Ingredient Glossary
Understanding Nutrition

Ingredient Glossary

Lucy Pet Formulas for Life™ are complete and balanced. The information provided on individual ingredients is to assist you in understanding what is in our various formulas. The combination of our high-quality ingredients combined with our specialized vitamin/mineral premix blends are what contribute to the diets that we are so proud of for your pet.

We take great pride in where and how we source ingredients. We never buy ingredients from the open market to get the lowest price. Instead we cultivate long-standing relationships with suppliers we know and have visited.

Our nutrition team of experts also includes highly credentialed professionals with extensive backgrounds in companion animal health and nutrition, including a “Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 2” Certified Ingredient Sourcing Specialist with over 20 years’ experience.

Beet Pulp- An excellent, safe, healthful fiber source because of its benefit to the intestinal bacteria that help maintain colon health. Beet pulp is the material left over after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar. Beet pulp does not contain any toxins and does not affect coat color, nor will it affect coat pigment. The inside of the sugar beet is light in color, and the dark outside peel is not used in pet food.  Sourced from the USA.
Biotin- Water-soluble, essential B-complex vitamin that is part of enzymes essential for a healthy metabolism. Sourced from the USA.
Brown Rice- A whole-grain rice that contains three parts of the grain kernel: the outer, fiber-filled layer called the bran, the nutrient-rich core called the germ, and the starchy middle layer called the endosperm. Brown rice is considered a complex carbohydrate source. Sourced from the USA.
Calcium carbonate: An essential mineral source of calcium for dogs and cats. Sourced from the USA.
Calcium iodate– A source of iodine, which helps the thyroid gland function properly. Sourced from Canada & the USA.
Carrots– A good natural source of important vitamins and minerals to help support the immune and digestive systems. Carrots may also help support proper skin and eye health. Sourced from the USA.
Cassia gum- purified flour made from the seeds of Cassia Tora. The germ and husk are heated, purified, pulverized, extracted, and dried. Cassia gum is used as a thickener and gelling agent only in our canned dog and cat foods. Sourced from India.
Chickpeas- A legume vegetable also known as garbanzo beans. Chickpeas are rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, including starches and fibers. Sourced from the USA.
Chicory root extract- The chicory plant root is a source of fiber. It is considered a “prebiotic” because it helps feed the gut bacteria to help to maintain a healthy digestive environment. Sourced from the USA.
Chicken fat- A highly palatable source of energy that helps achieve the proper fatty acid profile necessary for healthy skin and coat. It also contains a small amount of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that cats cannot produce on their own. Our chicken fat is preserved with mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness. Sourced from the USA.
Chicken meal- A high quality, chicken protein with moisture removed that is a more concentrated form of the chicken protein and has a significant source of calcium and phosphorus and other minerals. It provides essential amino acids and fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for muscle development and energy. It is made by cooking the chicken to release the fat and water, which creates a concentrated, highly digestible protein source.  Contains NO chicken by-products. Sourced from the USA.
Chicken stock- Made by slowly cooking chicken bones, parts, and/or muscle tissue in water. Sourced from the USA.
Choline chloride- A source of the B-complex vitamin, choline is necessary for energy metabolism and proper nervous tissue function. Sourced from the USA.
Citric acid (preservative) A form of Vitamin C, naturally sourced antioxidant derived from microbial fermentation. Sourced from France.
Copper proteinate- A source of the essential trace mineral, copper. This mineral is combined with amino acids to help absorption and assimilation of mineral. Copper is essential for the normal formation of hemoglobin and for coat color. Sourced from the USA.
Cranberries Known to be an excellent source of Vitamin C and also a natural source of tannins that are believed to help prevent harmful bacteria from thriving in the urinary tract. Sourced from the USA.
DL-methionine- Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid for both dogs and cats to build proteins in the body. Sourced from the USA.
D-Calcium pantothenate- An essential 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), which 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. Sourced from Scotland and Germany.
Duck- High-quality duck meat responsibly-raised. Contains no duck by-products. A highly palatable source of protein. Sourced from France and the USA.
Duck fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)- A source of energy and key fatty acids including arachidonic acid. The fatty acids in duck fat are vital to skin and coat health. Sourced from France & the USA. 
Duck meal- A high-quality meal that is made by cooking duck to remove moisture and is a more concentrated form of the duck protein. Contains no duck by-products. It provides essential amino acids and fatty acids for muscle development and energy. Sourced from France & the USA.
Ferrous sulfate- Mineral compound used as a source of iron. It provides oxygen to the blood and helps with the digestion of fatty acids. Sourced from the USA.
