We use EU-approved ingredients.

For a U.S. company to sell into the European Union it must use what are known as “EU-approved” ingredients. To be an EU-approved ingredient the source of that ingredient MUST be fit for human consumption before being processed into the ingredients used Best Breed foods. For example, if a chicken has a spot on its breast that causes it to be rejected for human consumption, no other part of that chicken may be used for EU-approved chicken meal and will therefore go into the “animal-grade” bin. All chicken meal used in our food must be made with chicken that comes from the for-human-consumption line.  Does this mean that the “chicken meal” is human-grade.  The answer is no as “chicken meal” is not made for humans to eat, but it does guarantee that no fallen animals or 4D ingredients are used.

INGREDIENT DICTIONARY


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

Alfalfa
Alfalfa meal is ground dried alfalfa (mostly leaves and flowers) and is rich with key nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium and manganese.

Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is a form of Vitamin C and can be found in natural sources such as citrus fruits and green vegetables.

Biotin
Biotin (Vitamin H) is essential for the normal metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein, along with the formation of fatty acids. It is a requisite to the effectiveness for Vitamin C and promotes healthy hair, nerve tissue, blood cells, skin, sweat glands, and bone marrow.

Bisulfate
Bisulfate is a source of Vitamin K.

Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in Vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. They also contain various caratenoids, which are valuable antioxidants that help boost immune system health.

Brown Rice
Brown rice is the whole rice kernel with only the hull removed. It is a healthy and highly-digestible source of readily-available complex carbohydrates for quick energy and is rich with B vitamins, trace minerals, and fiber.

Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a mineral used as a source of calcium (minimum of 38%). Calcium is critical for proper bone and teeth formation, proper heart function, and normal clotting of blood. It also aids in healthy muscle and tissue growth.

Calcium Iodate
Calcium iodate is a nutritional source of iodine. Iodine helps the thyroid function properly and perform multiple body functions including metabolism, nerve and muscle function, the growth of skin and hair.

Canola Oil (Non-GMO)
Canola oil is obtained by pressing oil from the canola seed. It is considered to be a premium source of plant-derived fat and provides an excellent balance of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

Carrots
Carrots provide a rich source of beta carotene, a health-promoting antioxidant. They are also an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Celery
Celery is a healthy source of many essential vitamins and minerals.

Chicken Fat
The chicken fat used in Best Breed’s formulas is of the highest quality and is naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols. Premium grade chicken fat is considered to be one of the best animal sources of linoleic acid (source of Omega 6 fatty acids), an important element for skin and coat health. It is also an excellent source of energy and helps improve palatability.

Chicken Meal
Chicken meal is derived from cooking the flesh of chickens. This process extracts the water, leaving a concentrated, highly-digestible source of protein and fat. Best Breed only uses low-ash chicken meal. Low-ash chicken meal is the highest quality chicken meal available and does not contain feathers, beaks, and other worthless by-product parts often found in commercial “premium” brands. Chicken Meal is a nutritious meat protein that is critical in providing quality sources of essential amino and fatty acids, vitamins and minerals required for muscle development and energy.

Chickpeas
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) are a great source of fiber, helping promote gastrointestinal health.

Choline Chloride
Choline chloride is a water-soluble vitamin required for proper transmission of nerve impulses and water utilization of sulfur-containing amino acids.

Citric Acid
A water-soluble acid naturally found in many fruits (especially citrus fruits) and used as a flavoring agent.

Copper Sulfate/Copper Proteinate
Copper is a trace mineral that has many different functions, including production of blood, proper absorption of iron and connective tissue formation.

Cranberries
Cranberries provide many antioxidant benefits and promote immune system health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and contain unique attributes that help prevent harmful bacteria from thriving in the urinary tract.

D/L Methionine
D/L-methionine is a sulfur-containing essential amino acid obtained by the hydrolysis of most common proteins. Methionine is a key supplier of sulfur, which is important in the production of many other compounds. D/L-methionine regulates the formation of ammonia and helps create ammonia-free urine.  Dogs naturally use methionine for taurine production.

D-Activated Animal Sterol (Source of Vitamin D3)
Source of Vitamin D3.

Dried Brewers Yeast
Dried brewers yeast is the dried non-rementative, non-extracted yeast from the brewing of beer. It is a rich source of vitamin B enzymes for improved digestion and naturally contains 16 amino acids, 14 minerals and 17 vitamins.

