- Lamb Meal (50 g)
Lamb meal is the dry rendered (cooked down) product from lamb tissues exclusive of any added blood hair hoof hide trimmings manure stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Lamb meal is simply lamb meat with the moisture removed making it suitable for use in dry food. Before you buy a product containing lamb meal ask the manufacturer about the origin of the lamb meal they use. Natura uses only high-quality lamb meat not the lamb by-products found in some other pet foods.
- Rice (49 g)
Rice unless listed as brown rice is the de-hulled rice kernel without the bran -- known as white rice. Rice in its whole form is a high quality source of carbohydrates protein and fiber. This is in contrast to fractionated grain ingredients used by some manufacturers such as rice polishings rice bran or brewers rice which have been leeched of much of their nutrient value.
Natura uses whole rice which is the most easily digested grain and the least likely to cause allergic reactions. It is an antidiarrheal and helps lower cholesterol. Natura also uses brown rice which is the same plant with the bran intact.
- Oatmeal (48 g)
Oatmeal is the dry ground product of cleaned oats with the hulls removed. Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrate energy. Natura uses Oatmeal with its natural nutrients intact and without preprocessing. This is in contrast to the fractionated oat ingredients used by some manufacturers such as oat bran oat flour or feeding oat meal which have been leeched of much of their nutritional value.
A natural healthy grain that`s rich in B vitamins oatmeal is the featured grain in HealthWise products and is used in Innova and California Natural HealthBars because its sticky texture helps hold the biscuit shape together without using artificial binders.
- Flaxseed Meal (47 g)
Flaxseed meal is the ground product obtained from the seed of the flax plant. Flaxseed meal is a good source of Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids help produce the soft luxuriant coat that Natura foods are known for.
- Lamb Fat (46 g)
Lamb fat is obtained from the tissues of lambs in the commercial process of rendering or extracting.
Lamb fat is a quality single-source oil. The linoleic acid is important for skin and coat health.
- Ascorbic Acid (45 g)
Ascorbic acid is a white crystalline water-soluble vitamin occurring naturally in citrus fruits green vegetables etc. Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C which is an antioxidant good for normal metabolism.
Natura uses the sodium ascorbate form of vitamin C for a natural preservative too.
- Rosmary (44 g)
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub of Rosemarinus Officinalis.
Rosemary, along with its cancer prevention properties, is a highly effective preservative.
- Natural d alpha-tocopherol (43 g)
Source of Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is also known as tocopherol, an antioxidant. It protects fat and vitamin A in the body's tissues from destruction by oxygen fragments called *[i]*free radicals*[/i]*.
As an antioxidant, vitamin E stabilizes cell membranes and protects the cells and tissues from damage, protects the tissues of the lungs and mouth from damage by air pollutants, and might aid in the prevention of tumor growth. Vitamin E protects tissues of the eyes, skin and liver and helps form normal red blood cells and muscle. Natura includes Vitamin E in all our dog and cat products.
- Calcium Carbonate (42 g)
Calcium carbonate is a mineral that is true to its name by containing a minimum of 38% calcium. The calcium in bone provides structural integrity to the skeleton and also contributes to the maintenance of proper blood calcium levels through ongoing resorption and deposition. Circulating calcium has essential roles in nerve impulse transmission muscle contraction blood coagulation the activation of certain enzyme systems the maintenance of normal cell-membrane permeability and transport and cardiac function.
- Iron Amino Acid Chelate (40 g)
- Iron Amino Acid Chelate (39 g)
- Biotin (38 g)
Biotin is a water-soluble nitrogen-containing acid essential for growth and well-being in animals and some microorganisms. Biotin is found in many different foods but eggs provide a very rich source. Deficiencies are not generally a problem; however the treatment of dogs and cats with antibiotics that decrease the bacterial population of the large intestine can cause an increase in the dietary requirement of biotin.
- Copper Amino Acid Chelate (37 g)
- Manganese Amino Acid Chelate (36 g)
- Niacin (35 g)
- D-Calcium Panthothenate (34 g)
- Riboflavin (33 g)
- Vitamin A Acetate (32 g)
- Vitamin D (31 g)
Vitamin D3 is also known as cholecalciferol. It is the major active substance in Vitamin D. Its main function is to stimulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. This important vitamin aids in the formation of normal bones and teeth. It also aids in the maintenance of a healthy nerve and muscle system by regulating the level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is necessary for normal nerve transmission and muscle contraction (including the heartbeat) and the nerves and muscles depend on a constant supply of this mineral from the blood.
Prolonged deficiency of Vitamin D results in changes in the bones and possible hearing loss with aging. Natura includes this important supplement in all of our dog and cat foods.
- Thiamine Mononitrate (30 g)
- Vitamin B12 Supplement (29 g)
Vitamin B12 is a complex water-soluble organic compound that is essential to a number of microorganisms and animals.
Rich sources of Vitamin B12 include meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. This vitamin is also unique among the B complex vitamins in that, once absorbed from the diet, excesses can be stored by the body. Deficiencies of this vitamin are extremely rare in animals due to the small amount needed by the body, and the body's ability to store appreciable amounts.
- Potassium Iodide (28 g)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (27 g)
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble organic compound that is an essential micronutrient for microorganisms and animals. Pyridoxine processes amino acids carbohydrates and fat. It aids in the absorption of protein and the production of red blood cells. The pyridoxine requirement of an animal depends on the level of protein in the diet. Pyridoxine is widespread in foods with organ meats fish wheat germ and whole grains providing adequate amounts.
- Folic Acid (26 g)
Folic acid is a Vitamin of the B complex that is water-soluble and essential in animal metabolism. Folic acid is absorbed from the small intestine and small amounts are stored in the liver and other tissues. Excess is excreted in the urine. Its main function is to maintain the cells` genetic code and regulate cell division. It is essential for the normal growth and maintenance of all cells.
When folic acid is deficient in the body the inability to produce adequate DNA leads to decreased cellular growth and maturation. Like several of the other B vitamins folic acid is synthesized by the bacteria of the large intestine in dogs and cats.
