Below is a list of the ingredients we use to make CANINE LIFE. Click on an ingredient or scroll down for information as to why we use them.

Blueberries are literally bursting with nutrients and flavor, yet very low in calories. Blueberries are excellent antioxidants and help to destroy free radicals.

Green Tea catechins have been shown to act as powerful inhibitors of cancer growth in several ways, e.g., they scavenge oxidants before cell injuries occur, reduce the incidence and size of chemically induced tumours, and inhibit the growth of tumour cells. Catechins are flavonoid phytochemical compounds.

Turmeric has been proven to have liver-protective qualities. In addition to its liver-helping effects, turmeric also has: anticancer properties, anti-inflammatory properties, antimicrobial characteristics, cardiovascular system benefits and intestinal benefits (decreases gas formation).

Marjoram is a great herb for circulation, muscles, and joints that has a fortifying, and warming effect. Marjoram helps the respiratory system, digestive system (by aiding against constipation and flatulence), genito-urinary system, supports the immune system and helps the nervous system as well. It also helps to expel poisons from the body.

Carob is rich in natural sugars and contains all the principle minerals and vitamins such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, silicon, magnesium, vitamins B1 and B2, niacin, some vitamin A and protein. The large carbohydrates act as a thickener to absorb water, thus helping to eliminate diarrhea, while the tannins bind to toxins helping to inactivate them. Plus dogs really love the taste of carob!

Free Run Eggs come from hens that are free run and fed a balanced diet of non-medicated grains. Eggs are an excellent source of fat, protein, amino acids, phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, and vitamin A. They are also one of the best sources of vitamin D, and they help with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

Oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, which gives it fungicidal and anti-parasitic properties. It also helps to settle flatulence, and it stimulates the flow of bile. It is a strong antiseptic herb.

Rosemary is an excellent remedy for flatulence and other digestive disorders, including those that are secondary to general nervousness, excitability, or irritability. Rosemary is considered to be a calming agent, and a heart tonic. Rosemary acts as a natural barrier against food borne bacteria, and it also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Rosemary acts as a natural preservative.

Parsley is rich in iron and vitamin C, and also contains provitamin A. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Parsley is known as one of our most concentrated food sources.

Organic milled oat  contains an antioxidant, and has a higher proportion of fat and protein than most other grains. Oats have a high silicon content, which makes them good for bones and connective tissues. They also soothe the digestive and nervous systems. They are low in starch and high in mineral content, especially potassium and phosphorus. Oats also contain calcium, magnesium, are rich in vitamin B and a very good source of iron, they also cleanse the intestines of impurities. Oats are a strength giving cereal, and are known as a nerve, blood and hair tonic. They help to build strong bones, nails and teeth.

Organic milled whole barley is rich in protein, the B vitamins, fibre, and all minerals, especially iron.  It is generally considered to be a nutritive food and nerve tonic. Barley stimulates the appetite, aids with digestive disorders, and is reported to help prevent tooth decay and hair loss. Barley is also rich in the antacid magnesium, and is the most alkaline of the cereals. It is an excellent blood cleanser and blood cooler during the hot weather. It is also a great substitute for dogs with wheat allergies.

Acadian Sea Kelp provides iodine to the body for correct functioning of the thyroid gland, which influences overall health, metabolism, skin and coat. Kelp also contributes to good pigmentation. Kelp contains some protein, is rich in iodine, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, sodium and potassium as well as vitamins A, B, E and D. Kelp also contains something called mannitol, a gentle purgative and bile stimulant, small amounts of lecithin, a phosphorus compound thought to be of great importance in the knitting of broken bones, especially in the older dog, and some carotin, a precursor to vitamin A production.

Organic cold pressed safflower oil (Omega 6) contains the correct nutritional amount of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) necessary for your dog's proper skin and coat. Safflower oil contains 95% linoleic acid to corn's 10% and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Safflower oil is highly palatable and is used in its cold pressed form (sometimes called expelled).

Red apples contain vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, flourine, and silicon, plus many trace minerals. Apples are powerhouses of antioxidant activity. Each apple has the effect of about 1500 mg of vitamin C, and it gets this from related compounds in the apple. These antioxidants have many important health benefits, from reducing the odds of cancer, and heart disease, to lowering cholesterol. Why red??? Red fruits and vegetables contain specific phytochemicals, that are being studied for their health promoting properties, specifically, lycopene and anthocyanins. Apples, and especially apple peels, have been found to have a potent antioxidant activity (scavenges free radicals) that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, with the antioxidant activity of one apple equivalent to about 1500 mg of vitamin C. Red Delicious, Northern Spy and Ida Red have more potent disease-fighting antioxidants reflected in higher levels of polyphenol activity.

