These are the Reason why we have chosen to feed Victor Pet Food for our Dogs: 1) Natural, Holistic Ingredients All Victor products are proudly made in the United States of America using the highest quality U.S. ingredients. All formulations are produced in USDA, FDA, and AAFCO approved facilities. The nutritionally dense fresh meats and meals we use originate from USDA inspected meats processed in a human grade facility. Our high quality grains, vegetables and fruits are from human grade producers. All Victor dry goods, cans and treats are naturally preserved. All of our commodities have undergone stringent testing procedures prior to going into any of our products, assuring safety and freshness for both your pets and ours. Beef (fresh meat protein) Free range from a Private Herd in the Midwestern USA, hormone and antibiotic free meat. Beef Meal (concentrated meat protein) Free range from a Private Herd in the Midwestern USA, hormone and antibiotic free meat meal. Bison (fresh meat protein) Pasture-raised in Montana and Wyoming, hormone and antibiotic free. Bison is a lean protein source that supplies optimal amino acids to the diet. Amino acids are building blocks for many body functions such as proper immune system function, optimal lean muscle condition, organ structure and function and healthy metabolism. Bison is a unique protein source that may be a good option for sensitive pets. Chicken (fresh protein) Excellent lean protein source that provides amino acids, the building blocks for many body functions such as proper immune system function, optimal lean muscle condition, organ structure and function and healthy metabolism. Chicken Meal (concentrated protein) Flesh tissue and skin, low ash, hormone free, antibiotic free meat meal. Duck (fresh protein) Sourced from California, duck is a rich protein source that provides amino acids, the building blocks for many body functions such as proper immune system function, optimal lean muscle condition, organ structure and function and healthy metabolism. Duck is rich in iron, which is a mineral that is important for proper function of the red blood cells. Turkey Meal (concentrated protein) Flesh tissue and skin, low ash, hormone free, antibiotic free meat meal. Lamb Meat (fresh meat protein) Finest American lamb, hormone free, antibiotic free meat. Lamb Meal (concentrated meat protein) Finest American lamb, hormone free, antibiotic free meat meal. Salmon (fresh protein) Sustainably harvested in the Pacific Northwest, salmon not only provides an excellent supply of amino acids to the diet, it also provides essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Salmon Meal (concentrated protein) Wild caught Salmon from the cold waters off the Pacific Coast. Fish Meal (concentrated protein) A unique blend of Middle Ocean swimming Herring and Menhaden Fish. Brown Rice (carbohydrate) High quality brown rice contains a generous supply of B vitamins, plus calcium, phosphorus and iron. White Rice (carbohydrate) One of the most digestible carbohydrate ingredients. Carbohydrates provide energy for all of the body’s vital functions. Excellent carbohydrate source for pets with sensitive digestive systems. Provides niacin, an important B vitamin, to the diet. Rice Bran (nutrient / fiber) This is the outer layer of the brown rice and is rich in fat and fiber. The plant fat is a rich source of Omega-3, -6, and -9 Fatty Acids. Also a good blend of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats. Contains many natural antioxidants, including vitamin E, as well as an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and manganese. The fiber provided by rice bran is hypoallergenic and contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers, helping to promote ideal stool quality and good digestive health. Oatmeal (carbohydrate) A complex carbohydrate providing slow burning fuel for all day energy. Provides dietary fiber, important for proper function of the digestive system. An important source of B vitamins. Promotes a healthy digestive tract and reduces the risk of cancers. Lowers blood cholesterol levels and aids in disease resistance. Barley (carbohydrate) A complex carbohydrate source like oatmeal. A great source of dietary fiber. Provides protein to the diet as well, contributing 50% more protein than rice ingredients. A source of B vitamins as well as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the health of the cells and are important for maintaining excellent overall health. Promotes a healthy digestive tract and reduces the risk of cancers. Lowers blood cholesterol levels and aids in disease resistance. Peas (carbohydrate / vegetable) Provide carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Highly digestible and full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Also provide B vitamins to the diet. Potatoes (carbohydrate / vegetable) A highly digestible carbohydrate. Full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Provide