This is an explanation on what ingredients are being put into
pet foods, how they are used in the pet food industry and for
what reason the manufactures add them in our pets food.
Some are fine and others are so so and others are very
harmful to our pets.
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In some cases you will see 4D Animals mentioned! These are
rendered animals who have died due to, many causes, i.e.,
disease, road kill, pets from Veterinary offices (filled with
medications) , downed cattle and many other causes. For
those of you who refuse to believe that 4D animals go into
our pet foods perhaps you might be more inclined to believe
it if you watched this short video made in 1999, with the....
then President..... of the AAFCO who was Herschel Pensdall.
In a taped interview in 1999, when asked about euthanized
pets being allowed in Pet Foods, he replied that he is not
aware of any written law or regulation at *ANY LEVEL*
prohibiting the use of rendered products which may contain
cats and dogs.
When asked if one can tell by reading the label , what is
actually in the pet food, his response was consistent and a bit
sickening.......and he, as you will see, did not blink an eye as
he answered it! To me, at the very end, when he uttered the
last word, it almost looked like he was beginning a small
grin!, as he thought he had said something cute!
Below is his quote which you will see and hear him say:
"There is no way to really tell that, because if the ingredients
says meat and bone meal, you don’t know if that’s cattle or,
sheep or horses or *fluffy* !!!"
1999 Video of AAFCO President on Rendering *FLUFFY* Boy,
did this make me sick and I already knew it. I guess it is his
nonchalant attitude about it that turns my stomach !
If after seeing this you still are not sure , then perhaps if you
read it from the *horses’ mouth* (pun intended) right on the
FDA/Agriculture website, you will believe.
FDA, Ariculture, Pet Food Ingredients and Rendering Plants
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GLOSSERY
AAFCO: Association Of American Feed Control Officials, Inc
http://www.aafco.org/ They do *not* control what goes in
the pet food! The PFI (Pet Food Institute) does!
PFI THE PET FOOD INSTITUTE: This is the *voice* of the Pet
Food Industry. (not the voice for the consumer, or our pets)
This agency, in behalf of the Pet Food Companies, governs
themselves and the industry !
RENDERED: Rendering plants typically produce two types of
products: meat and bone meal, and fats and oils.
Meat and bone meal is a protein supplement used in the
manufacture of some animal feeds. http://www.fda.
gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW01000.html
The risk of household pet-exposure to TSE from
contaminated pet food is more than three times greater than
the risk for hamburger-eating humans.
http://www.earthisland.org/eijournal/new_articles.cfm?
articleID=499&journalID=58
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A
ANIMAL FAT (FAT SOURCE) PRESERVED W/MIXED-
TOCOPHEROLS (FORM OF VITAMIN E)
AAFCO: Obtained from the tissues of mammals and/or
poultry in the commercial processes of rendering or
extracting. It consists predominantly of glyceride esters of
fatty acids and contains no additions of free fatty acids. If an
antioxidant is used, the common name or names must be
indicated, followed by the words "used as a preservative".
Note that the animal source is not specified and is not
required to originate from "slaughtered" animals. The
rendered animals can be obtained from any source, so there
is no control over quality or contamination. Any kind of
animal can be included: "4-D animals" (dead, diseased,
disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), goats, pigs, horses,
rats, misc. roadkill, animals euthanized at shelters,
restaurant and supermarket refuse and so on.
ANIMAL DIGEST (FLAVORING AGENT)
AAFCO: A material which results from chemical and/or
enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal
tissue. The animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair,
horns, teeth, hooves and feathers, except in such trace
amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice
and shall be suitable for animal feed. If it bears a name
descriptive of its kind or flavor(s), it must correspond
thereto. A cooked-down broth made from unspecified parts of
unspecified animals. The animals used can be obtained from
any source, so there is no control over quality or
contamination. Any kind of animal can be included: "4-D
animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to
slaughter), goats, pigs, horses, rats, misc. roadkill, animals
euthanized at shelters, restaurant and supermarket refuse
and so on.
APPLE POMACE (FRUITS and VEGETABLES)
AAFCO: The mixture of apple skins, pulp, and crushed seeds.
An inexpensive byproduct of human food processing. Does
not contain the whole complement of nutrients as whole
fresh or dried apples.
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B
BEEF and BONE MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The rendered product from beef tissues, including
bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide
trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents, except in
such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing
practices. A byproduct made from beef parts which are not
suitable for human consumption. It can incorporate the
entire cow, including the bones, but the quality cuts of meat
are always removed. This is an inexpensive, low quality
ingredient used to boost the protein percentage.
