A

Apples

Apples are an excellent source of pectin and water-soluble fibre. 

Ascorbic Acid

A form of Vitamin C, an excellent antioxidant.

B

Bananas

Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6 and contains moderate amounts of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fibre. 

Barley, Ground/Pearled

Ground/Pearled Barley is produced from whole barley seeds that have been scoured to remove the seed hull and bran. An excellent choice for specialized obesity and diabetic pet diets due to its unique nutritional make-up, modest amounts of slowly digested starch and the soluble fiber B-glucan. It is more digestible than whole or cracked barley.

Beef

The clean flesh derived from cattle and is limited to that part of the striated muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the heart, with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. An excellent source of high quality protein.

Beta Carotene

Beta-Carotene is the precursor of Vitamin A and is an excellent antioxidant. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene can help neutralise free-radicals to help protect the cells of the body. 

Biotin

This B-vitamin is included in most diets for pets. It is essential for normal metabolism of fat and protein.

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in Vitamin A & C, Potassium, fibre and various carotenoids which are valuable anti-oxidants. Blueberries provide flavour, taste and colour of fresh fruits.

Brown Rice/Ground Brown Rice

Ground Brown Rice is the entire product obtained in grinding the rice kernels after the hulls have been removed.   An excellent source of complex carbohydrates, provides quick energy and is loaded with B vitamins and minerals.

Broth/Stock

This is obtained by cooking mammalian, fish or poultry bones, parts, and/or muscle tissue. A great source of moisture and flavour in wet foods.

C

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate is a mineral compound used to provide calcium. It must contain a minimum of 38% calcium.

Calcium Iodate

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

Calcium Pantothenate/Pantothenic Acid /d-Calcium Pantothenate

This water-soluble vitamin required to sustain life is also known as Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid. Pantothenic acid is needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA), and is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This vitamin is necessary for the conversion of fat and sugar into energy and promotes wound healing and antibody formation. Wellness includes this important vitamin in all of our natural dog and cat foods.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is obtained by extracting the oil from rapeseeds. It cannot contain more than 3% impurities. The oil provides the animal with calories needed for energy and the essential Omega 6 & 3 (respectively) fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid necessary for a healthy coat.

Carrageenan Gum

Carrageenan gum is the extract from the red seaweed found in the North Atlantic coastal regions. It is usually used in canned pet foods to bind water to improve the appearance of the product and help it bind together.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Also a good natural source of beta carotene, an antioxidant essential for neutralizing free radicals.

Cassia Gum

Is the purified flour from the endosperm of the seeds of Cassia tora or Cassia obtusofolia. It is obtained by mechanical separation of the endosperm from the germ and husk in a heated process, which subsequent purification by sieving, pulverisation, extraction, and drying. Cassia gum is suitable for use as a stabilizer (thickening and gelling agent) in canned dog and cat food and is permitted in concentrations up to 4000 ppm.

Chicken

Chicken is the clean combination of skin and flesh derived from whole chickens. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and fatty acids and is the first ingredient in any of our chicken based diets for cats and dogs.

Chicken Fat

Chicken fat is used to coat our foods after cooking as a highly palatable natural flavour that helps achieve the proper fatty acid profile necessary for healthy skin and coat. It is especially good for cats, because it contains arachidonic acid, an essential Omega-6 fatty acid they cannot produce on their own.

Chicken Liver

Chicken Liver, as the name implies, is liver specifically from chicken. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and a rich source of Vitamins A, D and virtually all of the B vitamins.

Chicken Meal

As the chicken cooks, all of the fat and water are released, creating a concentrated, highly-digestible protein, mineral and fat source.  For our cat foods, we source and select special low-ash chicken meal as to control mineral levels that contribute to proper urinary health.

Chicory Root Extract (Inulin)

The chicory plant is harvested to extract inulin. Inulin is often known as a “prebiotic”, the counterpart to “probiotics.” Probiotics are good bacteria that provide nutrients to the gut cells, help in the production of some vitamins and stop the growth of the bad bacteria in the digestive tract. The prebiotic fibre feeds these probiotics so that they can do their jobs and promote health and wellbeing in animals.

