: Glossary

Ingredient Glossary

Want to know what a particular ingredient does for your pet? Read the ingredient definitions below for more information.

A B C D E F G I K L M N O P R S T V W Y Z

Apples: A natural source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and B vitamins.
Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C. Acts as an antioxidant in the feed (preserves shelf life, prevents rancidity). Non-essential vitamin for dogs and cats (they can produce adequate amounts on their own).
Barley (Cracked Pearl): Whole grain. Has 50% more protein than rice. Slow burning carbohydrate source, helps control blood sugar levels and helps keep the pet feeling satisfied for a longer period of time.
Beet Pulp, Dried: Dried remains of sugar beets after sugar is removed. Gray in color. Moderately fermentable fiber source to provide cells in colon with energy and to promote the "good" bacteria in the intestines. Considered to be one of the best fiber sources for optimal stool quality.
Biotin: B vitamin required for metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and non-essential amino acids. Water soluble vitamin. Required for normal skin and haircoat.
Bison: Bison is a lean meat, highly digestible and an excellent source of essential amino acids. This ingredient would be considered a unique or unusual protein source, so it is a great choice for pets that have some food sensitivities or allergies.
Blue #2 lake: Artificial color used to give a blue tint to the flecks in the Bright Bites Peppermint Flavor Dental Treat
Blueberries: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, blueberries are a natural boost to the immune system.
Brewers Dried Yeast: Non-fermentable yeast that provides B-complex vitamins and proteins. Flavor enhancer.
Brewers Rice: Highly digestible carbohydrate made up from broken fragments of rice.
Brown Rice: Whole grain brown rice ground to a powder. Whole grains are metabolized more slowly, providing a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Source of fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamin B.
Calcium Pantothenate: Source of pantothenic acid, a B vitamin. This vitamin is necessary for normal intestinal function, growth, and haircoat color.
Calcium Sulfate: Excellent urine acidifier for cat foods.
Canola Oil: Naturally preserved. Provides a blend of omega fatty acids for optimal skin and coat health. Contains alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Also a source of vitamin E.
Carrots: A natural source of B vitamins and beta carotene, an antioxidant.
Chicken (fresh): Food grade chicken that has been mechanically separated from the bone. Never frozen, arrives less than 24 hours after it is processed. Enhances palatability, low ash.
Chicken By-Product Meal: Animal source protein, made up mostly of internal organs such as liver, digestive tract, and kidneys. The intestines are a good source of smooth muscle protein. Fifteen percent of the meal includes meat and bone. No feathers. This ingredient is very digestible and very low in ash.
Chicken Fat: The most digestible animal fat source available. This is a liquid at room temperature which indicates a higher level of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to fats which are solid at room temperature and are higher in saturated fatty acids. A source of Arachidonic acid (elongated form of Omega 6) and Linoleic (Omega-6) Acid.
Chicken Meal: Lean carcass (muscle and bone). No feathers or internal organs. We use a specially processed, low ash meal. Protein, phosphorus, and calcium come from the meal.
Chicory Root (dried): A moderately fermentable carbohydrate source. Fermentation of chicory root (FOS-fructooligosaccharide) in the colon produces short chain fatty acids that are an energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon) as well as for the good bacteria in the colon.
Chlorophyll: Natural plant extract, used to give a green tint to the flecks in the Bright Bites Spearmint Flavor Treats. Also has natural breath freshening properties.
Choline Chloride: A B-complex vitamin. Choline is required for normal nervous system function, normal growth in young animals, and protection of the kidneys. It can be synthesized in the liver, but is a dietary requirement.
Chondroitin Sulfate: A naturally occurring substance in the body, this is a building block for normal healthy cartilage. It also helps block harmful enzymes from damaging the cartilage. This supplement is derived from poultry cartilage.
Cinnamon: Natural spice, used as a flavoring, derived from the cinnamon tree.
Citric acid: Vitamin C. Used as a natural preservative. It is also a natural antioxidant and anticarcinogenic vitamin.
Copper Proteinate: Chelated form of copper. Copper is an important mineral for maintaining coat color and also regulates reproduction in cats. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Copper Sulfate: An inorganic form of copper, a required mineral element. Copper is involved in normal reproduction as well as responsible for maintaining normal coat pigmentation.
