Duck is the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of duck or a combination thereof - exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails.

Duck is an excellent source of protein and includes important amino acids for healthy skin and coat.

Duck Broth is obtained by cooking duck, including bones and/or muscle, much the same process as making stock.

Because Natura uses such high-quality duck, this is a high-quality source of fat and protein. Duck broth adds moisture while enhancing the protein level and palatability of the food, rather than diluting them.

Natural flavors are flavor ingredients that do not contain synthetic or artificial components.

In the Natura products that include "natural flavor" in the formula, the exact composition is proprietary. However, it is always made from high quality all natural ingredients, consistent with Natura's nutritional philosophy.

Carrageenan is a red seaweed extract used as a food stabilizer and thickener.

The particular type of seaweed that Carrageenan comes from is common in the Atlantic Ocean near Britain, Europe and North America. The seaweed is boiled to extract the carrageenan. It is a natural ingredient which Natura uses in the thickening and stabilizing of our canned foods.

A chemical compound, KCl, a colorless or white, cubic, crystalline compound that closely resembles common salt (sodium chloride). It is soluble in water, alcohol, and alkalies.

Potassium plays various roles in metabolism and body functions. It assists in the regulation of the acid-base balance and water balance in the blood and the body tissue. It assists in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism.

Calcium is a principal inorganic component of bone. As much as 99% of the body's calcium is found in the skeleton. Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formulation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.

Calcium phosphate is used to prevent calcium deficiencies.

Minerals are inorganic substances essential for a host of vital processes within the body.

AAFCO regulates minimum standard quantities of minerals in levels that pets need to survive. All pet food manufacturers supplement their products with minerals. Beyond meeting these minimum requirements, all Natura products contain a complete vitamin and mineral supplement program that helps pets to thrive, not just survive. The minerals Natura uses are chelated, providing three to ten times greater assimilation than common minerals. Included in our foods are some of the following vitamins and minerals: Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Biotin, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Choline Chloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Cobalt Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Dicalcium Pantothenate, dl-Methionine, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin, Potassium Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin C Supplement (Sodium Ascorbate), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement (Alpha Tocopherol), Zinc Proteinate Natura adds these important vitamins and minerals, in proper balance to its foods to ensure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients for life and good health every day.

Guar gum is derived from the ground endosperm of the guar plant. It is a gelatinous substance from the legume family that contains protein and polysaccharides. Guar gum is considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe).

Guar gum is used as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer in foods.

Vitamins are organic compounds that function as parts of enzyme systems essential for the transmission of energy and the regulation of metabolisms of the body.

AAFCO regulates minimum standard quantities of vitamins in levels that pets need to survive. All pet food manufacturers supplement their products with vitamins. Beyond meeting these minimum requirements, all Natura products contain a complete vitamin and mineral supplement program that helps pets to thrive, not just survive. Included in our foods are some of the following vitamins and minerals: Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Biotin, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Choline Chloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Cobalt Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Dicalcium Pantothenate, dl-Methionine, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin, Potassium Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin C Supplement (Sodium Ascorbate), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement (Alpha Tocopherol), Zinc Proteinate Natura adds these important vitamins and minerals, in proper balance to its foods to ensure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients for life and good health every day.

Choline chloride is a vitamin "like" essential nutrient.

It is necessary to nerve function and fat metabolism and can be manufactured in the body but not at a sufficient rate to meet health requirements.

(naturally preserved with mixed Tocopherols) Herring oil is the oil extracted from whole herring.

Herring oil provides a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Because the herring that Natura uses is of such high quality, the herring oil helps produce healthy skin and lustrous coats.

Salt is a natural mineral, necessary for life and good health.

Salt provides several essential nutrients, such as sodium and chloride, as well as important trace minerals. The average sodium level in our food and treats is currently 0.9 g/Mcal, which is considered low by industry standards, but still supplies the nutrients your pet's body requires.

Sodium ascorbate is a non-acidic form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that passes out of the body every day. Sodium ascorbate has a neutral pH, making it safer for sensitive stomachs.

Sodium ascorbate is simply a mixed compound comprised of ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) and sodium salt. Because of its' low pH, ascorbic acid can cause gastric upset. The sodium salt buffers the acidity and yields a compound with a neutral pH that is gentle on the stomach.

(naturally preserved with mixed Tocopherols) Sunflower oil is obtained by extracting oil from sunflower seeds.

Natura uses sunflower oil to provide the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, which is important for good skin and coat health.

Taurine is an essential amino acid required by cats.

Meat and poultry are naturally high in taurine, so Natura foods contain high levels of this important nutrient. Taurine is also added to our cat foods to ensure cats get enough of this essential amino acid. Cats vs Dogs: While dogs can synthesize taurine in their systems, cats cannot and must have additional amounts added to their diet for proper health. Recent university research has suggested, however, that like cats, some breeds of dogs may benefit from Taurine in the diet. While California Natural has always contained ample Taurine from natural sources such as lamb meal, we have decided to supplement Taurine to ensure that all puppies receive full nutritional benefit from our products.

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring substance that is important in every cell in the body. The majority of phosphorus in the body is found in the bones. The potassium and sodium salt forms of phosphorus are called phosphates.

Beta Carotene is a carotenoid derived from plants that can serve as a precursor to vitamin A in the dog but not the cat. Beta Carotene also has antioxidant properties that can be beneficial to both dogs and cats.

Although several different carotenoids are capable of providing vitamin A, Beta Carotene is the most plentiful in foods and has the highest biological activity. Meat and poultry do not contain carotenoids but can provide active vitamin A when included in the diet. Milk, liver, egg yolk, and carrots contain high amounts of Beta Carotene. Both dogs and cats readily absorb Beta Carotene, and studies have shown this carotenoid may have a function in cell-mediated and body immune responses in these species.