Here are some nutritional truths to help clarify common myths regarding your pets food.
By Products are a valuable source of energy, vitamins, and minerals. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) reports that by-products are suitable for animal food and may include clean internal organs such as liver, lungs and heart.
Grains such as corn and wheat are an excellent source of quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Excluding the rare dog with a true allergy, there is no evidence to support claims that gains cause health problems. Many "grain free" diets substitute potato or tapioca for grains which contribute fewer nutrients.
Wheat gluten is more than 80% protein, highly digestible, and has an amino acid profile similar to other proteins (meat).
Chicken meal consists of dehydrated and defatted chicken and provides a very digestible source of concentrated protein.
Flax seeds do not actually contain EPA or DHA, but rather a precursor from which your pet has to manufacture EPA and DHA itself. Most veterinary research supporting the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids on the skin, kidneys and heart were done evaluating EPA and DHA, found only in certain marine plants and fish.
Organic does not refer to the quality of the raw material or the final ingredient. It is a description of a process under which plants/animals are grown/raised. There is no scientific data so support the "claim" that organic means healthier for your pets. Organic diets frequently use flax seed rather than marine plants and fish as a source of fatty acids.
Raw diets pose potential health risks to the owners and pets eating them. The FDA has not seen any objective evidence to suggest that raw meat diets are better than other kinds of diets.
Human-grade and Holistic diets are not defined by AAFCO and therefore cannot be accurately used to describe a pet food.