BEEF TALLOW (FAT SOURCE)
AAFCO: Fat with titer above 40 degrees Celsius, obtained
from the tissue of cattle in the commercial process of
rendering. Also called Beef Fat. Dogs and cats like the taste
of this fat, so it is often used to make low-quality food more
palatable. Beef tallow is very low in linoleic acid and much
cheaper for the pet food industry to use than a good quality
vegetable oil or nutritionally rich chicken fat
BHA (PRESERVATIVE)
Butylated Hydroxysanisole - a white, waxy phenolic
antioxidant, C11H16O2, used to preserve fats and oils,
especially in foods. Banned from human use in many
countries but still permitted in the US. Possible human
carcinogen, apparently carcinogenic in animal experiments.
The oxidative characteristics and/or metabolites of BHA and
BHT may contribute to carcinogenicity or tumorigenicity.
BHT (PRESERVATIVE)
Butylated Hydroxytoluene - a crystalline phenolic
antioxidant, C15H24O, used to preserve fats and oils,
especially in foods. Banned from human use in many
countries but still permitted in the US. Possible human
carcinogen, apparently carcinogenic in animal experiments.
The oxidative characteristics and/or metabolites of BHA and
BHT may contribute to carcinogenicity or tumorigenicity
BIOTIN
BLOOD MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: Blood Meal is produced from clean, fresh animal
blood, exclusive of all extraneous material such as hair,
stomach belchings and urine except as might occur
unavoidably in good manufacturing process. A large portion
of the moisture is usually removed by a mechanical
dewatering process or by condensing by cooking to a semi-
solid state. The semi-solid blood mass is then transferred to a
rapid drying facility where the more tightly bound water is
rapidly removed. The minimum biological activity of lysine
shall be 80%. An inexpensive protein booster. You have no
way of knowing what type of animal the blood came from or
what residues of hormones, medications or other substances
are in this product. It has a better use as fertilizer than as a
dog food ingredient.
BLUE DYE 2 (COLORING AGENT)
The color additive FD&C Blue No. 2 is principally the
disodium salt of 2-(1,3-dihydro-3-oxo-5-sulfo-2H-indol-2-
ylidene)- 2,3-dihydro-3-oxo-1H-indole-5-sulfonic acid with
smaller amounts of the disodium salt of 2-(1,3-dihydro-3-oxo-
7-sulfo-2H-indol-2-ylidene)-2,3-dihydro-3-oxo-1H-indole-5-
sulfonic acid and the sodium salt of 2-(1,3-dihydro-3-oxo-2H-
indol-2-ylidene)-2,3-dihydro-3-oxo-1H-indole-5-sulfonic acid.
Additionally, FD&C Blue No. 2 is obtained by heating indigo
(or indigo paste) in the presence of sulfuric acid. The color
additive is isolated and subjected to purification procedures.
The indigo (or indigo paste) used above is manufactured by
the fusion of N-phenylglycine (prepared from aniline and
formaldehyde) in a molten mixture of sodamide and sodium
and potassium hydroxides under ammonia pressure. The
indigo is isolated and subjected to purification procedures
prior to sulfonation.
The largest study suggested, but did not prove, that this dye
caused brain tumors in male mice. The FDA concluded that
there is "reasonable certainty of no harm", but ..........!!!!!
BLUEBERRY POMACE
BONE PHOSPHATE (SUPPLEMENT)
Bone Phosphate is the residue of bones that have been
treated first in a caustic solution then in a hydrochloric acid
solution, and thereafter precipitated with lime and dried. A
highly processed feed-grade supplement to balance the
calcium and phosphorus content of a product.
BREWERS RICE (CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE) Or GROUND
BREWERS RICE
AAFCO: The small milled fragments of rice kernels that have
been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. A
processed rice product that is missing many of the nutrients
contained in whole ground rice and brown rice. Contrary to
what many pet food companies want to make you believe,
this is not a high quality ingredient, just much cheaper than
whole grain rice.
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C
CANE MOLASSES (SWEETNER)
AAFCO: A by-product of the manufacture of sucrose from
sugar cane. It must contain not less than 43% total sugars
expressed as invert. Sugar or sweetener is an absolutely
unnecessary ingredient in pet foods, added to make the
product more attractive. Continuous intake can promote
hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay,
arthritis and allergies. Pets also get addicted to foods that
contain sugars, so it can be a tough piece of work to make
them eat something healthier.
