Back to Basics “chicken meal”, “pork meal”, “salmon meal” – When meat proteins are listed as “meal” that means the protein has been ground or otherwise reduced in particle size. Proteins in their “meal” state are equal in nutritional content with whole protein sources that have not been ground; they contain the proper calcium/phosphorus ratios required for a balanced diet; with the added benefit that 75% of the moisture has been removed.  This is important because it gives the pet public an honest view of where the protein actually falls on an ingredient.  Meats in their original, "wet" form still contain up to 75% water. Once the food reaches its final moisture content of about 9-12%, the meat will have shrunk to sometimes as little as 1/4 of the original amount, while the already dehydrated meal form remains the same and you get more concentrated protein per pound of finished product.  

Chicken meal: Back to Basics uses low ash Chicken Meal- we source and select special low-ash chicken meal to control mineral levels that contribute to proper urinary health. Chicken meal is high in many vitamins, minerals and 9 essential amino acids; it is a good source of vitamins; E, and A, magnesium, thiamine, niacin (used for energy metabolism).

Pork meal: Pork “The Other White Meat” is healthier than ever. Thanks to innovative feeding and breeding programs, pork is a lean source of high quality protein. Pork's leanness enables Back to Basics to add the fats in a form that is healthier. Our pork is from USDA inspected processing facilities to produce nutrient rich pork meal. Pork, at 93.9%, has the highest digestibility of all protein sources (except fish) and is highly palatable.  Pork contains Vitamin B-l (Thiamin), B-2, B-12 and the minerals iron and zinc. Pork is a favorite among nutritionists, canine professionals and dogs alike.

Salmon meal- Salmon, a type of fish, is highly palatable and highly digestible. Salmon is low in calories and saturated fat, yet high in protein and a unique type of health-promoting fat; omega-3 essential fatty acids.  In addition to being an excellent source of omega-3s, salmon are an excellent source of selenium, niacin and vitamin B12, B6 and D; it is also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium.

Whole Eggs- Eggs are a high quality source of very digestible protein.  Eggs are one of the few foods containing all the essential amino acids. With these, our bodies can make whatever non-essential proteins they need. Eggs are rich in vitamins A, D, E and B and rich in minerals iron, phosphorus and zinc as well as choline. 

Brown rice: Brown rice is rice with its bran layer intact, which gives it a slight chewy texture and nutty taste.  Brown rice contains Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folacin, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and over dozen other nutrients (brown rice contains far more of these nutrients than white rice).  Brown rice also contains substantially more dietary fiber than white rice (75% more).  Brown rice is not only better for your animal, but it's better for the environment.  To create white rice, brown rice is turned white and the process removes nutrients. The loss of nutrients is broad and substantial.  Brown rice is much less processed - the less processing of a food, the less energy required. There's also the issue of the synthetic vitamins added back into white rice - produced in laboratories and factories from a variety of chemicals; and these sorts of processes are well known for their negative impact on the environment.

Pearled barley: Pearled Barley is a good source of B vitamins, vitamin E, and folic acid.  It is very palatable and is good for animals with diabetes (by improving blood sugar levels); Barley contains both soluble and insoluble types of fiber which help to lower cholesterol and is good for animals that struggle with obesity.  Barley can also protect against colon cancer and is effective in reducing bad breath in animals.  Barley has about 95 percent of the energy of corn and is higher in fiber. 

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is a low-fat food, and a good source of calcium and fiber. It is an excellent aid in preventing and healing skin allergies. It also provides balanced amino acids essential to re-building of healthy muscle tissues. Oatmeal is a good source of carbohydrates for energy. Oatmeal includes cancer-fighting properties that attack certain bile acids, which reduces toxicity, lowering bad cholesterol and raising the good cholesterol, as well as containing essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, iron, zinc and protein.

Chicken fat: Chicken fat is used as a highly palatable natural flavor that helps achieve the proper fatty acid profile necessary for healthy skin and coat. It is especially good for cats and dogs, because it contains arachidonic acid, a fatty acid they cannot produce on their own. Back to Basics uses the highest grade of Chicken Fat which is also a natural source of Vitamin E.

Tocopherols: Tocopherols are fat soluble antioxidants, consisting of vitamin E.  They are used as a natural preservative.

Oat fiber: Oat fiber is the edible part of the common oat plant (Avena sativa). It is an excellent source of both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber which aids in lowering cholesterol. Oat fiber is added because it has long “strands” of fiber compared to other sources of fiber.  This plays and important role in the the oral health of animals. 

