We have many enquiries from customers wanting to know more about the ingredients in Arden Grange pet foods. For this reason, we have put together a menu that summarises the nutrients in our diets and outlines the benefits to the health and well-being of your much loved canine and feline companions. For ease of reference, the ingredients are listed in alphabetical order. 

 Beet Pulp – A small proportion of beet pulp is added to Arden Grange pet foods as it is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. The soluble fibre is a good food source for the friendly bacteria in the large intestine. It also slows the rate of food passage through the gut ensuring a preferential transit time of food, leading to maximum digestion and absorption of nutrients. The insoluble fibre increases peristalsis, helps an animal to feel satisfactorily full and provides a crunchy texture to the kibbles to aid oral hygiene. Fibre is important for maintaining normal gastrointestinal transit time and motility and cats and dogs with stomach upsets can be found eating grass or other vegetation, possibly in the attempt to soothe their gut with increased fibre. A quality fibre source in the correct proportion may help to reduce the incidence of conditions such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. It may also help to prevent constipation and diarrhoea.

See  also Cellulose, Prebiotics FOS / MOS

 Brewers Yeast – Dried brewers yeast is included in the Arden Grange recipes as it is an excellent source of B-complex vitamins and amino acids. It is also considered by many to be an effective natural flea repellent.

Cellulose – Cellulose is a form of fibre derived from plants. An added natural source of cellulose is incorporated into our cat products to help stimulate the production of saliva, thus assisting the passage of hairballs. See also Beet Pulp

Chicken (Fresh) – Fresh chicken is highly palatable, highly digestible and is an excellent protein source for cats and dogs. It has an extremely high biological value meaning that it is easily broken down into its constituent amino acids (the building blocks of protein) necessary for a variety of structural and metabolic functions within the body. Arden Grange use only meat from chickens reared in the UK. These chickens are pen-kept, and are not battery reared like egg laying hens. The chicken that we use does not contain any growth hormones. See also Chicken (Meal)

 Chicken (Meal) – Like fresh chicken, chicken meal is an excellent protein source. Arden Grange chicken meal is of the highest quality, and comprises the clean parts of the carcass ground up into a fine calcium rich flour. It does not include heads, feet or feathers. See also Chicken (Fresh)

 Chicken Fat / Oil – Arden Grange use only pure chicken oil purchased from a supplier to the human food industry. Its digestibility is superior over the cheaper beef tallow, lamb and blended fats used in many other pet foods, and it is an excellent source of energy. Chicken oil has a high and consistent level of the essential fatty acids that are necessary for a healthy skin and coat, and is considered to be the highest quality fat source available.

 Chondroitin Sulphate – Marine chondroitin is derived from shark cartilage. It is added to all of the Arden Grange products because of its benefits to the skeletal system. Chondroitin blocks destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joint. There is always a low level of these destructive enzymes in the joint, but when injury or abnormal wear occurs the enzymes multiply. Chondroitin is a safe and natural ingredient, and any excess that is not required by the body is simply excreted in the urine. See also Glucosamine Sulphate

 Corn – Corn (or maize as it is also known) is a member of the starch family of carbohydrates. Ground corn is used as an energy source. Arden Grange use a combination of carbohydrates (i.e. rice and corn) to help to ensure a steady release of energy throughout the day and stable blood sugar levels. The cooking process used by Arden Grange is extremely effective, and means that almost all of the corn starch is 100% digestible. See also Rice (Wholegrain White)

 Cranberry Extract – Cranberry extract may aid in maintaining urinary tract health. It contains a sugar substance (D-mannose), which has the special ability of being able to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the mucosal walls. Cranberry also contains arbutin, which is effective against certain bacteria and fungi, including Candida. By limiting these harmful bacteria, conditions such as cystitis and bladder stones are less likely to affect your pet. Cranberry’s antioxidant properties may also help to safeguard against the potentially harmful effects of free radicals. It also has antiviral properties.

Egg – Dried whole egg powder is a versatile ingredient.  The yolk is a good fat source, whilst egg whites contain the purest form of protein found in whole foods. Eggs are also a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.

Fish  Meal – Arden Grange fish meal is composed primarily of whiting and herring. Fish meal is a natural balanced feed ingredient that is high in protein, energy and minerals, vitamins and micronutrients. It contain 6 - 10% fish oil, which is high in the health promoting omega-3 very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA, often simply referred to as 'omega-3s'. See also Fish Oil

 Fish Oil – Fish oil is included in the recipes for energy, as a source of essential fatty acids and for the transport of the fat-soluble vitamins. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. In the human health context, omega-3 prevents or reduces the chances of developing coronary heart disease. It also reduces high blood pressure, kidney disorders, inflammatory bowel disorders and autoimmune disease. The fish oil fatty acids are essential to the growth and development of unborn and newly born babies and toddlers. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies should include oily fish or fish oil in their diets. These health benefits are now becoming recognised in the nutrition of our canine and feline companions. See also Fish Meal

 Glucosamine Sulphate – Glucosamine is derived from the shells of crustaceans. It is added to all of the Arden Grange products because if its benefits to the skeletal system. Glucosamine provides the building blocks to synthesise new joint cartilage and together with chondroitin and MSM promotes joint mobility and longevity, and has been shown to aid conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Glucosamine is a safe and natural ingredient, and any excess that is not required by the body is simply excreted in the urine. See also Chondroitin (Marine) & MSM

Grape Seed Extract – Grape seed extract is derived from red wine grapes. It is a source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are a category of bioflavenoids. These are water soluble plant pigments that may support health by strengthening the blood capillaries and other connective tissue. Grape seed extract is an extremely powerful antioxidant, and is possibly the only antioxidant with the capacity to cross into the brain, thus improving mental alertness. Grape seed extract is included in Arden Grange Performance for these reasons.
Note: Whilst grapes in a large volume may be toxic to dogs, grape seed extract is included at a safe level and will not have any harmful side effects.