CALCIUM CARBONATE
CALCIUM IODATE
CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE
CALCIUM PHOSPHATE
CELLULOSE (FIBER SOURCES)
AAFCO: Purified, mechanically disintegrated cellulose
prepared by processing alpha cellulose obtained as a pulp
from fibrous plant materials. Dried wood is the most common
source for cellulose (I'm not kidding.). It is cleaned,
processed into a fine powder and used to add bulk and
consistency to cheap pet foods. I would consider this
ingredient appropriate for termites, but certainly not for dogs
or cats.
CEREAL FOOD FINES (CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE)
AAFCO: Particles of breakfast cereals obtained as a byproduct
of their processing. An inexpensive byproduct of human food
processing of unknown source, quality, possible chemical
residue, sweeteners or other additives.
CHICKEN BYPRODUCT MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: Consists of the dry, ground, rendered, clean parts of
the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet,
undeveloped eggs, and intestines -- exclusive of feathers
except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good
processing practices. Chicken byproducts are much less
expensive and less digestible than the chicken muscle meat.
The ingredients of each batch can vary drastically in
ingredients (heads, feet, bones etc.) as well as quality, thus
the nutritional value is also not consistent. Don't forget that
byproducts consist of any parts of the animal OTHER than
meat. If there is any use for any part of the animal that
brings more profit than selling it as "byproduct", rest assured
it will appear in such a product rather than in the
"byproduct" dumpster.
CHICKEN MEAL-NATURAL SOURCE OF GLUCOSAMINE
CHOLINE CHLORIDE
CITRUS PULP (FRUITS AND VEGETABLES)
Citrus Pulp is the dried residue of peel, pulp and seeds of
oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruit. This inexpensive
byproduct is mainly used as a bulk carbohydrate concentrate
in cattle feed but also added as a source of fiber in dog food.
Since the peel and some twigs and leaves are also included,
there is a possibility of residues from pesticides and synthetic
fertilizers.
COPPER PROTEINATE
CORN BRAN (FIBER SOURCES)
AAFCO: The outer coating of the corn kernel.
An inexpensive source of fiber that serves as a filler
ingredient to add bulk to poor quality pet food
CORN CELLULOSE (FIBER SOURCES)
AAFCO: A product obtained from the cell walls of corn.
Obtained by use of a chemical process, it is used to add bulk
and consistency to cheap pet foods and has no nutritional
value.
CORN DISTILLERS-DRIED GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES-
(PROTEIN SOURCE)
Distillers Dried Grains with solubles (DDGS) is the product
obtained by condensing and drying the stillage that remains
after fermenting the starch in corn or milo in the production
of ethyl alcohol. An inexpensive byproduct used as protein
filler in cheap dog foods. Its amino acids are poorly balanced,
not very digestible, have a high fiber content and nutritional
value can vary greatly from batch to batch. Better suited as
cattle feed.
CORN GERM MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCES)
AAFCO: Ground corn germ which consists of corn germ with
other parts of the corn kernel from which part of the oil has
been removed and is obtained from either a wet or dry
milling manufacturing process of corn meal, corn grits,
hominy feed, or other corn products. An inexpensive by-
product of human food processing, rich in protein but sadly
often used as a booster in poor quality foods. It is not a
harmful ingredient but should not rank high in the ingredient
list of a quality product.
CORN GLUTEN MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCES)
AAFCO: The dried residue from corn after the removal of the
larger part of the starch and germ, and the separation of the
bran by the process employed in the wet milling manufacture
of corn starch or syrup, or by enzymatic treatment of the
endosperm. An inexpensive by-product of human food
processing which contains some protein but serves mainly to
bind food together. It is not a harmful ingredient but should
not rank high in the ingredient list of a quality product.
CORN GLUTEN (BINDER)
An inexpensive by-product of human food processing which
offers very little nutritional value and serves mainly to bind
food together. It is not a harmful ingredient but should be
avoided simply for its poor nutritional value and quality.
CORN SYRUP (SWEETENER)
A syrup prepared from cornstarch, used in industry and in
numerous food products as a sweetener. Sugar or sweetener
is an absolutely unnecessary ingredient in pet foods, added
to make the product more attractive. Continuous intake can
promote hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts,
tooth decay, arthritis and allergies. Pets also get addicted to
foods that contain sugars, so it can be a tough piece of work
to make them eat something healthier.
