate  

Provides structure to bones, cartilage and other body tissue. Glucosamine together with Chondroitin Sulfate, is believed to stimulate the rebuilding of the cartilage matrix and to play a role in the fight against osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is the main bio-molecule for creating and maintaining healthy cartilage. It is made in the joint, but in the older set, its adequate production could be compromised. A strong presence of Glucosamine drives cartilage repair and stabilizes it under the threat of deterioration by normal wear and tear. Glucosamine also stimulates production of healthy synovial fluid, the joint's own lubrication. Nonsteroidal, anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis pain management. While they suppress pain, research shows that they may actually increase the progression of degenerative joint disease. Prolonged use of NSAIDS may also lead to gastro-intestinal bleeding or liver and kidney damage. Glucosamine Sulfate reduces pain, repairs damaged joints without any or with minimal side effects.

Grape Seed Extract

One of the most powerful bioflavonoids is Leucoanthocyanin. Large concentrations of this bioflavonoid are found in the seeds of the purple grape, making Grape Seed Extract an excellent antioxidant as well as a free radical scavenger. The Leucoanthocyanin in grape seed extract have been demonstrated to improve the strength of the blood vessels, including varicose veins. They have also shown to suppress allergy symptoms by inhibiting the release of histamines into the tissues, to improve vision while helping prevent age-related and diabetic cataracts, and to maintain youthful skin tone by helping repair damaged collagen.

Guar Gum

Is a mucilage made from Guar beans. Guar gum is a gelatinizing agent used to improve the texture of canned foods.

Inositol

Helps in the breakdown of fats and reducing cholesterol and is considered part of the Vitamin B family although it is not a vitamin.

Inulin

Increases calcium absorption and promotes probiotics and is a form of soluble fiber.

Iodine

Is a mineral that acts as a regulator of metabolism and is essential for the thyroid production of thyroxine hormone.

Iodized Salt

Most salt comes from ancient sea beds and is combined with iodine to give iodized salt. This is a source of sodium, chlorine and iodine which are micro minerals that are essential to the body for a variety of functions.

Iron

Is a mineral that is essential for the development and function of healthy blood and is part of the hemoglobin in red blood cells that transports oxygen.

Iron Sulphate

This is a compound combining iron and sulfuric acid that is a source of the micro mineral iron. Iron is essential for the development and function of healthy blood as it is a part of the hemoglobin in red blood cells that transport oxygen.

Kelp  

Nutrient rich seaweed which contains over 60 minerals 12 vitamins and a full range of amino acids. It typically contains 500-800 ppm of iodine. It helps balance a diet that may be deficient in trace minerals.

Lamb (New Zealand)  

Consists of naturally grass fed New Zealand lamb meat that has been weighed in it’s raw or wet state before it has been dehydrated.

Lamb Meal (New Zealand)  

Consists of naturally grass fed New Zealand lamb meat that has been dehydrated and ground into a powder or meal form. It is weighed after it has been dehydrated and has a high concentration of protein, minerals and energy.

L-Ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate

A form of vitamin C that is stable to oxidation

Lecithin

Is an integral part of cell membranes, and can be totally metabolised, so it is virtually non-toxic.

L-Lysine

An essential amino acid which helps with calcium absorption. It also helps maintain healthy circulation and works with the immune system to build antibodies.

Magnesium

Is a mineral that is important for bone formation and proper metabolism. It also helps activate enzymes. Magnesium is closely associated with calcium and phosphorus, both in its distribution and its metabolism. A deficiency can cause depression or lack of coordination.

Managanese

Is a mineral that is important for bone and blood formation and in regulating metabolism by activating enzymes.

Managanous Oxide

This is a source of the trace mineral manganese. It is important for blood and bone formation as it regulates metabolism by activating enzymes.

Meat

Consists of meat derived from mammals that has been weighed in it’s raw or wet state before it has been dehydrated. May be considered as an undefined meat source.

Meat Meal

Consists of meat derived from mammals that has been dehydrated and ground into a powder or meal form. It is weighed after it has been dehydrated and has a high concentration of protein, minerals and energy. May be considered as an undefined meat source.