Corn Gluten Meal: The dried residue from corn after the removal of the large part of the starch, gluten, and germ from the processes employed in the manufacture of corn syrup. It is an excellent low ash protein source which is highly digestible.
Cranberry Powder: All natural source of vitamin C and potassium. May have some ability to acidify the urine, but not consistently. Some sources list it as having an ability to block bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, thus preventing bladder infections.
Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA): Our puppy and kitten formulas supply natural DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) through easy-to-digest salmon oil, optimizing your pet's potential for a healthy mind and body. DHA is a natural Omega-3 fatty acid critical for brain and vision development. A growing puppy or kitten first receives DHA from its mother's milk. Studies show that puppies and kittens can greatly benefit from DHA long after weaning.

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Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract: A digestive enzyme derived from yeast extracts, this ingredient helps promote healthy digestion.
Duck: Food grade duck that is mechanically deboned and is certified hormone and antibiotic free. The meat is kept chilled until it is used in the recipe, within 72 hours of processing.
Duck meal: Dry protein source used in formulas that contain duck meat as an ingredient. The dry protein ingredients are made from meat and bone that is ground and cooked. Excellent source of protein and vitamins and minerals.
Egg Product: Cooked and dried whole eggs, free of shells and other non egg material. A high quality, highly digestible source of protein.
Enterococcus faecium (dried fermentation products of): A probiotic, or beneficial bacteria, that helps promote a healthy digestive system by suppressing populations of the "bad" bacteria within the GI tract. Also supports a healthy immune system.
Ferrous sulfate: Inorganic form of iron. Added to enhance the iron content of the food. Iron is responsible for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Fish Meal: Whole Menhaden fish, cooked and ground to a meal. Naturally preserved. Good source of protein, omega-3 (linolenic) fatty acids, and minerals.
Flavor (natural): Natural ingredient that is applied to the outside of the kibble to enhance the flavor and acceptance of the dry pet food. Can be from vegetable, chicken, lamb, or pork sources. Examples are Brewer's dried yeast, parsley, assorted smoked meats, hydrolyzed proteins (processed so the average molecular weight of the protein is too small to be detected by the immune system which helps avoid adverse reactions in allergic pets. There is no intact protein from the chicken, lamb, or pork.) Preserved with mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract.
Flaxseed: An all-natural plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Grown in Canada. Very palatable and stable.
Flaxseed oil: An oil derived from the flaxseed plant. Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, palatable and stable.
Folic Acid: A water soluble B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells and for normal function of the nervous system and reproduction (fetal development).
Gelatin: Binder protein from collagen, used as a gelling agent in foods.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride: This is a naturally occurring substance that is a building block for normal healthy joints. It is obtained from the shells of shrimp, lobsters and crabs.
Glycerine: A sugar alcohol, derived from plant or animal fat. Helps keep the treat moist.
Ground Corn: The whole corn grain ground to a flour consistency. Highly digestible carbohydrate source as well as source of protein and vitamins. All incoming corn is tested for aflatoxin.
Ground rice: Ground rice is white rice that is received as a ground ingredient, instead of whole. Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate ingredient that supplies energy for active pets.
Iron Proteinate: Chelated form of iron. Necessary for the transport of oxygen throughout the body. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Kelp: Seaweed plant that is a fiber and iodine source. Helps produce small firm stools. May reduce stool odor.
L-Carnitine: A vitamin-like substance that helps maintain normal metabolism. This helps the body burn fat for energy and helps normalize blood sugar levels. Also helps large breed puppies maintain lean body condition and strong bones.
Lactobacillus acidophilus: A probiotic, or beneficial bacteria, that helps promote a healthy digestive system by suppressing populations of the "bad" bacteria within the GI tract. Also supports a healthy immune system.
Lactobacillus casei: A probiotic, or beneficial bacteria, that helps promote a healthy digestive system by suppressing populations of the "bad" bacteria within the GI tract. Also supports a healthy immune system.
Lamb (fresh): Food grade lamb, mechanically removed from the bone. Real lamb arrives in less than 24 hours. Enhances palatability, low ash.
Lamb Meal: Lean carcass of lambs (muscle and bone), cooked and ground to a fine consistency. Purchased from New Zealand, a certified Scrapie free country. Scrapie is the sheep version of mad cow disease.