potassium to the diet, important for healthy muscles. Provide iron to the diet, important for the immune system and helping the body convert food to energy. Potato Protein (carbohydrate / vegetable / protein) A low ash vegetable protein source that provides excellent levels of amino acids with lower levels of calcium and phosphorus. Helps to combat urinary tract crystallization. Tomato Pomace (fiber / nutrient) A natural fiber source that provides the perfect blend of soluble and insoluble fiber for digestive health and optimal stool quality. Also a source of Lycopene and vitamin C, two antioxidant powerhouses. Millet (carbohydrate) A protein rich grain, providing important amino acids such as Threonine and Lysine to the diet. A gluten free grain rich in B vitamins. Chicken Fat (animal fat) Purified and naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols and ascorbic acid. Contains Linoleic Acid (Omega-6). Essential fatty acid for healthy skin and coat. Canola Oil (vegetable oil) A nutritious and safe natural plant source fat ingredient, naturally preserved, canola oil provides an excellent profile of Omega-9, Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. Rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid and a beneficial source of Alpha-Linolenic acid. Fatty acids, when present in the proper balance, provide optimal nutrition for a healthy skin and coat, help control inflammation throughout the body, including the digestive system and the joints, and help support optimal cellular health. Sunflower Oil (vegetable oil) Cold pressed, naturally preserved, a natural plant source fat ingredient, provides an excellent source of Omega-6 fatty acids. Sunflower oil produces a beautiful skin and coat, as well as visible sheen. Eggs (protein) An excellent source of protein and contains all the essential Amino Acids. Flaxseed Meal (Plant source alpha-Linolenic acid) This plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids helps enhance the coat's sheen. Aids in the movement of food through the digestive tract. Flax nourishes and is soothing to the stomach and intestinal linings. Contributes to heart health. Alfalfa (nutrient) Excellent natural source of trace minerals. Aids in healing allergies, stomach ailments and bad breath; cleanses the kidneys and removes poisons from the body; neutralizes acids; is an excellent blood purifier; improves the appetite and aids in the assimilation of protein, calcium and other nutrients. Sage (herb) Strengthens the mind and concentrating abilities. Aids in healing skin sores and skin eruptions and removing dandruff. It has been employed mainly in disordered states of the digestion and for its savory usage. Rosemary (herb / natural antioxidant) Is a stimulant of the circulatory system; treats bad breath; stimulates the hair bulbs to new growth. Employed for its savory usage. Cranberries (fruit / nutrient) Prevent the spread of bacterial infections in kidneys and the urinary tract. Help prevent Cystitis. Apples (fruit / nutrient) Rich in soluble fiber and help lower blood cholesterol levels and normalize blood sugar. Kelp (nutrient) Rich in vitamins and contains 30 minerals, controls the thyroid and regulates the metabolism which aids in the digestion of foods and the burning of calories. Kelp aids with improved brain and nerve functions. Taurine (amino acid) An amino acid derivative found in meat that shields the heart from harm. Studies show that Taurine may also benefit vision disorders, epilepsy, and gallstones. Plays an important part as a neurotransmitter, maintains the correct composition of bile and the solubility of cholesterol. Yucca Schidigera Extract (herb) Used for its reduction of both breath and stool odor! A cleansing agent. Used by the Indians of the southwest for skin disorders, skin eruptions and helps avoid inflammation. Psyllium (fiber) All natural fiber intake to help in digestion, improve intestinal health and effective in reducing cholesterol. Also known as an anti-carcinogenic. Glucosamine (connective tissue health) An amino acid sugar necessary for construction of connective tissue and healthy cartilage. Benefits include prevention of arthritis and improved joint health. Chondroitin (connective tissue health) Exists naturally in cartilage. When combined with Glucosamine it is known to produce a synergetic effect in helping prevent arthritis and improving joint health. Prebiotics (digestive tract health) Inulin (from chicory root) - Natural fiber that supports the friendly bacteria and suppresses the bad bacteria in the digestive system. It also supports the health of the cells of the large intestine. Benefits include: supporting a healthy environment within the digestive system for optimal digestion and a strong immune system, suppressing pathogens in the digestive system to prevent illness. Probiotics (Direct feed microbials / digestive tract health) Dried fermentation