beef heart
Fresh beef heart is purchased from a major grocery store. The hearts are delivered cryo sealed direct from the meat packer. They are course ground to order and I process them the same day. This eliminates excessive handling and insures a product equal to what is sold at the store meat counter!
Beef heart is a very lean muscle meat and is highly digestible protein. Oxford University (PDCAAS method), Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score expresses beef as 98% digestible protein with a 92% amino acid score. The method bases protein quality both on amino requirements and ability to digest.
oatmeal
Oatmeal is also grocery store purchased. It is the grain of choice due to its high protein digestibility and an amino acid score of 86%.
However, what is more substantial is that oats are a grain that could likely be in the stomach contents of a prey animal making it ancestor appropriate.
Oatmeal is additionally an excellent source of both Iron and Calcium. We all know the heart healthy fiber benefits oats has to offer.
EGG
Eggs are used in the cat food recipe. The (PDCAAS), scores eggs as one of the highest complete and digestible sources of protein at about 100%. They contain all the essential amino acids and one egg equals 6 to 7 grams of first class protein. Eggs also contain biotin which is a B-complex vitamin.
Eggs have certainly been a staple in the diet of animals throughout history. They are easy to obtain in the wild without substantial energy expense.
Carrot
Raw carrots are peeled and finely grated in a food processor. They are a balanced source of calcium and phosphorous, also a substantial source of potassium essential in heart health.
Carrots are a good source of vitamin A in the form of carotene. The body converts about one third of the carotene to usable vitamin A.
Carrot is another likely vegetable that could be found in the stomach contents of a prey animal.
Olive oil
Olive oil is an unsaturated fatty acid. Unsaturated fatty acids are essential for cell growth and maintenance. It presents zero cholesterol into the body. I use an extra virgin first cold press grocery store purchased olive oil.
Essential fatty acids are significant for skin, coat, liver, kidney, healing of wounds, the heart and the circulatory system. They are also known to assist in reducing inflammation.
When deficiencies of fatty acids are present, some symptoms might occur. They can include hair loss and lack of coat luster. Itching, scratching and other skin issues may be a sign of fatty acid deficiency. The skin is the largest organ of the body and usually a great indicator of good or poor nutrition.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is a fantastic source of Omega 3 fatty acid. It also contains vitamin A and vitamin D3. The brand used is a USA made product that is protein free and fortified with EPA and DHA. No added flavors are added by the manufacturer. All these nutrients are beneficial for healthy organ function. (See Pottenger Cat Studies text listed in the Library).(See also the USDA National Nutrient Database).
In addition to healthy organ function, cod liver oil offers a wide variety of animal health benefits to include skin, coat, eyes and joints.
Our dog and cat recipes contain the proper amounts to keep the intake of vitamin A and vitamin D3 to safe and appropriate levels.
nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast, is a non active yeast rich in proteins, amino acids and vitamins especially B Complex vitamins. In fact it is a complete protein containing all nine amino acids! It also contains trace minerals zinc, selenium and manganese all important for gene regulation, metabolism, growth and the immune system.
Many vegans are aware of the incredible flavor enhancement nutritional yeast provides. It is delicious.
More important it is used as a nutritional supplement for fish, and honeybees.
Brewers yeast is NOT used as it is a bi- product and not the quality wanted for our recipes.
sunflower lecithin
Sunflower lecithin is used instead of the more common soy lecithin, removing the possibility of introducing a common allergen.
The benefit of lecithin is that it breaks down fatty acids in the blood allowing the fats to be used by the cells of the body. Additionally, lecithin naturally occurs in every cell of the body and also helps break down cholesterol.
As a supplement, it aids in the protection against atherosclerosis, and plays an important part in brain function and a healthy nervous system.
Calcium
The calcium used is derived from egg shells. The shells are washed and roasted at 300 degrees for 20 minutes. The heating sterilizes the shell and removes the mineral oil coating. The shells are then crushed into a fine powder.
Egg shells are comprised mostly of calcium carbonate that is most similar to teeth and bones. The absorption of egg shell calcium is equal to pure calcium carbonate according to research.
Calcium derived from egg shells have shown a decrease in arthritic pain, and increased density of bone. The calcium creates a balance with phosphorous in the diet.
Kelp
Kelp is a wonderful source of iodine, B complex vitamins and vitamins D, E, and K. It also provides calcium and magnesium.
Its health benefits are vast and include maintenance of mucus membranes, treatment of skin irritations, arthritis and constipation.
Additionally, studies have shown kelp to aid in the reduction of blood sugar and support healthy thyroid function.
GARLIC
Garlic is used in very small quantities of one clove per 20 pounds of food. It is very tasty to dogs and cats and offers huge benefits for digestive health.
According to Dr. Richard Pitcairn, “garlic helps to discourage worms and other parasites including fleas”.
It is also excellent for lowering cholesterol and is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Garlic has antibacterial and anti fungal properties.
love
This ingredient is difficult to measure and is not listed on the package. FurBaby Fresh is a locally made with an abundance of LOVE in Lutz Florida.
The food is made by hand in 20 pound batches while following Serve Safe guidelines. We are a kitchen and not a factory!