Lecithin: Natural antioxidant, derived from plants or eggs, used as a lubricant in foods.
Magnesium stearate: Magnesium salt, derived most commonly from plants, used as a binder in foods.
Manganese proteinate: Chelated form of manganese. Manganese is important for proper bone formation, growth and reproduction. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Manganese Sulfate: The manganese salt of sulfuric acid and is needed for proper bone formation, growth and reproduction. Manganese is a micro mineral which functions as a component of several cell enzymes that catalyze metabolic reactions. Naturally occurring Manganese deficiency has not been reported in dogs or cats.
Manganous oxide: The oxide form of manganese that is needed for proper bone formation, growth and reproduction. Manganese is a micro mineral which functions as a component of several cell enzymes that catalyze metabolic reactions. Naturally occurring Manganese deficiency has not been reported in dogs or cats.
Meat meal: Meat meal is a dry protein ingredient made from the meat and bone of ruminants such as cows and sheep. It provides amino acids as well as minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, to the diet.
Methionine: An essential amino acid which contains sulfur. Important for both dogs and cats, but more critical in cats since they have an increased demand for this amino acid. This is also a urine acidifier.
Milk (skim): Dairy source of protein and calcium.
Millet: A whole grain. Higher in protein than corn, rich in amino acids (lysine, methionine, and threonine). Low in tannins, which limit palatability and inhibit protein digestion.
Monoglycerides of edible fatty acids: Edible fat or oil that is used to help two liquids mix together.
Natural chicken flavor: A natural product made mostly from chicken livers. This ingredient is used on the outside of the kibble to enhance flavor.
Niacin: Vitamin B3. Important for maintenance of hair, skin, nervous system, and energy metabolism. Dogs synthesize niacin from tryptophan (an amino acid) but cats must have it provided in their diet.
Oatmeal: Whole grain that is an excellent source of slow burning carbohydrates for all day energy and fiber for proper digestion.
Ocean fish meal: A high quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Naturally preserved. The omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources, EPA and DHA, provide nutrition for optimal skin and coat health as well as excellent overall health.
Parsley: A natural herb. Flavor enhancer.
Peas: Natural source of dietary fiber and B vitamins.
Peppermint: Natural mint flavoring, derived from the peppermint plant.
Potassium Chloride: Potassium salt of hydrochloric acid and is required for body fluid maintenance, nerve conduction (including normal heart rhythm), and certain metabollic processes. Potassium is the main electrolyte in intracellular fluid.
Potassium Iodide: Potassium salt that is required for body fluid maintenance, nerve conduction (including normal heart rhythm), and certain metabollic processes. Potassium is the main electrolyte in intracellular fluid.
Potato fiber: Used as a natural fiber source to help promote normal stools and a healthy digestive tract. Added to formulas that contain potatoes already to help limit the number of different ingredients.
Potato flour: Source of carbohydrates, heavy flour made from whole potatoes, including the potato skin.
Potato protein: The protein portion of potatoes. Excellent back-up source of protein in high protein recipes to help keep the ash low.
Potato starch: Very fine flour made from the potato after the peel has been removed.
Potatoes: A highly digestible carbohydrate source. Carbohydrates provide energy for everyday activity.
Powdered cellulose: A natural plant fiber source. This ingredient is highly refined, a white powder that provides insoluble fiber to the diet. The purpose of insoluble fiber is to lower calories or help control hairballs in cats.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride: Vitamin B6. Water soluble. Necessary for blood cell formation and nervous system function.
Raspberries: These powerhouse berries are full of antioxidants that protect overall good health and may also help fight cancer.
Red #40 lake: Artificial color to give a red tint to the cinnamon flecks in the Bright Bites Cinnamon Dental Dog Treat.
Riboflavin: Vitamin B2. Water soluble. Antioxidant necessary for nervous system function, utilization of energy, healthy skin and coat, and tissue repair.
Rice (Brewers): Highly digestible carbohydrate made up from broken fragments of rice.
Rice (brown): Whole grain brown rice ground to a powder. Fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamin B.
Rice (white): Inner grain of the rice (outer bran is removed).
Rice bran: The inner (bran) portion of rice. Source of fat and fiber.