Choline Chloride

Is a source of the nutrient Choline. Choline is necessary for a number of important functions including energy metabolism and proper nervous tissue function.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate is part of a large protein molecule which gives cartilage it elasticity. It has been shown to be helpful in maintaining cartilage in animals.

Copper Proteinate/Copper Sulfate

Two compounds which are used as a source of copper. The copper from copper proteinate is highly available while the copper from copper sulfate is less so. Copper is an important trace mineral found in all body tissues. It works in respiration, synthesis of haemoglobin and production of collagen. It is also an antioxidant and helps prevent oxidation of fatty acids.

Cranberries

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants. Cranberries have long been known to aid in urinary tract health as they help reduce the adherence of bacteria in the urinary tract. As in the majority of fruits, most of the “goodness” in cranberries is found directly in the skin and pulp.

Cranberry Extract Powder

Cranberry extract powder is the dehydrated form of the cranberry plant and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Dried or dehydrated fruits are nutrient dense and allow us to use more than whole fruits, since they have significantly lower water content than whole/fresh fruits.

Cranberry Fibre

Cranberry fibre is the fibrous pulp that includes the flesh and skin of the cranberry. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and also and excellent stool softener. Cranberries have long been known to aid in urinary tract health as they help reduce the adherence of bacteria in the urinary tract. As in the majority of fruits, most of the “goodness” in cranberries is found directly in the skin and pulp.

D

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid important for neural development of young mammals. DHA is a major structural component of the brain as well as the most abundant fatty acids in the brain. It plays a vital role in the development of the central nervous system and retinal function in young animals.  This is commonly obtained from fish oils, such as salmon oil.

Dicalcium Phosphate

A mineral supplement which contains 20% calcium and 18% phosphorus. The phosphorus is essentially 100% available, and is excellent for bone and tooth development and maintenance in animals.

Dried Egg Product

Dried, whole, cooked eggs (minus shells) are often added to pet foods to increase the protein biological value. Raw egg whites contain avidin which binds to biotin (B Vitamin) to make it unavailable to the pet. Therefore, it is not recommended to feed pets raw eggs, however cooked eggs are an excellent protein source with an excellent amino acid profile to meet an pet's needs.

Dried Kelp

Dried Kelp is the dried product from two families of seaweed. It is an excellent natural source of iodine and also provides beneficial fibre.

Duck

Duck is the clean combination of skin and flesh without bone derived from the parts or whole carcasses of ducks. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and fatty acids.

E

Enterococcus faecium

See Live Micro-organism

EPA

You will commonly see Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, listed alongside Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA.  These are both omega-3 fatty acids which work hand in hand and are important for neural development of young mammals. Together they play a vital role in the development of the central nervous system and retinal function in young animals. Both are commonly obtained from fish oils, such as salmon oil.

F

Ferrous Proteinate

Mineral compound used as a source of chelated iron. The iron from ferrous proteinate is highly available while the iron from ferrous sulfate is less so. Iron is a necessary mineral for the body, essential for the formation of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, which carries oxygen around the body. It also helps with the digestion of fatty acids. Of note is the fact that iron from iron oxide is not bioavailable but is often found in some pet foods as a colouring agent.

Ferrous Sulfate

Mineral compound used as a source of iron.  The form is less available than ferrous proteinate. Iron is a necessary mineral for the body, essential for the formation of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, which carries oxygen around the body. It also helps with the digestion of fatty acids.

Flaxseed

Also known as linseeds, flaxseeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, in particular ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Flaxseeds are also high in fibre that adds bulk to the diet. Omega-3 fats in flaxseed help to improve the shine of the pet’s coat. The fibre aids in the movement of food through the digestive system.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is another B-vitamin that is added to most pet foods. It helps form red blood cells and break down amino acids.

