Glossary Term

The Association of American Feed Control Officials

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and their derivatives. Proteins contain a total of about 20 amino acids. Amino acids are either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids must be obtained through food. Non-essential amino acids can be biochemically synthesized by the body. Amino acids are critical to build hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Antioxidants are molecules that may protect your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are result of the oxidation in your body. They can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances.

The apple is the fruit of the apple tree. (species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae)

Beta-carotene is one in a group of natural chemicals known as carotenes or carotenoids. They are responsible for the orange color of many fruits and vegetables(carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes)Beta-carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A. It is an antioxidant, like vitamins E and C.

Breadcrumbs are made from very dry bread which has been baked or toasted to remove all remaining moisture. They have a sandy or even powdery texture.

A by-product is a secondary or incidental product derived from a manufacturing process. It is not the primary product being produced. Meat by-product are primarily animal parts that are not used for human consumption. (ei. bones, organs, blood, fatty tissue and intestines.) In poultry-based dog foods, by-product is used to identify by-product meals. In other kinds of dog food, by-product food will be labeled as 'meat and bone meal' or 'MBM'.

Calcium is a mineral element which plays two important roles in your dog's body. First, it is the basic building block of the skeleton. Second, it is critical in transferring information between cells and to nerve impulse transmission. Calcium is just as important to dogs as it is to people. It helps build strong bones and strong teeth. However, dogs can have too much or too little calcium in their diet. Too little calcium may cause your dog to get a condition known as rickets. When a dog has rickets their bones become soft and cannot support the weight of their body. In contrast, dogs who are given too much calcium as puppies can develop bones that are too large and are not strong. Fish based dog treats are high in calcium and many brands of dog treats also offer animal fat and vegetable based treats which are high in calcium.

A vegetable oil made from rapeseed. Canola oil has been claimed to promote good health due to its very low saturated fat and high monounsaturated fat content. It also has a high content of Omega 3 fatty acid.

The carrot is a root vegetable, usually orange in colour, though purple, red, white, and yellow varieties exist.

Chicken fat is fat obtained from chicken rendering and processing. In animal-sourced substances, chicken fat contains the highest linoleic acid content(over 23%).

As defined by the AAFCO; Chicken meal is the dry rendered product from a combination of clean flesh and skin with accompanying bone, derived from whole carcasses of chicken thereof, exclusive of feathers and skin.

A naturally acidic ingredient that originates primarily from citrus fruits. It is used as a natural preservative and as an antioxidant.

Copper proteinate is a trace mineral found in all body tissues. It aids in respiration, synthesis of hemoglobin and production of collagen. It is also an antioxidant that elps prevent oxidation of fatty acids.

Copper sulfate is a chemical compound that is produced commercially by the reaction of a variety of copper(II) compounds with sulfuric acid. This compound is used in a wide range of industries, from pyrotechnics to viticulture. It is added to dog food to help prevent anemia.

Cottage cheese is a loosely packed cow's milk cheese distinguished by its bland taste and the whey which is left in with the cheese curds.

Ferrous sulfate provides the iron needed by the body to produce red blood cells. It is used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that occurs when the body has too few red blood cells due to pregnancy, diet, excess bleeding, or other medical problems.

The seed from flax plants. The seeds and oil contain an essential fatty acid similar to Omega 3.

Folic acid is a water soluble form of vitamin B9. Folic acid deficiency can lead to lethargy, weight loss and a decline in hemoglobin concentration.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of gum tissue resulting in redness and swelling. It is most commonly caused by dental plaque.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar compound produced by the body. It is commonly in the liver and kidneys, but is most often found in cartilage. Glucosamine helps contribute to the formation of cartilage and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Gluten is a type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley. It is a composite of the proteins gliadin and glutenin. It is found in most types of cereals and breads.

Human grade dog food/treats are made in factories where food for humans is also being made, as these facilities are already undergoing the necessary legal check-ups to maintain the designation.

Lamb meal is the dry rendered part from mammal tissues, specially prepared for feeding purposes by tanking under live steam or dry rendering. Though the meat has been cooked, dried, and ground, it is only meat, and has not had any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents added to it.

Methylsulfonylmethane (also known as MSM) is a relatively new dietary supplement form of sulfur that is found in living tissues. MSM supports healthy connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and muscle. Conosequently, it is important for conditions such as arthritis, muscle pains, bursitis, etc.

