Ingredients 101
Agar Agar
As a natural, jelly-like substance, obtained from red seaweed, agar agar is used as a thickening agent. The consistency is similar to gelatin but completely plant-based!
Beef
A natural protein source packed full of flavor along with essential vitamins and minerals—potassium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, iron, calcium as well as folate, vitamin B12, and niacin.
Beef Broth
As a savory liquid base, beef broth adds moisture and naturally increase palatability.
Beef Liver
Beef liver is nutrient-rich organ meat, providing protein, fat, vitamin A, B vitamins and essential amino acids when consumed in moderation. It’s also packed with minerals like copper, iron, niacin, phosphorus and zinc.
Beef Lung
A protein-rich organ meat, beef lung is low in fat and packed with essential nutrients including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, niacin, vitamin A and C.
Beef Pizzle
A fibrous muscle, beef pizzle is a pet industry term for bull penis. A highly palatable, digestible and nutritious source of protein for dogs, beef pizzle is low in cholesterol and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Broccoli
This vegetable is a natural source of antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
Brown Rice Flour
A finely ground meal from high-quality brown rice, this gluten-free flour is rich in B vitamins.
Carrots
This orange vegetable is a natural source of beta-carotene, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin A.
Cheese
This flavorful ingredient is a natural source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, D, K, riboflavin, B12, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.
Chicken
This natural source of protein provides several vitamins and minerals such as potassium, B-12, vitamin A, B-6, magnesium, omega–6 fatty acids, and iron.
Chicken Broth
This flavorful broth adds necessary moisture to food, helping to keep your pet hydrated throughout the day, and supports healthy kidney and urinary functions.
Chicken Heart
This organ meat is rich in protein and low in fat— great for providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Chicken Liver
In moderation, chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat offering a natural source of protein, fat, omega-6 fatty acids, and essential amino acids. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals like copper, iron, niacin, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A and B.
Chicken Meal
Chicken meal is the dry, rendered product from chicken flesh and skin. The tissue is cooked until all water is removed and baked until it becomes a concentrated powder aka chicken meal. When sourced from high-quality chicken, chicken meal enhances the nutritional profile of food and treats.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid from citrus foods used primarily as a natural preservative, as well as flavor.
Cultured Skim Milk
This highly palatable natural flavor is a natural preservative that prevents mold growth in treats.
Dried Egg Whites
Dried egg whites are a natural source of highly digestible protein.
Eggs
Commonly listed as “dried egg whites” or “egg product,” eggs are a whole-food protein source for dogs. Eggs are a highly digestible protein providing essential antioxidants.
Fish Broth
A tasty source of naturally flavored water for your pets, fish broth helps with hydration and supports healthy kidney and urinary function.
Flank Steak
As a natural, highly digestible protein source, flank steak provides several essential vitamins and minerals.
Fructose
Fructose is a form of sugar, frequently derived from fruits, sugar beets, or corn. It is a natural sweetener and an easily metabolized source of energy.
Guar Gum
This natural thickening agent is used in some of our cooking processes to help make gravy less “watery.” It’s made from Guar beans, a legume.
Lamb
This red meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and dietary fats, serving as a source of energy while helping to transport essential fat-soluble vitamins.
Mixed Tocopherols
Tocopherols are a family of vitamin E compounds naturally found in vegetable oils, nuts, fish and leafy vegetables. It is used as a beneficial, natural preservative in pet foods.
Natural Flavors
While it can mean different things at different companies, Redbarn’s “Natural Flavors” means natural juices from high-quality meats, most commonly chicken and beef.
Natural Smoke Flavor
This flavor comes from human-grade liquid smoke, naturally enhancing the flavor of the food or treat, like Redbarn Meaty Bones.
Parsley
This herb naturally enhances the flavor of foods and treats while serving as a great source of flavonoids and antioxidants.
Pea Protein
A natural powder derived from real peas; pea protein is a safe wheat replacement for dogs suffering from grain allergies. Pea protein is low in fat, high in fiber and both gluten and dairy-free.
Peas
Peas are a great source of iron and lysine, which help support a healthy immune system and muscle growth. They also contain essential amino acids otherwise missing from meat-based proteins. When not used as a protein replacement over animal-based proteins, peas are a healthy protein addition.
Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative)
Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt used as a natural food preservative.
Potato Flour
Less refined than potato starch, this carbohydrate retains more nutrients than its starch counterpart and is a natural source of energy.
Potato Starch
Potato starch is a carbohydrate and a natural source of energy.
Potatoes
White potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients beneficial to dogs. You should never feed dogs raw potatoes, however. They must be boiled or steamed.
Powdered Cellulose
This plant-based fiber is a common ingredient in both pet and people food and plays an essential role in digestion.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is an ingredient approved by the FDA and AAFCO for use in dog food and treats. We use it in our flavored fillings as a “humectant,” which keeps the filling mixture from drying out. It also has some antimycotic properties, meaning it helps prevent mold growth.
Quinoa
A source of protein, fiber, and minerals, this gluten-free, low-calorie grain is suitable for diabetic and overweight dogs.
Rosemary Extract
This Mediterranean shrub is a popular natural preservative thanks to its pathogen-fighter abilities against common food bacteria. Outside of a preservative, rosemary also has antioxidant and antispasmodic properties and helps support healthy digestion.
Salmon
This palatable fish is an excellent source of protein with a diverse list of nutritional benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, has anti-inflammatory properties, and supports a healthy immune system, heart, and skin and coat, as well as cognitive function.
Salt
A combination of sodium and chloride, salt is essential for maintaining fluid and acid balance in the body while supporting the healthy function of the body’s cell. Salt is often used as a natural preservative in pet food.
Sea Salt
Because sea salt is less processed, it contains certain trace minerals and elements, adding flavor and color to the salt. Sea salt contains trace amounts of iodine, an essential nutrient that helps thyroid function.
Sodium Benzoate (A Preservative)
Sodium benzoate is a widely used food preservative.
Sweet Potato
As a complex carbohydrate, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system and are rich in nutrients including vitamin A, C, and B6; beta-carotene; potassium; calcium; iron; and fiber.
Turkey
This lean, white poultry dish is a great source of highly digestible protein and essential vitamins and minerals. If feeding your dog turkey from your kitchen table, you should pick a piece with no additional salt or seasonings and remove the skin.
Turkey Liver
In moderation, turkey liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat dogs love. Liver is an excellent source of protein, fat, and vitamin A; a good source of copper, iron, niacin, phosphorus and zinc; and contains B vitamins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and essential amino acids.
Vegetable Broth
A naturally flavored source of water for your pet, vegetable broth provides moisture and flavor in pet foods.
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin, or glycerol, is a clear, odorless liquid produced from plant oils, typically palm oil, soy or coconut oil. It is a humectant that also serves as a sweetener to improve palatability.
Whole Wheat Flour
A finely ground meal from the milling of wheat, whole wheat flour is a highly digestible grain rich in fiber and B vitamins, as well as protein.