G

Garlic Powder

Garlic is valued for its anti-oxidant properties, as well as its enjoyable flavour.  Whilst it can be toxic in higher amounts, at low levels, such as those used in many commercial pet foods, it poses no risk to animals. 

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that plays a role in cartilage formation and repair. It is extracted from shellfish (shrimp and crabs) and has ben shown to be useful in helping maintain healthy joints.

Ground Rice

See Rice.

Guar Gum

Guar gum is the extract of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, a legume grown primarily in India and Texas. It is usually used in canned pet foods to bind water to improve the appearance of the product. It can be used in foods for diabetic pets since it also slows the absorption of glucose.

H

Herring

Herring is the clean tissue of undecomposed whole herring fish or parts of the fish. It is a source of protein and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which are critical for healthy skin and coat, proper body function and enhanced learning and ocular development of young puppies and kittens.

Herring Meal

Herring meal is the clean, dried and ground tissue of undecomposed whole herring fish with or without the extraction of part of the oil. It must not contain more than 10% moisture. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which are critical for healthy skin and coat, proper body function and eye and brain development in young puppies and kittens.

I

Inulin (Chicory Root Extract)

The chicory plant is harvested to extract inulin. Inulin is often known as a “prebiotic”, the counterpart to “probiotics.” Probiotics are good bacteria that provide nutrients to the gut cells, help in the production of some vitamins and stop the growth of the bad bacteria in the digestive tract. The prebiotic fibre feeds these probiotics so that they can do their jobs and promote health and wellbeing in animals.

Iron Proteinate

Also known as ferrous proteinate, it is a mineral compound used as a source of chelated iron. The iron from iron proteinate is highly available while the iron from ferrous (iron) sulfate is less so. Iron is a necessary mineral for the body, essential for the formation of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, which carries oxygen around the body. It also helps with the digestion of fatty acids.

L

Lactobacillus acidophilus

See Live Micro-organism.

Lactobacillus casei

See Live Micro-organism.

Lactobacillus plantarum

See Live Micro-organism.

Lamb

The clean flesh derived from lambs and is limited to that part of the striated muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the tongue, or heart, with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. An excellent source of protein.

Lamb Meal

As the lamb cooks, all of the fat and water are released, creating a concentrated, highly-digestible protein, mineral and fat source. Lamb Meal offers a novel animal protein alternative with the water removed, has a lower incidence of allergic response, compared with proteins such as beef or chicken.

L-Carnitine

Carnitine or L-Carnitine is a vitamin-like compound made in the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is found in animal-based, not plant based, sources of protein. L-carnitine has been used to help with fat metabolism and recent scientific studies suggest that it helps promote weight loss in overweight dogs and cats.

Live Micro-organisms

Natural micro-flora (friendly bacteria) that may help improve intestinal microbial balance. Also known as probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that provide nutrients to the gut cells, help in the production of some vitamins and stop the growth of the bad bacteria in the digestive tract. They help the digestion process, thus providing more efficient utilisation of food. Often used in conjunction with prebiotic fibre, which provides a food source for them, so they can do their jobs and promote health and wellbeing in animals.  The probiotics used in Wellness pet foods include: Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei & Lactobacillus plantarum.

M

Manganese Proteinate/ Manganese Sulfate

Two compounds which are used as a source of manganese. The manganese from manganese proteinate is a chelated source of manganese and is an antioxidant. It activates many enzymes and helps utilise fatty acids. The manganese from manganese sulfate is less available.

Menhaden Fish Meal

Menhaden fish meal is the clean, dried and ground tissue of undecomposed whole menhaden fish with or without the extraction of part of the oil. It must not contain more than 10% moisture. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids which are critical for healthy skin and coat, proper body function and promote brain and eye development in young puppies and kittens.

Mixed Tocopherols

This a mixture of differing forms of Vitamin E, most often used as a preservative or antioxidant to stabilise fats to prevent them from becoming rancid. Their stabilising effect depends on the type of fat used.

