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Do you ever wonder what the true ingredient behind the wording really means?
How can the product be so cheap? How can they afford to sell a "premium product" for less than what premium ingredients would cost us?
Quite possibly and more than likely it is because the "food" is made from cheap inferior and even dangerous ingredients that are very cost effective to the manufacturer...at the expense of your pets health and life, not to mention your costly veterinarian bills. |
Canned Pet Food Secret Wheat Gluten Meat
- Written By: Susan Thixton
- 8-31-2009
- Categorized in: Pet Food Ingredients
Have you ever wondered how a can of dog food or cat food that includes chunks of meat inside only costs $0.89? The secret to the low price is in the chunks.
A popular brand of dog food boasts ‘choice’ and ‘cuts’ on the label. Its beef flavored. The label of the can shows a picture of large chunks of raw meat as well as what appears to be the cooked chunks of meat. However it only costs $0.89 for a 13.2 ounce can. How can they do that? Open a can of dog food or cat food, dump it out onto a plate, and you’ve got a plate full of meat, right? Maybe not.
Actual canned grocery store dog food
The above picture is of this grocery store brand dog food, about 1/3 of the can on a plate. The 13.2 ounce can (large can) cost $.89.
This photo of the dog food label clearly shows ‘chunks’ of lean raw meat, along with the cooked version of the dog food. The words ‘Cuts’ and ‘Beef’ are boldly stated on the label.
This $.89 can of dog food, which appears to contain chunks of meat in gravy, breaks down to $.07 per ounce and $1.12 per pound. A can of beef (people food) in natural juices from Internet Grocer costs $.46 per ounce or $7.36 per pound.
Many pet owners believe without question, the ‘chunks’ are meat in these dog foods. The thought of why it would cost a mere $.89 for a 13.2 ounce can doesn’t even enter their consciousness; perhaps justifiably so because of the dog food label pictures and wording on the label. However, the truth is that this dog food, which appears to be a can full of chunks of cooked beef, has very little beef in it at all.
The little understood secret of pet food is the ‘chunks’ are NOT actual chunks of meat, they are ground up animal parts (perhaps rejected for use in human food) glued together with wheat glutens to make the appearance of chunks of meat. The chunks in some pet food (certainly this $.89 can of dog food) are not chunks of meat, and they may or may not contain any actual meat.
The ingredients of this dog food (and so should the cost) will tell a pet owner the true story. Ingredients…”water, chicken, meat by-products, wheat flour, beef, wheat gluten…”
Important things to notice of these ingredients:
• Chicken is listed higher on the ingredient list than beef, yet the food is a Beef dog food.
• Ingredient chicken is the entire bird (less head, feet, and entrails); it may or may not be human grade, includes bones and internal organs. The ‘chicken’ is ground whole. Thus the chunks cannot be chicken meat.
• Meat by-products can be the discarded left-overs from any animal, by definition this is not meat and is not human grade. Again, ingredient is ground; chunks cannot be chicken meat.
• There is more wheat flour, by weight, in this can of dog food than beef! Yet the food is named ‘Beef’. (Do you realize how much flour it takes to weight more than meat?)
So, the chicken, meat by-products, and beef are finely ground, toss in a great deal of wheat flour and wheat gluten to glue it all together, and press the concoction into chunks. Presto – pretend meat chunks to confuse (or mislead depending on how you look at it) unknowing pet owners!
Here is a close up image of a ‘chunk’ cut apart.
When you look at the chunks closely, it has the appearance of meat loaf (I prefer to call it mystery meat loaf).
This pet food, a ‘beef’ pet food, contains more chicken, by-products, and flour than beef. The photograph on the product label shows choice cuts of raw beef along with a picture similar to the ‘cooked’ chunks shown above, heavily implying the ‘chunks’ are cooked beef. The product label also states ‘cuts’; again, implying cuts of meat are included in this food. The chunks probably only contain a very small portion of actual meat; the dogs that consumes this food is eating lots of flour and gluten. This can of beef cuts in gravy dog food sells for $.07 an ounce versus $.46 an ounce for human grade canned beef in natural juices.