Alfalfa: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a flowering plant in the pea family. It is a good source of protein (aids in muscle growth and strengthening), fiber, calcium (aids in healthy bone growth and osteoporosis prevention), and iron (it provides oxygen to the blood and helps digestion of fatty acids ).

Tomato pomace: Tomato pomace is the dried mixture of tomato skins, pulp and crushed seeds.  It is a good source of B Vitamins and Vitamin A. It is used as a dietary fiber which aids in firmer stools and increases the palatability of pet diets.

Natural flavor: “Natural flavorings” is what AAFCO calls the palatability enhancer that is applied to the outside of the kibble. It’s called natural flavorings, but it is actually made up of dried liver.  Some of the foods palatability is lost in the cooking process; adding the natural flavorings helps to add to the foods palatability.  The natural flavor Back to Basics uses comes from the same sources as our high quality meat proteins.

Dried cheese: Cheese provides high levels of protein, contains Vitamin A and is a good source of calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth, and also prevents osteoporosis. Cheese contains a high concentration of essential nutrients: calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and high-quality protein.  Dried cheese is fresh cheese with the water removed. The moisture content of fresh cheese varies between different types of cheeses and can typically range from 40% up to 70%. The moisture content of dried cheese is reduced to around 3 to 5%. Dried cheese has a number of important benefits such as good mouth-feel and texture, reduced microbiological risk, reduced density (more economic to pack), and a longer shelf life.

Calcium carbonate: Calcium carbonate is a dietary supplement used to add calcium to the diet.  Calcium is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, nervous system, and heart.

Lecithin: Lecithin protects cells from oxidation.  Lecithin is phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid that is part of the cell structure in both animals and plants. Phospholipids are needed by every cell in the body and are key building blocks of cell membranes; without it, the cell membranes would harden.

Sea Salt:  (sodium chloride); Sodium and chloride are considered essential minerals in dog and cat diets. It is important in helping the pet maintain proper fluid balance. Salt is most effective in stabilizing irregular heartbeats and, contrary to the misconception that it causes high blood pressure, it is actually essential for the regulation of blood pressure - in conjunction with water. 

Potassium chloride: Potassium chloride (KCI) is a compound containing both potassium and chlorine. Potassium is needed for normal bodily functions, including those affecting the heart, nerve conduction, muscle contraction and normal kidney functions. It helps restore the body’s electrolytes and water levels. Helps prevent and treat dehydration.

Fish oil: Fish oil is oil made from processing whole fish. It is the most popular source of dietary omega-3 fatty acids. The fatty acids in fish oil have been found to be a rich source of omega fatty acids such as DHA and AA, which helps to support the cardiovascular system.

Canola oil: Canola is a type of edible oil. This vegetable oil from the Canola seed is very stable, high in Oleic Acid and rich in vitamin E. It is an excellent emollient and moisturizer and helps reduce skin irritation.

Prebiotic Micro FOS: (FOS) is used for its prebiotic effects. It aids in digestion and overall GI Tract health. It serves as a substrate for microflora in the large intestine, increasing the overall gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract) health. It is extracted from fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E supplement: A fat-soluble vitamin, which is required in your pet’s diet. It prevents blood cells from sticking to each other and to the blood vessels they travel. This will help promote clear and flexible blood vessels and lower blood pressure. It is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of the body's metabolism that may harm you.

Niacin supplement: While the B vitamin Niacin is present at high levels in most grains, most of the niacin in these ingredients is in a bound form and hence unavailable to the pet. For this reason animal’s diets are supplemented with niacin. It helps process protein, carbohydrates and fat as well as promotes healthy nervous and brain function.

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.

Vitamin B12 supplement:  Vitamin B12 is necessary for processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats and to help make blood cells. Vitamin B-12 is important for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of blood. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation, but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

Vitamin A acetate:  Fat soluble vitamin involved with vision, immune defenses, maintenance of body linings and skin, bone and body growth, normal cell development, and reproduction. Vitamin A helps form and maintains healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin. Vitamin A is essential to normal growth. Vitamin A, also called retinol, helps your eyes adjust to light changes when you come in from outside and also helps keep your eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist. It also has antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage.

Vitamin D-3 supplement:  Vitamin D-3 supplement stays in your system longer and has more effect than other vitamin d sources. Maintenance of blood calcium levels within a narrow range is vital for normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as for bone growth, and maintenance of bone density. Vitamin D is essential for the efficient utilization of calcium by the body which aids in cell differentiation. Active vitamin D is a potent immune system modulator.