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D
DIGEST (FLAVORING AGENT)
May also appear as dried, or spray dried. Sometimes the type
and part of animals used is specified, such as in "Chicken
Digest", "Lamb Digest" or "Poultry Liver Digest" AAFCO:
Material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic
hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue. The
animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair, horns, teeth,
hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts as might
occur unavoidably in good factory practice and shall be
suitable for animal feed. A cooked-down broth made from
specified, or worse, unspecified parts of specified or
unspecified animals (depending on the type of digest used).
If the source is unspecified (e.g. "Animal" or "Poultry", the
animals used can be obtained from any source, so there is no
control over quality or contamination. Any kind of animal can
be included:
"4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to
slaughter), goats, pigs, horses, rats, misc. roadkill, animals
euthanized at shelters, restaurant and supermarket refuse
and so on.
Dl-ALPHA TOCOPHEROL ACETATE (SWEETENER)
Synthetic vitamin E, also listed as Dl-Alpha Tocopheryl
Acetate. Only about half as effective as natural vitamin E and
not as readily available to the body.
DRIED BEET PULP
There is a lot of controversy on this one- You can read up on
the pros and cons...here
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?
cls=1&cat=1399&articleid=2705
DRIED EGG PRODUCT
DRIED SWEET POTATOES
DRIED TOMATOES
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E
ETHOXYGUIN (PRESERVATIVE)
6-ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline. Antioxidant;
also a post-harvest dip to prevent scald on apples and pears.
Originally developed by Monsanto as a stabilizer for rubber,
Ethoxyquin has also been used as a pesticide for fruit and a
color preservative for spices, and later for animal feed. The
original FDA permit for use as stabilizer in animal feed
limited use to two years and did not include pet food, but it
falls under the same legal category. It has never been
proven to be safe for the lifespan of a companion animal.It
has been linked to thyroid, kidney, reproductive and immune
related illnesses as well as cancer, but so far no conclusive,
reliable research results either for the safety of this product
or against it have not been obtained. Monsanto conducted
research years ago, but results were so inconclusive due to
unprofessional conduct and documentation that the FDA
demanded another study. There are currently several studies
underway to determine whether Ethoxyquin is safe or not,
and until those studies are completed, pet food suppliers may
continue to use Ethoxyquin. This is how things stand after
about 6 years, and no new details have emerged so far.
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F
FEEDING OAT MEAL (CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE)
AAFCO: Feeding oat meal is obtained in the manufacture of
rolled oat groats or rolled oats and consists of broken oat
groats, oat groat chips, and floury portions of the oat groats,
with only such quantity of finely ground oat hulls as is
unavoidable in the usual process of commercial milling. A
food-grade fractionated grain, byproduct from human food
processing, that is not as nutritionally valuable as the
product obtained from whole oats.
FERROUS SULFATE
FISH MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The clean, rendered, dried ground tissue of
undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, either or both,
with or without the extraction of part of the oil. Like with all
other animal sources, if a type isn't specified, you never
know what type or quality of fish is used.According to US
Coast Guard regulations, all fish meal not destined for
human consumption must be conserved with Ethoxyquin
(unless the manufacturer has a special permit). This
preservative is banned from use in foods for human
consumption except for the use of very small quantities as a
color preservative for spices. So unless the manufacturer
either presents a permit or states "human grade" fish or fish
meal is used, you can be pretty sure Ethoxyquin is present in
the food even if it is not listed.
FISH OIL
FLAVOR (FLAVORING AGENT)
A substance, such as an extract or spice, that add flavor to a
product. The manufacturer may or may not give more
detailed information about what is used for flavoring and
whether it is made from a natural or chemical substance.
FOLIC ACID
FRUCTOSE (SWEETENER)
A very sweet sugar, C6H12O6, occurring in many fruits and
honey and used as a preservative for food and as an
intravenous nutrient. A monosaccharide found naturally in
fresh fruit and honey. It is obtained by the inversion of
sucrose by means of the enzyme invertase. Used in small
quantities it serves as a nutrient for probiotics, specifically
bifidobacteria, which ferment it and produce beneficial
enzymes.
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G
GARLIC OIL
GLANDULAR MEAL (FLAVORING AGENT)
It is used as a "source of liver flavor" in poor quality foods.
Probably obtained from the livers and other glands of
various, unspecified animals. As with all generic, unspecified
ingredients, it is wise to avoid.
GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE (ADDITIVE)
A lipophilic non-ionic surfactant with HLB of 3.6 - 4.2. It has
effects of emulsification, dispersion, foaming, defoaming,
starch anti-aging and fat agglomeration control, and is widely
used in foodstuffs, cosmetic, medicine and plastic processing
industries. It is an emulsifier used the most widely and in the
largest quantities in the foodstuff industry. A thickening,
emulsifying, antisticking and antistalant agent. Can contain
up to 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a
preservative (see also BHT). Depending on method of
manufacture, it can also contain glyceryl distearate (42-
44%), glyceryl tristearate (20-23%), free glycerol (3-5%).