Dried Skim Milk
Dried skimmed milk is the residue obtained by drying defatted milk.

Dried Sugar Beet Pulp
Dried sugar beet pulp is the dried residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned, freed from crowns, leaves, and sand, and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. During this process nearly all of the sugar is extracted to the point were it is insignificant from a nutritional standpoint. When used as part of a complete and balanced diet, beet pulp is considered to be one of the best sources of fiber available. It absorbs moisture adding bulk to stools for easy elimination and is a good source of nutrition for the beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract. Premium sources of fiber are a requisite for maintaining a healthy digestive system and producing firm stools.

Duck Meal
Duck meal is derived from cooking the flesh and organ meat of Ducks. This process extracts the water, leaving a concentrated, highly-digestible source of protein and fat. Duck is a nutritious meat protein that is critical in providing quality sources of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals required for muscle development and energy. It is also an excellent source of Omega 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin & coat.

Egg
Egg product is free of shells or other non-egg materials except in such amounts which might occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Eggs are a highly-digestible and rich source of quality protein and provide all of the essential amino acids required for healthy growth and development. They also contain high-levels of Omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and hair.

Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous sulfate is a source of iron. It provides oxygen to the blood and helps with the digestion of fatty acids

Flax Seed Meal
Flaxseed is the whole seed of the flax plant. It is a healthy source of both soluble and insoluble fiber which aids in moving food through the digestive tract and promotes good stool consistency. Flaxseed is a rich source of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and all essential vitamins and minerals.

Folic Acid
Folic acid is a good source of B vitamin. The B vitamin is critical for the growth and maintenance of red blood cells and helps break down amino acids. Folic Acid also helps promote cardiovascular health and is a requisite for energy production.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
Prebiotics or fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are derived from oligosaccharides that occur naturally in a variety of plants. FOS aids in digestion, improving the absorption rate of dietary calcium, iron, and other important minerals.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glucosamine hydrochloride is a compound that occurs naturally in the joints of humans and animals. It helps improve joint and connective tissue health.

Green Peas
Green peas are a carbohydrate that are an excellent source of both protein and fiber.

Ground Rice
Ground rice is the de-hulled rice kernel, ground or chopped, with the bran removed. Rice is a highly-digestible and healthy source of protein that contain essential amino acids, required for re-building healthy muscle tissues.

Iron Proteinate/Iron Sulfate
Iron is an essential mineral for life. It is necessary for the growth and development of the body and helping digest fatty acids.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated
Probiotics (Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Fermentation Product Dehydrated) are “friendly bacteria” that help maintain a normal bacteria balance in the lower intestine. They assist in nutrient absorption and facilitating digestion.

Lamb Meal
Lamb meal is derived from cooking the flesh and organ meat of Lamb. This process extracts the water, leaving a concentrated, highly-digestible source of protein and fat. Best Breed Lamb is sourced from New Zealand and Australia, grass fed and raised without antibiotics and added hormones. Lamb is a nutritious meat protein that is critical in providing quality sources of essential amino and fatty acids, vitamins and minerals required for muscle development and energy.

L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is an amino acid derived from lysine and methionine. It helps regulate fat in the heart and skeletal muscles and promote ideal body weight. Carnitine is derived from animal protein sources only.

Lecithin
Lecithin is phosphatidyl choline, a phospholipid-containing choline. Lecithin is critical in helping the body absorb fats and excellent for sin and coat health.

Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid that is required for proper bone growth and development, absorption of calcium, and forming collagen which makes up cartilage and connective tissue.

Manganese Oxide
Manganese is an essential trace nutrient for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, formation of connective tissue and bones, cholesterol synthesis, and the production of antioxidants.

Manganese Sulfate/Manganese Proteinate Bisulfite
Manganese sulfate/manganese proteinate bisulfite are two compounds used as a source of manganese.

Menhaden Fish Meal
Menhaden fish meal is derived from the cooking of clean tissue of undercomposed Menhaden fish or Menhaden fish parts. This process extracts the fat and water, leaving a concentrated, highly-digestible source of protein and fat. Menhaden Fish Meal is an excellent source of protein and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which helps promote healthy skin and coat and are critical for healthy growth and development. It is also a source of DHA, a major structural component of the brain, critical for enhanced learning of young puppies.