N

Natural Chicken Flavour

Natural Chicken Flavour is a chicken based, natural flavour that is a blend of amino acids and minerals that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats.

Natural Flavour

Natural Flavour is a blend of non-animal based natural flavour that is a blend of amino acids and minerals that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats.

Natural Fish Flavour

Natural Fish Flavour is a fish based, natural flavour that is a blend of amino acids and minerals that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats.

Niacin

While the B vitamin niacin is present at high levels in most grains, unless properly treated, most of the niacin in these ingredients is in a bound form and hence unavailable to the pet. For this reason most manufacturers supplement their diets with niacin. It helps process protein, carbohydrates and fat as well as promotes healthy nervous and brain function.

O

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is obtained in the manufacture of rolled oat groats or rolled oats and consists of broken oat groats, oat groat chips and floury portions of the oat groats with only such quantity of finely ground oat hulls as is unavoidable in the usual process of commercial milling. It must not contain more than 4% crude fibre. Oatmeal is an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrates, protein and nutritional fibre.

Oat Fibre

Oat fibre is a purified form of fibre extracted from oat hulls. It is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.

Omega Fatty Acids

Defined as polyunsaturated fatty acids which have a double carbon bond in the third (Omega-3's) or sixth (Omega-6's) from the last terminating carbon in the fatty acid molecule. Common Omega fatty acids include Linoleic (Omega-6), alpha Linolenic (Omega-3), EPA (Omega-3) and DHA (Omega-3).  These are essential in animals for many functions, in particular for skin and coat health, for modulating inflammation, and for eye and brain development in young animals.

P

Pears

Pears are an excellent source of pectin and water-soluble fibre. 

Peas

Peas are an excellent source of protein and fibre. They are a great representative of the "Green" vegetable group.

Potassium Chloride

A potassium supplement typically found in pet food. It contains 40% potassium and 60% chloride. It is important in helping the pet maintain proper acid-base balance.

Potatoes

Potatoes are whole, freshly cooked potatoes that include the skins. Potatoes provide B vitamins, carbohydrates, zinc, vitamin C, copper, iron, magnesium, niacin and potassium.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are dietary fibres which are usually composed of chicory root extract, tomato pomace and / or beet pulp. Prebiotics serve as a food source for probiotics (see below).

Probiotics

See Live Micro-organisms

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is the most common form used when supplementing pet foods with the B-vitamin pyridoxine. Pyridoxine is very important in helping a pet metabolise protein.

R

Riboflavin

Riboflavin is used to supply the diet with a B-complex vitamin. It helps promote growth and helps assimilation of carbohydrates and amino acids.

Rice/Ground Rice

Unless listed as brown rice, rice is the de-hulled rice kernel, without the bran. Rice is the preferred grain for feline diets as it is low in minerals, specifically magnesium. Controlling the mineral content of a diet is especially important for cats prone to urinary tract disease. Wellness uses some whole rice and some ground rice in various recipes.

Rosemary Extract

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is a highly effective natural preservative high in antioxidants.

S

Salmon

Salmon is the clean tissue of un-decomposed whole salmon fish or salmon cuttings. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy skin, coat and proper body function.

Salmon Meal

Salmon is cooked down, creating a concentrated, highly digestible protein, mineral and fat source known as salmon meal. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy skin, coat and proper body function as well as promotes eye and brain development of kittens and puppies.

Salmon Oil

Salmon oil is high in Omega 3 fatty acid, specifically EPA and DHA, which are critical for healthy skin, coat and proper body function as well as promotes eye and brain development of kittens and puppies..

Salt/Sodium Chloride

A sodium and chloride supplement typically found in pet food. It contains 39% sodium and 61% chloride. It is important in helping the pet maintain proper fluid balance.

Sodium Selenite

A source of the trace mineral selenium. Since animals require only about 0.1 parts per million of selenium, sodium selenite does not contribute any significant amount of sodium, but is a good anti-oxidant.