Menadione Sodium Bisulphite

Is a source of the fat soluble Vitamin K that is essential in the blood clotting mechanism of blood.

Metabolized Energy

ME equals (gross energy of food minus gross energy of feces minus gross energy of urine) divided by the amount of food consumed.

Microingredients

Vitamins, minerals, antibiotics, drugs, and other materials normally required in small amounts and measured in milligrams, micrograms or parts per million (ppm).

Middlings

A by-product of flour milling comprising several grades of granular particles containing different proportions of endosperm, bran, germ, each of which contains different levels of crude fiber.

Natural Chicken Flavor  

Is a palatability enhancer which is usually made by cooking down meat and fats into a broth

Natural Lamb Flavor  

Is a palatability enhancer which is usually made by cooking down meat and fats into a broth

Natural Liver Flavor  

Is a palatability enhancer which is usually made by cooking down meat and fats into a broth

Natural Preservatives

These preservatives are derived form natural sources and include mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Rosemary and Citric acid

Niacin

Is a water soluble B vitamin (B3) that is important in metabolic processes, the nervous and digestive systems and the production of hormones.

Nutrient

A feed constituent in a form and at a level that will help support the life of an animal. The chief classes of feed nutrients are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

Oat Groats  

Is a good source of carbohydrates

Oatmeal

Is the dry milled product of the oat groat with it’s natural nutrients intact and without preprocessing. A natural healthy grain that is rich in B vitamins.

Oats

Oats offer great nutritional value in our diet. Oats have a higher level of soluble fiber than all other grains. Among the benefits of oats in the diet, is the value that they have in lowering cholesterol. They have also been proven to be soothing to the digestive process. We use Chelated Minerals to make sure that these are quickly and effectively absorbed into your pet so he can enjoy the most benefit.

Omega Fatty Acid Profile

Omega Fatty Acids are important for a wide array of cell structure components and for many chemical reactions in the body including hormonal and energy activities. Fatty Acids play a vital role in establishing healthy skin to block irritants and infections. In an animal's body the liver and other tissues can make many of the fatty acids that are required for the body's chemical factory to operate. In dogs, though, there is one that they cannot make... Linoleic Acid (also called Omega6 Fatty Acid). So that is called an essential fatty acid because the dog needs to consume it from dietary sources. With adequate Omega6 in the dog's diet the other fatty acids needed for metabolism can be created internally. In cats there are two essential fatty acids, Linoleic and Arachidonic Acids. And since Arachidonic Acid is only present in animal tissues, cats must consume meat as a source for this chemical.

Organic

Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.

Peanut Hulls

This is the outer shell of the peanut and it is sometimes used as a source of fibre as it contains 50% crude fibre.

Pet Guardian

A Pet Guardian is defined as the person(s) who is responsible for providing care to his dog(s) or cat(s). This usually also involves being the decision maker on purchases.

Pet Points

Pet Points are given as a reward to Pet Guardians with every purchase. 10 Pet Points are credited for every $1.00 purchased at full suggested retail. Each Pets First product has a Pet Point value attached to it. Pet Points can be redeemed for any Pets First product as an accepted Method of Payment.

Phosphorous

Is a mineral that is important in metabolic functions, cell growth and regeneration, digestion of Vitamins B2 and B3, and combines with calcium in bone formation.

Poultry By-Products

Poultry by-products may contain bones, feet, beaks etc. It is a high source of protein but hard for the animals to digest.

Poultry Digest

Is a palatability enhancer made by reducing meat and fat into concentrated liquid or dry product.

Potatoes  

Are used primarily as a source of carbohydrates. These have excellent qualities for those dogs or cats that may be sensitive to too much rice.

Potassium

This is required for body fluid, nerve transmission and certain metabolic processes.

Poultry Meal

Consists of chicken and turkey meat that has been dehydrated and ground into a powder or meal. It is weighed in a dry state and has a high concentration of protein, minerals and energy.

