Ingredients
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Pet food manufacturers use a wide range of agricultural ingredients. These products include meat, poultry, seafood, feed grains and other agricultural products and products produced during food processing for human consumption.
Vitamins, minerals and preservatives are added as needed to assure that products provide total nutrition and remain wholesome during distribution and on the shelf. All ingredients used in pet food are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the same agencies that regulate human foods.
Question
What are by-products?
Answer
By-products, simply put, are the parts of animals people do not normally eat. For example, if a chicken were raised for its white meat then the remaining meat would be considered a by-product. The by-products used in pet food are an important source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Like all pet food ingredients, by-products from animals or grains are safe, nutritious and approved for use in pet food by federal and state government agencies.
Question
What are rendered meals and are they safe?
Answer
As with all ingredients in pet food, the use of rendered meals are safe and
are approved for use in pet food. Rendering is a process used to reclaim
proteins and fats. The rendering process involves cooking ingredients at
very high temperatures. At the end of the process a fine, protein and
mineral rich "meal" is made. This meal is an important source of nutrition
for use in pet food.
Question
Are there artificial colors used in pet food and are they safe?
Answer
Yes, artificial colors are used in some pet food products. Just like those used in food for people, the artificial colors used in pet food are approved as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Question
Is calcium carbonate dangerous for dogs?
Answer
Calcium carbonate is a common pet food ingredient and is completely safe. Calcium carbonate is an important source of calcium in pet food. Recently there have been some news reports that calcium carbonate is dangerous, this is not the case.
Question
I read that there might be rendered cats and dogs in my pet food. Is this true?
Answer
Absolutely not. Pet food companies take great care to formulate products that meet the needs of pet dogs and cats. They understand the great affection we have for our pets and have gone to extreme measures to make sure no ingredients from dogs and cats go into their products.
Pet food companies have exacting specifications and work closely with their suppliers to make sure they receive only the ingredients they specifically request.
Question
Are horses used to make pet food?
Answer
Horses are not raised for food in the United States so they are not generally used in commercial pet foods.
Question
What preservatives are used in pet food and can they harm my pet?
Answer
The same preservatives are used in food for people and pet food. They are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, are safe and are used in very small quantities. Pet foods contain preservatives for the same reason food for people does - to keep it fresh. Preservatives keep food from spoiling. Eating spoiled food can cause illness in pets just as it can in people.
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Other Consumer FAQs
Proper Nutrition
Product Names and Labels
Regulation and Testing
Feeding Guidelines
Ingredients
Homemade Food
Additional Topics
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