Fruits and Vegetables/Carbohydrates/FiberUpdated 2 months ago

Including fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates in pet food is integral to providing a well-rounded and nutritionally balanced diet for animals. Most importantly, they add fiber that is essential in proper digestion and helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, certain vegetables can provide essential dietary fiber, contributing to weight management and helping prevent constipation. Fruits and vegetables also offer a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and aid in preventing various diseases. Carbohydrates, such as grains and vegetables, serve as an important energy source, supporting pets’ daily activities and vitality.

BEET PULP (DRIED) is a great source of insoluble and soluble fiber that is beneficial for gastrointestinal health and provides good fecal consistency. It is a very gentle, beneficial source of fiber that has specific properties that make it suitable as a source of nutrition for the beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract (prebiotic). The sugar is almost completely removed, what is left in the pulp is only about 1/5 the amount of sugar that you would find in a serving of carrots of equal size.

BLUEBERRIES (DRIED) are a nutritious superfood packed with powerful antioxidants. In particular, they are high in vitamin C and the antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which are important in eye health. In some studies, blueberries have demonstrated the ability to prevent the adherence of the bacteria E.coli to the bladder wall and may benefit urinary tract health.

BROWN RICE is a whole grain, meaning it still contains all the highly nutritious parts of the grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, where many vitamins and minerals are concentrated. It contains both insoluble and soluble fibers that can help with the feeling of fullness in pets and are beneficial for stool quality.

CARROTS are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin A. They are a good source of insoluble and soluble fiber, helping maintain gastrointestinal health.

CHICKPEAS, also known as garbanzo beans, are a great fiber source for gastrointestinal health. They are a good source of plant-based protein and are low in fat. As a complex carbohydrate, this ingredient adds a source of sustained energy.

CRANBERRIES (DRIED) are a source of antioxidants and vitamin C. Much like blueberries, cranberries are known for their potential to promote a healthy urinary tract by preventing the adherence of the bacteria E.coli to the bladder wall.

FIELD PEAS are similar to the typical green pea; field peas are smaller and have a firmer texture. They are a good source of plant-based protein. As a complex carbohydrate, they offer a healthy energy source and contain fiber for healthy digestion.

FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDE (FOS) is a nondigestible fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract known as prebiotics. It contributes to healthy bacteria, digestive regularity, immune support, and good stool quality.

GROUND GRAIN SORGHUM is a cereal grain that is ground into a flour-like consistency. It is considered a highly digestible energy source in the form of complex carbohydrates.

LENTILS are a complex carbohydrate source commonly found in grain-free pet foods that serve as a good energy source for pets. They are a good plant-based protein source and are rich in dietary fiber that is good for intestinal tract health.

MILLET is a low-allergenic, gluten-free, complex carbohydrate that is easy to digest. It is a good source of essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, which are essential for bone health and energy metabolism. It is also a great source of fiber for gastrointestinal health.

OAT GROATS are minimally processed oats that include the outer husk, bran, and germ. They are nutritious whole grains rich in nutrients, fiber, and fatty acids. As a complex carbohydrate, they are a good energy source, and the soluble fiber contained in oats may help regulate blood sugar levels.

OLIVES contain a chemical compound similar to nepetalactone found in cat nip. The effects are similar, causing some cats to become more playful, silly, or outright crazy. See our Blog here for more information on all the benefits of olives.

PAPAYA is a good source of fiber that may help reduce hairball formation, but it also contains an enzyme known as papain that will hydrolyze proteins in the digestive tract.

PEAS are legumes that are a rich natural source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of dietary fiber for gastrointestinal health, with a moderate amount of plant protein. They are a complex carbohydrate source that adds energy to a pet’s diet.

PINEAPPLE is a good source of fiber and water. It also is the source of bromelain, an enzyme found in the fruit and the stem that has been shown to reduce histamine and allergic reactions. It also may have the ability to break down hairballs.

POTATO STARCH is a highly digestible carbohydrate sourced from whole white potatoes. It is used as a healthy source of energy for the body.

POWDERED CELLULOSE is a non-digestible plant insoluble fiber that is very good at absorbing water, can help produce well-formed stool, and may reduce hairballs in cats.

PUMPKIN is a dietary fiber source that contains a fiber mixture that is good in supporting regular bowel movements and helping to manage both diarrhea and constipation. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E that contribute to overall immune health and skin and coat support.

RICE provides energy and is a natural source of carbohydrates that can regulate and improve bowel movements. Rice is easy on digestion and also provides a source of vitamin B1.

SEAWEED MEAL (DRIED) is a source of healthy fiber that feed the good bacteria in a pets intestinal tract.

SPINACH (DRIED) a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to overall health, immune function, and the maintenance of healthy bones and blood. Contains dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Adequate fiber intake helps regulate bowel movements and supports a healthy gastrointestinal system.

SWEET POTATO is a common source of carbohydrates for grain-free foods. It contributes to normal gut health and stool quality as a prebiotic fiber that nourishes the cells of the digestive tract and is a good source of Vitamin C, B6, and A.

TOMATO POMACE (DRIED) is an excellent fiber source that is a dried mixture of tomato skins and pulp that remains after processing tomatoes for juice, soup, or ketchup and is a concentrated source of Lycopene an antioxidants with numerous health benefits.

WHOLE GROUND FLAXSEED contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids like Flax Seed Oil (See under fats) but includes beneficial fiber and healthy oils. This fiber is a soluble and insoluble mixture essential for maintaining a healthy digestive tract, promoting regular bowel movements, and supporting overall gastrointestinal function.

YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT is derived from the Yucca plant and is included in pet food formulations because it helps naturally reduce stool and urine odor. It is also a fiber source for gastrointestinal health and can have some anti-inflammatory effects.