Glossary Term

The Association of American Feed Control Officials

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and their derivatives. Proteins contain a total of about 20 amino acids. Amino acids are either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids must be obtained through food. Non-essential amino acids can be biochemically synthesized by the body. Amino acids are critical to build hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

A by-product is a secondary or incidental product derived from a manufacturing process. It is not the primary product being produced. Meat by-product are primarily animal parts that are not used for human consumption. (ei. bones, organs, blood, fatty tissue and intestines.) In poultry-based dog foods, by-product is used to identify by-product meals. In other kinds of dog food, by-product food will be labeled as 'meat and bone meal' or 'MBM'.

Calcium is a mineral element which plays two important roles in your dog's body. First, it is the basic building block of the skeleton. Second, it is critical in transferring information between cells and to nerve impulse transmission. Calcium is just as important to dogs as it is to people. It helps build strong bones and strong teeth. However, dogs can have too much or too little calcium in their diet. Too little calcium may cause your dog to get a condition known as rickets. When a dog has rickets their bones become soft and cannot support the weight of their body. In contrast, dogs who are given too much calcium as puppies can develop bones that are too large and are not strong. Fish based dog treats are high in calcium and many brands of dog treats also offer animal fat and vegetable based treats which are high in calcium.

A vegetable oil made from rapeseed. Canola oil has been claimed to promote good health due to its very low saturated fat and high monounsaturated fat content. It also has a high content of Omega 3 fatty acid.

As defined by the AAFCO; Chicken meal is the dry rendered product from a combination of clean flesh and skin with accompanying bone, derived from whole carcasses of chicken thereof, exclusive of feathers and skin.

A naturally acidic ingredient that originates primarily from citrus fruits. It is used as a natural preservative and as an antioxidant.

Copper sulfate is a chemical compound that is produced commercially by the reaction of a variety of copper(II) compounds with sulfuric acid. This compound is used in a wide range of industries, from pyrotechnics to viticulture. It is added to dog food to help prevent anemia.

The seed from flax plants. The seeds and oil contain an essential fatty acid similar to Omega 3.

Folic acid is a water soluble form of vitamin B9. Folic acid deficiency can lead to lethargy, weight loss and a decline in hemoglobin concentration.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar compound produced by the body. It is commonly in the liver and kidneys, but is most often found in cartilage. Glucosamine helps contribute to the formation of cartilage and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Gluten is a type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley. It is a composite of the proteins gliadin and glutenin. It is found in most types of cereals and breads.

An herb whose leaves, seeds, or flowers are used to flavor dog treats. Mint also acts medicinally as a flea repellent.

A class of fatty acids commonly found in certain fish oils including salmon and other cold-water fish. It is believed to lower cholesterol in blood and also act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

The chemical compound potassium chloride is a metal halide salt comprised of potassium and chlorine and is chrystaline in nature. It helps with growth and muscled development when added to dog food. It also helps maintains fluid balance.

The chemical term for common table salt (NaCl).

A class of natural chemical compounds which can correctly be called Vitamin E. In dog treats and dog foods, tocopherols are used as a natural preservative. In foods, tocopherols are commonly found in vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, fish and green, leafy vegetables.

The United States Department of Agriculture