Rice Flour: The inner grain, free from the outer hull, ground to a flour consistency. It is a very highly digestible source of carbohydrates.
Roasted bison: Roasted for great flavor, this lean protein source will help keep your pet in optimal lean body condition. A great choice for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.
Roasted duck: Roasted for great flavor. An excellent protein source to provide your pet with essential amino acids.
Roasted quail: Roasted for great flavor. This lean protein source will help keep your pets in optimal lean body condition.
Roasted venison: This meat is roasted for great flavor. Lean source of essential amino acids to help keep your pet in ideal lean body condition.
Rosemary Extract: Natural antioxidant added to help preserve the shelf life of the food.
Salmon (fresh): Mechanically deboned, ocean caught salmon. Salmon is one of the lowest mercury content ocean fish available. When salmon is fully cooked, as it is in our pet foods, there is no risk to the health of dogs consuming it.
Salt: Source of sodium and chloride. Used in formulas that are labeled for growing animals or reproducing animals. Sodium and chloride are required in higher levels by these life stages.
Smoked salmon: Smoked for great flavor. This excellent source of protein also provides essential omega fatty acids, only available from marine sources. Fatty acids help keep the skin and coat healthy as well as supporting excellent overall health.
Smoked turkey: Lean meat, smoked for great flavor. Not only will your pet love the taste, he will get the benefits of lean protein for overall lean body condition.
Sodium Bisulfate: An excellent urinary acidifier, this ingredient helps promote a urine pH of 6.1 - 6.4 in our adult cat formulas.
Sodium Selenite: Form of selenium, an essential trace mineral necessary for normal immune function and reproduction.
Spearmint: Natural mint flavoring from the spearmint plant.
Spinach: Natural source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, folic acid and potassium.
Sweet Potatoes: A power packed vegetable! Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and beta carotene, this is one ideal complex carbohydrate source that provides all day energy.
Taurine: Amino acid essential for cats that maintains healthy eyes and heart. Considered to be conditionally essential for dogs (meaning certain dogs require it in their diet under certain conditions - particularly true when the dog is eating a lamb formula that has low protein content).
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate: An excellent tartar control agent that acts by binding the minerals in the saliva so that they are unable to be deposited on the surface of the teeth as tartar.
Thiamine mononitrate: Vitamin B1. Required for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as to maintain normal nervous system function.
Titanium dioxide: A non-toxic, naturally occurring white pigment used as a whitening agent in foods, medicines and toothpastes.
Tocopherols: Natural preservative made of compounds of Vitamin E. Used to prevent rancidity in the chicken fat and the overall formula.
Tomato pomace: A soluble fiber source that helps promote digestive health and small, firm stools.
Tomatoes: A natural source of vitamin C and lycopene, important antioxidants.
Turkey (fresh): A food grade ingredient, mechanically deboned. Arrives chilled and is used in the recipes within 72 hours of processing.
Vitamin A Supplement: Active source of vitamin A, required by cats. Dogs can convert inactive vitamin A (beta-carotene) to active vitamin A. Necessary for reproduction, vision, normal skeletal and tooth development, immunity, and tissue integrity.
Vitamin B12 Supplement (Cobalamin): The only B vitamin that can be stored by the body. Necessary for formation of red blood cells and normal nervous system function.
Vitamin D Supplement: Regulates calcium and phosphorus balance and bone calcification.
Vitamin E Supplement: Helps protect cell membranes, regulates intracellular respiration, and immune function.
White Rice: Inner grain of rice (outer bran is removed). Highly digestible carbohydrate ingredient.
Whole Grain Brown Rice: The whole grain of unprocessed rice ground to a fine flour consistency. Benefits include fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamin B.
Yucca Schidigera Extract: Natural plant extract that has been proven to reduce stool odor.
Zinc Proteinate: Chelated form of zinc. Zinc is necessary for the formation of proteins in the body, normal immune system function, skin and wound healing, growth and reproduction. Chelated minerals are attached to amino acids for better absorption from the digestive tract.
Zinc Sulfate: Non-chelated form of zinc. Zinc is necessary for the formation of proteins in the body, normal immune system function, skin and wound healing, growth and reproduction. There is a genetically influenced abnormality in zinc absorption and metabolism in some breeds (Malamutes and Siberian Huskies) which may result in an increased dietary requirement for zinc.

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