Minerals are naturally occurring solids formed through geological processes. They have a characteristic chemical composition, a highly ordered atomic structure, and specific physical properties. Minerals vary in composition from pure elements and simple salts to complex silicates with thousands of known forms.

An herb whose leaves, seeds, or flowers are used to flavor dog treats. Mint also acts medicinally as a flea repellent.

Molasses is a viscid byproduct of the processing of sugar cane or sugar beets into sugar.

Niacin is vitamin B3. It can be found in many foods, including yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, and cereal grains.

Oat grains ground or crushed into flakes or a powder.

A class of fatty acids commonly found in certain fish oils including salmon and other cold-water fish. It is believed to lower cholesterol in blood and also act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Oregano is a perennial herb and a species of Origanum of the mint family. Oregano is widely used for culinary puruposes but also has health benefits due to it's high antioxidant activity.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a cultivated bright green biennial herb. It is often used as seasoning, and is flat or curled with ternately compound leaves. Parsley leaves and stems are very nutritive, and can be used to treat dogs with anemia. Parsley also has antiseptic properties and are helpful in treating urinary tract infections and bad breath in dogs.

Peppermint is a hybrid mint. It is a cross between the watermint and spearmint.

The chemical compound potassium chloride is a metal halide salt comprised of potassium and chlorine and is chrystaline in nature. It helps with growth and muscled development when added to dog food. It also helps maintains fluid balance.

Pumpkin is a fruit and gourd-like squash of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitace. They are usually orange or yellow and have many creases running from the stem to the bottom. They have a thick shell on the outside, and seeds and pulp on the inside.

Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa") is a great source of bio-available protein. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it includes all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is especially high with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. It is also high in magnesium, potassium and iron and is a good source of phosphorus, calcium, vitamin E and several B vitamins. Quinoa is also gluten-free, easy to digest and has a delicious flavor.

Riboflavin is another name for vitamin B2. Riboflavin is important in the maintenance of many tissues of the body.

Rolled oats are oat groats that have been rolled into flat flakes under heavy rollers , and then steamed and toasted.

Rosemary is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. and a member of the mint family Lamiaceae. It is used for culinary purposes but also may have health benefits. The carnosic acid found in rosemary may help shield the brain from free radicals.

Rosemary extract comes from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and has numerous culinary uses and healing properties. Rich with anti-inflammatory abilities, it helps prevent skin infections and is good for general health.

Sage is a member of the mint family and valued both culuinary and medicinally. Sage extract are high in antioxidants due to the existence of carnosic acid and labiatic acid. Sage extract is effective in relieving flatulence, treating sore throats, gingivitis, tonsillitis, headaches and night sweats. It is also a stimulant and astringent.

Sea salt is salt obtained through the evaporation of seawater. In it's production, there is usually little processing, which leaves behind some trace minerals and elements depending on the water source.

The chemical term for common table salt (NaCl).

Sodium Selenite (Selenium) is an antioxidants-substance that attacks destructive cells in the body, an essential trace mineral, and a micronutrient. It works with Vitamin E to gather free radicals. It improves the immune system and the maintenance of healthy blood vessels. It also is a strong cancer fighter.

A white crystalline solid found in the berries of the mountain ash or prepared synthetically. It is used as a food preservative.

A class of natural chemical compounds which can correctly be called Vitamin E. In dog treats and dog foods, tocopherols are used as a natural preservative. In foods, tocopherols are commonly found in vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, fish and green, leafy vegetables.

A tomato is the fruit of the tomato plant. It grows on a vine, and in its wild state is a resilient perennial with an unlimited life span. It is a member of the nightshade or Solanaceae family, a cousin of the eggplant, pepper, potato, ground cherry, tomatillo, and belladonna.

The United States Department of Agriculture

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that 'scavenges' the body's free radicals. Free radicals are thought to contribute to aging and contribute to a number of health problems. Vitamin E supplement is an important tool in the battle against aging, heart disease and cancer. Vitamin E also may help prevent HDL or "bad cholesterol".

Most grains, like wheat and oats, have a hard outer layer. This layer after processing, becomes a byproduct, and is called bran. Wheat bran is packed with nutrition, and offers many dietary benefits.

Whole wheat flour is a powdery substance derived by the grinding or mashing the wheat's whole grain. It is used in baking to provide nutrients (particularl yfiber and protein), texture, and body to the product.