Ash is included in the glossary because of the common misconception that it is an ingredient. It is a measurement of the non-combustible material in the food which is left after burning, and indicates the total mineral content. All pet food labels must declare the ash content, but sometimes it is listed as “inorganic matter”. 

Beet pulp is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre is used for the production of short-chain fatty acids (which supply energy to the friendly bowel flora). It delays gastric emptying, so there is more time for absorption, and improves peristalsis (the contractions that move the food along the digestive tract). Insoluble fibre ensures an optimal transit time of food within the intestine, dilutes the colonic contents and binds to toxins, helps promote the right consistency of stool, and it may aid dietary satisfaction. Beet pulp is not a common allergen because it does not contain very much protein, nor does it turn the coat red.

Carrots  are a good source of fibre, plus many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and potassium. 

Chondroitin blocks destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joint. There is always a low level of these destructive enzymes in the joint, but when injury or abnormal wear occurs, these enzymes multiply. Our chondroitin is derived from poultry.
 
Corn (maize) is a complex carbohydrate which is a good source of energy, and nutrients including vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, manganese, phosphorous and fibre. Sweetcorn kernels are indigestible when fed raw but when cooked within an extruded pet food, the digestibility exceeds 85%. Corn is a gluten free grain.
 
Cranberries are included for urinary support. They contain D-mannose and hippuric acid, which prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the mucosal walls. They also contain arbutin, which is effective against certain bacteria and fungi, including Candida. The antioxidant and antiviral properties of cranberries further illustrate the versatility of this small but valuable fruit. 
 
Gelatin is used to thicken our Tasty Liver Treat and it is a naturally derived vegetable source.

Glucosamine  provides the building blocks to synthesise new joint cartilage, and together with chondroitin and MSM may support joint mobility and longevity. Our glucosamine is derived from crustacean shells.
 
Grape seed extract  is a source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins which have antioxidant properties and complement vitamin C, enhancing its effect. Antioxidants are important because they help to protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Grape flesh is toxic to some animals, but the extract from the seed is not associated with any harmful side-effects.

Green tea extract  (from the plant Camellia sinensis) is a source of antioxidants called catechins which provide support to the immune and cardiovascular systems.

L-carnitine  plays an important role in the production of energy by transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria (the “energy packs” of the cells). It may increase fat metabolism in the skeletal and cardiac muscle, and improve stamina. Although it is naturally present in meat, fish and egg, our recipes formulated for dogs that may benefit from increased levels have an L-carnitine supplement added.
 
Linseed (flax) is a good source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (which have antioxidant properties). It is rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamin B1, vitamin B3, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and copper. Linseed contains lignans, which are a class of phytoestrogens considered to have antioxidant properties.

MSM (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) is a form of organic sulphur derived from pine bark, and its beneficial properties may include the relief of pain and inflammation. It is also thought that MSM may improve mental alertness and relieve stress.
 
Nucleotides are derived from a special type of nutritional yeast. They increase the surface area for the absorption of nutrients within the small intestine, which may improve the efficiency of the digestion. Nucleotides also support immunity as they help the defence cells to replicate more quickly when challenged; e.g. by infectious organisms.
 
Parsley is a herb that is rich in vitamins, folate and iron.

Peas are a good source of vitamin K1, folic acid and vitamin B6, and are included in the Arden Grange Partners canned foods. Pea starch and pea fibre are used as a grain-free carbohydrate source and fibre source respectively in our feline dry food range.

Potato is a very digestible carbohydrate source, and it is rich in vitamin c, vitamin B6 and potassium. It is often an ideal alternative carbohydrate source for animals known or suspected to be allergic or intolerant to grains.

Potato protein is used in the Sensitive Puppy / Junior recipe (in conjunction with animal sources – white fish, egg and krill) to ensure a suitable protein content without overly high mineral levels.

Prebiotic FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) are derived from the chicory plant. This type of prebiotic can only be broken down by the friendly gut bacteria, and when this takes place, the energy that is produced is utilised by the beneficial flora and enables them to reproduce efficiently. A thriving colony of the good gut bacteria may limit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Prebiotic MOS (manno-oligosaccharides) are derived from yeast. This type of prebiotic acts as a gut security guard, mopping up pathogenic organisms and helping to transport them out of the body.

Quercetin is a water-soluble plant pigment. The ingredient we use is derived from citrus fruits including oranges. It is a powerful antioxidant and thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Rice is a very digestible energy source and usually very well tolerated. We use white rice rather than brown because there are already effective fibre and B vitamin sources in our products. Rice contains little protein and is therefore not commonly associated with food allergies. It contains resistance starch which helps to feed the friendly gut bacteria.

Rosemary extract is used as a natural preservative and it helps prevent the oxidisation of the fat components of the food. It is deodorised, and there are no studies to suggest that it causes or exacerbates seizures.

Seaweed extract contains many phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals including iodine. Iodine is necessary for efficient cell respiration, nerve and muscle functioning, the growth and repair of tissues, and it helps to promote healthy skin, hair, teeth, and nails. Seaweed extract is included in the Arden Grange Partners canned food range.

Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid.

Sweet potato is a good source of carbohydrate for the provision of energy. It is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals including vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6.