Green beans are an excellent source of calcium, protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, vitamins A & C.

Broccoli, a member of the cabbage family and a close relative of cauliflower, broccoli packs more nutrients than any other vegetable. Broccoli contains large amounts of vitamin C and beta carotene which are important antioxidants. Broccoli is a hardy vegetable of the cabbage family that is high in vitamins A and D. If you know or suspect your dog has a thyroid condition, we recommend that you do not use broccoli as a green vegetable, in its raw form. The cruciferous family of veggies can inhibit the thyroid when fed raw, so they should be fed in moderation or cooked. These are otherwise some of the healthiest veggies you can find, so you don't want to eliminate them. They include arugula, bok choy, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, swiss chard, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnips, turnip greens and watercress.
 

Carrots contain betacarotene, vitamin B complex, vitamins C, D, E, and K, and iron, as well as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, copper and iodine. Carrots are valuable as a digestive aid, a glandular tonic, and as a skin cleanser and eye conditioner.

Sweet potato is a great source of vitamin E, and are virtually fat-free, which makes them a real Vitamin E standout. They provide many other essential nutrients including Vitamin B6, potassium and iron. They are a good source of dietary fiber which helps to promote a healthy digestive tract. Sweet potatoes are virtually fat-free, cholesterol free and very low in sodium.

Organic milled brown rice is higher in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, than white rice, and it is gluten free. It contains, potassium, protein, iron, thiamine, and niacin.

Alfalfa is a source of chlorophyll, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Alfalfa is also considered a tonic, kidney cleanser, and alkalinizer of the whole system, and contains 8 digestive enzymes.

Essential fatty acids are generally found in fish oils and many vegetables and vegetable oils. The body cannot make EFA's so they must be provided through our diet. The Omega 3 fatty acids are proving to be the most beneficial. Since most of our pet foods are made with animal fat, most are lacking in certain EFA's. EFA's good properties break down with heat processing and can grow rancid if not properly refrigerated. All rancid fats become free radical carriers, and are suspected of producing cancer in both people and their dogs.

Two important essential fatty acids are Omega 6 and Omega 3. Omega 6 fatty acids are abundant in most plants and animal fat. Both commercial dog foods and raw diets are high in Omega 6 fatty acids. Most research shows a good balance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids is from 15:1 to 4:1. Too much Omega 6 to Omega 3 can result in inflammation, skin disorders, immune dysfunction, vision problems and learning problems. It is important to add a source of Omega 3 to the diet to keep the balance in proportion to the Omega 6 already high in the diet.

Omega 6 fatty acids have several sub-categories. These include:
Linoleic Acid (LA)- found in oils such as safflower, sunflower, walnut, sesame and flax.
Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA)- found in borage, primrose and black current oil.
Arachidonic Acid (AA)- found in meat and fat.

Most of the Omega 6 fatty acids are readily available in our diets. One exception would be the GLA, which is helpful for certain conditions such as arthritis, flaky skin, panosititis or depression. Borage oil is a good supplement to use for these. Generally 1,000 mg is given per 5,000 mg Omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids categories are:
Alpha-Linoleic acid (LNA)- found in flax seed oil, hemp seed, walnut oil and dark green vegetables.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)- found in cold water fish oil and some marine animals. Most common sources are salmon, mackerel and sardines. Most dogs enjoy having mackerel or salmon added to their food two or three times a week. Four ounces of salmon can provide 3,600 milligrams of Omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon oil is also an excellent choice as a supplement for Omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids are used for combating inflammation conditions, hormone and immune system regulation, tumor fighting abilities, strengthening kidney, heart and liver functions, vision improvement and healthy coat and skin.

Flax seed oil is probably the most economical way to add Omega 3 fatty acids. This oil comes in either gel caps or opaque or amber bottles to protect it from sunlight and oxygen. This oil has a slightly nutty flavor and most dogs find it appetizing and will eat it readily poured on their food. A general rule of thumb for amounts is one teaspoon daily for small dogs, 1/2 tablespoon for medium dogs and a tablespoon for large dogs. Some dogs demonstrate a sensitivity to flax seeds and flax seed oil. Please monitor your dog closely, when using different essential fatty acids.

Salmon oil is sometimes more effective for immune compromised dogs, or dogs prone to allergies. The components of DHA and EPA are already converted and easier for some dogs to process than flax seed oil. Usual dose is 1,000 mg per 20 pounds of body weight, but it can be given in a higher dose of 1,000 mg per 10 pounds of body weight.

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