Other impurities include mono-, di-, and triesters of related
fatty acids as well as unreacted fatty acids. Due to the
uncertainty of chemical additives, this ingredient should be
avoided.
GRAIN FERMENTATION SOLUBLES (CARBOHYDRATE
SOURCE)
AAFCO: The dried material resulting from drying the water
soluble materials after separation of suspended solids from
grain fermentation. An inexpensive byproduct of human food
and beverage production which adds little or no nutritional
value to pet foods.
GRAPE POMACE (FRUITS AND VEGETABLES)
AAFCO: The mixture of grape skins, pulp, and crushed seeds.
An inexpensive byproduct left over from pressing grapes for
juice or wine. The product contributes some fiber but
otherwise has little to no nutritinal value. Grapes have also
shown to contain a substance that is toxic to dogs, so they
should not be fed at all.
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L
LARD (FAT SOURCE)
AAFCO: The rendered fat of swine. Very low in linoleic acid
but very attractive to pets, used to make poor quality food
more appealing. Few nutritional benefits.
LIVER MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The dried product of ground hepatic glands of
mammals. Whenever the word 'meat' or the name of an
organ appear by themselves (without a species) on a pet food
label, there is no way to know which kind of animal it came
from. It could be horse liver, goat, duck, pig, or even skunk
or other animals of questionable origin.
L-LYSINE MONOHYDROCHLORIDE
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M
MALTODEXTRINS & FERMENTATION SOLUBLES
(CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE)
A brewery byproduct much like "grain fermentation solubles",
with some maltodextrin from malted barley. Better suited for
use in short term feeding like e.g. livestock than as an
ingredient in pet food.
MANGANESE PROTEINATE
MEAL: "Meal" is a word that the department of Agriculture
uses to define ingredients that are rendered parts of the
animal *THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THE MEAT*
MEAT and BONE MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The rendered product from mammal tissues, with or
without bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn,
hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except
in such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good
processing practices. The animal parts used can be obtained
from any source, so there is no control over quality or
contamination. Any kind of animal can be included: "4-D
animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to
slaughter), goats, pigs, horses, rats, misc. roadkill, animals
euthanized at shelters and so on. It can also include pus,
cancerous tissue, and decomposed (spoiled) tissue.
MEAT MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The rendered product from mammal tissues,
exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide
trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in
such amounts as may occur unavoidably in good processing
practices. The animal parts used can be obtained from any
source, so there is no control over quality or contamination.
Any kind of animal can be included: "4-D animals" (dead,
diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), goats, pigs,
horses, rats, misc. roadkill, animals euthanized at shelters
and so on. It can also include pus, cancerous tissue, and
decomposed (spoiled) tissue.
MENADIONE SODIUM BISULFITE (VITAMIN)
Vitamin K3, synthetic vitamin K. Feed grade. Also listed as
Menadione Dimethyl-Pyrimidinol Bisulfate, Menadione
Dimethyl-Pyrimidinol Bisulfite, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate
Complex, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite and Menadione Sodium
Bisulfite Complex. Unnecessary ingredient in dog food. This
synthetic version of vitamin K has not been specifically
approved for long term use, such as in pet food. It has been
linked to many serious health issues
MINERAL OIL (SUPPLEMENT)
Any of various light hydrocarbon oils, especially a distillate of
petroleum. Mineral oil functions as a laxative and stool
softener. I have not found any evidence of any other health
benefits. Tells a lot about the product it is used in, doesn't it?
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N
NATURAL FLAVOR
NIACIN
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O
OAT HULLS (FIBER SOURCES)
I have not been able to locate an official definition for this
product so far. Most likely what is left over from dehulling
the whole oat kernels after harvesting, comparable to peanut
hulls. It is not the same as oat bran (the hull that protects
the grain itself), which is a quality source of dietary fiber and
removed prior to rolling and/or flaking. Thumbs down for this
filler ingredient.
OAT MEAL
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P
PHOSPHORIC ACID (ADDITIVE)
A clear colorless liquid, H3PO4, used in fertilizers,
detergents, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals. A harmless
but unnecessary ingredient, used in inexpensive, poor quality
dog food as flavoring, emulsifier and discoloration inhibitor.
Used for example as a flavoring for Coca Cola.
