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What are grains? Grains are plants, specifically grasses. The edible portion is called the fruit and consists of three parts: 1) the bran 2) the germ and 3) the endosperm. After grains are harvested, they are either kept in their natural state as wholegrains or refined by removing the germ and the bran component. Refined grains are devoid of vitamins and minerals and loaded with carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy, and when your pet does not burn that energy off, they retain it as fat.
Each ingredient in a nutrient rich, species appropriate diet should contribute to the overall health of your pet. Barley, oatmeal, and millet are examples of whole grains which are high in protein and rich in amino acids. Whole grains metabolize slower than fragmented grains and provide your pet with a steady supply of energy throughout the day.
Ground yellow corn, brewer’s rice, ground whole grain sorghum, and wheat mill run are some examples of cheap, fragmented grains that are commonly found in pet foods. They provide your pet with little to no nutritional value. Furthermore, they fragmented grains are often a cause of allergies and are difficult for your pet to digest.
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Artemis
California Natural
Holistic Select
Fromm
Innova EVO
Prairie
Merrick
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Artemis has created a food that balances all the necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, resulting in a food that is greater than the sum of its parts. A holistic approach also encompasses disease prevention and finding ways to support the natural healing process. Artemis products were developed with the idea that prevention is the best cure and they have gone the extra mile by incorporating fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and digestive enzymes to truly meet all the nutritional requirements. |
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DOG: Fresh Mix Adult, Fresh Mix Weight Management, Fresh Mix Small Breed Puppy, Fresh Mix Small Breed Adult,
Fresh Mix Medium/Large Breed Puppy, Fresh Mix Small Breed Senior Dog, Fresh Mix Maximal
CAT: Fresh Mix Adult Cat, Fresh Mix Kitten, Fresh Mix Maximal Cat |
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Ideal for dogs and cats with allergies, California Natural uses only the highest quality ingredients when producing its foods. In fact, California Natural has the shortest ingredient list of any dry pet food; its foods combine just one protein, one fat and one carbohydrate to create a hypoallergenic pet food. |
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DOG: Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Herring & Sweet Potato, Chicken & Rice Low Fat, Lamb & Rice Low Fat, Chicken & Rice Puppy, Lamb & Rice Puppy |
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In the 1980's the family-founded Eagle Pack brand pioneered holistic-natural nutrition. Their breakthrough formulas were the first to position protein rich meat meals above corn or soy. They led the trend to better health for your pet through research based holistic supplements that include prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants. Their ingredients are sourced from quality suppliers and meat is from USDA inspected facilities. Meat meals are antibiotic free with no added hormones. Every ingredient selected for use in our holistic foods performs a function in the overall wellness of your pet. |
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DOG: Lamb; Duck; Chicken; Anchovy Sardine & Salmon |
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All Fromm pet foods are manufactured at their own USDA-certified plant in Wisconsin where they utilize ingredients like fresh sweet potatoes, apples, cranberries, cheddar cheese, and other fresh produce from local markets in the area. The fresh hand-trimmed meat and fish they use is ordered as needed depending on what recipe is being made that particular day. Fromm accepts nothing less than the choicest cuts of meat and fish and each delivery is thoroughly inspected to make certain it meets strict quality standards. |
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DOG: Chicken a la Veg, Salmon a la Veg, Duck & Sweet Potato, Pork & Applesauce, Whitefish& Potato
CAT: Chicken a la Vege, Duck a la Vege |
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Just as dieticians recommend following the U.S. Department of Agriculture food pyramid for human dietary needs, Innova applies this same principle when creating foods for your pet. Every Innova pet product incorporates elements from the five food groups - meat, dairy, vegetables, fruit and grain - plus essential fats and oils to deliver supreme nutrition for the overall health of your dog or cat.
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DOG: Adult, Adult Red Meat, Puppy |
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Prairie believes that your dog is a special member of your family, and that he or she deserves to eat real food. Their wholesome diets are made with real meat, poultry, or fish protein, whole hearty grains, and wholesome fruits and vegetables. Every ingredient is chosen with care for the health of your dog. Prairie foods are 100% free of corn, wheat, soy, chemicals, and artificial flavors or preservatives. |
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DOG: Lamb & Oatmeal, Chicken & Brown Rice, Beef & Barley, Venison & Millet, Salmon & Brown Rice |
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Merrick takes a simplistic approach to making their pet foods. They are a simple processor, meaning that they use as few steps as possible during the manufacturing process. Merrick wants to retain as much of the natural benefits as possible, so they do not use any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
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DOG: All Canned Foods |
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