Fish oil- See salmon oil. Sourced from the USA, Norway, and Canada.
Fish Stock- Made by slowly cooking Salmon and Whitefish in water. It provides a natural flavor that also has a blend of amino acids and minerals that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats. Sourced from the USA, Spain, Morocco.
Flaxseeds- While used in a small quantity, they contribute protein and alpha-linolenic acid to the diet to help support a shiny coat. The fiber in flaxseeds also aids in the movement of food through the digestive system. Sourced from USA & Canada.
Folic acid- A water-soluble B-complex Vitamin that helps break down amino acids and make DNA. Folic acid is synthesized by the bacteria of the large intestine in dogs and cats. Sourced from Scotland and varies seasonally.
Guar gum- The extract of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, a legume. It is used as a thickener and gelling agent to bind water in canned dog and cat foods. Sourced from Pakistan.
Iron proteinate– A chelated source of the essential trace mineral, iron. The iron within “iron proteinate” is highly available. Iron is a key nutrient in the maintenance of hemoglobin in the blood. Sources from the USA.
Kelp- Not all kelp is the same. It is an excellent natural source of iodine and provides beneficial fiber. Our kelp grows naturally off the shores of Nova Scotia, Canada, and is manually harvested to guarantee the sustainability of this valuable marine resource and protect its ecosystem. We use the specific kelp species “Ascophyllum nodosum” because it has consistent qualities and is safe, free of contaminants, and non-toxic. It contains polysaccharides to help pets maintain gastrointestinal tract health and helps when their system is challenged or stressed. Our kelp also naturally contains phlorotannins and polyphenolic compounds. Sourced from Canada.
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate- A stable source of Vitamin C which is critical for the vital metabolism in dogs and cats. As a powerful antioxidant within the body, it may help reduce oxidative damage from free radicals. Sourced from the USA.
L-carnitine- A compound derived within the body from amino acids found in animal-based protein, L-carnitine helps with fat metabolism.  It helps carry fatty acids and their derivatives into the mitochondria so they can be converted into energy. Sourced from the Czech Republic.
Manganese proteinate/ sulfate – A chelated source of the essential trace mineral, manganese. The mineral plays important roles in the structure of enzymes and bone development. Sourced from Mexico.
Miscanthus grass A non-GMO, perennial warm-season plant grown and harvested in the USA. It is one component of our exclusive P.B.F. Prebiotic Balanced Fiber™ blend because it is an excellent source of fiber not commonly used in pet foods. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive tract, and we utilize miscanthus grass to complement our variety of fibers to achieve prebiotics in the gut. Sourced from the USA.
Mixed tocopherols (natural preservative) Mixed tocopherols are complex molecules that are used as an antioxidant in the product to stabilize fats and prevent them from becoming rancid. Sourced from the USA.
Natural flavor A powder or liquid made by breaking down clean animal tissue (duck or chicken) using naturally occurring enzymes to delicious tasty smaller molecules (like the umami flavor for humans) Sourced from USA & Canada.
Niacin A water-soluble, B-complex vitamin that helps process protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as supports a healthy nervous system and brain function. It is also an important part of a healthy gastrointestinal tract to aid digestion of and assist in the formation of red blood cells. Sourced from the USA.
Peas (whole) We start with fresh, whole green peas and dry them to remove much of the water. Peas consist of the entire pod and are an excellent source of protein, fiber, niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Folate, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Whole peas have roughly 25% protein on a dry matter basis, along with starch, fiber, and a small amount of oils. Sourced from the USA.
Pea flour We split and dry the pea, then grind it to a very fine flour consistency. It is a high quality, digestible source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Pea flour typically contains about 60% starch, 12% protein, and 25% total dietary fiber. USA
Pea Protein– Pea protein is almost a near perfect protein of essential amino acids, and also provides additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber that pets need as part of their diet. Sourced from the USA. 
Pea starch- We cook, dehydrate, and isolate only the starch component. Pea starch aids with the binding structure and shape of the dry kibble. Sourced from the USA.
Potassium chloride- A water-soluble form of the essential mineral’s potassium and chloride. It is important in helping the pet maintain proper acid-base balance. Sourced from the USA.
Potatoes- Made from premium quality whole, fresh potatoes, and then dried. These grain-free carbohydrate sources supply sustained energy. A good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sourced from the USA & EU.
Potato Protein- The concentrated protein that has been extracted from white potatoes. This provides additional protein without the excess fiber of the whole potato. Sourced from the USA.