PEA FIBER
PEANUT HULLS (FIBER SOURCES)
AAFCO: The outer hull of the peanut shell. No nutritional
value whatsoever, and are used exclusively as a cheap filler
ingredient. Possibility of pesticide residues being present.
PEARLED BARLEY
PORK and BONE MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The rendered product from pork tissues, including
bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, skin, manure,
stomach and rumen contents, except in such amounts as
may occur unavoidably in good processing practices. A
byproduct made from pork parts which are not suitable for
human consumption. It can incorporate the entire pig,
including the bones, but the quality cuts of meat are always
removed. This is an inexpensive, low quality ingredient used
to boost the protein percentage.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
POTATO PRODUCT (CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE)
AAFCO: Potato pieces, peeling, culls, etc., obtained from the
manufacture of processed potato products for human
consumption. A cheap byproduct of human food processing
that has been stripped of much of the nutritional benefits
that whole, fresh potatoes offer.
POULTRY BYPRODUCT MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCES)
AAFCO: Consists of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the
carcasses of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet,
undeveloped eggs, and intestines, exclusive of feathers
except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good
processing practices. The parts used can be obtained from
any slaughtered fowl, so there is no control over the quality
and consistency of individual batches. Poultry byproducts are
much less expensive and less digestible than chicken meat.
The ingredients of each batch can vary drastically in
ingredients (heads, feet, bones, organs etc.) as well as
quality, thus the nutritional value is also not consistent.
Don't forget that byproducts consist of any parts of the
animal OTHER than meat. If there is any use for any part of
the animal that brings more profit than selling it as
"byproduct", rest assured it will appear in such a product
rather than in the "byproduct" dumpster.
POULTRY FAT (FAT SOURCE)
AAFCO: Obtained from the tissue of poultry in the
commercial process of rendering or extracting. It shall
contain only the fatty matter natural to the product produced
under good manufacturing practices and shall contain no
added free fatty acids or other materials obtained from fat. It
must contain not less than 90 percent total fatty acids and
not more than 3 percent of unsaponifiables and impurities. It
shall have a minimum titer of 33 degrees Celsius. If an
antioxidant is used, the common name or names must be
indicated, followed by the word "preservative(s)". Note how
in this product the source is not defined as "slaughtered
poultry". The rendered fowl can be obtained from any source,
so there is no control over quality or contamination. Any kind
of animal can be included: "4-D animals" (dead, diseased,
disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, geese,
buzzard, seagulls, misc. roadkill, birds euthanized at shelters
and so on.
POULTRY MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The clean combination of poultry flesh and skin with
or without bone. Does not contain feathers, heads, feet or
entrails. If from a particular source it may state so (i.e.
chicken, turkey etc). Note how in this product the source is
not defined as "slaughtered poultry".The manufacturer does
not disclose the species (or the mix of species) of the poultry
used. The fowl can be obtained from any source, so there is
no control over quality or contamination. Any kind of animal
can be included: "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or
dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, geese, buzzard,
seagulls, misc. roadkill, birds euthanized at shelters and so
on.
PROPYL GALLATE (PRESERVATIVE)
Also known as Gallic Acid or Propyl Ester. It is made from
natural Gallic Acid, which is obtained by the hydrolysis of
tannins from Tara Pods. Used as an antioxidant to stabilize
cosmetics, food packaging materials, and foods containing
fats. I have not found conclusive evidence either for or
against the safety of this product, but it is suspected of
causing liver diseases and cancer, so once again personally I
prefer to err on the side of caution. Mixed tocopherols, citric
acid and rosemary extract are effective, all-natural
alternatives - just more expensive.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (ADDITIVE)
A colorless viscous hygroscopic liquid, CH3CHOHCH2OH, used
in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent.
Used as humectant in semi-moist kibble to keep it from
drying out. May be toxic if consumed in large amounts, and
should definitely not be an ingredient in a food an animal will
eat daily for weeks, months or even years of its life. In
countries of the European Union, propylene glycol is not
cleared as a general-purpose food grade product or direct
food additive
PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE
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R
RED DYE 40 (COLORING AGENT)
The color additive FD&C Red No. 40 is principally the
disodium salt of 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-
sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid. The most
widely used food dye. While this is one of the most-tested
food dyes, the key mouse tests were flawed and inconclusive.
An FDA review committee acknowledged problems, but said
evidence of harm was not "consistent" or "substantial." Like
other dyes, Red 40 is used mainly in junk foods. Personally
I'd rather avoid this ingredient and err on the side of caution.
RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT
RICE HULLS (FIBER SOURCE)
AAFCO: The outer covering of rice. An inexpensive byproduct
of human food processing, serving as a source of fiber that is
considered a filler ingredient.
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S
SALT (SUPPLEMENT)
Also listed as Sodium Chloride. A colorless or white
crystalline solid, chiefly sodium chloride, used extensively in
ground or granulated form as a food seasoning and
preservative. May also appear in ingredient list as "Iodized
Salt" (iodine supplement added), "Sea Salt" (as opposed to
salt mined from underground deposits) or "Sodium Chloride"
(chemical expression). While salt is a necessary mineral, it is
also generally present in sufficient quantities in the
ingredients pet foods include. Just like for humans, too much
sodium intake is unhealthy for animals. In poor quality foods
it is often used in large amounts to add flavor and make the
food more interesting.
SODIUM SELENITE
SORBITOL (SWEETENER)
A white, sweetish, crystalline alcohol, C6H8(OH)6, found in
various berries and fruits or prepared synthetically and used
as a flavoring agent, a sugar substitute for people with
diabetes, and a moisturizer in cosmetics and other products.
Sugar or sweetener is an absolutely unnecessary ingredient
in pet foods, added to make the product more attractive.
Continuous intake can promote hypoglycemia, obesity,
nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies.
Pets also get addicted to foods that contain sugars, so it can
be a tough piece of work to make them eat something
healthier.
SORGHUM ( Whole or Ground Whole Grain Sorghum)
Read More About it here ---> http://www.fao.
org/ag/aga/agap/frg/afris/data/314.htm
Sorghum is a member of the Grass family. There are many
different varieties. They can be classified into 4 groups.
Sorghum has the disadvantage of tending to cause
constipation. The feed value of grain sorghum is similar to
corn and is grown primarily as a feed grain for livestock.
NOTE: It is certainly nothing that I would want to feed my
babies unless they turn into cows or pigs ~. Also see Merck
manual for poisoning that can result. http://www.
merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/213500.
htm
SOYBEAN MEAL (PROTEIN SOURCE)
AAFCO: The product obtained by grinding the flakes which
remain after removal of most of the oil from soybeans by a
solvent or mechanical extraction process. A poor quality
protein filler used to boost the protein content of low quality
pet foods. Has a biologic value of less than 50% of chicken
meal.
SOYBEAN MILL RUN (FIBER SOURCES)
AAFCO: Composed of soybean hulls and such bean meats
that adhere to the hulls which results from normal milling
operations in the production of dehulled soybean meal. An
inexpensive byproduct of human food processing, commonly
referred to as 'floor sweepings'. An inexpensive filler with no
real nutritional value
SOY FLOUR (CARBOHYDRATE SOURCE)
AAFCO: The finely powdered material resulting from the
screened and graded product after removal of most of the oil
from selected, sound, cleaned and dehulled soybeans by a
mechanical or solvent extraction process. Much of the
nutritional value is lost already during processing of the
grain to flour. May contain particles of hull, germ, and the
offal from the tail of the mill.
SUGAR (SWEETENER)
Can include sucrose, cane sugar, caramel, corn syrup and
others. Sugar or sweetener is an absolutely unnecessary
ingredient in pet foods, added to make the product more
attractive. Continuous intake can promote hypoglycemia,
obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and
allergies. Pets also get addicted to foods that contain sugars,
so it can be a tough piece of work to make them eat
something healthier.
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T
TAURIN
Taurine is essential for cat health, as a cat cannot synthesize
the compound. The absence of taurine causes a cat's retina
to slowly degenerate, causing eye problems and (eventually)
irreversible blindness.
This condition is called central retinal degeneration (CRD) In
addition, taurine deficiency can cause feline dilated
cardiomyopathy, and supplementation can reverse left
ventricular systolic dysfunction.
However, the vegetarian lioness Little Tyke survived for
years in captivity without imbibing the normal required dose
of Taurine. (Pion et al 1988) Taurine is now a requirement of
the AAFCO and any dry
or wet food product labeled approved by the AAFCO should
have a minimum of 0.1% Taurine.
Read more here: http://www.pdrhealth.
com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/tau_0246.shtml
THIAMINE MONOITRATE
TITANIUM DIOXIDE ((COLORING AGENT)
A white powder, TiO2, used as an exceptionally opaque white
pigment and dough conditioner. Non toxic but an
unnecessary ingredient that could just as well be left out.