By the way, these types of tricks happen every single day with pet foods. Even though if a human food did the same, advertising regulations would stop them immediately and despite Food Drug and Cosmetic Act laws that clearly state any food label (human or pet) is NOT allowed to mislead the consumer.
Want to see the process (or a similar process) of how these pretend meat chunks are made? Wheatex, an imitation meat product, is utilized by human and pet foods alike. Science has developed this product to look and taste exactly like meat. Here’s a video from How Stuff Works explaining Wheatex ‘meat’… http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/35505-howstuffworks-show-episode-7-wheatex-video.htm
While some canned dog foods and cat foods actually DO contain slices or chunks of USDA human grade beef or chicken, many others only imply they do. Read the pet food ingredient label; if you see flour and gluten ingredients, and/or if the can costs far less than what any meat costs today, you can guess the ‘chunks’ are not meat.
By the way…did you notice the little mystery ingredient in the second picture of the dog food?
While it looks similar to a kernel of corn in the picture, it looked extremely disgusting in person (it gave me the creeps). As soon as I knew I had acceptable pictures of the mystery meat chunks dog food, the entire contents of the can was tossed (no pets were harmed in taking these pictures).
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
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 Now you can be rest assured of an honest and healthy approach to feeding your puppy/dog an ideal alternative to the highly questionable gimicks on the market. Finally, a delicious healthy wet (canned) dog food providing optimum nutrition, that your dogs will go wild for!
5 years in waiting. Dr Jane, formulator of Healthy PetNet's Life's Abundance pet products, would not agree to formulate a wet food, unless guaranteed organic premium cuts of chicken from suppliers. Achieving agreement in delivery of organic premium cuts of chicken, Life's Abundance now offers 2 yummy choices of holistic canned health food for dogs ~ one for breakfast, one for dinner. Feed alone, or as a topper on Life's Abundance Holistic Dry Dog Food. All formulated by Holistic Veterinarian Dr. Jane Bicks DVM. |
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| Our holistic veterinarian has created not one, but two masterpieces of canine nutrition! We now offer premium canned dog foods formulated especially for breakfast and dinner. Your dog will flip for Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth, a savory omelet-inspired serving of turkey, shrimp, eggs, red skinned potatoes, red bell peppers and cheddar cheese. And at the end of the day, they’ll relish the delectable Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce, featuring organic chicken, crab, eggs, carrots, red skinned potatoes, peas and apples in an appetizing sauce. |
Dr. Jane recommends feeding our canine companions twice a day. To stress the importance of feeding two smaller meals per day, instead of one large meal, she has created two absolutely delicious recipes – Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth and Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce. These two new gourmet meals will tantalize your pup’s taste buds and satisfy their innermost cravings for wholesome nutrition.
Perfect as mouth-watering toppers or as delectable, standalone meals, these superb recipes feature deluxe assortments of real turkey, shrimp, chicken and crab plus vegetables and fruit. |
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Every serving includes optimal amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega fatty acids. And we never, under any circumstances, use artificial colors, artificial flavors, corn, corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten in any of our foods. Best of all, you will have the comfort of knowing that when you provide these premium health foods, you will be helping your dog to build a better health foundation for long-term vitality and wellness.
Never before has canine nutrition been this appetizing!
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| When Dr. Jane formulated Life’s Abundance Premium Canned Health Foods for dogs, she was guided by three beliefs: that optimal health can be achieved through advanced nutrition; that more natural ingredients make more nutritious foods; and that every ingredient should have an intended benefit. When you feed your dog Life’s Abundance, you have Dr. Jane’s complete assurance of optimal nutrition and great taste! |
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Remember how important it is to read and understand what the ingredient label says and means? Notice the health ingredients of both the Breakfast and Dinner varities of canned Life's Abundandance holistic nutritional foods listed below.
I use these as a topper on my dog's dry Life's Abundance health food, not every day, but on special days I call intermittent days. They never know which days it will be, yet as soon as they see the can, they excitedly know what's coming their way today!
