we make dog FOOD because we care about and respect animals—including those whose lives are sacrificed for our benefit
PROTEIN SOURCES - 60%: More than half of our recipes consist of high-quality protein sources from humanely raised animals, including USDA-inspected, antibiotic- and hormone-free, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb (GAP Step 4), antibiotic-free (ABF) free-range chicken and turkey* (GAP Step 3), and Certified Humane, pasture-raised eggs.
Beef is an excellent protein source that is rich in B vitamins, especially B12, which is vital to the proper functioning of nearly every system in the body. It also contains highly bioavailable forms of iron, zinc, and vitamin D, as well as significant levels of magnesium, copper, cobalt, phosphorus, chromium, nickel, and selenium. We buy 85/15 or leaner beef and grind it in-house.
Nutrient-dense beef hearts are high in elastin and collagen—which keeps skin healthy—as well as a concentrated source of coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant known to boost energy levels.
Beef liver is a concentrated source of Vitamin A, which keeps eyes and immune system healthy.
A terrific lean protein source ideal for muscle growth and weight management, chicken is rich in selenium, an antioxidant that maintains healthy skin and joints and has been shown to fight cancer and other degenerative diseases, as well as B vitamins essential for proper cell function. We buy boneless chicken breast and leg meat and grind it in-house.
Chicken hearts are a great source of minerals zinc, which boosts the immune system and helps heal cuts, as well as iron, which is needed to make hemoglobin and transport oxygen throughout the body.
Chicken livers contains high levels of Vitamin A, which promotes good vision and contributes to healthy skin, digestion, and immunity.
* Federal law prohibits the use of hormones in poultry, so all chicken and turkey is by definition "hormone-free."
Eggs are a high-quality protein source that contain lecithin and choline, two broadly beneficial nutrients shown to aid brain function, fat metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Yolks contain heart-healthy fats, which allow for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which are naturally found in eggs. Our eggs are pasture-raised and Certified Humane.
ACTUAL shot taken
IN OUR USDA "people food" KITCHEN
of the rainbow array of Fresh produce ABOUT TO GO INTO OUR dog FOOD
PROduce - 30%: About one-third of our recipes is made of up of a wide, colorful array of antioxidant- and nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits, like organically grown sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, apples, dandelion greens, and parsley as well as wild blueberries.
Antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory sweet potatoes are soothing to the digestive tract. High in dietary fiber, they are considered an anti-diabetic food because they help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance. They are a good source cancer-fighting beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A), heart healthy vitamin B6 and potassium, and vitamins C and E, which help prevent disease and promote longevity.
Rich in beta-carotene (which the body converts to Vitamin A), carrots are famous for promoting eye and skin health. They also have known anti-cancer, anti-aging, and cleansing properties, and their fiber content helps reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
Kale is a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is exceptionally rich in vitamin K, which plays in important role in blood and bone health. Kale contains sulforaphane, a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties. Phytochemicals found in kale are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.
Packed with soluble fiber and vitamin C, apples are a flavonol-rich wonder food that helps detoxify the liver and has been found to reduce the risk of cancer. The skins also contains quercetin, shown to boost and fortify the immune system. We buy low sugar varieties.
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, dandelion acts as a digestive aid and mild natural diuretic to purify the blood, detoxify the liver and kidneys, and help prevent cancer. It is particularly rich in fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
With low sugar content and the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit (including lots of vitamin C and the powerful phytochemical anthocyanin, which gives them their rich blue/purple color), blueberries many health-promoting properties help boost the immune system, prevent infection, and block cancer development. We buy wild blueberries, which contain more anthocyanin and demonstrate greater antioxidant capacity per serving than cultivated blueberries.
The volatile oils (myristicin in particular) in parsley have been shown to inhibit tumor formation (thus billed as a “chemoprotective” food), and its flavonoid activity help to increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood. Parsley is also an excellent source of vitamin C.
Whole organic grains—always in moderation, never as filler—sustain energy, support organ function, and promote overall health
GRAINS - 5%: We believe that well-selected cereals are an important part of the canine diet. Organic oats and barley comprise no more than 5% of our recipes and are valuable in providing dietary fiber, as well as GI and cardiovascular support.
Oats are a good source of both soluble and in soluble fiber, the latter of which slows digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar while the latter adds bulk to stools and moves them through the GI tract swiftly, reducing the contact time with potential toxins in the colon. Oats promote GI health and “good” intestinal bacteria, have cardiovascular benefits, and contain selenium, which helps prevent cancer and promotes healthy liver function.
Compared to any other grain, barley is the richest source of beta-glucan, a type of fiber with potent antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. It is one of the richest sources of chromium, which is important in maintaining proper glucose levels. It is also rich in antioxidants such as selenium, quercetin, and phenolic acids, which protect against damage to human body cells and contains oils that reduce the of risk cancer and heart disease.
these powerhouse boosters will make your smoothie jealous
herbs & BOTANICALs - 2%: We add kelp, alfalfa, and pumpkin seeds (all organic), ground into powder for easier digestibility. These green, alkalizing, antioxidant rich superfoods provide a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
A great source of B12 and trace minerals, kelp contains alginic acid, which binds to toxins and heavy metals in the body to help flush them from the system. It also contains fucoidan, a type of complex carbohydrate that is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidative. We buy the bladderwrack variety, which is relatively lower in iodine than other forms of kelp, in case of thyroid issues. Our kelp is also tested for heavy metal content.
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. They are particularly high in zinc, a mineral that supports healthy immune function and is necessary for normal taste and smell. They also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which contain anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in promoting joint health.
Extremely rich in vitamins and minerals, alfalfa contains the highest chlorophyll content of any plant. It helps detoxify the urinary tract, purifies the blood and liver, promotes regular bowel movements, and eases general digestive problems. It is also used to relieve arthritis symptoms.
nutritious oils in balance support the immune system, minimize inflammation, and make pups shine
OILs - 2%: We use MSC-certified wild Alaskan red pollock oil and non-GMO, high-linoleic safflower oil. These essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are included in balance to provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well as promote shiny, glossy coats and improve immunity and joint mobility.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been found to reduce inflammation, thus helping to treat allergies as well as lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (i.e., brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. They are also important for skin and fur health.
Our high-linoleic safflower oil is beneficial, anti-inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acid source that is crucial for skin and hair health (linloeic acid is an essential fat for dogs). It also known to helps the body to burn fat instead of storing it. We include safflower oil in proportion to achieve a balanced Omega-6:3 fatty acid ratio.
A long list of ingredients you do recognize means a short list of ones you don't
supplements - 1%: Since we include such a wide variety of nutritious, whole-food ingredients in our recipes, we need to add only minimal food-grade supplements to meet AAFCO's nutritional guidelines for "complete and balanced" diets.