products of Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum - Aid in the maintenance of the healthy balance of intestinal flora. Benefits Include: Improved Digestion, Strengthened Immune Systems and help Correct Digestive Disorders. Probiotics also aid in helping to suppress the bad bacteria that reside in the digestive system, thus helping to prevent illness. Digestive Enzymes (digestive tract health) Papaya (containing the enzyme papain) and Pineapple (containing the enzyme bromelain) - Papain and bromelain are proteases, enzymes that help digest proteins for more efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients. Cellulase (digestive tract health) Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is the source of this digestive enzyme that hydrolyzes fiber for more efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients. VICTOR Pet Foods is once again the leader in cutting edge nutrition by being the first pet food manufacturer to include proven enzymatic activity in our products backed by scientific data and proven methodology on the inclusion of Cellulase. Vitamins (AAFCO required by life stage plus additional antioxidant vitamins) Complete Vitamins including Antioxidants, Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Alpha Tocopherols. Minerals (AAFCO required by life stage plus proteinate minerals) Complete balanced minerals containing Amino Acid Chelated (proteinate) Minerals. When Amino Acids are bound to minerals they produce proteinate and are called Chelated Minerals, which can be attributed to 3 to 10 times better assimilation of minerals. What is an Herb? The term herb has been used to refer to any plant or part, valued for its medicinal or savory qualities. Herbs contain the active ingredients that give the plant its medicinal properties. 2) Commitment to Food Safety Our Commitment to Food Safety Victor Pet Foods was founded out of love for our own pets and animals. In today's environment, and as pet owners ourselves, we understand consumer concerns when it comes to the safety of the food we choose to feed our beloved family pets. All Victor products are proudly made in the United States of America using the highest quality U.S. ingredients. All formulations are produced in USDA, FDA, and AAFCO approved facilities. The nutritionally dense fresh meats and meals we use originate from USDA inspected meats processed in a human grade facility. Our high quality grains, vegetables and fruits are from human grade producers. All Victor dry goods, cans and biscuits are naturally preserved. All of our commodities have undergone stringent testing procedures prior to going into any of our products, assuring safety and freshness for both your pets and ours. To assure the safety of our products, Victor has strict protocols which require that all formulas are tested in-line during our production runs and cleared by a second supervisor every 30 minutes. Additionally, there are 141 ingredient tests and 10 finished product tests that are performed. A sample of each finished goods batch is also sent directly to our research and development center where they are tested again, this time by a third party lab, for known toxins and potential risk hazards including but not limited to: Melamine - √ Cyanuric Acid - √ Salmonella - √ Toxins - √ Chemical Residuals - √ Bacterial Toxins - √ Victor Pet Foods are Safe.Victor products meet or exceed AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles and are manufactured in USDA approved facilities with consistently superior Silliker Good Manufacturing and Food Safety Audits scores of 95% or above. Victor's manufacturing capabilities also include the U.S.D.A. Organic Certification. Victor is committed to providing the highest standard of excellence for nutritional benefit, palatability, product safety, and customer satisfaction. We understand the level of trust that you have come to expect from us and our products and it is our responsibility and commitment to deliver on that trust! Victor Natural Pet Food Company - Goes Beyond Just Feeding Your Pet ® 3) Why Feed Victor Formulas? At Victor Pet Foods we have created all our Formulas for your dogs needs. These formulas are true, All Natural, feral type diets that provide optimum nutrition for the ones you love. In nature your pets couldn’t choose between a puppy, kitten, or light formulation, only a diet of mainly meats and small amounts of grain. They simply eat more or less, depending on age and activity levels. Victor contains more than 50% of high quality meat proteins. We have also included digestive enzymes that closely resemble those found in nature. Puppies will require a higher caloric and calcium phosphorous intake than an adult dog would, therefore we suggest feeding twice as much to puppies up to 6 months of age. Our standard recommended feeding guidelines for an adult dog is 1 cup for every 25lbs of body weight. You can be assured with 468 kcal