Barley is a hearty cereal grain, and is a member of the grass family Poaceae. Whole barley is a nutritionally intact whole grain, and is rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, dietary minerals (including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium), and vitamins (including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E).

Beef is the striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac) from cattle (Bos taurus) and is an excellent source of protein, with many essential nutrients (including high levels of zinc and iron) to help maintain stamina and heart health. Beef is a complete protein meaning it contains all essential amino acids required by dogs and cats.

Beef broth is obtained from cooking beef bones and/or muscle tissue with water; it must contain no less than 90% crude protein on a dry matter basis. Beef broth adds natural flavors and beneficial moisture to our foods.

Also known as beef tallow, beef fat is extremely palatable and provides nutritious fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Beef fat is also an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) to fuel your dog's energy during exercise and play. At Nature's Variety, we only use beef fat of US origin that has been naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), rosemary, and citric acid.

Beef hearts are a nutrient-rich striated muscle meat, and are a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and most importantly taurine.

Beef kidneys are a mineral rich organ, with high protein and little fat.

Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat, and is a good source of lean protein, Vitamin A, and other vitamins and minerals. The liver is a multi-faceted organ and while it does participate in detoxification of the body, these toxins do not build up in the liver tissue– they are voided. As a result, liver is safe to consume in appropriate quantities.

Beef meal is high quality beef muscle (skeletal and cardiac) with the moisture removed. Beef meal provides the essential amino acids for nourishing muscles and bones. Our high quality beef meal also provides high levels of iron and zinc to support a healthy immune system. High quality, protein specific meals are simply a dried and more concentrated form of the meat, poultry or fish protein. It is important to make sure the meal is protein specific (Beef Meal, Lamb Meal), and not generic like Meat Meal or By-Product Meal which by definition can contain any species of animal.

Beef plasma is the dried portion of bovine blood that contains protein-rich globulins and albumins; it does not include red blood cells. (Blood consists of two essentially equal parts: plasma and red blood cells. The plasma is the fluid medium through which the blood cells are transported throughout the body as they carry oxygen to all of the body's cells. Plasma, which is about 90% water, is readily separated from blood cells and dried into a nutrient-rich ingredient.) Beef plasma is high in protein, easy to digest, and extremely palatable. It's also considered to be a terrific source of amino acids, electrolytes, and other vital nutrients. Nature's Variety beef ingredients, including beef plasma, are sourced from USDA inspected facilities in the USA.

Beta carotene is naturally abundant in orange-colored fruits and vegetables. It is a carotenoid that serves as the pre-cursor to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that is necessary for proper body and immune function. It is imperative for vision, and also helps in the development of muscles, bones, and soft tissue. As a group, carotenoids have antioxidant properties, which may help sweep up free radicals.

Nature’s Variety kibble diets are all coated with a proprietary blend of freeze dried raw food, nutritious fatty acids, and amino acids. This cold processed, raw food coating is exclusive to Nature’s Variety, and provides dogs and cats the great taste of our renowned Nature’s Variety raw food in a shelf stable form.

Biotin, also known as Vitamin H or B8, is a water-soluble, nitrogen-containing vitamin that is imperative for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Biotin has been shown to strengthen keratin found in nails and footpads. Biotin is synthesized by bacteria in the large intestine and naturally found in Brewer’s Yeast, liver, and alfalfa.

Bison is the striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac) from US-raised bison. It is an excellent source of protein, with many essential nutrients (including high levels of zinc, taurine, and iron) to help maintain stamina and heart health. Bison meat is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids required by dogs. Nature’s Variety uses bison that are grass-fed and free-range. Our bison meat, bison organs, and bison bones are sourced from a USDA-inspected human food facility. Moreover, our bison ingredients are considered “natural” according to USDA definitions; they do not contain any added growth hormones or antibiotics.

Bison kidney is a mineral rich organ, with high protein and little fat. Our bison meat, bison organs, and bison bones are sourced from a USDA-inspected human food facility. Moreover, our bison ingredients are considered “natural” according to USDA definitions; they do not contain any added growth hormones or antibiotics.

Bison liver is nutrient-rich, highly palatable organ. It supplies lean protein, Vitamin A, and other vitamins and minerals required by a pet’s body. (The liver is a multi-faceted organ and while it does participate in detoxification of the body, these toxins do not build up in the liver tissue – they are voided. As a result, liver is safe to consume in appropriate quantities.) Nature’s Variety uses bison that are grass-fed and free-range. Our bison meat, bison organs, and bison bones are sourced from a USDA-inspected human food facility. Moreover, our bison ingredients are considered “natural” according to USDA definitions; they do not contain any added growth hormones or antibiotics.

Blueberries are the edible fruit of the blueberry bush. Blueberries are a source of powerful antioxidants that may help support health and vitality.

Yeasts are not bacteria, plants, or animals; they are technically a type of eukaryotic microorganism classified in the kingdom Fungi. Yeast is a beneficial source of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The yeast used in our food is inactivated and has been separated from its growth medium to prevent the potential for allergic reactions. Moreover, it is a different species from the harmful yeast that causes ear or skin infections.

Broccoli is a plant of the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. It is high in vitamin C, calcium, and soluble fiber, and also contains multiple nutrients, making broccoli a "super food" to support health and wellness.

Whole brown rice is unmilled – or partly milled – rice. Brown Rice is a nutritionally intact whole grain, and is rich in fiber, dietary minerals (including manganese, phosphorus), and vitamins (including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E).

A natural dairy product made from cow’s milk, buttermilk is the liquid portion of the milk that remains after the cream (butterfat) is churned into butter.  Buttermilk is lower in fat than whole milk and contains calcium, carbohydrates, and proteins.  Nature’s Variety uses only US sourced, human edible buttermilk.

Butternut squash, or Cucurbita moschata, is an edible type of winter squash with a sweet-savory taste. Butternut squash is a well-balanced food source that is rich in complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fat and sodium. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and beta carotene. It supplies the minerals magnesium, manganese, calcium and potassium.