Prebiotics- Prebiotics are a category of food fiber for the bacteria that live in your pet’s digestive tract. We use a special blend of fibers that bacteria in the gut can break down. The gut bacteria ferment the fibers to generate nutrients for absorption. In short, prebiotics supports the growth and activity of bacteria to help maintain health. Sourced from the USA. 
Pumpkin– A member of the squash family of plants. A delicious nutritional powerhouse with fiber that helps aid in healthy digestion. Sourced from the USA.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride– An essential B-complex vitamin also known as vitamin B6. Pyridoxine is involved in more than 100 reactions, especially ones with amino acids and proteins, but many others as well. Sourced from Germany.
Oatmeal: This complex carbohydrate provides a source of energy, fiber, and protein. Oats contain vitamin B, which helps maintain a healthy coat, and linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to keep a dog’s skin strong and healthy.  Sourced from the USA.
Quinoa– (Pronounced keen-wah) Considered an ancient grain, this high-quality digestible seed is rich in protein and contains essential amino acids. Quinoa is an excellent grain-free fiber source and is considered a complex carbohydrate. Sourced from the USA and Peru.
Riboflavin supplement– An essential water-soluble B-complex vitamin, riboflavin works in enzymes that are part of reduction-oxidation processes, including those in blood. Sourced from the USA.
Rosemary extract- From the plant Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis), a highly effective natural preservative high in antioxidants. Sourced from the USA.
Salmon– High quality responsibly sourced Salmon. An excellent source of high protein using the whole salmon meat. A good source of long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical for healthy skin, coat, and proper body function. Sourced from the USA and Canada.
Salmon Meal– A dried and more concentrated form of the salmon. It provides essential amino acids and fatty acids for muscle development and energy. It is made by cooking salmon, which creates a concentrated, highly digestible protein source. The salmon used to make the salmon meal is Wild Alaska Salmon. Sourced from the USA.
Salmon Oil– High in long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. Sourced from USA, Norway, Canada.
Salt– (Sodium Chloride) Salt is an essential mineral that is required for healthy body function. Salt plays a critical role to help maintain and regulate water and acid balance in the body, assist in muscle contraction and nerve transmission. We utilized Sodium Chloride sourced from the USA & Canada. It is utilized at precisely the levels required by AAFCO for dogs.
Sodium selenite– (Selenium) A source of the essential trace mineral selenium to regulate the body’s water balance. Selenium helps to improve joint skin and coat health. Plays a crucial role in supporting normal pancreatic, fat absorption, and thyroid function. Sodium selenite does not contribute any significant amounts of sodium. Sourced from India, Switzerland.
Sweet Potatoes Made from premium quality, whole, fresh sweet potatoes, and then dried. These grain-free, complex carbohydrate sources supply sustained energy. A good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sourced from the USA.
Tapioca starch– a starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant. Very small amounts are used as a thickener in canned dog and cat foods. Sourced from the USA.
Taurine– An amino acid-like compound, key for the proper functioning and health of the eyes and heart. It is required by cats and kittens. We also add this to our dog diets. Sourced from Japan.
Thiamine mononitrate– A water-soluble B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B1. Thiamin plays a key role in helping your dog metabolize energy. Sourced from the USA.
Turmeric– A flavorful herb derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, a member of the ginger family. Curcumin, believed to be a powerful antioxidant, is one of the important constituents of turmeric. Sourced from India.
Vegetable stock- Made by slowly cooking vegetables in water. It provides a natural flavor that also healthy fats that are highly palatable for both dogs and cats. Sourced from the USA, Canada, France, Brazil.
Vitamin A– An essential fat-soluble vitamin required in the diet that supports healthy vision, growth, and the immune system. Cats particularly need Vitamin A since they cannot utilize carotenoids like beta-carotene. Sourced from Switzerland.
Vitamin B6- (see Pyridoxine hydrochloride).
Vitamin B12– An essential B-complex vitamin for dogs and cats. A key part of enzymes that metabolize amino acids and some fatty acids. Vitamin B12 works with folic acid to regulate red blood cell formation. Sourced from Germany and Korea.
Vitamin C- (see Citric acid)
Vitamin D3
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. It supports healthy skin, bone, connective tissue and heart, nerve, and muscle control. It is necessary for the proper absorption and utilization of calcium. Sourced from Switzerland.

Vitamin E An essential fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant nutrient within the body, which reduces free-radical damage to cell walls. Sourced from the USA and Germany.
Yucca schidigera extract A flavorful extract made from the desert plant Yucca Schidigera. Sourced from the USA.
Zinc proteinate/ Sulfate – Mineral compound used as a source of zinc. A highly available chelated trace mineral, critical for proper maintenance and enzyme function to support coat, skin, bones, muscles, blood, and wound healing. It also helps with digestion and reproduction. Sourced from the USA.

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