TURKEY
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V
VEGETABLE OIL (FAT SOURCE)
AAFCO: The product of vegetable origin obtained by
extracting the oil from seeds or fruits which are processed for
edible purposes. The source vegetables for this oil (and
therefore the nutrient properties or lack thereof) are
unknown. Wouldn't you like to know just what exactly you
are feeding your pet?
Vitamin A supplement
Vitamin B-12 supplement
Vitamin D-3 supplement
Vitamin E supplement
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W
WHEAT GLUTEN (BINDER)
AAFCO: The tough, viscid nitrogenous substance remaining
when wheat is washed to remove the starch. An inexpensive
byproduct of human food processing with almost no
nutritional value left, serves mostly as a binder.
WHEAT MILL RUN (FIBER SOURCES) May also appear as
"Wheat Middlings".
AAFCO: Coarse and fine particles of wheat bran and fine
particles of wheat shorts, wheat germ, wheat flour and offal
from the "tail of the mill". An inexpensive byproduct of
human food processing, commonly referred to as 'floor
sweepings'. An inexpensive filler with no real nutritional
value.
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Y
YEAST CULTURE (SUPPLEMENT)
AAFCO: 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. An unnecessary, feed-
grade ingredient in pet foods, added mainly as a flavoring to
make inexpensive food more attractive. Lacks the nutritional
value of higher quality yeast supplements. The media on
which the yeast was grown is not identified. Also a potential
allergen for some dogs.
YEAST FERMENTATION SOLUBLES (SUPPLEMENT)
AAFCO: The soluble portion of yeast (Saccharomyces
cerevisiae) and the media in which is produced. A feed-grade
ingredient in pet foods, added as a vitamin B supplement. It
is harmless, but lacks the nutrients of higher quality yeast
supplements. The media on which the yeast was grown is not
identified. Also a potential allergen for some dogs.
YELLOW DYE 5 (COLORING AGENT)
The color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5 is principally the
trisodium salt of 4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1-(4-sulfophenyl)-4- [4-
sulfophenyl-azo]-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (CAS Reg.
No. 1934-21- 0). To manufacture the additive, 4-amino-
benzenesulfonic acid is diazotized using hydrochloric acid and
sodium nitrite. The diazo compound is coupled with 4,5-
dihydro-5-oxo-1-(4-sulfophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic
acid or with the methyl ester, the ethyl ester, or a salt of this
carboxylic acid. The resulting dye is purified and isolated as
the sodium salt. The second most widely used coloring can
cause mild allergic reactions, primarily in aspirin-sensitive
persons.
YELLOW DYE 6 (COLORING AGENT)
The color additive FD&C Yellow No. 6 is principally the
disodium salt of 6-hydroxy-5-[(4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-
naphthalenesulfonic acid (CAS Reg. No. 2783-94-0). The
trisodium salt of 3-hydroxy-4-[(4- sulfophenyl)azo]-2,7-
naphthalenedisulfonic acid may be added in small amounts.
The color additive is manufactured by diazotizing 4-
aminobenzenesulfonic acid using hydrochloric acid and
sodium nitrite or sulfuric acid and sodium nitrite. The diazo
compound is coupled with 6-hydroxy-2-naphthalene-sulfonic
acid. The dye is isolated as the sodium salt and dried. The
trisodium salt of 3-hydroxy-4-[(4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2,7-
naphthalenedisulfonic acid which may be blended with the
principal color is prepared in the same manner except the
diazo benzenesulfonic acid is coupled with 3-hydroxy-2,7-
naphthalenedisulfonic acid. Industry-sponsored animal tests
indicated that this dye, the third most widely used, causes
tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney. In addition, small
amounts of several carcinogens contaminate Yellow 6.
However, the FDA reviewed those data and found reasons to
conclude that Yellow 6 does not pose a significant cancer risk
to humans. Yellow 6 may also cause occasional allergic
reactions. Another ingredient I would rather avoid and err on
the side of caution rather than risking my pet's health.
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Z
ZINC PROTEINATE
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Other Links connected to the Food Industry
http://www.mad-cow.org/~tom/render_ed.html Rendering
Dangers
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?
cls=2&cat=1661&articleid=2653 How Pet Foods Are
manufactured
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/medical/a/aamadrender.htm
You and Your Cat and Rendering Plants
_________________
Pamela Stoker Brander Myers
www.AnimalResourcesCentral.org
www.AnimalsSpeak.org
| As humans on this earth we can speak and do for ourselves. What we decide to feed our bodies are foods and drugs that WE decided upon.. As pet owners WE are their voice so to better understand what we choose to feed our beloved pets the following reading material should be very beneficial and educational |
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