Ingredients

Most of the dog foods manufactured in SA contain maize and soya (VSN DOES NOT CONTAIN SOYA), and much of the maize and soya grown in SA is GMO. Maize is taken from the farms into the large co-op maize storage silos, and from there to the manufacturer. This is why most dog food will say “may contain”. The truth is we are not sure exactly how much of the maize we use is GMO. GMO regulation in South Africa is still not clearly defined, thus some of the farmers are still buying GMO seed – usually as a way to minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides (both of which are definitely harmful to health). GMO testing of every batch would indicate the exact quantity, however testing is extremely complex and requires a specific test for each of the possible genetic modifications. Test results can take several weeks, and it is not practical to hold stock for this length of time. While GMO seed is definitely used in SA, in general most products stay below 5% GMO, as do we.

We have taken the stance to place “May Contain GMO” on our packaging, although currently it is not a legal requirement, until the legislation comes in to ascertain levels of GMO in S.A. pet foods. This is why you may not see it on other S.A. manufactured pet foods.

The fact is most human food in SA and in first world countries contains GMO including some of our premium food stores.

Ingredient	Benefits
Maize	Maize is an excellent ingredient because of the benefits it brings to the product. Maize is a highly nutritious ingredient chosen as a source of protein (for muscle and tissue growth), carbohydrates (for energy), fibre, antioxidants (Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Lutein) and linoleic acid – an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and a luxurious coat. Most grains, including maize, are poorly digested before they are cooked. Once cooked, however, they become highly digestible.
Rice	Rice is an excellent source for dog food, easily digestible and rich in nutrients, although the protein content of rice is lower than that of wheat and other cereals, that is easily digested (because it does not contain gluten) caused by their slow digestion and makes it the basic carbohydrate with meat and vegetables, in appropriate proportions, daily demand for nutrients (vitamins, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin). Rice is also, besides the content of essential amino acids, an important source of carbohydrates, providing energy to the body to function at optimum level.
Meat & Bone Meal	Meat and bone meal remains a good source of animal-based protein with a fairly consistent protein level of a minimum of 50%. One will often find measurable quantities of omega-3 fatty acids in meat and bone meal of ruminant origin. Due to the more saturated nature of the fatty acids in meat and bone meal it is inherently more resistant to oxidation than many of the other rendered meat meals.
Poultry Meal	Protein, carbohydrate, and essential fats are key ingredients in your dog’s food that gives him energy, stamina, and overall health. Your dog also needs beneficial vitamins and minerals to keep him strong and happy. Poultry meal is a rich source of many of the nutrients your dog needs in a complete and balanced diet. Provides a rich source of protein and healthy fats in addition to essential vitamins and minerals
Wheat Bran	Wheat is commonly used in dog food because it is readily available and it provides a great source of energy and a good source of protein when blended with an animal protein such as chicken. Contains fibre that may be helpful in aiding the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut or intestines. Fibre found in wheat is also helpful in keeping your dog’s bowel movements regular. Wheat also packs a burst of energy — the carbohydrates found in this grain are great when it comes to fuelling muscular and metabolic activities.
Salt	Sodium and chloride help maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside individual cells of the body. Sodium aids in the transfer of nutrients to cells and the removal of waste products. Chloride helps maintain the proper acid/alkali balance in the body. Chloride is also necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach which helps in the digestion of protein.
Poultry Digest Liquid	Common pet food ingredient because it provides natural flavour. This natural palatability enhancer ensures that dogs and cats will find the diet appealing day after day and eat appropriate amounts of food to receive essential nutrients.Digest is especially important in therapeutic diets where special ingredients required for the health of the animal may be less appealing to dogs or cats. Digest also is a source of valuable proteins and fats and essential amino and fatty acids.
Tallow	For high heat cooking this is one of the best fats because it remains stable with a high smoke point and will avoid generating free radicals. Using beef tallow will help make strong bones as there is a lot of vitamin D in this fat.
Vegetable Oil	Fats have many important functions in the canine body. Not only do they provide energy, but they are also necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues. They are important components in the body’s production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins work to reduce inflammation, as well as perform many other important functions in the body. Fats are part of the reason that dog foods taste good and smell good too (at least to your dog). Fats and oils also give structure to foods. They help the body to absorb certain vitamins called the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Fats and oils in the diet keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy and are also important in reproduction.