Poultry Tallow

Is poultry fat. It is a very high quality fat and is a source of caloric energy.

Powdered Cellulose

Is purified, mechanically disintegrated cellulose prepared by processing alpha cellulose obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant materials. This is a fancy term for wood. It adds bulk and consistency to cheap pet foods.

Preservative

A substance added to protect, prevent or retard decay, discoloration or spoilage under conditions of use or storage.

Probiotics

Probiotics are the beneficial intentional flora (good bacteria) that is absolutely essential for proper digestion, strong immune function and over-all health. Once destroyed, these beneficial bacteria can only be replaced through supplementation because the body cannot regenerate them on its own.

Product Voucher

A Product Voucher is used as a method of payment for Pets First products. Product Vouchers are paid quarterly as part of the Breeder Program, Distributor Program and Pets and Family Program.

Propyl Gallate

Is an antioxidant that prevents the rancidity of fat. Is considered to be a synthetic or chemical preservative.

Protein

Protein is found in every living thing, and is an essential component of all body tissues. In the body of the dog, over half the dry matter is protein. Dietary protein is necessary for the growth and maintenance of almost all tissues of the body including muscle, hair, bone, and organs. Protein not used for these functions can be used for energy. A protein molecule contains 23 different amino acids.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Is the water soluble Vitamin B6 which assists in the production of digestive juices, the development of red blood cells and antibodies, as well as the operation of nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Raspberries

Fresh raspberries are low in calories—one cup of berries contains only about 60 calories. Raspberries add fiber to the diet and are a good source of vitamin C.

Riboflavin (B2)

Is the water soluble Vitamin B2 which assist in important metabolic functions as well as skin, hair and nail quality. A deficiency can result in weight loss, dermatitis and neurological disorders.

Rice (Whole Brown or White)  

Is a source of protein, carbohydrate and energy. It may be either brown or white rice. Both are good sources of nutrition. Brown rice gives adds a nutty flavour to the food and is slightly less digestible than white rice.

Rice Bran

Is rich in dietary fiber, and contains significant quantitities of starch, protein, fat, vitamins, and dietary minerals.

Rosemary  

Commonly used as a spice or herb. It has excellent antioxidant qualities. It is often used with Tocopherols. It’s active ingredient is Rosmarinic Acid.

Safflower Oil  

Is obtained by extracting oil from the safflower seeds. It is high in linoleic acid and a good quality fat but is not very palatable.

Salmon Meal  

Is the clean, dried ground tissue of undecomposed whole salmon or salmon cuttings, either or both with or without the extraction of part of the oil.

Salmon - Wild

Pets First only uses West Coast Wild Salmon. Wild Salmon provides more nutrition without the necessary antibiotics and fattening techniques that are used in farmed salmon. Wild Salmon contains no coloring agents and are not potentially harmful to the environment. Wild Salmon provides a high quality source of Omega 3 which helps produce DHA—the brain food. It is also a good source of Vitamin E.

Selenium

Is a trace mineral that works in conjunction with Vitamin E and may have some anti–cancer properties.

Sodium

Is a mineral that regulates the body's fluid balance and helps to maintain the acid/alkali balance in the body.

Sodium Selenite

Is a combination of selenium and sodium and is a source of the trace mineral selenium that works in conjunction with Vitamin E. It is an anti-oxidant. It may also have some anti-cancer properties.

Sorghum

Is the ground grain of the sorghum plant. It is a good source of carbohydrates but is low in digestibility.

Soybean Flour

Is the finely powdered material resulting form the screened and graded product after removal of most of the oil from selected, sound, cleaned and dehulled soybeans.

Soybean Oil

Is a substance composed chiefly of triglycerides of fatty acids.

Soybean Meal

Is the product obtained by grinding the flake, which remain after removal of most of the oil from soybeans by a solvent or mechanical extraction process

Sunflower Oil  

Is the oil obtained from Sunflower seeds. Is has a very high concentration of Linoleic acid. Sunflower oil is the most expensive of the table oils used in human consumption.

