AAFCO
NUTRIENT PROFILES
(Association American Feed
Control Officials). Their profiles are
Protocol testing and are the recognized
industry authority on dog and cat
nutrition for the purpose of
substantiation of nutritional adequacy
in commercial pet foods. All
Flint River Foods are formulated to
exceed their nutrition requirements.
ORGANIC
CHICKEN
It is possible to put one
organic chicken in 50 tons of food and
legally say we use organic, range fed
chicken. Some manufacturers take this
option. While we purchase as much
organic chicken as possible, we prefer
to more correctly say we use human
quality chicken that is hormone free.
Like all of our ingredients, we pay a
premium price for the very best
available. Chicken meat provides
essential amino and fatty acids.
LAMB
Lamb is range fed.
FISH
Menhaden Fish is a herring like
fish found along the North Atlantic
coast of the United States. The flesh is
an excellent source of menhaden oil for
coat and skin. Fish is a prime source of
a complete protein - it includes all the
essential amino acids. Rich in
unsaturated fats (Omega 3 fatty acids),
Vitamins A, K, iodine, calcium,
phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, and
fluoride.
RICE
A combination of brown and white rice.
The white rice for digestibility and the
brown for its added nutritional value. A
diet product that is 100% brown rice can
be somewhat hard for some animals to
digest.
WHEAT
Wheat flour is a fine-ground whole wheat
grain. A course-ground whole wheat is
also added for texture, along with a
quality wheat berry.
MILLET
This grain is an excellent source of
nutrition for those animals that may
have a "gluten intolerance." This
husk-less grain is very stable and is
highly digestible (95% reported).
Additionally, it is naturally resistant
to some bacteria and fungi. These
traits, coupled with excellent caloric
qualities and balanced vitamins and
nutrients make millet a balanced
beneficial, all-natural grain.
CORN
Corn is an excellent grain; however, it
is more difficult to digest - either by
humans or dogs. Therefore, corn is not
used as an ingredient in our dog food.
The feline digestive systems better
utilize corn and supplies important diet
benefits to cats and kittens. Corn is
included in the feline formulas.
PROTEINS
Proteins are organic chemical
compounds and a major component of the
structure of all living organisms.
Protein functions to build and repair
body structure. A good pet food should
contain highly digestible protein
sources that provide the essential amino
acids in adequate amounts. Digestible
food protein from several sources is
more desirable for protein from only one
source.
CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates serve primarily
as an energy source while giving bulk to
the diet. Plant material is made up of a
high percentage of carbohydrates.
FATS
Fats are complex molecules that
are broken down by the digestive system
into smaller molecules known as fatty
acids. Fat is a concentrated source of
energy and works toward making hormones,
skins and coat oils, membranes and parts
of body Cells.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Linolenic Acid (Omega 3).
Linoleic Acid (Omega 6)
MINERALS
Minerals are Chelated (bonded
with protein) which makes them easier to
absorb into the animals systems.
COPPER
AND IRON
A deficiency of iron causes
nutritional anemia. A small amount of
copper will improve utilization of iron.
LECITHIN
Lecithin protects cells from
damage caused by oxidation. Lecithin is
largely composed of the B vitamin
choline - with linoleic acid and
inositol.
TAURINE
Taurine is an essential amino
acid necessary for the proper
development and ongoing health of the
heart and eyes.
MEAL
Meal means reduced in size. The
flesh is cooked, some water removed and
reduced in size (ground) in order for a
uniform mix of the meat, ground grains,
vitamins and chelated minerals. There
are no rendered by-products, feet,
heads, intestines or other meat products
not fit for human consumption in Flint
River Ranch products.
SOURCE
OF GRAINS
Grains are purchased from major
commercial suppliers like General Mills
- fully tested and retested when
received. This testing insures the very
best quality and reduces the possibility
of toxic molds. Beware of foods that
claim to have all-natural-holistic grain
sources as this grain is cheaper when
purchased direct from the farm and the
risk of toxic molds is greater.
PRESERVATIVES
Our products are preserved with
a combination of mixed Tocopherols
(Vitamin E) and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin
C). No harmful chemicals are used.
MILDEW
SPOILAGE
Natural pet foods attract
moisture quickly - which can turn into
mildew spoilage overnight in the summer
weather and high humidity areas. Store
all pet food in a dry, cool place.
INFESTATION: MOTHS - WORMS - INSECTS
The heat in the manufacturing
process destroys any potential insect
eggs that might be attached to grain
after the cleaning process. During
manufacture, the food travels through
stainless steel to a sealed hopper and
immediately sealed in the bag.
If food is not properly stored after
purchase, or if the bag is left open, it
will attract all types of ants, bugs and
flying insects that lay eggs in the rich
food. In an extremely short time, within
days, these eggs will turn into worms
and moths. This problem appears in all
pet food; however, it is more frequent
in natural pet foods. The same that
appears in any food or vegetables that
is not properly stored.
Bug and insect
attraction is greatly increased with
warmer summer weather and in high
humidity areas - usually within 45 to 60
days of purchase. Pet owners with an
insect, worm or moth problem should
consider changing their method storage.
Like any food, pet food must be stored
in a dry, cool place and sealed to
reduce the chance of insect infestation
- which can be noticed in a matter of
hours. Pet food needs to be stored off
the ground or garage floor area. If not,
it will attract all types of ants, bugs
and other insects.
Food stored in
"air-tight" containers will sweat. The
same as if you were in a warm room
without any air movement. Natural foods
attract moisture quickly - which can
turn to mildew spoilage overnight in
summer weather or in high humidity
areas. Pet food needs some air
circulation, the same as any other food.
Properly stored, natural pet food will
have a quality shelf life of 5 to 6
months.