What’s Not in Country Naturals — and Why

Animal By-Products:
By-products are an inconsistent ingredient because of the multiple organs that may be used, their constantly changing proportions, and

their questionable nutritional value. Animal by-products may contain intestines, lungs, spleens, livers, kidneys, brains, blood, bones, stomachs, beaks, feathers, and feet. They can come from “4D” animals—dead, dying, disabled, or diseased.

Artificial Colors / Flavors:
Synthetic additives are used to appeal to the human eye. Use of these ingredients can conceal damage or inferiority, often making a product appear better than it actually is.

Corn:
Corn, soy, and wheat are three of the biggest culprits of food allergies in dogs. Corn is not highly digestible and contains sugars that are not valuable and can cause obesity, but it is nevertheless a very common filler in dog food. Because it can be difficult to digest, it provides less nutrition and more clean up. Corn is also susceptible to mold contamination—a type of mold very difficult to detect.

Soy/ Soybeans:
Soy is another of the three of the biggest culprits of food allergies in dogs. Soybean is an inexpensive way to add protein and bulk in pet foods, but it is difficult to digest because it contains chemicals that block protein synthesis.

Wheat:
Wheat is used as a cheap filler in dog food and is derived from the leftovers of human food processing. It offers very little nutritional value and serves mostly to bind food together.

Synthetic Preservatives:
Chemical preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive anti-freeze), and ethoxyquin. BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are potentially cancer-causing agents.

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