Green Tea Extract – Green tea extract is derived from the plant Camellia sinesis. Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented, allowing the active constituents to remain unaltered in the herb. It is a powerful antioxidant that supports the cardiovascular system, and traditional Chinese medicine has recommended green tea to aid digestion, enhance immunity and improve energy levels. Green tea extract is included in Arden Grange Performance for these reasons.

Lamb Meal – Arden Grange lamb meal is made from imported, grass-fed New Zealand lamb. Lamb meal is rich in calcium, and is produced from meat trimmings and the clean parts of the carcass cooked, dried and ground into a fine flour. It does not include the wool, blood, head, hooves and specified risk material such as the spinal cord.

L-Carnitine – L-Carnitine is produced in small quantities in the body by the liver and testes. It is naturally present in meat, yeasts, egg and milk and is added to selected Arden Grange products for its benefits. L-Carnitine increases fat metabolism in the skeletal and cardiac muscle, and may improve endurance and stamina. It is also may be of benefit to the overweight or less active dog since it helps to increase the conversion of fat to energy and helps maintain lean body mass.

Linseed – Linseed is also known as flax. This plant is a good source of dietary fibre, Omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (which have antioxidant properties). Linseed oil contains linoleic acid and alpha linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and cell membranes.

Maize – See corn.

MSM – The methyl-sulphonyl-methane (MSM) contained within Arden Grange diets is an all natural, ultra-pure MSM derived from pine bark. MSM is a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur. Its beneficial properties include the relief of pain and inflammation. It is also thought that MSM may improve mental alertness and relieve stress.

Nucleotides – These natural short-chain proteins (derived from yeast) are able to enhance metabolic function and have particular benefits to the digestive and immune systems. Nucleotides allow optimum levels of nutrients to be absorbed by the body, as well as facilitating a more rapid cell replication in response to an outside challenge.

Prebiotic FOS – FOS (or fructo-oligosaccharides) are derived from the chicory plant. This type of prebiotic promotes the beneficial intestinal flora, and helps to limit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. It may also aid in enhancing the immunity within the gastrointestinal tract and improve the utilisation of the nutrients.

Prebiotic MOS – MOS (or manno-oligosaccharides) are derived from yeast. This prebiotic limits pathogenic bacterial development. It has a positive effect on nutrient digestibility, improves faecal quality and assists with natural immune defences.

Quercitin – Quercitin is a water soluble plant pigment. It is a powerful antioxidant and thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is included in Arden Grange Performance for these reasons.

Rice – Arden Grange pet foods contain whole grain white rice. Brown rice is often perceived as the healthier option, but white rice is simply brown rice with the husk removed. Rice husks are not of particular nutritional value to cats and dogs, and are therefore not included in our recipes. Also, it is easier for us to assess the quality of the raw product without the husks. Rice is a very digestible energy source and is used in combination with corn to promote a steady energy release throughout the day and to help stabilise blood sugar levels.

Rosemary Extract – Arden Grange pet foods are stabilised naturally using mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) and rosemary. Rosemary is a natural antioxidant and is used to prevent the oxidisation of the fat components of the diets.
See also Tocopherols

Salmon (Fresh) – Arden Grange fresh salmon is sourced from the Scottish Highlands. We use only salmon products which are fully traceable, derived entirely from materials fit for human consumption and which are acceptable to the very stringent control measures imposed by the quality UK supermarket chains. Salmon is an excellent protein source, and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Our Arden Grange Salmon & Rice diet is especially good for animals with sensitive skins and digestions.

Taurine – Taurine is an essential nutrient for cats, and is therefore added to our all of our feline products. Our Arden Grange Performance diet also contains added taurine, as it has benefits to the heart muscle.

Tocopherols – Arden Grange pet foods are preserved naturally using a combination of mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) and rosemary extract. All dry pet foods require an antioxidant in order to prevent the fat components in the diet from becoming rancid on exposure to air. Arden Grange do not use any artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives. See also Rosemary Extract.

Yeast – See Brewers Yeast.

Arden Grange pet foods are British made.
All materials used in Arden Grange products are purchased to a fixed specification and are tested on intake to ensure conformance. The foods are then manufactured in the UK to a fixed recipe. We will never reduce the quality of our ingredients because of market prices.

Nutrition Advice
Please do not hesitate to contact our friendly, experienced staff on
01273 833390 if you would like any help or advice regarding your cat or dog’s nutrition.

Arden Grange Pet Foods – Nutrition without Compromise

LEGAL NOTICE - All information and material contained within this web site is Copyright 1997-2008 © Videx German Shepherd Dogs and may only be reproduced with the express written permission from Videx GSD.
This Page was last modified on 20 June, 2008.