My dogs are very satisfied and happy with the delectible taste in Life's Abundance...I am satisfied beyond what I can speak with the knowlege that I know I am providing the very best for them and that I don't ever need to worry about dangerous recalled foods with my precious pets. |
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Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth Ingredients
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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s why Dr. Jane has formulated a food specifically for vitality and wellness, to help make sure that every morning starts of with a hefty helping of nutrition.
At HealthyPetNet, we never, under any circumstances, use artificial colors, artificial flavors, corn, corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten in any of our foods. It’s due to these unusually high standards that our Life’s Abundance brand has come to mean “quality pet nutrition without compromise”. While other companies use these questionable ingredients to enhance the appearance and elevate the nutritional value for foods, we prefer to use only the very best ingredients, as naturally as possible. Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs - Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth offers wholesome nutrition in a formula that includes …
HIGH-QUALITY PROTEINS – Proteins are the building blocks of all living organisms and essential for all bodily functions. Every protein source has a unique profile of amino acids, which perform specific “nutritional jobs” within the body. The five protein sources in this dinner recipe were chosen based on their excellent amino acid profiles and the resulting health benefits.
- Turkey Turkey is a high-quality protein. It is also a good source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins.
- Turkey Liver Turkey liver is a high-quality, nutrient-dense protein. It contains iron that is easily absorbed, which helps build red blood cells. It is a also good source of Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron and Selenium.
- Shrimp Shrimp is high in protein. It is also a good source of Niacin, Iron, Phosphorus and Zinc, and a very good source of Protein, Vitamin B12 and Selenium.
- Eggs Eggs are one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods and play an important role in a balanced diet. They are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, K, Biotin, and Sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat.
- Cheddar Cheese Cheddar cheese is a high-quality protein and it is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS - The colorful skin and flesh of vegetables and fruits contain important health-supporting compounds called phytonutrients. Each vegetable and fruit in this recipe was carefully selected for its unique nutritional properties.
- Red Skinned Potatoes Skinned Red potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6 and potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C.
- Red Bell Peppers Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of folic acid and vitamin B6. Bell peppers are one of the few foods that contain lycopene.
- Broccoli There are hundreds of scientific studies on the health-benefits of the phytonutrient sulforaphane, which is contained in broccoli. Broccoli also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, dietary fiber, manganese, trytophan, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, phospshorus, magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B5, iron, calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, zinc and vitamin E. Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains the phytonutrients sulforaphane and indoles.
- Dried Cranberry Cranberries contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, copper and zinc. Cranberries are an excellent source of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene, flavonoids and lutein.
- Dried Blueberry Blueberries contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and dietary fiber. The antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanins are responsible for the blue-red pigments found in blueberries.
- Basil Basil is a good source of protein, vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), riboflavin and niacin, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese.
- Parsley Parsley contains vitamin C, vitamin A, folate and iron. It also contains phytonutrients called flavonoids including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol and luteolin.
HEALTHY OILS
- Avocado Oil Avocado oil is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and folate.
- Flaxseed Oil Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that belongs to the omega-3 fatty acid group. It also contains a group of chemicals called lignans.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent source of vitamin E.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS – The blend of vitamins and minerals in Life’s Abundance foods was carefully selected to work in concert with all of the other ingredients to enhance the overall nutritional value of the food.
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VITAMINS
A-Tocopheryl Acetate
Choline Chloride
Vitamin E Supplement
Riboflavin Supplement
Thiamine Mononitrate
Vitamin A Supplement
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Biotin
Vitamin D3 Supplement |
MINERALS
Sodium Ascorbate
Iron Amino Acid Chelate
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate
Selenium Yeast
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate
Potassium Iodide |
AMINO ACIDS
Taurine
L-Carnitine |
OMEGA -3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most extensively researched natural nutritional ingredients in the world. Among its many health benefits, the omega-3’s in Life’s Abundance help support healthy skin and a shiny coat. |
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Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce Ingredients
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The perfect way to cap off a day of canine adventure, Dr. Jane’s Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce provides the nourishment dogs need. Whether their evening hours are restful or replete with playful activity (or both!), the complete and balanced nutrition of this savory meal meets their nutritional requirements, hands down.