Taurine is an essential nutrient for cats because they cannot manufacture it themselves, and therefore it is added to our feline range. Taurine is especially important for healthy vision, reproduction and cardiovascular function. The Arden Grange Performance contains a taurine supplement since active, working and sporting dogs may benefit from a higher level to support the heart muscle. It is also included in our Sensitive dry range for dogs.

Tocopherols (vitamin E) are used as an antioxidant along with rosemary extract to help preserve the dry products naturally and prolong their shelf life.

Yeast /  malt  extract  is a rich source of B vitamins,  and animals like the umami flavour. We use nutritional yeast which is an inactivated type rarely associated with allergic responses. Animals that have yeast allergies normally are reactive to the pathogenic yeasts growing on or inside of their bodies or to active yeasts like those used for baking bread.

Yucca extract is derived from sap which has been extracted from the yucca schidigera cactus. All our dry diets are supplemented with yucca extract since it may help reduce faecal odour and reduce lawn staining.

 

 

Chicken is a good source of protein, niacin (B3), vitamin B6, selenium and phosphorous. All our chicken is barn - reared (no battery/intensive farming) in the UK, and husbandry is set to the strict criteria stipulated by DEFRA. These legislations state how the birds are fed, cared for and handled.

• Fresh chicken
Our fresh chicken is surplus to the human food industry, so meets a very high standard of quality. This ingredient is unprocessed prior to inclusion in the recipe. Fresh chicken is included for its high palatability as well as its nutritional value.

• Chicken meal
Our chicken meal comprises meat, bone and some offal. As it is a dry ingredient, it is a concentrated source of nutrients, and is a great natural source of minerals. We don’t include any parts of the chicken that are indigestible such as feet, beaks or feathers.

• Chicken fat/oil
Our chicken oil is filtered to remove impurities and protein particles, meaning that the ingredient is non-provocative in animals that are allergic to chicken. Chicken oil is one of the most nutritionally valuable fat sources for dogs and cats, and is a great source of energy.

• Chicken digest
Our digest is made primarily from chicken livers which have been hydrolysed. This process makes a delicious coating for our dry products. Almost all extruded pet food includes digest, but not all manufacturers declare it and  you might see it listed as “gravy” or “stock”. The digest is rarely associated with any allergic response and is generally considered safe for dogs with chicken allergies.
 

Lamb is another high quality source of meat protein, and it is also rich in many important vitamins and minerals, which we like to derive naturally where possible.

• Fresh lamb
Our fresh lamb is an aromatic and tasty ingredient, and its inclusion can often even tempt a dog with the most discerning palate. The lamb is reared outdoors in the UK, and like the chicken, is surplus to the human food industry - meaning a very high standard of quality.

• Lamb meal
Our lamb meal is also produced from UK grass-reared stock. It is rich in calcium and is produced from meat, bone and some offal. It does not include wool, blood, heads, hooves and specified risk material such as the spinal cord.

Pork provides an excellent alternative protein source for dogs who suffer from allergies to the more common meats such as chicken. It is rich in vitamin B12, niacin (B3), vitamin C, selenium, zinc, iron and phosphorous. Our fresh pork is farmed in the UK.

• Fresh pork
Our fresh pork is a tasty ingredient which dogs can easily digest. It does have a higher fat content than white meats, but we account for this by adding less oil to the recipe to ensure a moderate 16% fat content.

• Pork meal
This high quality, nutrient-rich ingredient comprises meat, bone and some offal. As with our other meals, it does not include any parts of the pig that do not offer nutritional value to the product.
 

Fish is highly digestible, extremely nutritious and a rich source of the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. All of our fish is obtained from sustainable sources. We use only fish products which are fully traceable, derived from materials fit for human consumption and which are acceptable to the very stringent control measures imposed by the quality UK supermarkets.

• Fresh salmon
Our salmon is reared for meat production in Scotland, and is rigorously tested for contaminants to ensure its safety.

• Salmon meal
Salmon meal is a concentrated and dried source of salmon, which originates from Northern Europe.

• Fresh white fish
Fresh white fish from the North Atlantic is included in our Adult Sensitive cat food and the Sensitive canine range for its great taste and high nutritional value. It is packed with B vitamins and is also a good source of minerals; especially selenium. The white fish is certified sustainable.

• White fish meal
White fish meal is included in our Sensitive white fish and potato dry recipes for both cats and dogs. It is exceptionally easy to digest and contains high levels of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The white fish meal originates from the North Sea / North Atlantic.

• Fish digest
Fish digest is an aromatic palatant. It is produced from whole fish which are then minced. An enzyme is added which breaks down the proteins into short peptides (a process called hydrolysis), which then creates a liquid consistency. Fish digest is used in the canine Sensitive range of dry foods.
 
• Fish meal
Our fish meal is composed primarily of whiting (white fish), and herring (oily fish). Fish meal is a natural and balanced feed ingredient that is high in protein, minerals, vitamins and micronutrients.

• Krill
We include krill primarily as a source of Omega-3 DHA and EPA fatty acids, but
it’s also rich in protein and many vitamins and minerals.

Egg contains protein of the very highest biological value, and its inclusion ensures that the products have an excellent amino acid profile. Although cats and dogs are capable of producing some of the amino acids they require for   a variety of structural and functional needs themselves, others which they cannot must be supplied via diet.