Flax Seed Oil	It is well known that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for humans, but they’re good for dogs, too. In fact, this substance, found in several foods including soybeans, salmon and sardines can boost your dog’s health and play a major role in maintaining the immune system. Flaxseed oil is especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Sunflower Oil	Sunflower oil is low in saturated fat, which makes it a better choice than oils and fats that are high in saturated fat. Sunflower oil is among several ingredients food manufacturers add to dog food to provide essential fatty acids.
Linseed Oil	Linseed Oil provides the omega-3 which is more than a supplement, it’s essential for every system throughout the body, throughout life. Omega-3 is in short supply in our own food and dogs food.  Increasing omega-3 increases the anti-inflammatory hormones which strengthens the immune system and maintains healthy skin, bones, tendons and organs.
Vitamin A	Assists in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, vision, bone growth, teeth development and reproduction and mucous membranes. The absence of this vitamin can lead to night blindness and dryness of eyes; rough skin and infection of mucous membranes, impaired bone growth and tooth enamel.
Vitamin C	Promotes healthy teeth and gums and helps in the absorption of iron and the maintenance of connective tissue and wound healing.
Vitamin D	Essential for the growth and maintenance of teeth and bones and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin E	Helps in the formation of red blood cells, muscles and other tissues. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids and is an antioxidant.
Thiamine	Is a water-soluble B vitamin, previously known as Vitamin B1. Thiamine plays an important role in helping the body metabolize carbohydrates and fat to produce energy. It is essential for normal growth and development and helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems.
Riboflavin	Also known as Vitamin B2, is an easily absorbed micronutrient with a key role in maintaining health in animals.  Like the other B vitamins, it plays a key role in energy metabolism and is required for the metabolism of fats, ketones, carbohydrates and proteins.
Niacin	Is a water-soluble vitamin, which is also known as nicotinic acid or Vitamin B3.  Niacin helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood.
Pyridoxine	Also known as vitamin B6, It assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood cell production. It is linked to cardiovascular health by decreasing the formation of homocysteine.
Vitamin B12	Like the other B vitamins, it is important for metabolism and helps with red blood cell formation and maintenance of the central nervous system.
D-Pantothenic Acid	It is essential for the metabolism of food and the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
Folic Acid	Folacin acts with B12 in the formation of haemoglobin of red blood cells. It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and tissue and bone growth in cell production
D-Biotin	It is also made by microorganisms in the intestinal tract. It is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates and the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
Calcium	Needed for the formation and maintenance of bones, teeth and healthy gums, stabilizes many body functions and has a natural calming and tranquilizing effect. It is necessary for maintaining a regular heartbeat, the transmission of nerve impulses, helps muscular growth and normal blood clotting. It also provides energy, breaks down fats, maintains proper cell membrane permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity, stops lead from being absorbed into bone and keeps the skin healthy. The correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus and magnesium is very important for a dog’s health and needs to be carefully balanced.
Phosphorous	Together with calcium, phosphorus is required for formation and maintenance of bones and teeth as well as most metabolic actions in the body, including kidney function, cell growth and the contraction of the heart muscle. Assists the body in vitamin use (especially some B group vitamins) and is also involved in converting food to energy.
Magnesium	Helps with formation of bone and teeth, maintains a healthy heart and assists the absorption of calcium and potassium. While calcium stimulates the muscles, magnesium is used to relax them. Also needed for cellular metabolism, absorption of calcium, vitamins C, E and B complex and the production of energy. It is also required for the production of enzymes and helps the body to rid itself of lead that has accumulated in bones and tissue due to environmental contamination.
Potassium & Sodium	These two minerals work together in so many body functions. They are required to maintain fluid balance in the body cells, muscle functions, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity and production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Copper	Bone growth and maintenance, conversion of iron into haemoglobin, immune function.
Iodine	Production of thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolism.
Iron	Required for the production of haemoglobin (together with copper, vitamin B12 and protein) and myoglobin and for the oxygenation of red blood cells. It also aids in maintaining a healthy immune system and energy production.
Manganese	Necessary for the utilization of vitamin C, biotin, vitamin B1 and vitamin E. Required for normal reproduction, bone and cartilage growth, collagen formation, fat metabolism and production of fatty acids.
Zinc	Required for proper utilization of copper, B complex vitamins, vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus. Required for production of many enzymes, supports the immune system, improves antibody response, regulates white blood cells, aids protein digestion, is important for skin and coat health, protects the liver from heavy metal and copper damage. Together with vitamin C it greatly aids in wound healing.