Biotin: This B-vitamin is found in the intestinal tract and helps prevent dermatitis. It is essential for normal metabolism of fat and protein.

Riboflavin supplement: Riboflavin is used to supply the diet with a B-complex vitamin. It helps promote growth and helps assimilation of carbohydrates and amino acids. Riboflavin-B2 plays a central role in the release of energy from food. It also helps promote the proper functioning of nerves, normal appetite, good digestion, and healthy skin.

Thiamine mononitrate: Form of thiamin or vitamin B1.  Thiamine helps convert glucose into energy. 

Pyridoxine hydrochloride: Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a common form of the B-vitamin pyridoxine. Pyridoxine is very important in helping the pet metabolize protein.

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.

Dried carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of fiber and minerals. It is also a good natural source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant essential for neutralizing free radicals.

L-lysine: Lysine is an essential amino acid for pets. It is also important for kittens/puppies that have a propensity to suffer from upper respiratory health issues. Studies have indicated ensuring adequate l-lysine will mitigate this health risk for kittens/puppies.  Lysine helps maintain respiratory and ocular health, especially in pets that are physically stressed.

DLmethionine: Methionine is an essential amino acid for both dogs and cats; it provides significant protection against oxidative damage, and prevents depletion in the brain and liver of glutathione, an important antioxidant.

L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate: It is a stabilized source of vitamin C; which aids in boosting the immune system and acting as a preservative.

Chelated minerals: specially formulated minerals bound to a small protein or a group of amino acids, designed to improve absorption of the mineral into the body.

Iron amino acid chelate: Specially formulated minerals bound to a small protein or a group of amino acids, designed to improve absorption of the mineral into the body. It provides oxygen to the blood and helps digestion of fatty acids.

Manganese amino acid: Specially formulated minerals bound to a small protein or a group of amino acids, designed to improve absorption of the mineral into the body. It is a chelated source of manganese and is an antioxidant. It slows down the process of aging, activates many enzymes, and helps utilize fatty acids.

Chelate: Specially formulated minerals bound to a small protein or a group of amino acids, designed to improve absorption of the mineral into the body.

Zinc amino acid chelate: Specially formulated minerals bound to a small protein or a group of amino acids, designed to improve absorption of the mineral into the body. It is a natural mineral that is important for proper maintenance of hair, skin, bones, muscles, and blood. It also helps with digestion and reproduction. It is a non-chemical natural sun block.

Copper amino acid chelate: Specially formulated minerals bound to a small protein or a group of amino acids, designed to improve absorption of the mineral into the body. It is a trace mineral found in all body tissues. It works in respiration, synthesis of hemoglobin and production of collagen. It is also an antioxidant and helps prevent oxidation of fatty acids.

Ferrous sulfate: It is a source of iron; which is required in animal’s diets. All iron supplements are not the same. Ferrous iron is much better absorbed than Ferric iron. Iron is an essential mineral. It is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. Iron is also part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen. Without enough iron, adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the fuel the body runs on) cannot be properly synthesized.

Zinc oxide: It is a natural mineral that is important for proper maintenance of hair, skin, bones, muscles, and blood. It also helps with digestion and reproduction. It is a non-chemical natural sun block.

 Manganous oxide: It is an antioxidant that slows down the process of aging, activiates many enzymes and helps utilize fatty acids.

Copper sulfate: It is a trace mineral found in all body tissues. It works in respiration, synthesis of hemoglobin and production of collagen. It is also an antioxidant and helps prevent oxidation of fatty acids.

Sodium selenite: It is 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 amounts of sodium. This helps to regulate the body’s water balance.

Cobalt carbonate: It is a mineral required in the manufacture of red blood cells.

Ethylenediamine dihydriodide: (Or EDDI) is an organic source of iodine and is in the food to supply the necessary iodine nutrient level. EDDI is the most available source of iodine.

Yucca shidigera extract: Yucca is a desert plant. It is a natural source of digestive aid. It is also known to reduce fecal odor. It has been used for treatment of arthritis for centuries. It is rich in minerals due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product: Natural micro-flora (friendly bacteria) that may help the digestion process, thus providing more efficient utilization of food and production of bacteriocins which act as natural antibiotics that kill undesirable micro-organisms. Improves digestive health, prevents Antiobic Associated Diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridium Difficile (C Difficile), Reduction of symptoms of lactose intolerance and immune stimulation, Improving Immune Function and Preventing Infections, Reducing Inflammation, improving Mineral Absorption.