Cabbage, Brassica oleracea, is descended from a leafy wild mustard plant native to the Mediterranean region. Cabbage is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. Cabbage is a rich source of anti-cancer phytonutrients and may help with detoxification.

Calcium Carbonate is a mineral that contains a minimum of 38% calcium. Calcium is perhaps best known for its role in the formation and structure of bones and teeth. It is also integral to cardiac function, nerve transmission, muscle movement and several enzyme systems. Circulating calcium has essential roles in blood coagulation, the activation of certain enzyme systems, the maintenance of normal cell-membrane permeability and ion transport.

Calcium Pantothenate is an organic form of Vitamin B5, or panthothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin essential in animal metabolism for releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein. It also aids in the utilization of vitamins and improves the body's resistance to stress.

Canola oil is the oil obtained from hybridized rapeseeds. These special rapeseed plants have been bred to be free of toxic gossypol. Canola Oil is considered a beneficial oil due to its low saturated fat and high monounsaturated oil content—the latter almost 60%. It has a favorable Omega-3 fatty acid profile. Nature’s Variety uses high quality canola oil that is naturally preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid.

Carotenoids are organic pigments that are naturally occurring in plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae. Carotenoids are efficient free-radical scavengers, and are known to enhance the immune system. Many have anti-aging or anti-cancer properties.

Carrots are technically tubers or the nutrient-engorged roots of the carrot plant, a member of the parsley family. Carrots are a source of important vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids to help support the immune system and aid digestion. They are also recognized as a beneficial skin cleanser and eye conditioner.

Chelated minerals are minerals bonded to an amino acid. They are more easily absorbed during digestion compared to unchelated minerals which often get passed in the stool. Better nutrient absorption supports better health for pets. Nature’s Variety uses chelated minerals in all of our diets that include synthetic vitamins and minerals.

Chicken is the clean combination of flesh and skin (with or without accompanying bone), that comes from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken. Chicken is an excellent source of highly digestible, lean protein, and essential amino acids. Nature’s Variety uses only high quality chicken, which never contains added growth hormones or antibiotics.

Chicken broth comes from cooking chicken bones and/or muscle tissue with water, and must contain no less than 90% crude protein on a dry matter basis. Chicken broth adds natural flavors and beneficial moisture to our foods.

Often known as one of the best complete foods, eggs provide a complete amino acid profile including other essential nutrients necessary to ensure optimal health. Nature’s Variety includes a wide variety of eggs (in some cases including the shells) in our diets for natural calcium and to ensure a better and more complete nutrient profile.

Chicken fat is obtained from the tissues of chickens in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. Chicken fat is the highest of all animal sources in linoleic acid (over 23%), an important element for skin and coat health. At Nature’s Variety, we use chicken fat naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamins and minerals) and citric acid.

Chicken 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.

Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat, and is a good source of lean protein, Vitamin A, and iron. 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.

Chicken meal is the clean combination of the flesh and skin of chicken with the moisture removed. Our high-quality chicken meal is an excellent source of highly digestible, lean meat protein, which never contains added growth hormones. 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.

Choline Chloride is a dietary source of choline included in the B-complex vitamins. Choline is necessary for nerve function and fat metabolism and can be manufactured in the body but not at a sufficient rate to meet health requirements. Dietary Choline protects against poor growth, fatty liver, and renal damage in many animals.

Citric Acid is a natural and colorless translucent crystalline acid, which comes from the fermentation of carbohydrates or from citrus fruits, like lemon, lime, and pineapple juices. It is often used as a natural preservative and is a molecular component of vitamin C.

Cloves are the dried buds of the clove tree. The pink flower buds are picked before opening and dried in the sun where they turn a reddish brown. This herb has a favorable aroma and is one of several that Nature’s Variety uses as a natural preservative. Cloves may even help prevent microbial growth (Azzouz, M. A. and Bullerman, L. R. 1982. J. Food Protect. 45:1248-1301.).

Copper is a trace mineral necessary in animal nutrition. This copper is specially bonded (chelated) with amino acids to enhance absorption and assimilation. The metabolism and functions of copper are closely tied to those of iron. Copper is necessary for normal absorption and transport of dietary iron. Along with iron, copper is essential for the normal formation of hemoglobin and for reproduction, bone formation, and immunity. AAFCO establishes minimum and maximum dietary levels.

Cottage cheese is the result of separating milk or cream into curds and whey. The fresh curds are semi-drained and then pressed to form a soft, white, spoonable cheese. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, protein and vitamins. It is low in fat and lactose.

Cranberries are the fruit from a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines in the genus Vaccinium. They are native to cool northern climates in North America and are appreciated for their content of powerful antioxidants and natural acidic properties that may support urinary tract health. Cranberries are rich in flavenoids.