At HealthyPetNet, we never, under any circumstances, use artificial colors, artificial flavors, corn, corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten in any of our foods. It’s due to these unusually high standards that our Life’s Abundance brand has come to mean “quality pet nutrition without compromise”. While other companies use these questionable ingredients to enhance the appearance and elevate the nutritional value for foods, we prefer to use only the very best ingredients, as naturally as possible. Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs – Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce offers wholesome nutrition in a formula that includes …
HIGH-QUALITY PROTEINS – Proteins are the building blocks of all living organisms and essential for all bodily functions. Every protein source has a unique profile of amino acids, which perform specific “nutritional jobs” within the body. The five protein sources in this dinner recipe were chosen based on their excellent amino acid profiles and the resulting health benefits.
- Chicken and Organic Chicken Chicken is a high-quality protein. It is also a good source of vitamin B6 and phosphorus, and a very good source of niacin and selenium.
- Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a high-quality, nutrient-dense protein. It contains iron that is easily absorbed, which helps build red blood cells. It is also a good source of thiamin, zinc, copper and manganese, and a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, phosphorus and selenium.
- Crab
Crab is a high-quality protein. It is also a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and a very good source of vitamin B12, zinc, copper and selenium.
- Eggs
Eggs are one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods and play an important role in a balanced diet. They are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, K, Biotin, and Sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS - The colorful skin and flesh of vegetables and fruits contain important health-supporting compounds called phytonutrients. Each vegetable and fruit in this recipe was carefully selected for its unique nutritional properties.
- Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, and the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin A carotenes. Carrots are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), thiamin and potassium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and manganese.
- Red Skinned Potatoes
Skinned Red potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6 and potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C.
- Peas
Peas are a good source of protein, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus and copper, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin and manganese.
- Apples
Apples contain two antioxidant phytonutrients called phenolics and flavonoids. They are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
- Broccoli
There are hundreds of scientific studies on the health-benefits of the phytonutrient sulforaphane, which is contained in broccoli. Broccoli also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, dietary fiber, manganese, trytophan, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, phospshorus, magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B5, iron, calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, zinc and vitamin E. Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains the phytonutrients sulforaphane and indoles.
- Dried Cranberry
Cranberries contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, copper and zinc. Cranberries are an excellent source of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene, flavonoids and lutein.
- Dried Blueberry
Blueberries are packed with the antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. They also contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and dietary fiber. The antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanins are responsible for the blue-red pigments found in blueberries.
- Thyme
Thyme is a good source of vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), thiamin, magnesium, zinc and copper, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron and manganese.
- Parsley
Parsley contains vitamin C, vitamin A, folate and iron. It also contains phytonutrients called flavonoids including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol and luteolin.
HEALTHY OILS
- Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and folate.
- Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that belongs to the omega-3 fatty acid group. It also contains a group of chemicals called lignans.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent source of vitamin E.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS – The blend of vitamins and minerals in this recipe was carefully selected to work in concert with all of the other ingredients to enhance the overall nutritional value of the food.
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VITAMINS
A-Tocopheryl Acetate
Choline Chloride
Vitamin E Supplement
Riboflavin Supplement
Thiamine Mononitrate
Vitamin A Supplement
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Biotin
Vitamin D3 Supplement |
MINERALS
Sodium Phosphate
Calcium Carbonate
Tricalcium Phosphate
Sodium Ascorbate
Iron Amino Acid Chelate
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate
Selenium Yeast
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate
Potassium Iodide |
AMINO ACIDS
Taurine
L-Carnitine |
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most extensively researched natural nutritional ingredients in the world. Among its many health benefits, the omega-3’s in Life’s Abundance help support healthy skin and a shiny coat. |
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