Spinach

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

Squash (Zucchini)

Originally native to North America squash were used as food in Mexico as early as 5,000 BC. The colonists of New England adopted the name squash, a word derived from several Native American words for the vegetable. In Australia, it is more commonly called zucchini. This vegetable is an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin C and potassium.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is obtained by extracting the oil from sunflower seeds. It cannot contain by definition more than 3% impurities. The oil provides the animal with calories needed for energy and the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) essential for a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and Beta Carotene. The starch in sweet potatoes converts to sugar easily and provides quick energy. Sweet potatoes are not part of the "Night Shade" family.

T

Taurine

Taurine is a compound similar to amino acids. It is essential for the proper functioning of the eyes and heart.  This is essential in cats and can only be obtained from animal dietary sources.  In dogs, especially large breed dogs, it helps prevent heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM). Taurine is guaranteed in Wellness dry foods for both dogs and cats.

Thiamine Mononitrate

Form of thiamine or vitamin B1. Thiamine is easily destroyed by high heat, so most dry foods and all canned foods should be supplemented with additional thiamine.

Tomato Pomace

Tomato Pomace is the mixture of tomato skins, pulp and crushed seeds. It is an excellent source of soluble fibre and rich in the antioxidant lycopene.  It is also a prebiotic fibre.

Tomatoes

Whole tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and especially rich in the carotenoid lycopene which is an important anti-oxidant.

Turkey

Turkey is the clean combination of skin and flesh without the bone derived from whole turkeys. It is an excellent source of high quality protein and essential fatty acids.

Turkey Meal

As the turkey cooks, all of the fat and water are released, creating a concentrated, highly-digestible protein, mineral and fat source. 

V

Venison

The clean flesh derived from deer and is limited to that part of the striate muscle which is skeletal with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve, and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh. Venison is an excellent source of protein, and like lamb, often less allergenic than many other sources of protein.

Vitamin A Supplement

This supplement is added to almost all pet foods as a vitamin source. Vitamin A is sometimes labeled as vitamin A-acetate of retinyl acetate.  It is a fat soluble vitamin, which is required in your pet’s diet.  It is essential for vision, amongst other functions.

Vitamin B12 Supplement

Although usually referred to on labels as vitamin B12, this B-vitamin is sometimes called by its chemical name cyanocobalamin. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal based ingredients, and most animals obtain enough vitamin B12 from the microbes in their gut. Animals on antibiotics may require supplemental vitamin B12.  This vitamin is essential for the formation of red blood cells, for proper nerve function and several other functions within the body.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Also known as Ascorbic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid.  Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and is an excellent antioxidant.  Vitamin C is found in foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes and potatoes.  

Vitamin D3 Supplement

This supplement is added to almost all pet foods as a vitamin source. Vitamin D is sometimes labeled as cholecalciferol.  It is a fat soluble vitamin, which is required in your pet’s diet.  It helps with calcium metabolism, so is essential for healthy teeth and bones.

Vitamin E Supplement

This supplement is added to almost all pet foods as a vitamin source. It is sometimes labeled as d-alpha-Tocopherol acetate. It is a fat soluble vitamin, which is required in your pet’s diet.  Its most important function is as an antioxidant.

W

Whitefish Meal

Whitefish is a concentrated, highly digestible protein and fat source known as whitefish meal. For our cat foods, we source and select special low ash whitefish meal as to control mineral levels that contribute to proper urinary health. It is an excellent source of high quality protein, and long chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy skin, coat and body function.

Y

Yucca Schidigera Extract

Yucca is a desert plant. It is a natural source of digestive aid. It is also known to reduce fecal odor.

Z

Zinc Proteinate/Zinc Sulfate

Mineral compound used as a source of zinc. Zinc proteinate is highly available (chelated) and is important for proper maintenance of hair, skin, bones, muscles and blood. It also helps with digestion and reproduction.