per cup; your puppy will be getting more than most standard puppy foods on the market. You can be assured your Adult dogs are getting the best they deserve with our feral type diets which contain: Four Antibiotic and Hormone free meats as the main ingredients which also includes whole grain rice, balanced Omega Fatty Acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidant vitamins, chelated minerals, and a total of 10 natural skin and coat conditioners. All of this without the use of allergic irritating corn, wheat, soy, or other cheap grain fractions or fillers. Just the perfect diet for your canines. Over Weight dogs don’t deserve lower quality ingredients to lose weight like; beet pulp, hulls, flours, or any other low quality fillers. They simply need your help in providing them with the proper amount of high quality Victor. Feeding at least twice a day and approximately 50% less than our standard recommended feeding guidelines will yield the results you are looking for. Exercise will not only help improve the health of your pets, but will bring you closer to your loved ones! Senior dogs require smaller quantities of a more efficient food, like Victor, not excessive amounts of low cost indigestible fillers and fibers. Senior dog intestines become less efficient with age and are less able to digest and absorb, therefore feeding low quality fibers and fats are an extreme disservice as well. Victor includes probiotics, digestive enzymes, and chelated minerals for better absorption and utilization of meats, carbohydrates, and fats. Senior/Overweight – In the event reducing volume intake isn’t something you’re interested in for your pets; we have created the perfect Senior/Overweight formula designed especially for you and your pet. Victor Senior is lower in protein and fat, lower in calories, yet designed with optimum calcium/phosphorous ratios, skin and coat conditioners, and contain glucosimine and chondroitin, all packed into a meat based food. Breeding and Working dogs require higher calories without excessive volume. Breeders can also enjoy the fact they are doing the absolute best for their dogs with only purchasing one formula for their kennel. At whelping, the food in the bitch or queen is what produced the high nutrient milk; therefore there will be no digestive troubles when the food is introduced to the puppies. Working dogs will require a higher caloric intake; therefore increasing the amount of food consumed will offer superb performance. 4) Meat vs. Meal.... on Food Labeling Meat vs. Meal on Pet Food Labeling What is the difference and what does it mean to your pets and you? Meat Fact: Chicken & Lamb are 70% water and only 12% protein. Pet food labels found in grocery and mass marketers like to use Chicken or Lamb to represent real meat. When used without the addition of meat meals, these protein sources contain 70% moisture, much of which is lost during cooking. The label leads the consumer to believe that the product is mostly meat based when it may not be. Chicken or lamb meats are heavier than grains prior to cooking, but not after. Although the inclusion of fresh meats may be beneficial, the moisture contained in the meats (70%) is reduced by two-thirds during the cooking process, possibly leaving the total formula as a grain based food after processing. Meal Fact: Chicken Meal and Lamb Meal are dry and 70% to 65% meat protein! Example: Victor lists Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal as the first ingredients. Chicken, Turkey and Lamb meals are nearly dry (5% moisture content) and contain 70% to 65% meat proteins. During cooking, the meat meals do not shrink below the grain weight, producing a true meat based formula for your pets. See the table below. Meat vs. Meal – Where should it really end up in the ingredient panel? Ingredients are listed on pet food packaging in order of predominance BEFORE they are cooked. Meat Meal is highly concentrated meat that is dehydrated, containing 5% moisture and 70% protein. Meat is wet, containing 70% water and only 12% protein. When meat is cooked in the extrusion process, the moisture is removed, resulting in a very small percentage of the total makeup of the finished pet food. When meat meal is cooked in the extrusion process, it is not diminished, resulting in a much larger makeup of the finished pet food. Although meat has its benefits, it really shouldn’t be the only animal protein source available for your pets as you would wind up with a grain based pet food. 5) 10 Skin and Coat Conditioners Victor All Natural Pet Foods 10 Skin and Coat Conditioners Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 Fatty Acids Family - (Ratio 5:1 to 8:1) Linoleic Acid - Omega-6 Fatty Acids EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) Alpha Linolenic Acid - Omega-3 Fatty Acids EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) Oleic Acid - Omega-9 Fatty Acids (monounsaturated; unsaturated