NutraGold Holistic - Nutrition
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Main | Nutrition | New Formulas | Dogs | Cats | Kibbles Shape & Size
Nutrients in Pet Foods
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates
- Fiber
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Proteins
- Proteins are important for maintaining healthy muscles
- Animal source proteins provide important amino acids for overall good health
- Essential amino acids have important roles within the body and must be provided by the diet
Fresh meats
- Chicken, turkey, duck and salmon
- Fresh, never frozen
- No preservatives added
- Natural source of important amino acids for overall good health
Fat
- Fat is the main energy or fuel source within the formulation
- Chicken fat (canola oil in Salmon & Potato Formula)
- Highly digestible (93%)
- Naturally preserved with vitamin E
- Supplies omega-6 fatty acids to the diet
Omega Fatty Acids
- Fat in food supplies omega-6 fatty acids to the pet (chicken fat, canola oil)
- Omega-6 fatty acids are important for keeping the skin moist
- When not balanced by omega-3 fatty acids, these omega-6 fatty acids can become harmful, causing inflammation within the body
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Flaxseed (linseed) and fish oils (from fresh salmon, salmon meal, and fish meal) are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids
- Omega-3 fatty acids are not found in all pet foods
Carbohydrates
- Important energy source within a formula
- Fast-burning
- Simple grains – white rice, potatoes
- Provide quick energy for play or exercise
- Slow-burning
- Whole grains – brown rice, barley, oatmeal, millet
- Provide long lasting energy
Fiber
- Fiber keeps the digestive system healthy
- Dried chicory root – primary source
- Called a “prebiotic”
- Partially digested, releases energy into the intestines
- This energy fuels the “good” bacteria in the digestive tract
- Some fiber from fruits and vegetables
Vitamins
- Many critical functions within the body
- A: helps keep skin, eyes, hair and bones healthy
- B: maintain digestion, reproductive functions, and healthy nervous system
- D: controls calcium levels in the body
- E: an important antioxidant
- C and K are made in the liver by dogs and cats
Minerals
- Minerals should be present in appropriate amounts
- Too much = toxicity
- Too little = deficiency
Two Important Minerals Two Important Minerals
- Calcium and phosphorus
- Must be balanced (1.1:1 – 2:1)
- Provided mainly by animal protein sources
Chelated Minerals
- Iron, zinc, copper, and manganese are chelated
- Chelated means “attached to protein”
- This makes it easier for the pet to absorb these nutrients
Holistic Formulas
- Holistic refers to the natural aspects of the new NutraGold formulas
- Fresh ingredients provide better nutrition for a healthier pet
- Fresh meats are more digestible, lower in ash
- Natural preservatives (vitamin E and rosemary) are critical, no chemicals
Fruits and Vegetables
- Fruits and vegetables are natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, cranberry, parsley, tomatoes
- Potatoes – digestible carbohydrate
- Carrots – beta carotene
- Peas & apples – B vitamins and fiber
- Cranberry – healthy bladder
- Parsley – flavor enhancer
- Tomatoes – Lycopene
- Potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, cranberry, parsley, tomatoes
Antioxidants
- Important for protecting the body from the damage of everyday living
- Most important for very young pets and older pets
- Vitamin E and selenium are important antioxidants, present in all formulas
Special Ingredients
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- L-carnitine
- Yucca schidigera
- Taurine – for dogs