Tallow

Animal fats with titer over 40 degrees C.

Titer

A property of fat determined by the solidification point of the fatty acids liberated by hydrolysis

Taurine  

Is an amino-sulphonic acid but is often grouped in among the amino acids. It is essential in the diet of cats but not in the diet of dogs. Dogs are able to convert Methionine to taurine through a series of chemical reactions and do not have the cat's functional need for dietary taurine. Deficiencies of taurine in cats can cause heart and eye problems.

Taurine Pantothenate

Is a compound composed of taurine and pantothenic acid. It is a source for taurine.

Tomato Pomace

Is the byproduct of tomato processing, the fibrous dried mix of skin, pulp, and crushed seeds.

Thiamine

Is the water soluble Vitamin B1 that assists in important metabolic functions, overall growth, the development of smooth muscle texture and a healthy nervous system.

Thiamine Mononitrate

Is a compound that is a source for thiamin.

Undefined Meat Sources

Consists of meat derived from mammals that has been dehydrated and ground into a powder or meal form. It is weighed after it has been dehydrated and has a high concentration of protein, minerals and energy. May be considered as meat meal.

Viscera, Poultry

All organs in the great cavity of the body; it includes the esophagus, heart, liver, spleen, stomach, crop, gizzard, undeveloped eggs and intestines.

Vitamins

Organic compounds that function as parts of the enzyme systems essential for the transmission of energy and the regulation of metabolisms of the body.

Vitamin A

Is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential for tissue growth and regeneration, eyesight and keeps skin and bones healthy. It is essential for a healthy skin and coat.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble compound found in both animal and vegetable food sources such as liver, chicken, fish, wheat germ and yeast. It is also known as pyridoxine. Helps the nervous and immune systems to function efficiently.

Vitamin B-12

Is involved in numerous metabolic functions. It is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the function of the central nervous system. Anemia is the most common sign of a deficiency.

Vitamin C

Also called ascorbic acid. This vitamin assist in connective tissue formation, healing wounds and burns, in the production of red blood cells and in fighting infections.

Vitamin D3

This vitamin is essential for bone formation, a healthy heart and nervous system and blood clotting. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorous absorption form the intestine and is necessary for calcium and phosphorous metabolism.

Vitamin E

Is a fat soluble vitamin that is an antioxidant that prevents the degeneration of fats. It is also important for normal reproduction.

Vitamin K

Is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential for proper liver functioning, blood clotting and is a vitality factor. It is considered the anti-hemorrhagic vitamin because it is a factor in the blood clotting mechanism.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Water soluble vitamins are not stored in any appreciable amount in the body and those not metabolized are excreted in the urine. Vitamin (B-12) , Folic acid, Riboflavin (B-2), Niacin and Pantothenic acid, Choline, Thiamin (B-1), Pyridoxine (B-6), Biotin, Vitamin C

Wheat (Whole)

Is a grain that provides a source of protein, energy and carbohydrate. It is also used for its "binding" properties which help a food product keep its shape.

Wheat Gluten

Is the tough, viscid nitrogenous substance remaining when flour or wheat or other grain is washed to remove the starch.

Whey

The watery part of milk separated from the curd.

Yeast Culture

Is the dried product composed of yeast and the media on which it is grown, dried in such a manner as to preserve the fermenting activity of the yeast.

Yoghurt

A dairy product produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. Yoghurt is rich in protein as well as several B vitamins and essential minerals. It is full of healthy bacteria and digestive enzymes.

Yucca Shidigera Extract  

Described as stimulating microbial growth particularly under less than ideal conditions, which alters the utilization of ammonia and other food materials, resulting in more rapid and complete digestion. The active ingredient in Yucca is a steroidal saponin. Yucca is often described as a probiotic due to effect of decreasing numbers of pathogenic bacteria.

Zinc

Is a trace mineral that is essential for normal body metabolism, skin health and is a part of insulin. It is necessary for normal bone, muscle and hair growth. Too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency.

Zinc Oxide

Is a compound that is a source of the trace mineral zinc.