fats family) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) - Both Omega-3 Fatty Acids and naturally contained in fish oils. Balanced Omega-3, -6 and -9 Fatty Acids help to prevent moisture loss from cells that causes flaky, dry skin and coat. EFA’s may also help to avoid skin inflammation, hot spots, hair loss and allergy problems caused by flea bites and repeated licking. Chicken Fat - (Omega-6 Fatty Acid, an Essential Fatty Acid) Essential Fatty Acid maintains moisture and health to skin cells and hair as well as easily digested. Chicken Fat is a Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat with low saturated fat and 0 Trans fats. Canola Oil - (Omega-3, Omega-6 & Omega-9 Unsaturated Fatty Acids Family) Highly beneficial levels of the Alpha Linolenic Acid, Omega-3 EFA. Contains very significant levels of the Omega-6 EFA Linoleic Acid and contains Omega-9 Oleic Acid. Canola oil is safe and rich in vitamin E, vitamin K, and has measurable levels of phytosterols such as stigma sterol, campestral and beta-sitosterol. Prevents scruffy, dry coat and maintains moisture in skin cells with 0 Tran’s fats. Salmon Meal – (Omega-3 Fatty Acids, naturally contains DHA, EPA) Salmon is low in calories and saturated fat, yet high in protein, and a unique type of health-promoting fat, the Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 EFA’s feed the cells and prevent moisture loss that would cause flaky, dry skin and coat; control skin inflammation; help relieve itching and promote low cholesterol with 0 Tran’s fats. Fish Meal - (Omega-3 Fatty Acids, naturally contains DHA, EPA) Our unique blend of Middle Ocean swimming Herring and Menhaden Fish is rich in Alpha-Linolenic Acid, high quality protein and low in saturated fat. Omega-3 EFA’s feed the cells and prevent moisture loss that would cause flaky, dry skin and coat; control skin inflammation; help relieve itching. Our unique blend of Fish Meal is a great choice of a low fat protein with 0 Tran’s fats. Flax Seed - (Omega-3 Fatty Acids, an Essential Fatty Acid) Flax seeds’ other known properties are lowering cholesterol, and reducing inflammation. Flaxseed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3 EFA’s feed the cells and prevent moisture loss that would cause flaky, dry skin and coat; control skin inflammation; help relieve itching, hot spots and give the coat a shiny luster with 0 Trans fats. Sunflower Oil - (Omega-6 & Omega-9 Unsaturated Fatty Acids Family) Sunflower Oil contains highly beneficial levels of Linoleic Acids, Omega-6 EFA, and contains Omega-9 Oleic Acid. Sunflower oil is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with 0 Trans fat and low in Saturated fat. Prevents scruffy, dry coat and maintains moisture in skin cells. Lecithin (a phospholipid, a natural fat emulsifier) Helps emulsify fats and cholesterol, aids in the digestion and absorption of fats that feed the coat, and reduce bad cholesterol. Rosemary – (herb) The herb’s medicinal properties help to stimulate hair bulb growth. Rosemary also has antioxidant properties. Sage – (herb) The herb’s medicinal properties help in healing skin sores, skin eruptions and removing dandruff. Vitamin E - (Mixed Tocopherols (Alfa, Beta, Gamma, Delta), antioxidant) Nourishes, feeds, and can heal the skin, fights oxidation of the cells, and maintains cell integrity. Biotin – (Vitamin H or B7, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin) Natural properties aid in the growth and health of hair and coat; also works to prevent hair loss. Zinc Proteinate and Zinc Sulfate (water soluble minerals, one bound by Amino Acids and one without) We have two elements of Zinc minerals that are essential for healthy skin. Zinc works as a skin anti-inflammatory by aiding in soothing the skin from itching and rashes and helps to deter dermatitis and dandruff. We have carefully balanced a variety of at least 10 Skin and Coat Conditioners for each specific formula. 6) Satisfaction Guaranteed At Victor Pet Foods we are committed to providing you, our valued customer, and your pets the highest standard of excellence for product quality, palatability and customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on making only the highest quality, natural pet foods using the finest ingredients available that meet or exceed the nutrient profiles as established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. We stand behind the guaranteed analysis of each and every one of our products and invite you to discover for yourself and your pets the benefits of feeding Victor Natural Pet foods. All of our products are made the “Victor Way” with superior quality in every bag and can, with NO corn, wheat, soy, grain fractions or fillers – and naturally preserved! If you are not completely satisfied with any of our products, please return the unused portion in its original packaging with the receipt to the place of purchase for a complete refund or replacement