Menhaden Fish Oil
Menhaden fish oil is an excellent source energy from fats and fatty acids and helps promote healthy skin and coat. It is also a source of DHA, a major structural component of the brain, critical for enhanced learning of young puppies.

Natural Chicken Flavor
Natural chicken flavors are flavor ingredients, extracted from clean animal tissue, that do not contain synthetic or artificial components. It is sprayed on the exterior of the kibbles to improve palatability.

New Zealand Green Mussel
New Zealand Green-lipped Sea Mussel, a super-food rich in minerals, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and more.

Niacin
Niacin (Vitamin B3) influences more than 50 different metabolic reactions. It plays an important role in extracting energy from carbohydrates and glucose, processing waste from amino acids, and utilizing fatty acids.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal uses cleaned oats with the hulls removed. Oats are a highly digestibly source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. They prevent congestion and the formation of toxins. Further, they are rich in phosphorus and Lysine, an essential Amino Acid that aids in Calcium absorption, which is necessary for proper bone development and strength. Lysine is also instrumental in the formation of collagen which is the basic matrix of connective tissues, skin, cartilage, and bone. Oats are rich in vitamins B1, B2, D, E, as well as carotene and health-enhancing minerals.

Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is important for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, along with the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. It is also known to help promote healthy skin and nerves.

Pearled Barley
Pearled barley is the whole barley seed with the seed hull and bran removed. It is a highly digestible source of carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive tract health. Barley is also an excellent source of B vitamins and antioxidants and is considered a hypoallergenic alternative to other grains.

Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is important for proper functioning heart and nervous system and the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (vitamin B6)
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of Vitamin B6, which is essential for the metabolism of protein.

Red Lentils
Red lentils are a low-glycemic vegetable that provides many benefits to pets. They are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Red lentils are also an excellent source of soluable fiber, helping promote gastrointestinal health.

Riboflavin Supplement (vitamin B6)
Riboflavin supplement is a source of B-complex vitamins and is important for the digestion of fats and carbohydrates, along with helping promote healthy skin and hair.

Salt
Salt helps maintain proper fluid balance.

Sodium Selenite
Sodium selenite is a source of selenium. Selenium helps promote healthy muscles and nerves.

Sorghum
A protein-rich grain that provides important amino acids such as lysine and threonine. It is also gluten free and rich in B vitamins. Sorghum’s lower fat levels (when compared to a lot of grains), decreases its metabolizable energy, making it an excellent source of carbohydrates for overweight pets. Sorghum also offers many antioxidant properties, similar to those found in fruits and vegetables.

Spinach
Spinach is rich in carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lutein and contains quercetin, a phytochemical with antioxidant properties. Spinach is also a good source of other trace minerals.

Taurine
Taurine is a compound similar to amino acids essential for eye and heart health.

Thiamine Mononitrate
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, which is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein. Vitamin B1 also helps maintain your pet’s nervous system, heart, and muscles. It also helps promote normal growth and development.

Tomato Pomace
Tomato pomace is the mixture of tomato skins, pulp and crushed seeds. It is a wholesome and natural source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are requisites for maintaining a healthy digestive system and producing firm stools. Tomato Pomace is also an excellent source of antioxidants.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps with vision, immune system, bone and muscle growth and promotes healthier skin and hair health.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is required for processing carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps support the immune system and enhances iron absorption. It also benefits connective tissue and joint health.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps promote healthy skin, bone, connective tissue and heart. It is also necessary for the proper absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps support the immune system and skin and coat health. It also is used as a natural preservative.

Whitefish Meal
Whitefish is the combination of several species of deep-water fish from the ocean. Best Breed whitefish comes from the U.S. and contains wild-caught Alaskan cod, flounder and halibut. It is very high in protein and low in ash – meaning it is one of the best meats available. Whitefish meal is derived from the cooking of clean tissue of undercomposed fish or fish parts. This process extracts the fat and water, leaving a concentrated, highly-digestible source of protein and fat. White fish meal is an excellent source of protein and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which helps promote healthy skin and coat and are critical for healthy growth and development. It is also a source of DHA, a major structural component of the brain, critical for enhanced learning of young puppies.

Zinc Sulfate/Zinc Proteinate/Zinc
Oxide Zinc is an important trace mineral required for proper maintenance of hair, skin, bones, muscles and blood. It is also helps for a properly functioning immune system and breaking down of carbohydrates.